Page 45 of Naga General's Mate

“This way.” Mila gestured toward a narrow corridor.

“Wait.” Brivul caught her arm as voices echoed from around the corner. He pulled her into an alcove, his body curling protectively around her smaller form.

Two guards passed, their boots clicking against the polished floor. Mila’s breath hitched. The sound sent heat coursing through his veins. Later.

“Clear.” He released her.

They continued down the corridor, passing storage rooms and washing stations. Every step brought them closer to Talis’s private office—and closer to danger. But he’d face down an army to keep Mila safe and help her save her sister.

One audience with Talis could change everything. If they survived getting caught.

“Someone’s coming,” Mila whispered.

Brivul yanked Mila behind a massive stone pillar as footsteps approached. A guard patrol—not the usual servants. His instincts screamed danger.

“Lady Talis requests all servants report to the main hall,” a guard’s voice boomed through the corridor.

Mila’s eyes met his. They couldn’t blend in with the servants now. They’d be discovered instantly. His muscles coiled, ready to fight their way out if needed.

“The cleaning supplies.” Mila pointed to a cart laden with rags and buckets.

Perfect. Brivul grabbed a mop while Mila seized some cloths. They rounded the corner just as the guards appeared.

“You two. Main hall. Now.”

“Apologies, sir.” Mila kept her eyes down. “Lady Talis specifically requested we finish cleaning the east wing first.”

“Her exact words were ‘not a speck of dust anywhere,’” Brivul added, matching her submissive pose while scanning for escape routes.

The guard’s hand drifted to his weapon. “Show me the work order.”

“Right here, sir.” Mila pulled out a piece of paper Ellri had given her. Brivul’s heart stopped.

But she only pretended to read it and then tucked it away before the guard could see. “Signed by the head housekeeper this morning.”

The guard grunted. “Get it done quick.”

Brivul released a slow breath as the patrol moved on. That woman was brilliant. He’d never seen anyone think so fast on their feet—not even his best soldiers.

“Nice save with the paper.”

“Nice backup with the exact words.” A smile played on her lips. “We make a good team.”

They did. Every move, every response—they anticipated each other perfectly. Like they’d fought side by side for years instead of weeks. His mate indeed.

“The office should be this way.” Mila gestured down the hall.

Brivul followed, admiring how naturally she adapted to each situation. Together, they might actually pull this off.

Two servants hurried past, their voices low but urgent.

“Lady Talis moved her morning appointments to the Silver Conference Room.”

“All of them? That’s unusual.”

Brivul’s hand tightened on Mila’s arm, pulling her closer as the servants rounded the corner.

“Change of plans.” He kept his voice soft. “We won’t go to her office if she’s not there.”

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