Chapter 5

I ran away from my hideout before I would be discovered by either Antonio or my uncle. Going back into the palace was completely out of the question because that’s where I was expected to be. Also, running to the exit gate would leave me open to my killer. 

So, I followed the path that led to the back of the palace instead. As I ran, I kept looking over my shoulder to be sure that I wasn’t being followed. 

Just as I rounded the corner that would lead me to the safety of the palace backyard, I came face-to-face with my nemesis. 

“So, it is true,” said Brianna. “The servants told me you were in the palace and I thought they were crazy but here you are. To what do we owe this unpleasant surprise?” 

“Not now, Brianna. I don’t have time to chat with you. Please, get out of my way,” I said in between panting. 

“It’s you who’s in my way,” she said saucily, blocking my path as I attempted to get away from her. 

“Brianna,