Chapter 5: The Stable Trap

Of course, my luck sucks! I barely made it out before running smack into Cecily.

Outside the palace, Cecily was yelling at a servant, "Hold that steady! I paid a fortune for this face cream—it’s for Lady Blackwood. Spill it and you’re done!"

The servant was sweating bullets, but kept a death grip on the jar. I hugged the pillar, holding my breath, waiting for them to go inside. As soon as they did, I bolted down an alley.

But even with all my caution, I still got spotted. Cecily caught a glimpse and told a palace guard, "Wait."

She stepped outside, saw me running, and smirked. In our world, magic items only work up to a certain level—my cloak only fooled anyone below Princess rank. I never guessed Cecily was a full Princess.

Busted. She could see right through me. No way I could win, not even for a second.

Before I blacked out, I managed to yank off the cloak and stuff it in my bag. Bet they’d never seen one—Mom gave it to me, one of a kind. Anyone else would think it was just a rag. If I got lucky, maybe I’d get another shot at escape.

I woke up to water in my face. Looked up—Cecily. We were surrounded by straw, like a stable. She slapped me twice. "Not so tough now, huh?"

Blood dripped from my mouth. I spat it out. "Just out for a stroll. The Prince’ll be here soon."

"You think I’m stupid? I just left the palace—he’s still in his chambers. Want me to go get him?"

I knew she was bluffing, but my heart was thudding.

"Aren’t you scared I’ll tell the Prince? Let me go and I’ll forget this ever happened."

She grinned, grabbing my chin. "I’m the future Queen. What’s wrong with me checking up on a little mistress? Look at that pretty face—maybe I’ll let some guys show you a good time."

Her nails dug into my skin, drawing blood.

Wait, what?

"Let’s see if the Prince still wants you after this." She turned to the door. Three rough-looking guards waited outside. "Here’s your precious mistress—have fun, just don’t kill her."

She didn’t want me dead—just humiliated.

The three came in. I went numb, shaking with terror. Panicking, I pulled out three cups from my bag, poured them drinks spiked with poison. "F-For fun..."

They laughed. One sniffed it, wrinkled his nose. "What’s this crap?"

Another tossed his on the ground. "Don’t try to fool us."

I collapsed to my knees. "Please, have mercy, I’m begging you."

They closed in. Cecily cackled and left, vanishing.

As soon as she was gone, I sat up, let out a shaky breath. Show’s over.

Cecily figured I couldn’t beat three elite guards—strong, but not Princess rank. She was right. But...

I pulled out my cloak, threw it on.

"Where’d she go?" They freaked out.

"She’s gone!" One reached out, grabbing at air. I whipped out a big knife, chopped off his hand. Grabbed a hammer, took them down one by one.

By sunrise, I’d made it out. I ran for the royal enclave, didn’t stop for two days and nights. My feet barely touched the ground. Finally, I spotted royal patrols at the border. I was laughing and waving—then remembered I was still invisible. Oops. Yanked off the cloak and stashed it.

Getting closer, I yelled, "I’m here! I’m here!"

Two patrols heard me. One looked down, spotted me. "There’s someone below."

The other stared straight ahead, panicked. "What’s that up ahead? Sound the alarm!"

The alarm clanged. Royal guards poured out, chaos everywhere. The Lord in charge came out. "Everyone, on guard! Reinforce the barrier!"

I looked back. A crushing, suffocating force was closing in—Galen! He was coming, and fast!

I bolted for the border. Just before the fog swallowed me, I reached the barrier, pounding on it. "Let me in! I’m a healer from Healing Hill!"

The patrol who saw me yelled, "Let her in!"

A little opening appeared. I squeezed through. The next second, Galen smashed through the barrier, guards flying everywhere. He hovered in the air, scanning for me. I ducked under a plank, barely breathing.