Reckless
Author: Cindy Chen
last update2025-03-21 21:09:16

As Calen finished hanging the last of the damp uniforms, the sky had deepened into shades of indigo, the first stars flickering above the palace. The air was cooler now, carrying the faint scent of blooming night jasmine from the royal gardens.

With his task completed, he dusted his hands off and made his way back toward the barracks, weaving through the dimly lit corridors. His muscles ached from the long hours of scrubbing, but his mind remained sharp, focused on the mission ahead.

Then, he heard it.

A hushed conversation, carried on the evening breeze.

He slowed his pace, instinct guiding him to the edge of a stone archway. Pressing himself into the shadows, he listened.

Two palace attendants stood by the covered walkway, their voices tinged with both exhaustion and anticipation.

“The Eastern Prayer Envoys will arrive tomorrow,” one of them said, adjusting the scarf draped over her shoulders. “They must be close by now.”

Her companion groaned softly. “That means we’ll be working no
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