Emily's eyes fluttered open, her mind racing with the events of the past few days. She was tired of sleeping, tired of waking up in Prince Karan's house. She needed to clear her head, to think.
Throwing off the covers, Emily swung her legs over the side of the bed. She slipped on her shoes and made her way to the door. The security guards stationed outside nodded as she emerged.
"I'd like to take a walk," Emily said, her voice firm.
The guards exchanged a glance, but the butler, who had been trailing behind her, stepped forward. "I'll accompany you, miss," he said.
Emily nodded, and the butler fell into step behind her. She walked through the winding corridors, her eyes scanning the walls. The manor was huge, with secrets hidden behind every door.
As they turned a corner, Emily spotted a pillar. She darted behind it, holding her breath. The butler appeared, looking around in confusion.
"Miss?" he called out. "Where are you?"
Emily stepped out from behind the pillar, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You're spying on me," she said, her voice teasing. "How inconvenient."
The butler's face turned bright red. "I apologize, miss. I was just trying to ensure your safety."
Emily's expression softened. "I'm okay. I just want to explore the manor. Don't worry, I'm not trying to escape."
The butler nodded, relief written across his face. "Let me show you around, miss. I've worked here for a very long time."
Emily nodded, and the butler led her to a small garden tucked away in a corner of the manor. A few vegetables were planted, but the butler told her they hardly ate them.
As they walked, Emily's eyes scanned the garden. She noticed a small, hidden path she hadn't seen before. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered where it might lead.
But for now, she was tired. Excusing herself, Emily walked back to her room, the butler trailing behind her.
As she entered her room, Emily's eyes landed on a piece of paper on her bedside table. It was a note, written in familiar handwriting.
"Meet me in the garden at midnight," the note read. "Come alone."
Emily's heart skipped a beat as she wondered who could have written the note. And what did they want from her?
To Be Continued...