Page 11 of Empire's Curse

“I’ve got a connection here. He’ll help us out.”

She tilted her head to the side. “How do you know someone?”

“It’s a long story. I’ll explain when we’re out of here.”

Lanfen glanced at the door. “But we’re not allowed to leave this wing.”

“I didn’t notice any guards, though.”

“The guards are stationed at the bottom of the staircases on both sides of the hallway.”

“But the hallway is unguarded?”

“Yes, since this wing holds all our bedrooms. Why?”

“So you have your own room?”

“Yes,” Lanfen said. “Why?”

“Let’s go to your room, then.”

Lanfen led Daiyu out of the room and down the hallway. They entered a cramped room with a single bed in one corner, a small trunk of belongings, and a tiny, circular window with a geometric metal design. She hurried to the window and peered through the slats, her heart sinking. She had thought that maybe the window would be big enough for them to sneak through, or to climb out of, but this was impossible.

“Well?” Lanfen chewed on her lower lip.

“We can’t jump through here.” Her fingers trailed over the metal working of the window. They were also three stories high, so even if the window weren’t so small, they probably wouldn’t be able to climb down. Did the emperor do this on purpose? Lock up these women here with no hope of escape?

Lanfen kept her back pressed to the sliding door. “Daiyu, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be here. You look out of place with your clothes and I think it’s too much trouble to try to sneak me out. You need to get out of here before anyone notices.”

“I came here to save you. I’m not running away.”

“But—”

“We’ll come up with a plan! Don’t worry.” Even as she said that, her mind came to a stuttering halt. What could she do to sneak them both out? They had a way out—the masked man—but how could they get out of this hallway without garnering any attention?

“Maybe you can pretend to be one of us?” Lanfen pointed tothe wooden trunk. “They gave me two other dresses to wear. If you put one on, you’ll blend in with everyone else.”

Daiyu pursed her lips together. “But I’d like to leave as soon as possible?—”

“I do too, but if any of those women tell the guards that you came here dressed like that, and you don’t change, they’ll realize you don’t belong here.” She swallowed. “I don’t want to see you get dragged out here by the guards.”

“Has that happened before?”

Lanfen averted her gaze, her face pale. “There was a girl who didn’t want to be here. She kicked and screamed and cursed the emperor, so the guards took her away. I have no idea what happened to her.”

Daiyu leaned against the wall of the room and closed her eyes. She had made it all the way up here pretending to be a servant, and that seemed to have worked. Maybe she could sneak out the same way? But that would require her finding some clothes for Lanfen that would make her blend in as a servant. Or she could pretend to be a part of the royal selection and try to run when there was a better opportunity.

“All right, I’ve got a plan.” Daiyu gave her sister a level look. “I’m going to find some maidservant clothes for you, and then we’ll both leave. The guards didn’t bother me since I’m dressed like this.” She waved to her worn-out dress. “So I’m sure they won’t bother me again.”

Lanfen shook her head. “What if they notice you? I’ve been in the palace for a week now, and one thing I’ve noticed is that the servants dress nice. Plain, but still nice! You’re dressed too …” Her gaze flicked down to her dried-grass sandals, the ragged hem of her dress, and the threadbare material.

“Too much like a farmer’s daughter?” She smiled even as Lanfen cringed. “I know, Lanfen, but what else can I do?”

“You can pretend to be a part of the royal?—”

“That’ll be my last resort.”

“Then maybe—” Lanfen shot forward and kneeled in front ofthe trunk. She jerked the lid open and yanked out a shimmering pink dress with feathery soft sleeves and cranes embroidered on the skirts. “Take this with you. If someone stops you, tell them you’re …” She frowned. “I don’t know, tell them something.”

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