Eighteen

Duncan disentangle his arms from around Hilda's waist and paid deaf ears to Lara's question. He made his way to where she stood and pulled up short in front of her with his jaw clenched.

He turned his back against her and tapped on it.

"What is going on, Duncan?" Lara inquired.

"Get on my damn back," Duncan instructed, and he could hear her swallowing the rest of her protest.

His ears twitched when the guards mind-linked him, informing him of their arrival.

Lara wrapped her arms around his neck and heaved herself up. He locked his wrists around her legs and carried her comfortably on his back.

"We should head to the palace. The guards are already waiting at the door." Duncan walked out of the bathroom, feeling a little discomfort when Lara tightened her grip around his neck.

Hilda tailed behind him, asking, "When did you call the guards?"

"When I was cleaning your wounds," he responded.

Duncan reached the exit door and stretched his hand to open the door, but Hilda beat him to