The night was dark, and everyone had retired to rest their weary bones, but under the disguise of the night, not all had returned. Some still walked around carrying acts they shouldn't.
The hallway was empty; lanterns, which lit up the path, had been blown out… for odd reasons. Guards stationed toward the crown prince's quarters were all dismissed, and so were the maids. The path was quiet, then silent steps echoed.
A man covered in a black cloak turned toward the hall and walked toward the crown prince's quarters. In his arms was a woman, still, but breathing.
Her hands dangled in the air as he hastened his steps toward the bedchamber. Once he arrived, he glanced around, making sure no one was there, then pushed the door open.
The room was quiet. A figure stirred on the bed, and he stopped; his breath hitched, and his fingers tightened on the sleeping woman. He stayed for a while, no movement, no noise, and waited.
