“We will take our leave.” The maids left the room.

I waited for a couple of ten minutes as I heard the guards shuffle around.

I quietly stood up trying not to make the floor squeak. I very carefully changed into my spy clothes. Just as I was going to leave the room I decided to write down a note, just in case they find me missing. I scribbled a note and went to the balcony.

There were no guards and for the 4th time I thanked myself for insisting I need no night guards outside. I took the usual route and went to the Imperial Guest Palace, where obviously guests stayed overnight.

I arrived there walking on a high wall, which only the elite spies would know.

Next, I had to find his room…… and I definitely forgot to memorize the Guest Palace map but I vaguely remembered that his room was next to the Crown Prince’s.

I carefully climbed onto a tree which was next to a lighted room. I had to be extra careful to not make the branches move since there was no wind, plus whoever was inside seemed to be awake. I looked inside.

It was the Crown Prince, Basilio! How lucky. He seemed to be writing some stuff on a document. He seemed very busy. I resisted the urge to chuck a stone at his window to check out how busy he was.

I looked away looking at the next room. It seemed to be light as well. Sadly the tree next to that room seemed to be weak since its branches were thin and I would definitely fall off the tree. However the tree next to it seemed fairly close to the next room so I decided to move on to that tree. But that tree was a bit too far away from the high wall, so I decided to go down and climb the tree.

Just then, a lukewarm wind blew and I realized this was my chance to move comfortably and jump off the tree. I jumped off hastily without a second thought, only hoping it wouldn't break my legs.

THUD

I landed somewhat not as smoothly as I thought. Both of my ankles flaired with pain. I wanted to roll around and groan because of the pain but I stayed still managing to calm myself. I slowly stood up.

I stumbled, trying to find a rope ladder which should be attached to the tree. This is where I wished there were less leaves on the branches because I couldn't see clearly. At least Not in small details. So, I had to be full alert to find the ladder.

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Suddenly, I felt alerted and just when I was going to turn around, an arm locked around my neck with a gleaming dagger. I held the urge to shriek, wondering if this person was the actual spy or maybe an assassin? I felt my own heart beat so hard. I tried to calm down but it was a bit hard.

“Who are you?” It was a man’s voice.

I felt slightly annoyed that I didn't get to say that line.

Just when I was going to unsheath my sword, he locked harder. A clear warning not to move, unless I wanted to be choked to death, which i didn't mind but when i thought that i could change the Ten Year cycle and hopefully avoid a grand scale war i decided to not die.

This person was clearly a high level bad dude. I mean how did I not notice his presence earlier. Maybe he was hiding very quietly in the shadows or he was up in a higher part of the tree. Or worst case scenario, if he was an assassin he might’ve followed me since I left my room.

I very slowly raised my hands in a give up gesture.

He didn't seem to be interested since he didn't loosen his grip. I decided I had only one thing to do. Actually, two. Either talk to him or fight. Or I can do both. Or maybe I could run away…. But that would be both boring, pointless and risky if he decides to kill the people who got in his way plus I didn't want my brothers to find out. Otherwise they will tighten security and it’ll be harder to go out on weekly night walks around the palace.

Without thinking it through, I swiftly kicked him, who-knows-where, hopefully his shins. And I elbowed him backwards. Although he was heavy and steady as a wall, I managed to escape.

I faced him with a dagger in my hand. I knew maybe a sword might be better since I didn't like close-quarter fighting but I didn't have enough time to disarm myself.

He didn't seem to want to kill me since he stood there calmly. I was not keen on fighting against him since he looked so…. Professional.

“Who are you?” I asked, wondering if it was a better idea if I made my voice lower. But I knew it might be pointless. Plus my voice was sort of low already so maybe he might mistake me as a man with long hair.

The wind blew softly and the moonlight escaped through the branches. Just then, he attacked with his dagger. I, who was caught off guard, just barely managed to deflect his blow. We went criss cross even though our blades were small. We were face to face. I tried to find some of his features like what colour hair or what eye color he had but it was still not enough light to make out clear colors.

“Who are you?” I asked again.

“Why must I tell you? Will you grovel and kiss my feet once I do?” he scoffed as he pressured my dagger. Well, at least he talks. The way he talked was nearly playful even.

I pressured back wondering if I should make a quick move and get my sword out, since we were a bit too close.

“That’s my line.” I pushed him back.

I unsheathed my sword. “How about we make a deal?” I asked casually.