Valek dismounted. “Good. Saves time. The Citadel and Keep are crawling with soldiers looking for you.”
“How did you get the horses out then? A secret spy maneuver?” Leif asked.
“No. A distraction at the Keep’s gate, and I bribed the guards at the Citadel’s south entrance.”
Leif groaned. “Now they’ll know where we are.”
Exactly. “I want them to think you went south. But you should get as far away from here as possible.”
“And go where?” Leif asked.
“Ixia.” For now, it was the safest place.
“Why would we do that?” Leif’s jaw set into a stubborn line.
To stay alive.“Things are happening too fast right now. We need to regroup and plan. We need reinforcements.”
“We should go now,” Yelena said.
“I’ll meet you at the Commander’s castle.” Valek handed her Kiki’s reins.
Kiki nudged Yelena’s arm. “You’re not coming with us?”
“No. I still have a few of my corps inside the Citadel. They need to be informed about what’s happening. I’ll join you at the castle afterward.”
Before he could leave, she pulled him aside. They embraced.
“Stay safe,” she ordered.
He smiled. “I’m not the one getting pulled into fires, love.”
“How did you know I was in trouble?”
“After I heard the council agree to your execution, I had an odd notion the council was the least of your worries.”
“Thank you for saving me.”
“You keep things interesting, love. It would be boring without you.”
“Is that all I am to you? An amusement?”
“If only it was that simple.”
Yelena managed a tired smile. “I guess I’m no longer retired.”
She had gained some of her confidence back. Good. Valek kissed her goodbye. “Take a roundabout route to Ixia. The borders north of the Citadel will probably be watched.”
“Yes, sir.”
He watched as they mounted and headed west. Then he began the long, cold trek back to the Citadel. Now that the danger had passed, his ankles pulsed with pain, each step sending a jolt up his leg.
When he reached the gate, the same guard was on duty. “No luck?”
“None.” He shook his head sadly. “Her father found out and confiscated our horses. It’s a good thing I’m a fast runner.”
“Too bad. Are you going to try again?”
“Of course. Love doesn’t give up.”
