The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 93 : I Like Her

It was late at night by the time Dusk managed to sleep.

First, she had set up her own AI program on her PCU-D76-Pro to latch into every scanner and monitor in the entire Manor, in the gardens and every part of the property she could find. She took the help of the Palace InfoTech team (through Paul Hunter and Sir Oyster) to crack protocols on every security system that the Cartier's had employed, to ensure she got an unobstructed access to the data she needed.

Having linked up her PCU with that of Catherine, she had awesome computing power. She mentally thanked the Crown Prince for gifted her a powerful wearable computer. The AI would let her know if anyone was trying to get in, or if anyone was moving near their room or the ones close to them, including the floors both above and below and if anyone was near their vehicles also.

Back in the room, Catherine was depressed at the thought of having to abandon her 'boyfriend', after having been kissed only a few times and missing out on the 'fun' she had planned. (Though Dusk suspected the idea were planted in her head by Henry). Dusk had to then spend considerable time cheering her up, making her understand that there was lot of time and scope for these things in future, that university had better opportunities and the 'guys there were better at fun'.

In the end, Catherine returned to her original routine of clinging to Dusk, making her promise never to abandon her, that she will allow her to learn with Dusk herself, Dusk will defend her against Julien and others in her family if they don't like her in future...

And finally, she fell asleep curled in Dusk's arms. Dusk herself managed to sleep after some time, though in an uncomfortable position with Catherine curled against her.

7th Day morning, being a weekly holiday, specially staying at a manor outside of Regis, should have been peaceful, with being able to sleep late, having a nice breakfast with her hosts and then leave for Regis. But Dusk did not have such luck.

Her communicator blared as the AI reported unexpected movement and activated a proximity alert. She shot out of bed and picked up the handgun she had snared from the Imperial Security Officer, prepared to defend herself and Catherine. Catherine's reaction was to hide deeper in blanket.

It was the head of her security team, banging on the door to report that the Marshall from Palace Garrison was looking for them and she should call back immediately. He almost closed his eyes in embarrassment when Dusk opened the door scantily dressed, but his training to be on alert always, did not allow him to do so. Seeing Dusk ready with a handgun and Catherin's head peeping out with another, pleased him.

Dusk herself was embarrassed when she realised that in her panicked sleepiness, she had not put on a gown before opening the door.

Finally, she connected to the Marshall.

"Why are you not at the Palace Training Ground, Dusk Hale?" He bellowed. "You are not in Regis, and you are not dressed! Who gave you permission to be absent?"

Dusk quickly explained how they had come for the party and had approval to stay back. But it did not seem to make any effect. HE had not given approval. That was all that mattered. He gave them 15 min to be ready. The Imperial Security Officer would lead the training, right then in the Manor, with the Marshall monitoring through camera drones.

... ...

The three Cartier siblings were sitting on the roof-top terrace of the Manor, having breakfast as they often did. From there, they had the view of most of the property. They watched as the two girls in sportwear continued their training, which had stared almost 2 hours prior. They both ran at a fast pace, completing what the Cartier kids estimated was the 30th round of the ground perimeters.