I quickly stood up, heart pounding, and grabbed the keys from the desk. Wrapping a robe tightly around my body, I opened the door and peeked into the hallway. The coast was clear.
Without thinking, I slipped into the corridor, moving swiftly and quietly. I vaguely remembered the path to the study from before, and every step echoed louder in my chest than on the floor. I ducked behind pillars and tapestries whenever I heard footsteps, pressing myself into the shadows as guards passed by.
After what felt like hours of tense creeping, I finally reached the door to the study.
I fumbled with the keys. Too many... why are there so many? My fingers trembled. Footsteps approached. My pulse thundered in my ears. No, no... faster!
Click. I exhaled in relief and slipped inside, gently closing the door behind me just as two guards strolled by.
