Chapter 93

Book Two: Awakening

THE LAUGHTER, LIGHT AND JOYFUL, echoed beguilingly, skipping off the bedchamber walls. Loi woke with a gasp.

Was that Cat?

Sabyn snored quietly while she lay tense, waiting for another hint of it.

Oh, stuff it.

She slipped out of the warm sheets and quietly lifted her robe from the chair. The silky fabric whispered around her shoulders and she tied it firmly at the waist before easing the door open and sneaking out. Loi hurried along the silent corridor, bare feet slapping against the smooth wooden floor. In the dull light, the white stone walls appeared almost silver. Around the corner the guards on either side of the Royal Chamber doors exchanged a glance when they spotted her. Audrey, who'd been dozing at their feet, sat up wagging her tail in greeting. Loi gave the dog's head a quick pat and nodded to the men before easing one of the doors open.

The instant the door clicked shut, she knew the answer.

Other than their slow, steady, exhalations, the two pro