“Kora!” she cried as Asaph slipped to the floor, drowning in his own blood. She didn't care about him anymore though - he was yesterday's villain. Right now she was concerned with Kora, and helping her.

The guards still fought, but now that Asaph was dead the other was losing his will to fight on. As Selena grabbed the key from the dying Prince’s belt her guard struck out and stabbed the other man in the chest. Darting back over to the slab she tried to hold Kora up as she reached for the shackles. But they were high, and the floor was becoming slippery in blood. She gritted her teeth and yelled out.

“You! I need … hold her!”

“Mistress!” he gasped as he turned and ran to her, the new order pumping purpose in his veins. He did not need the pressure of her fist around her heart, so determined was he in his quest. His clothing now stained in both blood and wine he aided her by sliding his arms gently around Kora’s body as Selena unlocked her restraints. Though he shook from various cuts he stood, eager to follow every order until his dying breath.

Selena looked once in his eyes and gestured, wanting to get out of there as soon as they could. “Come,” she said, “Rashiel will have kept the corridor clear. I need you to show us a quiet and quick way out of here.”

Just for effect she slipped her hand into her pocket and touched the ruby with a finger. He gasped and nodded, securing his hold around Kora.

“Mistress. Yes,” he mumbled as he awkwardly turned and began to shamble out. Carrying the unconcious girl he poked his head out of the corridor before going out completely. Selena stepped over Asaph, disregarding him entirely as they walked.

“Madam!” Rashiel came rushing up to them, “the party is … fine, but some are wondering where he went and then you. We-”

“Are getting out of here. And heading to father's. As in Charon's.”

Rashiel made a line with her lips, but nodded.

“This guard will get us there. He knows the palace. Right .. what is your name?” Selena looked to the guard.

“Peter, mistress,” the guard said as he started for a door.

“Peter will get us out safely,” Selena sounded fully confident. And Peter smiled. He managed to, with half a hand available, open the door and lead them down a back alley staircase. All while the people in the party still celebrated … and rumours spread.