The Escape [Part - 3]
Without saying a word, they climbed the wall with ease. Nova was the first to reach the top—quick, sure-footed, her dark hair shimmering with the moon like silk.
Leon came after her, dropping down beside her in a crouch. They both fell into the alley on the other side, their boots thudding almost silently on the stone below.
Neither saw the tiny, barely heard click that rang behind them—a sudden movement in the darkness, a quiet intake of breath. A shape remained under the branches of a withered tree, motionless and quiet. Merging perfectly into the shadows, it observed as Leon and Nova disappeared into the darker cover of night.
The street was deserted. For a moment, it seemed that the world had been reduced to only the two of them.
And then Leon laughed.
It was low and satisfied, a rough chuckle that shook his chest as he looked back at the looming shape of the estate.
Nova watched him and gave a small laugh. "Did we actually just sneak out past twenty of my trained guards?"
Leon grinned, eyes shining with yellow mischief. "I have to say—there’s something wonderfully fulfilling about outwitting your security."
"You are completely incorrigible," Nova said, elbowing him gently as they strolled. Her tone was dry, but the smile playing at her lips betrayed her humor. "If the nobles and generals saw us now... What do you think would be the rumor then? The kingdom’s most brutal warrior sneaking out like a misbehaving teenager."
Leon grinned, covering his heart with a mock-injured expression. "I think the title writes itself: Legendary warrior elopes with the most devastatingly charming man in the empire."
Nova snorted. "Devastatingly charming?"
"Painfully so," he said, completely serious. "Women sob. Men despair. Guards get lost on their patrol routes.
She rolled her eyes, but rotated her face slightly—mostly so that he wouldn’t catch the grin she couldn’t quite hide. That smile of his... it was maddening. And addictive.
"Come on," Leon said, holding out his hand, palm up. "We have a whole night to make poor choices."
She looked down at his hand, then up into his golden ones. Something warm and unlooked-for fluttered in her chest. She breathed softly and slid her fingers into his.
Their hands were too perfectly fitted together.
Nova leaned her head, observing him. "You know this is foolish."
He smiled, his voice softer now. "Perhaps. But say you don’t want it."
Her lips parted, then closed. She didn’t dispute.
Rather, she squeezed his hand tightly and whispered, "Then let’s go. Before I change my mind."
Leon leaned close, his tone low and flirtatious. "Too late. You’re already swept off your feet."
"Keep flirting and I’ll sweep you into the nearest ditch," she retorted, but her voice was soft, her eyes shining with something she hadn’t experienced in years.
He laughed—low and genuine—and pulled her gently forward.
Side by side, hand in hand, they strolled through Moonspire’s shadows, moving south toward the radiance of the market district’s shining heart. Lanterns glowed in the distance like dropped stars, painting golden halos along twisting cobblestone streets. Spices, smoke, and something sweeter—the promise of an unparalleled night—hung in the air.
They walked softly, the stone walls of the palace running along their right, and the moonlit sky wide and free ahead. The steps were a soft hiss against the worn path. Nova said nothing, sliding her hand back into his—her fingers wrapping comfortably around his. His heat centered her.
It took fifteen minutes, and they arrived at the palace’s south gate—a great arch of shining white marble inlaid with fine silver filigree. Towering double doors lay barred behind it, guarded by several black-armored sentries. The guards marched in trained cadence, halberds shining in the firelight as they walked, their boots tapping softly on the waxed stone.
Leon stopped and stepped into the darkness of a sculpted column. He drew Nova in close next to him, his arm sweeping against hers as they pushed into the protection of the stone. Her back made contact with the wall of his chest, his calm breathing warm on her neck. Her heart skipped a beat—half nerves, half something more.
Nova’s eyes darted towards the guards, her voice husky and even. "So," she breathed, green gaze sweeping the rotations, "how do we exactly get around that?"
Leon slanted a little, his mouth against her ear. "With panache," he whispered.
She shot him a sideways glance. "Leon."
He smiled, unfazed. "Okay, okay. Here’s the actual plan."
Nova crossed arms over her chest, her eyes narrowing. "Leon..."
He faced the great stone wall parallel to the gateway—forty feet tall, inscribed with softly glowing runes and guarded by men-at-arms. A fortress inside a fortress. Nova’s jaw clenched as soon as she saw where he was gazing.
"Don’t even consider it," she spat, seizing his arm. "Are you crazy? That wall’s covered in alarm runes. One misplaced step and all the guards in the palace will be upon us like vultures."
Leon blinked, truly stunned. "Wait, what? No! I wasn’t referring to the wall—" He smiled softly and gestured. "I meant that."
She looked in the direction of his finger and blinked.
There was a plain wooden cart beside the gate, piled high with vegetables and fruit, half-shrouded in burlap cloth. There was a disheveled-looking man in brown linen leaning against it, talking with one of the guards. They exchanged a scroll back and forth—some sort of permit.
Nova raised an eyebrow. "That cart? Seriously?"
"Yep," Leon said, his grin unfading. "It’s making a supply run to the outer district—no inspections on outbound carts unless something looks suspicious."
Her eyes narrowed, skeptical. "That thing looks like it’s hauling leftovers from tomorrow’s feast prep. Or garbage."
"Exactly," he said, eyes gleaming. "No one pays attention to garbage."
Nova stared at him, disbelieving. "You’re insane."
"Not insane," he said, tone light. "Just clever."
She glared at him—green eyes hard, piercing—but he didn’t blink. The tension between them was one spark from fire or laughter.
He leaned in, his voice dancing with mischief. "Own up. It’s a little exciting, isn’t it?"
Nova shook her head, but the edge of her mouth gave her away. It curled upward, ever so slightly.
"Shut up," she growled.
Leon grinned, triumphant. "I’ll take that as a yes."
She didn’t hesitate this time.