Chapter 4 Kwame Baako Want's They Princess

The cool breeze blew like a vengeful spirit as Kwame and his allies approached the palace walls under the cover of darkness. The scent of damp earth mixed with the faint aroma of cherry blossoms as he touched the jade pendant hanging from his neck. Mei Lian's token of love, her promise. It gave him strength.

Wilson crouched beside him, looking through the towering walls with calculating eyes. "We only have one chance at this," he murmured. "The guards will change shifts in exactly three minutes. That's our window."

Kwame nodded. "Then we move swiftly."

The team of rebels, five strong warriors sworn to aid him, prepared their ropes and grappling hooks. The climb was treacherous, but their training had made them silent as whooping ghosts. One by one, they scaled the high walls, slipping past the watchful eyes of the sentries.

Kwame reached the top just as the palace bells rang in the distance. A distraction orchestrated by one of Wilson's contacts inside the city. As the guards rushed toward the commotion, they descended into the palace gardens, melting like they were shadows.

Inside her chamber, Mei Lian sat by the dim candlelight, rereading the note her mother had given her. "When the moon reaches its peak, follow the path of the water dragon." It was cryptic, but she knew exactly what it meant, the hidden tunnels beneath the koi ponds, a secret escape route used by the empress herself in times of peril.

A soft sound at her window made her heart leap. She turned swiftly, hand reaching for the ornamental dagger hidden beneath her silken robe. But when the familiar face appeared at her sight her, breath got caught up in surprise.

"Kwame," she spoke softly, rushing forward.

He climbed through the window, his strong arms pulling her into a warm hug . "I told you I'd come for you."

Tears of relief shone in her eyes as she cupped his face. "You shouldn't have risked this."

"I would risk everything for you."

A sharp knock on the door shattered the moment. Jiang's voice rang through the wooden panels. "Mei Lian, open this door!"

Kwame got tensed up. "We have to go now."

Mei Lian grabbed a cloak, but as she turned, the door burst open. Jiang stormed in, flanked by palace guards. His eyes burned with triumph.

"Fool," Jiang sneered. "Did you think I wouldn't expect this?"

Kwame shielded Mei Lian as Wilson and their allies burst through the other side of the chamber, weapons drawn. Swords clashed, the candlelight shining wildly as chaos began to loom. Kwame fought with precision, deflecting strikes while inching closer to Mei Lian. But Jiang was prepared.

He seized Mei Lian's wrist and yanked her back, his blade pressed against her throat. "Surrender, or she dies," he hissed.

Kwame froze, his pulse got roaring in his ears. "Let her go, Jiang."

Jiang's smirk was wicked. "You think love is enough to break centuries of tradition? You are nothing. You will always be nothing."

Mei Lian's eyes met Kwame's, filled with strong trust. Then, without warning, she drove her elbow into Jiang's ribs. He gasped, his grip loosening just enough for Kwame to lunge forward, knocking him back. Wilson disarmed the remaining guards while Mei Lian and Kwame sprinted toward the corridor.

Alarms rang throughout the palace.

"The koi ponds!" Mei Lian gasped. "The tunnels!"

They dashed through the courtyards, Wilson and the others covering their retreat. Guards swarmed from all sides. Kwame felt the sting of a blade graze his shoulder, but he pressed on. Mei Lian led them to the edge of the pond, where an heritage carved dragon statue loomed over the water.

She pressed a hidden latch beneath its jaw, and with a deep rumble, the stone wall shifted, revealing a dark passageway.

"Hurry!" she urged.

One by one, they slipped inside. Just as Kwame entered, Jiang appeared at the entrance, his face twisted in rage. He threw a dagger, and Kwame barely dodged it. With one last glare, Kwame pulled the lever inside, sealing the passage shut.

Darkness covered them all.

Panting, Mei Lian grasped Kwame's hand. "We're not safe yet. These tunnels lead beyond the palace walls, but they're sacred."

Kwame squeezed her hand. "As long as we're together my princess, we will make it."

She smiled, leaning into him. "We will."

Yet, in the palace above, the Emperor stood at the window, watching the full moon reflect on the ponds. He turned to the shadows where another figure lurked.

"She has chosen her path," he murmured.

A deep voice responded, "Then let the real hunt begin."

The battle was far from being over.

To be continued...