Katelyn sat silently for a while, observing as the woman continued to comfort her imaginary baby.
Realizing she was unlikely to gather any useful information from the woman in this state, Katelyn decided to inspect the room for any clues that might reveal the woman’s identity.
The room was tidy and unassuming, akin to a standard guest room rather than a prison cell.
However, there was no trace of information regarding the woman’s identity. The only personal items she had were a few pieces of undergarments.
Katelyn was considering her next steps when she heard Jaxen’s urgent voice. “Katelyn, the King has noticed your absence. You need to return immediately.”
Katelyn froze. Although she hesitated to leave, common sense told her she couldn’t stay any longer. If she did, it would put everyone in danger.
Katelyn glanced back at the woman sitting by the window, gently comforting the pillow. In a soft voice, she said, “Here, take this for now. I’ll visit you again next time.” Katelyn pulled another pill from her pocket.
Upon spotting the pill, the woman shook her head firmly. “My husband warned me against accepting anything from strangers, fearing it might make me sick.” Fear flickered in her eyes. She stepped back cautiously. Katelyn recognized that look; she knew the woman must have experienced something similar before. It appeared she had been drugged once.
Jaxen’s voice broke through the silence. “Hurry up!”
Katelyn knew she couldn’t delay. She swiftly delivered a precise, gentle blow to the woman’s neck, causing her to collapse instantly. Cradling the unconscious woman, Katelyn slipped the pill into her mouth with care.
After a lingering, deep gaze at the woman, Katelyn turned and walked away.
As she exited, she noticed a shift in the guard patrols; the soldiers had taken positions below. Escape was no longer an option without being seen.
G3t th3 l3g1t v3rs10n 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m
Jaxen’s fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard as he said quickly, “I’ve changed the security camera footage from the neighboring palace to show a different scene—a fire has broken out there. Once the soldiers leave, you’ll be able to go.”
Katelyn eyed the soldiers positioned downstairs. As predicted, they sprinted towards the neighboring palace, lured by the “fire.” But the illusion of the fire meant their absence would be brief.
As the soldiers departed, Jaxen’s voice reached her again through the earpiece. “Now’s your chance.”
With no hesitation, Katelyn descended using the same rope and hook as before. She retrieved the rope swiftly, the hook disengaging smoothly, and landed with a soft thud. She quickly gathered everything, finishing it all within a minute or two.
Then, she made her way towards the royal palace through the dense woods at the back.
Meanwhile, Ryanna and the others were reviewing the old surveillance tapes, yet they hadn’t spotted anything unusual.
Annie paused abruptly, scanning the room. After confirming Katelyn’s absence, she asked anxiously, “Where’s Katelyn?”
.
.
.