Chapter 413

It would be easy to disappear without trace in the miles of corridors that wound through the vast palace, she decided some twenty minutes later, when she finally negotiated her way to the east wing.

"Will I find Prince Ahsan here?" she asked the hapless guard who had followed her from her side of the palace and who had looked increasingly unhappy when she had steadfastly refused to return to her suite.

He did not reply, but she saw him exchange glances with the two guards standing at the end of the corridor. She was certain she would find Ahsan beyond the double doors.

"I’m here to see the prince," she told them, lifting her chin and glaring at them when they stared straight ahead, their faces impassive. "He is expecting me." The lie still earned no response, and with an angry toss of her head, she stepped forward—only to find her way instantly barred as the guards crossed their swords in front of the doors.

"It is not permitted for you to enter." One of the men finally spoke, and Kat