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Tia glanced toward the door, her expression resolute.
"Yes, of course. I trust him well. If you recall, he was the one who prepared you that tea the night before you fell ill," she said, determination flashing in her eyes.
"Don't worry about anything else. All I need from you is rest. We leave tonight, and I need you strong enough to endure the journey."
She tied off the last thread of his mended shirt, folded it neatly, and placed it in his hands.
"See you tonight," she added softly before slipping out of the room.
Draven leaned back. The stabbing pain in his body was still fierce, but at least the worst of it had dulled. He had little to do but sit and think. The long day stretched before him, heavy with thoughts of survival. Meditation was impossible—the waves of pain were too distracting.
By dusk, he sat waiting, expecting Tia at any moment.
The door creaked open. Tia entered, carrying a folded bundle of black garments.
"You'll need this as a disguise," she said, setting the clothes in his lap.
Before changing, Draven forced down another dose of his bitter medicine. The warmth spread faintly through him, loosening the ache enough for him to move.
Soon after, the two of them began their careful departure from the palace. At first, nothing seemed suspicious; their steps echoed quietly through the halls.
After ten minutes, they reached the main doors.
Two guards stood on either side. Tia froze—the one on the right she recognized instantly. Jin, Hans' personal guard.
Her heart tightened, but she said nothing. She knew well these men were highly trained and alert. If she tried to sneak now, it would backfire and ruin everything.
Still, one thought gnawed at her: Why is Hans' personal guard here at this hour? Shouldn't he be by Hans' side?
As they approached, she straightened her posture.
"I will be leaving the palace tonight," she declared firmly. "I am on a delicate mission and must not be stopped."
Both guards exchanged glances, then turned to her. The first to speak was Jin.
"My lady, with all due respect, your safety is our duty. May we ask where you are going?" He bowed slightly as he spoke.
Tia's patience thinned.
"Since when have my personal movements become your concern?"
Jin raised a placating hand.
"No offense, my lady. But Lord Han, as acting emperor, has issued a new rule—no one leaves the palace without stating their reason." His words were smooth, his smile disarming.
Tia shifted her gaze to the second guard. From his expression, she could tell Jin was telling the truth.
Slowly, she gestured toward Draven.
"This is my servant. He is gravely ill. I am taking him to see a physician."
Her words were steady, but she could already see from Jin's eyes that he wasn't convinced.
"My lady," he said, lips curling into a thin smile, "we have a palace physician. One of the best in the kingdom."
"The palace physician is too busy today, and my servant's condition is urgent," Tia replied sharply, anger seeping into her voice.
"Hmm. Then we'll allow you to leave—after confirming the physician is indeed busy." Jin leaned toward the second guard and whispered something.
Tia's heart hammered, but she kept her composure.
"So you doubt me?" she said coldly. "You will regret stopping me tonight."
"I apologize, my lady," Jin said smoothly, "but I am only doing my duty."
Minutes dragged like hours. Finally, the guard returned and murmured something in Jin's ear.
Jin cleared his throat.
"My lady, you may proceed. It has been confirmed that Maxwell, the palace physician, is indeed occupied tonight."
Tia exhaled a quiet sigh of relief and began to step forward with Draven—
But Jin's voice cut through the night air.
"Wait. Why is your servant covered from head to toe in black? At least let us see his face before he leaves."
Tia's chest tightened.
Draven froze. He knew one thing for certain: if they saw his face now, he would not leave this palace alive.
Summoning what little strength he had, he lowered his voice to a whisper.
"My disease requires me to remain covered at night. If I remove this hood for even ten seconds, I may suffer gravely for it."
Each word was slow, deliberate. A single slip, and his life would be forfeit.
The guards exchanged uneasy looks, then nodded and stepped aside.
But before they could pass, Jin's voice rang out once more.
"What is the name of this illness?" he asked, his gaze locking onto Tia's eyes.
A chill ran down her spine.
"At least," Jin continued smoothly, stepping closer to Draven, "if you know its name, you can find help outside the palace."