The fifth and last book of the Connected series!
If you haven't read the four others, I'd advise you to, but this book can also stand on its own ✨
Seven princes see their country struggling with the pain and difficulties of war. In a desperate atte...
Niki was petrified, just like the three other princes were. They hadn't heard wrong.
Jungwon's grandmother's voice was unmistakable.
"Shit" whispered Niki. "What now?" asked Sunoo. "We have no choice but to go back" said Jungwon. "We won't leave half of us behind."
Jay sighed.
"You're right" he finally agreed.
Niki saw him look at Jungwon and could swear his eyes were humid. Afterall, Jay had been preparing this escape for years, and now it was over.
The group walked in line towards the entrance of the tunnel. After a while they had to crawl to keep going, which meant they were close.
At the end of the path, Niki could already see legs waiting for them. He got nervous with the sight. He knew the punishment for their betrayal would be unprecedentedly bad.
The group finally got out of the passageway that would never be secret again. In front of them, they saw Heeseung, Sunghoon and Jake on one side, Queen Yang on the other.
Niki frowned. He was expecting guards, servants and mostly all of their parents to be there, but only Jungwon's grandmother guarded the passageway.
Somehow, it felt more terrifying to face her alone.
"Gran, I'm sor-" started Jungwon. "I don't want to hear it" she said with a sharp voice that cut the air in their lungs.
She took her time to stare at them.
She was wearing a beautiful nightdress with birds embroidered with golden thread. The princes on the other hand, were wearing commoners' clothes they had stolen in the laundry room.
Something like that:
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Niki felt a drop of sweat roll down his forehead. Out of the seven Queens and Kings, Queen Yang was the most intimidating. Perhaps because she was the oldest. In any case, Niki was afraid of her. Plus, they were all waiting to know what their punishment would be.
"I don't want to know anything about this incident" said Queen Yang. "I want you all to forget about this silly idea of escape and I want you all to go back to bed."
The princes nodded, trying to hide their shock.
"If you try anything again, I will show a lot less mercy than I did today" she added. "And return the clothes you stole. Their owners are probably looking for them."
Is... is that all? Why aren't we getting scolded?
"Look, I know it seems easier to run away, but trust me, it doesn't solve anything" she whispered. "It just adds problems."
That being said, she turned back and started walking.
"Gran.." mumbled Jungwon, still in shock.
"Oh, and one last thing" she said, slightly turning her head to look at them. "Jay, you're not allowed in my grandson's room anymore, neither Jungwon in yours."
