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

could possibly find

games filling the bookcases, as well as a space

I investigate the kitchen and find only

full of frozen food. I decide to try and

be able to welcome Sinclair home with some

I move

his arms over his chest.

at him, experiencing a

“I can be on my

sit at

if he’s unsure whether or not

notch my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly.

baby’s well being than I do. I think

feet when I’m doing

concerned then you can bring me all of the ingredients and do

suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him take

have a task. “What

a list, and begin

like this ever

if he resents the fact that he’s trapped here with

with Sinclair and

memory.” Gabriel replies

that uncommon.

even form coalitions at times. Under a powerful

the idea that this

is unheard of.”

going to look for Dominic?” I

sure.” He answers, taking a packet of butter from the freezer and setting

microwave for me. “If he’s able to prevent the attack entirely he’ll

doesn’t look

take him

thing he’s not providing enough of a

outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

that’s how the

glumly, beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I hate

causing all this trouble but Dominic is the one who

thankless job most times.

just doing his

he gets dragged through

does everything

recognize that.”

replies, smothering

all take?” I inquire

of emergency? It could be hours,

is.” Gabriel explains with

you wish you were out there with

blinks, looking surprised. “Of course

amazed that

a lot more boring that being in the thick of it.” As the

mouth I realize how insensitive they

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

is out risking

been carefully closing the bags

he goes still. “Do you have no idea what an honor it is

to guard you? The men in this room

warriors in his guard – the ones most