Using the servants' passage, I managed to make it to my room undetected. Serefina was still sleeping. Checking the hold my Magick had on her, I figured I could hold out long enough until we were out of the castle. From then on, we would travel together, both of us awake.

I collapsed on a chair, staring at the maiden's sleeping form. Not long after I arrived, someone knocked on the door. "Brooks, it is me, Margarette," the maid called out softly. "I have what it is you require. May I come in?"

"Yes, of course."

She entered, gasping when she saw Princess Serefina lying unconscious on my bed. Stifling a smile, I rushed to assure her. "She is sleeping, Miss Margarette. Nothing more. Just a bit of Magick to keep her that way until we escape this area."

Margarette placed a hand over her heart. "Oh," she breathed. "Please, Brooks, don't ever let me see anything like this again without warning me first."

At this, I could not help but let out a chuckle. "Yes ma'am," I replied obediently. Rising from the chair where I sat, I rubbed her back briskly as she sank down onto the bed next to the Princess.

Margarette gazed at the Princess for a while, after which I helped her stand. Glancing out the window, I frowned and noticed it was dark. "I'm afraid we must go now. I promise to send you a notice when we arrive."

In response, she nodded. Looking one last time at the Princess's slumbering form, she stroked her hair lovingly and left, the door shutting quietly behind her. The bag she brought filled with Princess Serefina's clothes lay on the floor next to the bed.

I understood how hard it was on Miss Margarette to let the Princess leave so suddenly, especially with her parents now dead. Of course, it will be even harder for the Princess when she wakes up. Margarette had become an aunt figure in her life when her own was sent away.

Sighing, I gathered up the necessities I had packed for the journey. It was not much, just things such as rations, a spare change of clothes, and a medical kit.

Adding the Princess's bag of clothing to my knapsack, I slung them across my body before picking her up. I carried her on my back through the servants' passages along with my knapsack.

Cautiously, I crept through the halls. Of course, I had been trained by both the Mystics and the castle guard, but it would never do if I got caught due to the careless error of being cocky. Arrogance was the number one way to die in this sort of profession.

When I finally reached outside, I stopped. Breathing deeply, I found the fresh night air rejuvenating. Stretching my muscles, I readied myself for the journey ahead. It would take roughly two weeks, if not more, to get to Aveatall.

Hiking the Princess higher up on my back, I checked to make sure she was still sound asleep. She was, a peaceful expression adorning her face. Thankfully, it seemed she was not having any nightmares at the moment.

With no more hesitation, I set off, headed for the forest at the edge of the castle grounds. It would take some time before we were far enough away from the capital that she would not be recognized immediately. From there on, we would be difficult to track.