George had offered to escort Liliana back home, and provide more details of what he and Gale had in mind. Liliana stepped down into the street with him, explaining that she had intended to train that morning. So they fell into step, walking up towards the Palace and barracks through the parklands. His hand casually brushed against hers, and confident that few people would see them so early. Liliana felt her fingers slipped neatly between his. She looked up at him with a faint smile.
‘I’m sorry to catch you by surprise this morning,’ George peered down at her. His clothes were neat, but his hair was tousled, as though he hadn’t got much sleep. ‘I spoke to Gale last night, and he wanted to act first thing.’
Liliana smothered a yawn behind her hand, all of the late nights were catching up w
