Chapter 44: Morning Run

Conor’s eyes snapped open to the sound of barking echoing through the halls. For a moment, he was disoriented, the unfamiliar surroundings of the Duke’s estate reminding him of where he was. He sat up in bed, the previous night’s events flooding back to him in a rush. The formal dinner, the prince, the veiled judgments—it all weighed heavily on his mind.

The barking continued, more insistent now, drawing Conor out of his thoughts. He recognized the sound immediately—it was Faolan. He quickly pulled on his clothes, his mind already working on the likely scenarios that could be causing Faolan to make such a ruckus.

She had been with the kennel master since they arrived and hopefully this was just her feeling neglected, away from Kerrigan. They had been lax in visiting with her since arriving and it likely was to much for the loyal dog.

Conor knew the kennel master would have taken good care of her, but for a dog like Faolan, she needed her people.

Stepping out into the corridor, he foll