Yvonne's POV
But I never listen. I never do.
So, I did what I knew could get me in trouble, either from getting caught or, worse, accidentally breaking my neck or ankle.
As I stared down at the distance between the window and the ground, doubt crept into my mind, making me reconsider.
But the rebellious part of me, the one that always won, kicked in.
I turned back around, scanning the room for something, anything, that could help. Then it hit me.
A grin tugged at my lips as I rushed toward the bed, yanking down the bedsheets and tying them together. It was a ridiculous idea, vsomething straight out of a movie, but it was the best I had.
A few minutes later...
"Shit!" I gasped as I nearly lost my grip on the makeshift rope.
I dangled a few feet above the ground, my heart pounding so hard I was sure someone would hear it. If I fell and didn't land right, I'd definitely sprain something—or worse.
I sucked in a shaky breath, glancing up at the window. The knotted sheets were wrapped tightly around the bed leg, but the bed had shifted slightly, making the rope sag lower.
"You can do this, Kayla," I muttered to myself.
I kept climbing down, inch by inch, my fingers aching from how tightly I gripped the sheets.
The bed creaked.
My heart jumped to my throat.
I froze, pressing myself against the wall as if that would help.
The rope lowered a little more, and I smacked against the wall with a thud.
"Fuck," I hissed, rubbing my head.
No time to stop.
I kept moving down, ignoring the burn in my arms and the tremble in my legs. When I was close enough to the ground, I let go, landing with a soft thud.
I crouched there, holding my breath, waiting for the guards to rush out and drag me back inside.
Nothing.
My eyes darted around. The guards stood at their posts, some pacing, others standing still. They hadn't noticed me, yet. The shadows and a neatly trimmed bush hid me from their view.
I stayed low, bending at the knees as I crept forward. Whenever a guard came too close, I threw myself flat against the cold grass, heart hammering against the earth until they passed.
It reminded me of sneaking out back at boarding school. Christine and I had been the best at it, slipping past the heavily guarded gates to go to parties or grab snacks from the town at night.
That same reckless agility was still in my veins.
I moved faster, my sharp instincts kicking in, until I reached a clearing where the tall trees stretched high into the night sky.
No guards.
No voices.
But no sign of him either.
Where the hell had that little brat gone?
I was sure I'd seen him sneak this way.
I turned in slow circles, scanning the shadows.
Nothing.
A frustrated sigh escaped my lips.
"How annoying."
I turned to sneak back the way I came...
Only to stumble back with a gasp.
"Fuck!" My hand flew to my chest.
The boy stood right in front of me, barely reaching my chest, with sharp eyes that glinted under the moonlight.
He hadn't been there a second ago, had he?
His cold gaze locked onto mine, his small face twisted in irritation.
"Why are you out of thy chamber?"
His voice was low, steady... and way too commanding for someone his size.
I blinked, stunned.
What kind of kid talked like that?
But I wasn't going to be fooled.
I'd played this kind of trickery myself as a kid, acting all mature and composed so the adults would end up looking like fools while I walked away the victim.
Psychological manipulation.
But you can't con a con in their own game.
I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest.
"You shouldn't be asking such questions, you little brat. I should be the one asking why you're out here sneaking around."
The night breeze whipped my hair around my face, totally ruining the whole intimidating older girl act I was going for.
I brushed the strands away with a huff, only to realize the kid was suddenly standing way too close.
I wrinkled my nose, shoving his head back with a flick of my hand.
"Hey! Stay back."
Before I could pull my hand away, his small fingers wrapped around my wrist.
Tight.
What the…?
I frowned, trying to yank my hand free.
"What the hell are you doing?" I snapped.
His grip tightened, surprisingly strong for someone who barely reached my chest.
"You heed not."
The words were so calm, so cold, they sent a ripple of unease down my spine.
Okay... creepy.
Pain flared up my wrist, and I clenched my teeth.
Damn, this little fucker was strong.
I'd give him that, but there was one thing he clearly didn't know about me.
"I guess no one ever taught you manners, huh?" I said through gritted teeth, staring him down.
"I hate when little brats like you with no home training act like this."
His dark eyes flicked up at me, just in time for me to lift my leg and plant my foot against his chest.
With a sharp shove, I kicked him back, not hard enough to hurt him (because I wasn't that heartless), but just enough to send him stumbling.
The pressure on my wrist vanished, and I rolled my hand, wincing slightly.
He touched his stomach, his face flickering with surprise, like he couldn't believe I'd actually kicked him.
That's right, brat.
I'm not some bimbo you can mess with.
I smirked, already feeling pretty pleased with myself. Judging by his clothes, those expensive fabrics and the tailored fit, he was definitely someone important.
Or at least, his parents were.
Not that I cared.
"You dared place your foot upon me," he said, his voice dripping with disgust.
I raked a hand through my hair, my smirk widening.
The audacity.
"And I'll spank your little self-entitled ass if you put your hands on me again."