Ethan, still in the blue dress, looked around the locked room. "I need to get out," he said.

He paused, his eyes narrowing. "Fine. I'll make my own exit."

He scanned the room, his gaze settling on a heavy, ornate chair. A slow grin spread across his face. "Perfect." He grabbed the chair, hefted it, and held it up for a moment, weighing it in his hands. "Time for a little redecorating."

With a sudden, decisive swing, he smashed the chair through the window. CRASH! Glass shattered, showering the floor. He tossed the chair aside, the sound of splintering wood echoing through the room. He climbed onto the window ledge, ignoring the sharp shards of glass digging into his bare legs. "Okay, now for the grand exit," he muttered.

He looked down. The balcony was high, but not impossibly so. A smirk played on his lips. "Showtime." He took a deep breath, picturing himself landing smoothly, like a scene from an action movie.

He stepped off the ledge, pushing away slightly to clear the overhanging flowers. For a moment, he was suspended in mid-air, the wind whipping at his blue gown. He landed with a thud, rolling slightly to absorb the impact. He stood up, brushing off bits of dirt and glass.

"Not bad," he said, a hint of a grin playing on his lips. "Not bad at all." He glanced back at the shattered window, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "They're gonna be pissed."He started to walk away, then paused. He looked back at the dress. "This thing is gonna be a freakin' nightmare to run in," he muttered. He looked around, then back at the long, flowing fabric. "Screw it."

With a sudden, decisive movement, he grabbed the bottom of the dress and ripped it upwards. The sound of tearing fabric echoed through the garden as he tore away a significant portion of the hem, creating a much shorter, more practical skirt. He gave it a quick tug, ensuring it was evenly ripped.

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"Much better," he said, a satisfied smirk on his lips. "Improvise, adapt, and get rid of the freakin' frills."

He looked at the torn fabric in his hand. He couldn't just leave it lying around. "Loose ends," he muttered, a habit ingrained from his past life. He scanned his surroundings, his eyes landing on a thick, overgrown bush near where he landed.

He walked over to the bush, carefully tucking the ripped fabric deep within its tangled branches. He made sure it was completely hidden, out of sight. "Can't leave any evidence," he said quietly, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Clean getaway."

He looked around, his eyes scanning for any potential threats or obstacles. "Now, where's the exit?" He started walking, moving with newfound ease, his steps now unhindered by the ripped dress. He was a man with a plan, and even in a princess's clothes, he was going to execute it with ruthless efficiency.

As he walked, he noticed a nearby section of the garden, a secluded area filled with an abundance of vibrant flowers and lush foliage. Even with his mind focused on escape, a flicker of recognition sparked within him. He paused, his gaze drawn to the intricate patterns of the blossoms.

Despite his past life, despite the rough edges and hardened exterior, Ethan had always harbored a secret passion for plants. It was a quiet, almost contradictory aspect of his personality, a connection to nature that provided a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

"Huh," he murmured, his eyes softening slightly. "Not bad."

He decided to explore the garden for a moment. He walked along a winding path, his fingers lightly brushing against the velvety petals of a rose. He paused to admire a cluster of delicate orchids, their vibrant colors catching his eye.

"Even in a place like this," he thought, "something real." He took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet fragrance of the flowers, a momentary respite from the confusion and danger that surrounded him.

He knew he couldn't linger for long. He was still in a strange place, in a strange body, and he had to find a way out. But for a brief moment, he allowed himself to appreciate the garden's beauty, a hidden sanctuary amidst the palace's opulence.

He looked around, a sense of determination returning to his eyes. "Okay, time to move," he said quietly. He turned away from the flowers, his focus now back on his mission. "Exit. Right. Let's find it."