Kael left before dawn.
From the balcony, I watched him cross the courtyard. He barely spoke—a few quiet words to a guard, then he swung himself into the saddle. The others fell in line behind him. Right before he rode out, he glanced up. Our eyes met. I didn’t mean for that to happen. I stepped back fast, hoping he didn’t catch me spying. But he did. There was almost a smile on his face before he turned and rode through the gates.
The fortress swallowed him.
I stayed until the heavy gates slammed shut. Only then did I let a grin slip out.
Finally.
For once, Kael wasn’t lurking just out of sight, waiting for me to step out of line. I wasn’t about to waste it.
I headed for the door.
The two guards standing post fell in behind me at once.
“Where are you going?” one asked.
“Walking.”
