_ The Butcher’s Plan

I took a deep breath, bracing myself. I needed to move now before I talked myself out of it.

The back exit.

It wasn't the easiest way out—not with my father's guards lurking around—but it was the least conspicuous. The front doors were out of the question, and the side gates were always locked. 

But the back? If I timed it right, I could slip past unnoticed.

I tiptoed to the bedroom door, pressing my ear against the wood. My ears perked up but all I heard was silence.

Good.

I cracked it open and peeked down the hallway. The corridor was empty, except for the faint flicker of candlelight from a sconce on the far wall.

My heartbeat pounded in my ears as I stepped out, keeping my footsteps light against the marble floors. I moved quickly but carefully, resisting the urge to sprint. The last thing I needed was to alert someone with a misplaced clatter of footsteps.