Calmness gradually enveloped my body as I treaded through the garden. Without Father's order, I was never allowed to leave the West Wing. However, once I received his permission, I could venture throughout the palace.

Yet in reality, there were only five places I could step into. Fortunately, it included the Palace Garden.

I arrived at the west side of the garden which actually faced my bed-chamber. There was an arched door directly adjacent to my balcony but the abundant bushes hid everything inside from view, even from above.

The wooden door, framed by overgrown vines, was wide enough for a single person to pass through. Everyone in the castle knew about this door but nobody could set foot inside. The door led to Mother's favorite garden where she tended the flowers personally.

But once she died, not a single person could unlock the door ever again.

Not even the strongest knight nor the sharpest sword could break it — until that night two years ago.

Only fifteen and driven to the corner, I followed Night in this very same place. I still remembered how shocked I was when we were able to enter.

I glanced around and after sensing no one, I pushed the door. It creaked open and the familiar fragrance welcomed me. The scent of various flowers mixed in together created a floral mix that always manage to soothe my nerves.

It was as calming as Mother's presence, making me reminisce about the time we spent our afternoons here. She loved her lavenders but always gazed at them solemnly. Among the surrounding purple perennial flowers, at the center was a pavilion made of wrought iron and gilded into perfection. It was certainly conspicuous, particularly the distinct yellow roses that encircled it.

No matter how beautiful it was, all that came to mind was a birdcage.

"Cindra," I called, noticing the brown-haired woman sitting at the lounge chair. Her hair strands, tied in a neat updo, were so light that they appeared like dark blonde from afar.

Though if someone ever saw her here, no one would believe their eyes. Considering the fact that the Duchess from Helia kingdom should not be inside the premises of the palace of Ezriel, leisurely having tea.

"Ace, dear, how are you?" she greeted, gesturing for me to sit.

Only Cindra and Night called me by that name. A name I was bestowed that changed my life.

"The same as usual. I apologize I could only come now."

She left me a message almost a week ago when I checked my secret hideout. However, escaping these days had been difficult. I did not anticipate that could meet each other today.

Sitting opposite her, my lips quirked. "Do you have any news?"

"Of course." She graciously sipped her tea. No one could deny that she aged well. The fine lines in her face made her features more defined, causing her violet irises to be more vibrant than it really was.

If I was still naive, I would've believed were relatives, but no. Cindra was my godmother, so she said. She and Mother treated each other like sisters and this was the place they always met. I would have questioned it if she did not reveal she was behind the mystery of the door.

Blessed by the magic of portals, no door could block Cindra. She had the ability to change the destination of any door whenever she wanted.

"Do you know Marquis Fedor?"

I nodded. Before I met them, I had no idea about other nobles or anything outside this palace. I had craved knowledge but I was deprived of even going to our own library. Father said I had no need of it since I was a woman but I knew it was utter bullshit. He wanted me to be useless so that I could not leave the castle and survive.

I had to admit, I was probably becoming vapid from the anxiety lurking and guilt hunting my soul. Thanks to their teachings, I found myself a little more capable, not just an idiot succumbing to my fate.

Because if I had not grabbed those hands that reached out to me, I would wilt much faster than these flowers here sooner or later.

"I heard his reputation being a slave driver," I commented.

"You're right. Well, you've got a mission." Her lips curled and I instantly knew that smile.

The same grin reflected on mine as she described the situation. Excitement rushed through my veins. It had been quite a while since I used my ability.

The magic of disguise.

Due to that, I became well-known as Ace — the thief with a thousand faces. Just a mere touch and I could copy anyone's face, body, voice, and every physical detail with unlimited time... but only once.

I had no inkling about the origin of these powers that I, Night, and Cindra had. Night had even promised he would me the whole story when the time came but he managed to avoid it every single time.

Perhaps it was his hobby to be elusive when asked, especially when it was about crucial questions. He was not even here at present when, in fact, he promised he would visit this month. It's already the end of the month with not a single sign of his shadow.

"What will I steal?" I prompted as soon as Cindra finished explaining.

It was surprising how the words had come so easily from my mouth. Before, just thinking about stealing made my skin crawl. However, I was blinded by Night's persuasion.

In exchange for the small freedom, I found myself in a life contract where I would help them run their errands. Through this, I could go away from this hellhole even if it was just a few hours. It was worth it compared to the past years of solely being locked up.

I might not be heavily guarded or had companions every time I went out of my room but it was simply an illusion Father gave to me. There was no chance of being set free from here. I had tried many times but only resulted in harsher punishments.

Only once did I succeed. Nevertheless, I was burning a fever at that time and I had no recollection of how I was even able to get out.

"The Mermaid's Tear," Cindra emphasized which pulled me from my reveries. "That necklace was originally owned by a poor elder living in Fedor, it was an important heirloom for them."

"What does it look like?"

She handed me a colored sketch. It was a necklace with a long strand of a chain made up of blue-colored stones and a pear-cut shape at the center.

"I understand. I just need to get it back from the Marquis and return it to the man, correct?"

After all, my missions were always the same — stealing from the rich and helping the poor. Our kingdom was among the powerful authorities in the Grand West. Nevertheless, only the rich enjoyed the privilege while the poor were driven to poverty.

Since our targets were mainly influential people, I became a figure that was known as the enemy of the nobles and a hero for the peasants — even if I did not mean to since it was for my own selfish reasons I did this.

"I sent a letter and you'll go there tomorrow," informed Cindra.

To be frank, I really did not get the idea why we were letting our opponents know our motives but we never had a complication with it. In fact, it was a lot easier to deal with them thanks to this sham.

"...in the basement already."

"Pardon?"

"I said, the escape routes and a set of uniforms are in the basement. What got you distracted?"

"No, it was nothing." I simply gave her a smile and checked my pocket watch. It's been several minutes since I came. I need to be back or they would get suspicious.

"Is it time to leave?" asked Cindra and I nodded.

We were aware of the limited time I had during the day. I quickly stood up and curtsied.

"Ace," called Cindra.

"Hm?"

She looked like she wanted to say something. She always had an expression when I asked her questions but because of Night, she didn't dare say anything. It certainly made me wonder who Night was that he was able to make Cindra obey. Not only was she older, but she was also a noble of the upper class.

"... Nothing," she said.

In the end, I bid my farewell and returned to my quarters. I still needed to mentally prepare myself for later.

***