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Ironically enough, I'm finishing this chapter during my exam period. ;3

The swaying of the curtains didn't go unnoticed by my watchful gaze, and I know there weren't any open windows. The only possible explanation was that someone was in the room with me.

I know someone's there, come out," I demanded.

"Awww, you're no fun," a voice echoed from behind me. I swung my fist behind me, whirling around, only to be stopped abruptly. My fist was caught be another as I stood face to face with the familiar traditional oriental mask from nights before.

"Miss me m'lady?" He asked rather charismatically, much unalike his attitude in the past. This time he was much less serious, rather he seemed almost cocky.

"Depends on what your definition of 'miss' is, I couldn't possibly miss someone I don't know the name of," I replied.

"Daww, how cruel. Don't worry, it is for your safety that you don't know my name, you'll find out when the time is right," He assured.

"Why should I trust you? I know nothing about you, nor your motives. I could call guards here and have them escort you to a cell, and I'm sure the time will be right when you're being executed for trespassing in the castle. Your move," I snapped, attempting to warn the masked enigma.

"Ok ok, there's no need for threats (Y/N), I know you wouldn't do such a thing anyway," he answered, sure in his statement.

"Oh yeah? And what reason would I have to do otherwise? And why do you keep following me?" I implored.

"Because I'm going to save you, (Y/N)," He stated in a more serious tone.

"You've already said you were going to help me, but how do I need saving?" I puzzled.

"Trust me, it will all make sense eventually, but for now, we need a plan. Got any ideas on an escape plan?" The man suggested.

"Escape plan? What? I've been safer in this castle far greater than I have anywhere else in my life, why would I want to leave?" I began to grow more suspicious of him by the second. He sighed in disappointment.

"Listen, you don't know this place like I do. You're unaware of what's really going on here. Trust me." He spoke affirmatively, with unflinching character.

I stayed silent a moment, thinking every moment through my head, trying to conjure up an explanation for everything that was happening. Nothing was making sense. The Prince's reason behind choosing me, Aki's suspicion, this mans threats, there was no logical solution to anything. Why is all this weird stuff happening? I wish I had someone to help piece together all these puzzles, because nothing is making sense.

"Wait, so you're saying the Prince is somehow dangerous, so I should run off with some stranger, who snuck into my room at such a late hour?" I restated.

"Well, uh, heh. I guess it does appear that way. Listen I know this all seems absurd, but things are not right here. You don't know it like I do," he explained strongly. He look a step closer to me, but we were already a reasonable ways apart, so I didn't bother stepping back. "I promise, as soon as we manage to escape with our heads, I'll tell you everything, but not now, it's not safe."

I stood speechless for a moment, processing his words, For some reason I began to believe his words. My suspicions of the castle had always been on alert since the ball, The prince's proposal being just one of many. His kindness to a mere commoner made no sense, nor his intentions in wanting to marry me, so I knew there had to be a bigger picture.

"I understand you can't tell me these, things about the palace, but could you tell me something, anything to ease my mind?" I pleaded for reassurance.

He stood silently, as if waiting to form the correct words to answer in his head, when suddenly his eyes lit up.

"Well, I have been thinking about our escape plan, and I might have a lead," he began. "I've made my way around this castle, so I know a thing or two about it's architecture. The only problem is getting past the guards..." he trailed off. I could faintly imagine the gears behind his mask turning in his head, conjuring up some sort of idea.

"Wait, where is this escape route you have in mind?" I asked, curious of how he would execute his plan.

"The balcony, the one closest to the ballroom. It's not too high off the ground, well, not a fatal leap anyways, but jumping isn't my plan. There's an accessible stairway from there, it's subtle but still there. I'm not sure if anyone knows it exists, but it's our strongest option of getting out of the castle, we'll figure it out from there."  His careful explanation reminded me of the first night I came to the castle, and his description sounded a lot like the staircase I had noticed.

"I believe I've seen this stairwell you are talking about, the one that hugs the wall behind the railing?" I clarified.

"Y-Yeah, actually. That's the one," he stuttered, slightly surprised. "I guess it wasn't as secretive as I thought."

The masked man shook his head, as if stopping himself from spacing out. "Well, I guess we should go with that plan anyways, it seems like our best option. Here, meet me at that balcony tomorrow night, do, or say whatever it takes to get there, and well be able to escape from there," he decided.

"That is a great plan and all, but I'm still fairly confused on what is so wrong with the palace, rather, the Prince that makes this place so dangerous in the first place," I admitted.

He looked at the floor, and I wish I knew what was going on in his mind. He took a deep breath, before forming eye contact with me once again.

"(Y/N), there's something I need to tell you, and you won't believe me, but what I say is the truth," he began seriously.

"I'm listening..." I responded, curious, and slightly worried. He seemed hesitant, as if what he was going to tell me was giving away a secret he'd sworn not to speak of. He shifted before he took in another deep breath, and his next words paralyzed me.

"I know what really happened to your parents, (Y/N)," he spoke quietly.

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