Accidental Surrogate

Ella

The waiting is horrible.

I did exactly as Sinclair asked and followed the guards to the safe house, taking only a

few essentials. We left our phones and technology behind, and then I was piled into

the back of a car and hidden under a blanket just in case someone found a way to

glimpse through the black out windows. We drove for more than half an hour, making

all kinds of twists and turns. I’m sure some of it was just evasive driving to make sure

we weren’t being followed, which worries me more than I’d like to admit.

As I lay there I realized that Sinclair must have been afraid that this attack might be

used as adistraction for the Prince to make a move against me, and that possibility

seems more and more likely the more I think about it. Hadn’t the Prince been planning

a distraction just like this before the Queen died? It’s no wonder Sinclair hadn’t

wanted me to stay at the house even though it’s the most secure building in the city

next to the Royal Palace.

When we arrived at the safe house I was relieved to discover it was a veritable

fortress. It dídn’t even look like a house, In fact, when the car pulled to a stop in front

of a huge rock wall on the side of a mountain, I assumed one of the guards needed to

use the restroom or somethíng. I couldn’t have been more surprised when they all

exited the car and began pressing on the rocks, moving their hands around on the

granite until they found the right spot and pushed in. It took all four of them, each

pressing on a specific spot in perfect unison, before the mountain itself opened up.

The rock wall slid inward, even though it had looked completely solid from the outside.

One of the guards lifted ne out of the car and carried me inside, and all but the driver

entered with me. Just before the wall closed behind us, I saw the car speeding away

again. It had all happened in about 30 seconds, and when I look around I’m amazed

to discover that the interior of the mountain is as luxurious and comfortable as the

mansion. Despite being an actual cave, electricity lights the sprawling rooms, which

are fully furnished and decked out with amenities.

When I look back at the entrance I discover a keypad mounted in the rock, but no sign

of the door. A flash of claustrophobia overtakes me and I worry about how I’ll get out

again, but I take a deep breath and try to comfort myself with the knowledge that no

possibly find

games filling the bookcases, as well as a

kitchen and find only a pantry

a freezer full of frozen food. I decide

I might be able to welcome Sinclair home

I move towards the pantry,

his arms over his chest. “You’re still on

experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance

can be on my feet

sit at the

whether or

up defiantly, cradling my belly. As if he could

being than I do. I

feet when I’m doing something

that concerned then you can bring me all of the ingredients

slyly, perfectly happy to let him take over the

to have a task. “What do

off a list, and begin opening ingredients

something like this ever happened

he resents the fact that he’s trapped here

Sinclair

my memory.” Gabriel

that

coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel leader,

the idea that this is happening in this day

is unheard of.”

look for Dominic?” I inquire,

taking a packet of butter from

able to prevent the attack entirely

it doesn’t

to take

he’s not providing enough of

he looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying

confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how the

fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream the

all this trouble but Dominic is the one who

a thankless job most times. When every

because he’s just doing his job.

gets dragged

growling, “Dominic does everything

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering

take?” I

state of emergency? It could be hours, or days,- depending

Gabriel explains with

you were out there with them?” I ask, watching

blinks, looking surprised. “Of

seeming amazed that I

have to admit this is a lot more boring that being in the thick of it.”

I realize how insensitive

know battle is a terrible thing, but it can’t be easy

about is out

bags and boxes of ingredients

still. “Do you have no

you? The men in this

– the ones most trusted to