The Royalty ||Park Sunghoon FF||

Chapter 11

"Raven, there is something I require your assistance with. Might I ask for your help before you depart?" Nari inquired, her voice tinged with urgency as she settled beside Raven on the bed.

"Of course, Nari. What is it that you need?" Raven responded, nodding and giving her full attention.

“There is a secret attic within the castle, a place shrouded in mystery, where we must secretly get in there.” Nari said, her tone low.

“A secret attic?” Raven raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Why must we sneak in?”

“In that attic, there are precious notes containing the formulas for the medicines I mentioned to you last night, the ones intended for the seven princes. It’s also the very place where these medicines are crafted,” Nari explained, her eyes scanning Raven's face for any sign of hesitation.

Raven considered this, her mind racing with thoughts. “When do we make our move?”

“We must go there immediately,” Nari replied, urgency threading her words. “The sooner we retrieve those notes, the sooner you can leave the palace. When I went down to the dining room for breakfast, only the seven princes were present. I suspect the Emperor and Empress are beside themselves with anger over your disappearance. I will request Taeoh to procure a horse for your swift escape once we have the notes in hand.”

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Raven nodded in agreement. “Then let us waste no time. We must do that immediately.”

Rising from the bed, Raven adjusted her corset and trouser, preparing herself for the task ahead. Nari moved to the door, cautiously opening it a crack to survey the hallway.

“The road is clear,” Nari whispered, taking Raven's hand and pulling her along with her. Together, they hurried towards the stairs, but as they reached the top, they were taken aback by the sight of several soldiers guarding the palace doors.

“What do we do now, Nari?” Raven whispered, anxiety creeping into her voice. “The soldiers will surely notice us if we attempt to pass.”

Nari’s heart raced, but then she noticed Taeoh approaching the soldiers. A small, conspiratorial smile formed on her lips as she exchanged a glance with Raven.

“Stay here. I’ll go speak with Taeoh,” Nari said, releasing Raven's hand and descending the stairs.

Approaching Taeoh, she gently tapped his shoulder. “Taeoh, may I have a word with you?”

Taeoh glanced at her, his brow furrowed in concern. “Nari, I’m a bit occupied at the moment. Can we speak later?”

Nari’s expression faltered, but she couldn’t afford to be deterred. “Taeoh, please, it’s urgent. I need your help.”

Seeing the determination in her eyes, Taeoh relented with a sigh. “Give me a moment,” he said to the soldier he was conversing with, before turning back to Nari.

“What is it?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

“I need you to clear a path for me to the main garden. The soldiers cannot know of our presence,” Nari explained in a hushed tone, glancing around cautiously.

Taeoh frowned, confused. “Why the secrecy? You can walk freely. The soldiers won’t mind.”

Nari leaned in closer, lowering her voice even further. “I have Raven with me.”

Taeoh’s eyes widened in shock. “What? You were the one who freed her from the dungeon?”

“Of course. Who else would have done it? We couldn’t simply leave her there to rot,” Nari replied, her eyes darting towards the staircase where Raven was hiding.