Silent Night

Right, my disappearance, of course, Pavel would notice and only want to talk to Kaiserin. Pavel has been suspicious of him, and he even told me to stay away from him. But I shouldn't worry about that now. Is it safe to exit? I don't hear the Empress's men anymore, so it should be safe. 

I open the hatch and exit from it, the first thing I notice was the footprints. Kaiserin and the other guy, were awfully close to me, if they found out about the hatch and opened it I would've been caught. Who knows what would happen if I was caught? I probably would be the Empress's prisoner or something. Again, it's good thing I wasn't caught but what do I do now?

I quickly surveyed the area, my eyes landing on the Empress's carriage, which was still parked nearby. My mind raced, and the only logical course of action was to disappear into the dark woods ahead. I must remain vigilant, for if the carriage is still here, it's likely her guards are, too. 

I push myself to keep running, the fear of being caught driving me forward. My muscles start to protest, cramping from the strain. Panic sets in-I can't afford to be caught now. But perhaps, just perhaps, I've managed to put enough distance between myself and the Empress's carriage. Maybe, I'm in a favorable position. 

I spoke too soon. I see a torch, its flickering light casting long, menacing shadows. My first thought was to run. But, if they couldn't see me right now, I could probably be sneaky about it, slipping through the darkness like a ghost.