#Chapter 78 Paranoia

Kaine I enter my room with a sigh, relieved to finally be alone. The incessant politicking and espionage at the palace has only increased in recent weeks, and the toll it’s taken on me has not been insignificant. I stretch and look at my bed. I debate falling into it without bathing but think better of it. It had been a long day, and much of it had been spent outside. I head to the washroom. When I’ve finished, I begim to make my way back to the main chamber of my quarters but pause when I notice Rafe’s unease. What’s wrong? “Someone’s here.” Every muscle in my body tenses at his words and I freeze entirely listening for what I had missed. Everything is silent for a moment and then I hear it: a rustling from the closet. I hold my breath and I start to edge my way out of the bathroom, hoping whoever has concealed themselves in my closet won’t notice that I’ve finished in the washroom. I inch my way toward the closet, ready to strike. Before I can strike a man lunges