"Then our deal has been born. No turning back now," Lakshmi replied with a wink, a mischievous look about her as she released him. "Come then, let us gamble against the fates."

The bustling noise of the streets came back as thunderous as ever once the pair stepped back into the crowd. Even so, no one seemed to lay eyes on either of them; Lakshmi walked the path that would lead them straight to the palace, sidestepping most with a practiced ease. Even the closest calls drew no attention to them, but she walked with an impressive speed nonetheless. There would be no slowing down until she ducked into another alleyway, cutting straight through the foot traffic and emerging on a lesser side of the palace that the populace was less familiar with.

Several guards stood around, checking every product and servant that walked through. One was perched on a mountain of crates, searching for something, but after a few seconds, he descended and headed back into the palace. There was a small crowd towards the end of the line as they awaited an order, mostly people whose faces were more commonly seen among the rabble--the tired and hungry looking for a promise of payment that would tide them over for the rest of the celebration so long as they worked without complaint. In truth it was the Sultan's wife who had suggested the idea, feeling that it would make the royal family look more in touch with their people.

Lakshmi ignored the first guard, taking Harun's wrist and walking past both the guard and the crowd, though she released him as she approached an open crate. An assortment of fine silks rested there, a few men having hauled a few and sorting themselves by color going inside but heading in different directions. There was a slight gleam in her eye, a hastily put together plan as she rummaged through the crate for a moment.

"This one will do," She decided, hoisting up a rolled up silk whose color seemed to match the sea. "Take this one and follow me."

Once she led Harun to the last guard, the man's eyes widened considerably. "My lady, you--"

Holding up her hand, Lakshmi shook her head, gesturing to the silk. "Why is it that I had to come out here and get this material myself?" She asked sharply. "I asked that you deliver this to Khedive Raul's room an hour ago."

The man looked from material to woman, confused. "But...I was told you went missing--"

"And here I am. Lucky you," Lakshmi didn't wait for a response, brushing past the man.

The guard looked over Harun wearily, but after glancing back at Lakshmi, he motioned for the young man to pass. The dark haired woman waited for a moment, hastily leading Harun away before anyone would question them. Fortunately, no one batted an eyelash at him as they walked through the bare servants' quarters, although there were a few that did take an appreciative look at Harun once in a while. Once their surroundings changed into finery, they were in the heart of the palace. Servants were dressed much more eloquently, carrying an assortment of food and drink here and there. Several fine artifacts hung on the walls, the floors much cleaner and having an atmosphere of luxury about them.

Lakshmi stopped at an intersection, letting out a tiny sigh of relief. She didn't think it would go [i]this[/i] smoothly--they would go straight to the Khedive's chambers and snatch the lamp while the festivities continued. Honestly, she shouldn't have given it a second thought, but the moment she stepped forward, the door ahead of them opened. Out stepped one of the head guardsmen, one who protected the visiting nobles, his outfit differentiating from the usual blue and gold and instead painted green. He seemed to have noticed Harun first, though once his eyes landed on Lakshmi, he almost looked relieved.

"There you are," He strode to them immediately. "The khedive is asking for you."

"I'm busy," She replied, gesturing to Harun. "I need to make another garb after he so carelessly ripped mine."

The guardsman looked like he wanted to say something, but seemed to change his mind, standing firm. "I was instructed to find you and take you to him immediately," He stated firmly.

Lakshmi hesitated, trying to think. This was a minor hiccup--all she needed was for Harun to get the lamp. Slowly, she nodded, clearing her throat as she gestured to Harun. "Let him leave this then, and I will go with you," She said.

The older man nodded, giving Harun a look that clearly said "Don't try anything funny" before taking Lakshmi by her arm. She didn't resist, though she threw Harun a look and tried to signal a numerical two, hoping he would take the hint.