Shadow Betrayal: An Assassin's Story

6 - MOONLIGHT ESCAPADES - 6

Bit of a long chapter. Hope you enjoy!

Also did you know that almond milk is only called almond milk because everyone wouldn't be able to stop laughing if it was called 'nut juice'.

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Lucian's POV

The moon hung low over the castle walls as I tiptoed down the corridor, Koen trailing behind me with his usual blend of quiet disapproval and resigned loyalty.

"This is a bad idea, Lucian," he whispered, his armor barely making a sound—years of practice, I suppose. "You know how this ends. Last time you tried sneaking out, you got stuck in the privy window, and I had to lie to the guards about why a prince was hanging upside down over the moat."

I grinned, tightening my cloak. "It's only a bad idea if it doesn't work."

Koen sighed, rolling his eyes. "You sound exactly like someone about to get stuck in a privy window again."

I shot him a mock glare. "I wasn't stuck, I was... taking in the view."

Koen stifled a laugh. "Right. Upside down, half-naked, and screaming for help—definitely a scenic moment."

We reached the side door leading to the courtyard, and I pushed it open, glancing back at him with a smirk. "This time, no windows. Just adventure."

Koen rubbed his temples. "Why do I get the feeling this 'adventure' involves me carrying you back unconscious before dawn?"

I ducked under a low archway, glancing over my shoulder at Koen, who was still whispering warnings like an old nursemaid. "You're such a buzzkill, Koen. Lighten up! Have some fun, relax, meet some wonderful ladies."

Koen's eyes practically rolled out of his head. "Oh, please. Don't lecture me about women when you dodge them like they're going to cast some spell and turn you into a frog."

I shoved open a small side door, trying to stifle a laugh. "I don't dodge them, I'm just... selective."

"Right, selective," Koen muttered as we ducked through the doorway. He peered around the courtyard, making sure the coast was clear. "Selective about getting stuck in windows and avoiding parties where half the noblewomen were practically throwing themselves at you."

I gave him a smug grin as I edged toward the gate. "It's called strategy. You wouldn't understand."

Koen snorted. "I understand that sneaking out in the dead of night isn't the best way to meet 'wonderful ladies.' But hey, if your strategy involves running from the guards and jumping into the moat again, be my guest."

We crept through the quiet castle courtyard, our footsteps muffled by the thick grass. Koen's armor clinked slightly, but he managed to move with surprising stealth for someone in full plate. I, on the other hand, tried not to trip over my own feet.

"Why did I let you talk me into this?" Koen grumbled, glancing over his shoulder at the looming castle walls. "I'm starting to think the real adventure is getting out of this without getting caught."

I nudged him with an elbow. "Relax. We're almost there. Just think of it as a break from the monotony of guarding a prince who's convinced every ball is a chance to find a new 'adventure'."

Koen snorted. "If this is what you call adventure, I'd hate to see what you think is boring. Last week, you nearly got us caught trying to sneak a rooster into the kitchen for 'dinner.'"

We rounded a corner, and I stopped short, spotting the guard's lantern bobbing in the distance. "Duck!" I hissed, pulling Koen behind a stack of crates.