The Desert Falcon

Chapter 21, Retribution

Author's Note: Thank you to all those who have read my work! I appreciate it! Enjoy the chapter! I apologize if it is a little boring. I am working on the next chapter.

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That night, as I retired for the evening, my mind became a tangled mess of thoughts as I waited for Natsumi's arrival. The celebration of the Emperor Dowager's birthday continued, the faint sounds echoing even this far. The room was shrouded in darkness, except for a low burning candle. The moon outside lit up the walkways, casting ominous shadows into my room. The night sang of life, as stars shown above.

My eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness. Since I had become aware of the lurking shadows and the men that were under orders to spy upon us, I dared not undress for fear that it would lead to my revelation. I remained in my male garments, consisting of dark loose trousers, cinched at my ankles and waist, and a long tunic. Underneath, I secured my breasts with additional length of cloth, hoping to disguise the very feminine mounds that would reveal more than I would like to share. I felt it safe to unravel my head covering, however, allowing the mass of my hair to fall down my back, and shaking out the tangled knots. In the darkness, it would be hard to observe that I was a woman, unless they wish to reveal themselves.

An hour passed by, as I combed out the length of my hair, before settling myself in bed. I glanced out the window, waiting, my eyes slowly drooping from exhaustion and heightened anticipation that saw no satisfying end. It didn't take long before I drifted off to sleep, but as soon as I did, I was awoken.

I knew someone was in the room, even before I opened my eyes. There was a disturbance in the air and the sound of faint footsteps, landing on the hardwood ground, as if they had jumped inside and was now making their way over to me, my back to them. Reaching slowly beneath my pillow, I grabbed my dagger and sat up quickly, pinning it against the column of a neck, attached to a dark silhouette, hovering over my persons. Immediately, the intruder held still, raising their arms in surrender.

"Do not be alarmed," Natsumi cautioned. I dropped my arm as I pushed the covers off of me, swinging my legs over the bed. Natsumi reached over and grabbed the candle, bringing it to rest at the small table beside my bed, providing the only form of light.

I glanced at her, taking her in. She was dressed in a long red tunic, belted at her waist with black trousers underneath, tucked into boots. On her belt, a small pouch hung and slung across her chest and shoulders was the strap that connected to her quiver of arrows, resting upon her back. Her bow remained over one shoulder.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned, as I stood up and peered outside, looking for anyone who might have followed her here. I did not need to ask what her plan was, for it was clear she intended to make her escape.

"I would think that was obvious," Natsumi explained, her voice toned low. "Stay away from the windows and screens. I suspect they will soon be looking for me if not already."

I turned to her my gaze widening, my heart racing. My senses grew more heightened, my gaze sharpening. I quickly grabbed my shawl and wrapped it loosely around my head and face, securing everything, with the exception of my eyes. "And you think it brilliant to hide out here? My room offers no protection," I warned her, taking a step towards her.

"They would not suspect a woman to be hiding out in the men's quarters, let alone a concubine," Natsumi pointed out. "I had intended to speak to you to enlist your help in my escape. I had initially hoped to escape with your caravan, tucked within your trunk on the day you are to depart. However, events unforeseen have forced my hand and I must escape now."