Chapter 131

AT THE USUAL, UNGODLY, HOUR that we got up to run, Audi leaped on the bed and ambushed Alek. For some reason she did it just to him. I woke to his cursing as he swatted the dog off the bed. 'Cat! Can't you do something about her?'

I blinked sleepily and chuckled at his sour, unimpressed expression. 'Sorry hun, she loves you. That's how she shows it.'

He grumbled while he headed for the wardrobe.

We met Yakov at the inner gate. He laughed at the red stripe on Alek's face. 'Did she get you again?'

Alek smiled ruefully, 'One morning I'll be quick enough.'

The three of us chatted while we followed the trail between the inner and outer gates. Every so often calls rang out from above, as the guards tracked our progressthe only way we could run without an escortto be observed from above.

When we got back to the castle, Alek and I had to boot it to get ready. We had a Council meeting to attend and an earlier start than usual, as the men had to leave with Leseach after lunch. Alek lounged