Zephyr returned from his training, opening the door to find Septh at the table, engrossed in her writing. "Oh, you're still here," Zephyr remarked, surprised.
"I've been here all day. Sorry if it bothers you," Septh responded without looking up, continuing to scribble on the paper.
"What are you doing?" Zephyr asked, peeking at her work.
"I'll explain once I'm done," Septh replied curtly.
Zephyr sighed. "So, you still don't want to share what you saw with me? Anyway, I better take a bath before this sweat dries up." Zephyr grabbed a towel and headed to the bathroom.
After Zephyr left, Ki leaped onto the balcony, startling Septh. "Oh, hi. Where's Zephyr?" Ki asked.
"He went to take a bath," Septh answered, returning to her reading. Ki entered the room and lay on the bed.
"What do you know?" Septh asked, her back still turned.
Ki hesitated before answering. "An impending war, movements, spies. Everyone is busy."
Septh stopped writing and finally faced Ki. "So, what will happen to us?"
Ki, staring at the ceiling, said, "Let's escape." His tone was serious.
"But how?" Septh asked, hope tinging her voice.
"In a few days, chaos will break out. The king will attempt to have us kidnapped, pretending it was a neighboring kingdom. He'll erase our memories and then pretend to rescue us to maintain his image. But during that time..." Ki trailed off.
"What's the matter?" Septh prompted.
"An assassination will be attempted," Ki added.
"By who?" Septh asked.
"The same people who will help us escape," Ki replied, his uncertainty evident.
"But there's a condition, isn't there?" Septh's voice was firm.
"You're right. They will use the commotion of our escape to execute their plan. In exchange, they'll escort us and provide shelter and protection," Ki explained.
"And you accepted that condition?" Septh scolded Ki. "They might use us to their advantage, just like the king plans to."
"I know, but without their shelter, we won't last long. We have no choice," Ki admitted.
Septh grabbed Ki's collar, tears streaming down her face. "We've been friends for years, and I know what you're thinking. Sure, I won't criticize you for accepting that condition, but I know you're planning to distract them yourself while we escape, aren't you?"
Ki looked at her, pained. "I promise, I won't do it."
Septh released him, leaning on his chest. "Please, let's do it together."
Ki patted her head. "I won't. I promise."
Zephyr had been standing at the door the whole time, overhearing everything. He pretended not to know because Ki had commanded him to.
A few days ago, during a break from his duel, Zephyr overheard soldiers discussing the movements of a neighboring kingdom. "There will be another war," one soldier sighed. "I've never experienced a war before. All I've done so far is training, protocols, carrying stuff, guarding, and more training."
Zephyr sighed and returned to his training, understanding their language thanks to Sophie's lessons.
Ki stepped outside, leaving Septh asleep on Zephyr's bed. He headed to the bathroom, where Zephyr was lounging in the water. "Yow, how's your day?" Zephyr asked.
"It was okay," Ki replied, undressing and joining Zephyr.
"I know you heard it," Ki said, leaning back.
"Yeah," Zephyr simply replied.
"So, what's your plan now?" Zephyr asked.
"My plan hasn't changed," Ki responded.
"So, it comes to this, huh?" Zephyr sighed, glancing at his reflection in the water.
"I have a request," Ki began, closing his eyes.
"If you want me to take Septh away while you distract them, my answer is no," Zephyr interrupted.
Ki stared at him. "Can you and Septh both stop reading my mind?" Zephyr laughed.
"You're easy to read," he teased. "Septh was right. We're older now. You don't have to stand for us anymore."
Ki let out a small laugh. "You said I'm easy to read. Then you know what I'm thinking, right?"
Zephyr smiled. "You're as stubborn as always."