I was way out of breath after my second escape. I climbed down the tower, snuck out through the iron gate, and nearly ran straight into a gaurd. Then I sprinted into the City center, trying to remember how to get to the crumbly building that held Will and Ethan.
I turned and ran down a narrow alley and tripped on a rock. That's when I noticed my big mistake. I was still wearing my silk nightgown, which was now soiled with the dirt and dust of the city. I ripped out the fancy hems and smeared more mud over my arms, legs and face. But that wouldn't be enough. Thats when a chubby potato vender moved over, blocking the entrance to my alley. Instantly, I hatched a plan.
Hiding within the weeds lining the brick walls, I crawled up to the corner of his cart. Reaching onto the storage shelf, I grabbed a burlap sack and 3 potatos. Then he looked down and saw me. I stood up and ran as fast as I could to the other end of the alley. Around the corner, I ripped the sack in half and draped it on my shoulders. Now I looked like a proper runaway.
I pocketed the potatos, a gift for Will, and continued searching. Eventually, I found myself staring at the old building. What should I do?
I take a deep breath and slowly seperate the boards that blocked the entrance. I was in. With no way to find the boys again. I didn't want to shout their names, in case the Guard was near. I couldn't run around in circles until I stumbled upon the hideout.
Then, without thinking, I let out a long, low, whistle. After a moment, Ethan's head poked cautiously around the corner. He smiled and ran away, returning hand-in-hand with Will. I was the one who smiled next.
"Kat." Will said, surprised. "You're back."
"Yeah. It's me."
"Erm, no offense, but what brings back."
"Oh. Well....I needed a break from... everything" I responded, flustered.
"Well it's good to see you, then"
"Here." I said suddenly, forcing the potatos into his hand. 'I...found them." Ethan's face lit up.
"Oh. Kat. You didn't have...."
"Yeah, well I did." I interrupted.
"Well in that case," Will offered me his elbow. "Dinner?"
"I'd be delighted, William"
I like Elle to see me now.
He lead Ethan and I through the maze of dirt and dust to the back corner of the basement, where the boys lived. He pulled out a pack of matches and lit a small fire in a stone pit.
We roasted our "dinner", which seemed more like a small snack to me. They ate and smiled. We talked and laughed. It was basically my perfect escape. Much better than formal balls and fancy dinners.
The sun dipped under the horizon and Ethan fell asleep, probably dreaming of potatos. That's when Will grabbed my arm and led me out into the street.
"C'mon. I need to show you something."
We quickly went back into the building, but on the first floor this time. He dragged me up at least 4 flights of stairs before we finally stopped running.
He whispered in my ear, "How amazing is this?"
It was like I was on top of a mountain. We stood on the roof of the ancient building, looking out at the city below, filled with twinkling lights, bright against the nighttime sky. The veiw was exactly the same as the one from my balcony, only more real. Like the magical world outside of the palace actually existed.
And it here it was, right at my fingertips.
I turned to smile and thank Will, only to find him sitting on the ledge, feet dangling 4 stories above the street. I bit my lip and hesitantly did the same.
