going as the castle became a labyrinth of corridors and doors that led to nowhere. I’d not wandered since I found that
portal. Now I wanted to see if I could find it again.
Morgana ate lunch with me, and it took me forever to get her to leave my room. She wanted to go out for a walk. The
weather was nice and the flowers had started to bloom in the gardens.
I’d written my letter, explaining I was fine and doing well, in the hopes it would stop Norok from doing anything recklessly.
I handed it over to Isla along with a few gold coins, who was then to give it to John the stable apprentice, who could then hand
it to a massager in the city. I hoped she managed to get it to him without raising any suspicions.
I kept my head down as I left my rooms and headed down the endless corridors towards what I believed were the
dungeons. I wanted to speak with Hector to ask if he knew anything and to find out the real reason they had shown up. My guess
was when they didn’t return to my father, it was then the plans were put in place for war and to retrieve me.
By Nicholas not allowing them to go free, he instead chose to ignite the match that was waiting to be lit.
“Can I help you, your highness?”
A guard caused me to squeal as he stepped out from the shadows of the corridor I’d stopped on. After startling me, he was
quick to bow and threw his hands up.
“My apologies, your highness. I didn't mean to frighten you.”
“It’s…That’s—It's quite alright, my fault for not paying attention. I was just wandering the castle, just wondering where
everything was. I’m afraid I’ve gotten turned around.”
“This is the east wing. Where the king’s guests sometimes stay.”
“Ah,” I said softly.
Turning around slowly, I could now make out the beautifully decorated corridor. Portraits of Nicholas' family as well as
many battles were hung on the walls.
“If I wanted to find the dungeons, would I be able to do that? I would just like to know where everything is.”
The guard eyed me more suspiciously than before as the wheels of his mind turned. Had I blown everything by asking such
an up-front question? I was always taught by my mother that it was always best to tell the truth with a hint of a lie.
“I can escort you there if you like, I’m sure the king would prefer it if I did.”
No, that’s not what I wanted but then, if he escorted me I could learn my way. I could return later tonight while Nicholas
slept. Perhaps this was my only option.
“That would be wonderful, thank you.”
I followed him as we walked down another corridor, through a side entrance and then down several poorly lit flights of
stone stairs, into another long corridor and then finally to a large wooden door.
