the edge of the field and Alek slid down, leaning against Loushka's leg as he watched the girls train. The Cavalry soldiers charged back and forth while Leseach stood in the middle, swinging a sword at the rider on the back. To increase the challenge the third Cavalry soldier ran in a large circle around the others as Cat hurled fireballs at Loi and Kassie.
'They're getting really good.' Loushka thought
Alek nodded in agreement, his eyes locked on his flame haired princess. Focused on attacking Kassie, Cat didn't appear to notice Leseach stalking her. They watched as the tall woman made a swing at Cat, who jerked back in shock, tumbling off Belsesus's back. Loushka laughed, a soft rumbling sound, while watching Cat land neatly on her feet.
'For such a graceful thing, she's an utter klutz.'
Alek laughed too, nodding in agreement.
'As long as she lands on her feet, she'll be fine.'
She hadn't noticed him yet. Alek walked quietly up behind her, holding a finger to his lips when Loi and Larvaste spotted him.
I held my hands at waist height, fingers outstretched and ready as Larvaste drew close. Looking like a circus performer with the angle she was leaning at, Loi feigned a throw. Laughing, she then urged Larvaste away.
'Wha-?'
My question broke off in a yelp of surprise as someone grabbed me from behind. Recognizing the arms that wrapped solidly around me, I leaned back with a smile, looking up into Alek's face.
'Hello blue eyes.'
Those eyes creased in affection and he ducked to kiss my forehead.
'Hello beautiful.'
I twisted around properly so I could hug him.
'Done with errands?'
'Yes, want some lunch?'
I wouldn't have been surprised if Loushka could have heard my stomach growl from where she stood, when he said that.
'Good idea.'
Alek called out to the others, and everyone gathered their weapons and made their way to the castle. In the courtyard, he caught me as I slid down from Loushka and I laughed.
'You know, I can do it myself now.'
'So? Sometimes I like to catch you.'
With a wink at Loushka, he deliberately slid his hands around and squeezed my backside.
'Oi!' I smacked him while looking around fervently.
Yakov and Elena had been rather vocal about acting appropriately after a couple of "almost" indiscretions. Alek laughed and grabbed my hand, and I waved to Loushka as we walked across the courtyard to the turret.
The Great Hall was rowdy at lunch, crowded with courtiers, General Guard and Cavalry soldiers. The sense of excitement with the impending march still struck me as bizarre.
'Isn't it meant to be a secret?' I hissed to Yakov, while watching Alek and Sabyn joke and rib with a bunch of soldiers. They gave it back just as hard and the tables occasionally swayed from accidental bumps.
Yakov looked at me in surprise.
'What?'
'The march?'
He shifted his chair closer to mine and leaned close to my ear, pretending to reach for a dish.
'Your trip is a secret. The gathering of soldiers and allies is expected by the citizens of most realms. Everyone knows war is inevitable. It's just us, behind the scenes, who know that it will very likely be fought and finished there. Not here.'
Repressing an exasperated sigh, I gave him a narrow look.
'If something is meant to be a secret, could you tell me next time.'
Yakov shrugged.
'If you like. You don't know or spend time with anyone outside of the group already involved, Cat. There was nothing for you to give away.'
There was no malice in the comment, but it still felt cold. Again, the realization that we knew very few in this world hit me. All those we did know were tied to us in this potentially kamikaze mission. Though surrounded by people and creatures, all clustered nosily about, I felt completely isolated at the moment and shivered.
'What has you so somber, kitten?'
Alek's voice broke through the dark thoughts, and I turned to smile up at him.
'Nothing.'
His face, with his kind, teasing eyes, and generous smile, drew me in, my heart feeling light again.
'Then can I steal you away? I have some??houghts, I'd like to share with you.'
'What about training this afternoon?'
'You looked pretty adequate to me.' He winked. 'Always land on your feet.'
'These must be some pretty intensive thoughts.'
Alek gleamed. 'I certainly intend so.'
I laughed and allowed him to lead me from the room.
The sound of hooves the next morning woke him. Alek twisted over in bed, staring toward the window. Cat stirred beside him but didn't wake. Carefully, he slipped out of the warm sheets and walked to the