𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 -★彡[ᴅᴀɴ ʜᴇɴɢ]★彡

- 𝟏𝟎 -

 After a brief departure to her chambers to put on sturdier footwear, [Y/N] returned and handed Dan Heng a silk black cloak. He blinked in confusion.

"Do you want me to wear this?"

If he's spotted in public, rumors will surely start to spread. Especially if he's by my side. Sivik hasn't had people from other planets visit for decades, so he will be hounded by townsfolk if he were to remain undisguised. Not to mention he will immediately be seen as suspicious if he is by my side. She nodded furtively without providing an explanation.

He let out a small sigh and strung the cloak around his shoulders, pulling the dark hood over his head so it concealed his most noticeable features. She loosely grabbed his hand and reached him through the palace grounds to the gates.

On the way there, she spotted one of Dan Heng's companions, Stelle. She was sitting leisurely on a cushioned seat with a device of some sort in her hands, tapping aggressively away. Upon sensing the pair's presence, Stelle glanced up with her sharp yellow eyes. Her and Dan Heng shared a glance as they were walking, silently communicating without words.

I wonder what they're saying to each other. [Y/N] had long since given up on her hope of having a comrade by her side, but seeing the intimate trust shared between two close friends made the gaping hole inside of her evermore apparent. She pretended not to notice and continued strolling along towards the gates of the palace, where two guards adorned in deep navy blue uniforms were standing with rifles held tightly to their shoulders

"I would like to go into town today," she released Dan Heng's hand and reached out to place a hand on the rifle of a younger guard with spiky blonde hair, "could a carriage be prepared?"

[Y/N] was met with the gaze of distrust and disgust she had long since grown accustomed to as the guard foisted the rifle out of her grasp. "Your reason?"

Gesturing to Dan Heng behind her she responded, "I managed to catch a bird and would like to take him around for a little tour of the city. We must show the utmost hospitality, correct?"

"I apologize, but I am unable to prepare a carriage for you. I have been given strict orders by Her Highness not to let you out without an escort."

To her surprise, Dan Heng stepped forward while removing his hood. "If she requires supervision, then I will be her escort. Yet I fail to see why she would need one."

She glanced up to him in confusion, seeing his clouded eyes fixed on the young guard. Why is he doing this? I suppose he wouldn't know of my tumultuous relationship with the townsfolk, but even so...he must have underhanded intentions.

"Esteemed guest, I implore you to understand that I am in no position to be making authoritative decisions. I have been told that supervision directly from Her Majesty's subordinates is needed for the princess to leave the palace grounds, and as such I cannot allow you—"