"Ok then; Here's the plan. I want you to act sick. I will steal the guard's uniform and escort you to the infirmary. In that room, somewhere, is a hidden tunnel which will lead us to the river bank", explained Yakshini to Devsena, who was now sitting on her bed.

  "This is a very vague plan, isn't it?", doubted Devsena.

  "Detailed plans never work, princess", Yakshini said, rolling her eyes.

  Suddenly, the door opened and another prisoner entered the room. He was taller than Yakshini, his well built stature oozed a dangerous aura around him. He was not wearing prisoner's uniform. He was naked above the waist, flexing his muscles and wore cotton trousers. Devsena had observed that he never wore the prisoner's uniform, he preferred suits and shirts made of silk. The jailor used to obey his commands. Devsena could tell that he was at least a decade older than Yakshini.

  "Oh, I wasn't expecting a visitor, princess, hopefully you don't mind my disturbance", said that guy as he seated himself on the chair without waiting for Devsena's answer. He waved off the guard, who obediently left the room.

  "I was expecting some Swarglok puppet, not you, Yakshini. Kudos to you though, I wouldn't have noticed an infiltration if you hadn't peeked through my window while I was reading", said the guy.

  He smirked a little as he saw discomfort in Yakshini's eyes.

  A moment of silence passed. Yakshini looked at broken railing of the window.

  "I wouldn't do that if I was you, Yakshini", said the guy as if reading Yakshini's mind.

  "This is none of your business", snapped Yakshini.

  "Well, this is my business-", the guy was explaining something but he was cut short by Yakshini.

  "They caught you smuggling weapons across the border to Dwarka. I knew that I will find you here", scoffed Yakshini with doubtful eyes.

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  "OK, let me clear this confusion first, I am not imprisoned here, these guards use my swords and arrows. This is my home, this is MY fortress. Prison is the best safehouse one could ask for, isn't it?", that guy frowned, looking Yakshini in the eyes.

  "And you stepped in my house without my permission? That's very rude", Dhumraksh said with a grim smile.

  "Cut it off, Dhumraksh", said irritated Yakshini.

  "Ok fine, I know I owe you one favor, lets clear the books. You can walk away, I will personally escort you to the door if you wish, and we will pretend like this never happened", suggested Dhumraksh with a sly smirk.

  "Thank you", growled Yakshini, giving him an offended look. She grabbed Devsena's wrist. They approached the door but the guard stopped their path.

  "Move aside, didn't you hear what your boss said?", snapped Yakshini.

  "Oh no no no no!! I don't think YOU heard what I said Yakshini", said Dhumraksh as he stood up from his chair.

  "I said, YOU can walk away. Princess will stay, I promised his majesty that I will take good care of the Swarglok royalty", said Dhumraksh sternly.

  Hearing this, a chill of terror ran through Devsena's spine. She backed off from Yakshini, not sure about whom to trust.

  Boiling with anger, Yakshini drew her dagger and strode towards Dhumraksh. She pointed the dagger towards his throat. Now, both were standing dangerously close to each other.

  The guard drew his sword.

  "No violence in front of the kid", Dhumraksh stopped him by raising his hand.

  "You can convince me otherwise, Yakshini", Dhumraksh whispered to Yakshini as he grabbed her waist, pinning her against the wall. Dhumraksh leaned over Yakshini. Under the cape his arms were caressing Yakshini's back. Yakshini started struggling but her struggles didn't budge Dhumraksh, who was bigger and stronger than Yakshini.

  Devsena gasped, she wanted to help but her brain went numb. She stood there, unable to decide what to do.

  Devsena could see the fright in Yakshini's eyes but then their eyes met and the emerald eyes sparkled with determination.

  In the next moment, Yakshini rammed her knee in Dhumraksh's groin. Dhumraksh wailed in pain and dropped on the floor.

  "What are you watching? kill her!!", shouted Dhumraksh who was still wailing on the floor. The guard attacked Yakshini. Yakshini ducked to dodge his attack and buried her dagger deep into his heart. The guard died in no time.

  Yakshini picked up her bow lying on the bed and quickly counted the arrows in her quiver.

  "Stay behind me and whatever happens next, don't wait for me, you know how to escape", said Yakshini, grabbing Devsena's shoulder reassuringly.

  Devsena nodded enthusiastically.

  Yakshini heard steady footsteps approaching.