Chapter Nineteen
Dawn was breaking as I walked through the city streets. Escaping the palace grounds had been difficult, but not impossible. In truth, I was not certain how hard Akil’s men were searching now that they were confident the heir was safe. Still, the process of getting out by scaling the garden wall had required both time and patience to wait for a sufficient opening that allowed me to slip out unnoticed.
After that, more patience had been required to dodge the patrolling city guard as I made my way back toward Admon’s manse. I felt both bone-tired and exhilarated. I had penetrated the imperial palace to fulfill Admon’s final act and emerged unscathed.
Households were beginning to rouse and servants began to scurry about on the city streets in their gray livery. I got throug
