Just then a strong breeze comes through and blows my sheer scarf off my neck. I try to catch it but am unsuccessful. Thankfully, one of the spikes at the top of the fence grabs hold of it.
I let out a sigh of relief. I put my feet on the bottom of the fence and stretch as high as I can to reach my scarf. I end up having to stand on my toes before I can feel the gentle fabric between my fingers.
Gotcha.
I get ready to lower myself back to the ground when someone grabs me from behind, wrapping their arms around mine. I let out a yell.
Once my feet touch the ground, I stomp my heel onto their foot, followed by slamming my head into their face. They release me and fall to the ground. I turn around and get myself into a fighting stance. One of the palace guards looks up at me through his hands, tears in his eyes.
“What did you do that for?!” He asks, pained.
Oops.
“What did you grab me for?!”
“You were climbing the fence! It looked suspicious!”
“I was grabbing my scarf.” I roll my eyes, placing it back around my neck.
He pulls his hands back to check for blood. “You could have broken my nose!”
“But I didn’t!”
He stands up and glares at me. I glare back.
“Let me guess. One of the girls here for Zane?”
I straighten myself. “Yes.”
“And which province are you from?”
“Aspil.”
“Well, suspicious fence climber from Aspil…”
“I have a name.”
“What is it?” he asks, annoyed.
“Chartreuse Moore.”
“Well, Miss Moore, try not to climb anymore fences during your stay.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “I didn’t do it for fun.”
He shrugs. “If you need assistance next time one of your garments gets caught on a fence…” He nods towards the fence. “Come get one of us.” He turns around and starts to walk away.
I am fuming inside and cannot let him leave with the last word. “If I do need help, I am not coming to you, that’s for sure!” I yell.
He gives a dismissive wave without turning around and disappears into the maze.
I let out a groan. What a frustrating man. I hope I don’t have to see much of him while I am here.