Minutes slipped through her fingers like water, and the silence in the chambers grew thicker, heavier, until even her breathing felt like an intrusion.
Alicia stood once more, dressed now in a crisp traveling coat, her hair pinned neatly, not a strand out of place.
Her shoe clicked softly against the marble as she moved toward the door, fingers brushing the doorknob one last time before twisting it open.
The palace halls were nearly empty now. Not lotta people in sight, no lingering nobility—just faint traces of perfume and whispers from rooms long past and guards stationed at certain places.
Outside, there were two cars waiting at the base of the grand steps. But the car she looked for was missing. The only cars were the one which she loaded the suitcase and another one which she didn't where it came from. She looked for the specific black and white car around, wondering where it might be.
Both the other cars in black gleamed in the afternoon light, engine idling quietly.
