The Vengeful Princess

Chapter 13: Revelations

"Could you please send word down that I won't be attending today's activities?"

Ella sent me a sympathetic smile as she gathered up my breakfast tray. "Your injuries still hurting?"

I nodded, pulling up my blanket to my chin. It was only Ella this morning, as Ivy was still recovering from her wounds. I had only been flogged a few times compared to what Ivy had endured... I could not imagine the pain that she would be going through.

"Check up on Ivy and update me on her condition please."

"Will do." She closed the door softly on her way out.

Immediately, I kicked my blankets off, fully dressed already and quickly grabbed a hairpin before heading over to the fireplace. The tunnels had become my main way to escape the room, thanks to the two guards stationed outside my door at all hours of the day and night. I reached up and felt around, my heart plummeting at the empty space where the latch had been previously.

It had been removed.

My way out was gone. The tightness of claustrophobia curled around me, momentarily suffocating me. Those two pesky guards! I had returned last night to two furious officers who had thought I had been kidnapped by the Forsaken right under their noses. Imagine their dumbstruck expressions when I returned with Prince Charles in a tow. I forced myself up off the floor and stormed out the door.

"You!" I wagged my finger in the guards' faces. "And you!"

They shared amused smirks.

"Ah so you have discovered the new improvements of your fireplace!" One exclaimed while the other snickered.

"Listen here-" I paused awkwardly, realising that I didn't know either of their names.

"Peter and Scott." Peter provided, cutting in, "And before you reprimand us, your side of the tunnel is sealed for your own safety, not just to prevent you from sneaking out. With the rebels growing more bold, the safety of the next possible queen is more important than ever. Especially after last night."

Releasing an exaggerated humph, I spun on my heels. Their footsteps echoed after me, keeping a close distance. I wouldn't be able to escape their view so easily anymore with their newly instilled vigilance. How was I supposed to get anything accomplished with two shadows lurking behind me at all times?

I kept my eyes peeled for any possible opportunity to slip away as I roamed the hallways but none came. I could feel Peter and Scott getting suspicious behind me, it was starting to appear as if I had no destination in mind. Eventually, a realisation dawned on me. It was something that I had always known in the back of my mind but I didn't want to acknowledge. I knew that it was ultimately inevitable but I had still attempted to avoid it.

I had to enlist another's help.

My feet moved on their own, already a person in mind. Most of the rooms that the Privileged occupied are connected by a series of tunnels that the maids used for easy access. It simply depended on whether it was accessible from the occupier's side. Peter and Scott couldn't fault me for visiting a friend, could they?

Peter cut in front of me, forcing me to a stop. "If you don't mind me asking, where exactly are you planning on going? Your wounds obviously have yet to heal if you are not well enough to attend today's activities." His tone was slightly accusing as he crossed his arms.

"Grace offered to help disinfect my wounds."

He raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.

"Would you prefer to help me instead?"