Chapter 199

• ALAY BENJAMIN.
• I escaped from the palace around midnight. Hugh was waiting for me inside a dark car. As soon as I got in, I could smell leather and car air freshener. Hugh didn't speak to me, and I didn't either because we were both too tense and nervous about getting through the palace walls. We reached the security area. He stopped the car and rolled down the window. The officer gave him a dirty look until it disappeared, replaced by a smile when he saw the wad of bills I took out of my wallet. Hugh was about to do the same, but I beat him to it.
• "Have a good night," the officer greeted us, lifting the security barrier.