This plan may actually work because there is some Kaeda left in me. Not a lot, but some. My steps are swift, agile and silent, as they were when I first walked to the throne room. I’m more observant, remembering the tiniest details and moving on muscle memory.

I’ve already changed the storyline a bit seeing as I was meant to converse with my fellow spy earlier this afternoon. Since I did not do so, they never found me either. Already I have proven that my actions affect the story. If that is the case, I really can negate my death...again.

I get lost in the maze of halls. There are multiple castles attached by long bridges or winding staircases. It’s practically an entire city within a single building, all encircled by towering black gates. What is this place, Mordor?!

When I find the exit, I am given all that I will need for the journey; money, food, medical supplies and more. The map is most important though. It’s meant to lead me to Lunna, but I can use it to reach the border of Aquilan’s kingdom. From there, the journey will be tougher with only the book. I’ll manage, though.

I take a chance to look upon the castle once outside, dumbfounded by the grandeur that is Daithi’s estate. In the evening, there’s an eerie purple hue across the dark walls and narrow windows. The estate is seemingly endless, one tier of rooms atop another with statues and gargoyles littering the moldings. If I wasn’t fearful of those within, I’d actually be able to enjoy the view.

With my hood up, I leave the castle as a shrouded figure. Kaeda is somehow with me. I know the guards’ routes that traverse the long, sullen walkways of the estate. There are maze-like paths surrounding the castle until I reach towering iron gates. They’re black as the night, fading into the sky and only truly visible thanks to the sea of stars that illuminate their silhouettes along with the few dim braziers that soldiers meander past.

I’m meant to leave. Instead, I duck back through the maze. I know where to go and I follow Kaeda’s natural intuition. Whether this is only lingering or permanent, I don’t know, but I do my best to remember this all myself in case I need it in the future.

Luckily, I know where the map is. It’s kept under heavy lock and key in Daithi’s own room. According to the book, tonight he falls asleep while examining it. Original Kaeda slips in through the window and easily takes it, for the emperor to awaken angered and confused. Let’s hope real Kaeda will be with me on this too!

The thought of entering Daithi’s sleeping chambers is daunting. He is described and shown as a fearsome warrior. Originally, he had the smallest piece of land out of all his siblings, which he was obviously not pleased about. Thanks to not only his mind, but also his terrible power, he expanded its territory until it became the largest.

Through Aquilan’s memories or brief glimpses of their past, it is shown that Daithi has always been this way. He has always gone above and beyond to prove his worth, turning himself into a monstrous soldier that is never scared to get his hands dirty. Aquilan was always bested by him until the end of the book. The first time he wins, Daithi dies.

That means, if I wake Daithi, this plan is finished. I am finished.

I manage to sneak my way through security until I come upon the climb. The towering walls are sleek stone with little grappling room. While ivy ascends the walls, there are weak patches that cannot hold my weight.

“I can’t do this,” I whisper, stepping away from the vines. My entire body vibrates with fear. “You’re crazy, Faith, crazy.”

Crazy and desperate, which somehow turns into determination. This is the only way.

Unlike real Kaeda, my climb is slow. She is described as having gotten in and out in the blink of an eye. Mine is likely going to be about a thousand blinks.

I refuse to look down. Every vine feels like it’ll snap at any moment. My palms are sweaty. My legs shake. My breaths are deep then shallow. The ivy lessens. I’m forced to pinch my fingers between slim cracks of stone. One squeaks forward from my weight. I whimper.

Don’t look down.

Keep moving.

This is my mantra as I climb higher and higher to the wide domed balcony. There is no light from Daithi’s room. Good.

I mentally cheer when my hands grasp the stone railing of the balcony. It is only now I look down. The drop would kill me instantly without a doubt.

Wow, I think I’m going to be sick!

I shouldn’t have looked because I have to climb back down. Now is not the time to think of that. I have to get the map and get out of here!

The curtains are shut. I press my ear to the balcony doors. There is no noise nor any light slipping out from beneath the doorway. Daithi’s balcony doors are locked by nothing more than a clasp. Anyone could unlock it by sticking a lock pick or a stick through and lifting. I don’t open them at first, instead, I peek through the slim crack. It’s dark so I risk entering, hoping the doors are as quiet as the throne room. Luckily, they are.

Moonlight follows me into the room. Even in the darkness, one can see Daithi’s chamber is worthy of an emperor. The room is needlessly large with plush rugs and heavy drapes encircling a bed that is far too big for him alone. Yet he is alone, resting in a navy blue robe against propped pillows. The book described him as stern, cold, frightening, and while I agreed upon first seeing him, this is different.

Resting, Daithi comes across almost innocently childlike. His long lashes rest over pale cheeks. Without a scowl, his lips form a pout. Every breath is quiet and calm, blissfully ignorant to my presence. I hate how, like this, he’s ridiculously good looking.

Why are the villains always hot?! Stop staring!

I pat my cheeks a few times to knock some sense into me. The map is in his grasp, resting over his bare chest. It’s now or never.

I tip toe closer, holding my breath, fearful they are too loud. My fingers grip the edge of the map, tugging slightly. He doesn’t move so I pull more. The top slips from his fingers—

“Your Majesty!” Someone bangs on the door.

I grab the map.

“A spy, a spy has been captured!”

Daithi’s eyes open.

All I see is red.