A Path to the Palace

As Liana turned to leave, her heart heavy with the bittersweet farewell, Jian spoke from behind, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "Liana, wait."

She turned back, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Getting into the palace… it will be difficult," Jian said, his gaze serious. "Kieran's guard will be doubled, his paranoia will be a fortress. You will need help on the inside."

He reached into the folds of his simple robe and produced a small, folded piece of parchment. "Look for this woman. Her name is Ling." He gave Liana the address, a series of seemingly random characters and district names that Liana committed to memory. "Tell her… tell her I sent you. She will understand. Trust her, Liana. She is resourceful."

A flicker of hope ignited within Liana. An ally within the serpent's nest. "Thank you, Master," she said, her voice filled with renewed determination.

With Jian's address tucked safely away, Liana finally began her journey towards the heart of her stolen kingdom. The forests and villages she passed through were familiar, yet tinged with a sense of loss. This was her land, the land where she had grown up, but now it felt alien, occupied by the enemy.

As she approached the border of the capital, she kept to the shadows, moving with the stealth Jian had taught her. She overheard a group of guards, their armor gleaming in the harsh sunlight, their voices loud and careless.

"His Highness is still jumpy, eh?" one chuckled. "Still thinks the lost princess will come crawling back for revenge."

"Ha! She's probably worm food by now," another scoffed. "Died of exposure in the forest. Good riddance."

Liana's fists clenched, but she kept her expression neutral, her pace steady. They were talking about her, the ghost they believed was dead. Their arrogance was their weakness. She would use their underestimation against them.

Following Jian's directions, she navigated the crowded streets of the capital, her altered face allowing her to move unnoticed. The city was both familiar and foreign, the faces of the people a mix of fear and forced compliance. The grandeur of the palace loomed in the distance, a stark reminder of what she had lost and what she intended to reclaim.

Finally, she found the address Jian had given her, a modest but well kept house in a quieter district. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.

A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing a woman in her late forties or early fifties, her eyes sharp and intelligent. Before Liana could speak, the woman's gaze softened, a knowing look in her eyes.

"You must be Liana," the woman said, her voice calm and assured. "Master had already sent me a letter about you. Come in, child. You must be weary from your travels."

Relief washed over Liana. Jian had prepared the way. She stepped inside, the warmth of the house a welcome contrast to the coldness in her heart.

"My name is Ling," the woman said, offering a kind smile. "Master said you would come."

Ling led Liana to a small, comfortable room. "You must be exhausted. Freshen up. Tomorrow, we can discuss your…maid selection."

Liana blinked, surprised by the unexpected turn in the conversation. "Maid selection?" she asked, confusion evident in her voice.

Ling nodded. "It is the perfect opportunity to get you inside the palace, unnoticed. Who would suspect the lost princess among them, with a new face?"

"But… how did you know Master?" Liana asked, her curiosity piqued.

Ling smiled knowingly. "That, my dear, is a long story. One we can discuss after you have rested. For now, you need to regain your strength. Tomorrow, our true work begins."