Terror shot through Soyeon like lightning, and she immediately took to her heels.
"Guards!" The Empress Dowager's voice rang out sharp as a blade. "Someone is spying! Find them!"
Soyeon fled through the darkness, her feet flying over stone paths. Behind her, shouts erupted. Torches flickered to life. The thunder of pursuing footsteps.
She had to get back. She had to get back to the cell before they realized she had escaped. If they found her out here, there would be no explaining it away. They would execute her on the spot.
She rounded a corner and slammed directly into a solid chest.
Strong hands caught her shoulders, steadying her.
Soyeon looked up into dark, familiar eyes.
Prince Liang Jian.
He stood in the shadows of an alcove, dressed in black robes that made him nearly invisible in the darkness. His eyes widened in shock when he saw her, his lips parting as if to speak.
"Your Highness," Soyeon gasped. "Please, I need—"
