King Sombra x Pegasus Reader

Chapter 30

I returned to the kitchens the next afternoon.

Caramel Cream and Cocoa Berry talked me through their plan so far. They had bribed a few guards with all of their rations, meaning they were starving themselves for a chance to escape.
I didn't blame them.

They had found a small tunnel in one of their rooms which led outside, and they planned to go at night so they could sneak more easily to the far wall. From there they would need to dig a tunnel to the other side but they didn't know how to do it fast enough before the sun rose again. Sure they could dig with their hooves but that might not be fast enough if they had to dig deeper than expected.

What they needed was a unicorn who still had their powers, but that was impossible. The next best thing would be to find a remote spot where guards didn't check often, but it would be hard to scope out since they had to be in the kitchens all day.

"I could check for a spot," I said, gaining their attention.

"Really? Are you sure?" Cocoa asked me. "Won't it be dangerous?"

"As long as I ask Sombra if I can go for a walk I'm sure it will be fine." I smiled as their eyes lit up.

"We might actually have a chance to escape if you find a place," Hazel whispered from the corner, his eyes widening.

"I knew we'd figure it out somehow!" Cocoa beamed at me and I grinned back, happy I was finally useful to them.

I headed back to the bedroom soon after, reminding myself to ask Sombra if it was ok to leave the premises. I hoped I wouldn't sound like I was hiding something. He's already suspicious of his subjects...

Entering the room, I was surprised to find somepony waiting for me. Sombra watched as I closed the door and then walked over to me. 

"Where have you been? I have waited here for almost an hour," he said, raising his eyebrow.

"Oh, I was just at the library again- caught up with books... and stuff..." I replied, trailing off.

"I, see." 

We both stood in silence for a minute before he spoke again.

"Anyway, I decided to return here early. I wanted to spend more time with you as I have noticed- well, I've noticed you aren't exactly prepared for the situation I have thrust upon you."

It was odd to see him, King Sombra, stumbling over a simple sentence. I almost found it cute. 

"You have barely left this room, let alone left the castle since I took you from it, and I don't see that as any way you should be living. So, I am going to take you out of this castle."

"Out?" I questioned, not quite sure what he was implying.

"Not out of the empire!" Sombra hastily added, "Just out of here, for a- a walk of sorts. If you want to. Only if you want to."

I bit my lip. The last time I was outside with him, somepony died.

"I promise not to do anything harsh in your presence," he said, seeing my unsure expression.

I suppose that's all I can really ask of him. And this might be a good opportunity to find a secluded area...

"Alright," I nodded, "Let's go for a walk."