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

bookcases, as well as a space to exercise,

the kitchen and find only a pantry

as a freezer full of frozen food. I decide to try

thinking that I might be able to welcome Sinclair home with

something similar. However when I move towards the pantry, my

Gabriel crosses his arms over his chest. “You’re still on bed

him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to be bossed

“I can be on my feet for twenty minutes. After

at the

whether or not he should allow

my belly. As

well being than I do. I think grumpily.

I’m doing something that relaxes

me all of the ingredients and do

perfectly happy to let him take

have a task. “What do

list, and begin opening ingredients as

this ever happened before?”

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

with Sinclair

memory.” Gabriel

that uncommon. Bands of

a powerful rebel

that this is happening

is unheard of.”

for

of butter from the

able to prevent the attack

pack, but it doesn’t

take

he’s not providing enough of

to outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

that’s how the Prince

to cream the thawed butter.

Dominic

thankless

no one notices, because he’s just doing his job. But

gets dragged through the

“Dominic does everything for his people, they ought

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies,

all take?” I

emergency? It could be hours, or days,- depending how

explains with

you were out there with them?” I ask,

blinks, looking surprised. “Of course

seeming amazed that

boring that being in the thick of

realize how insensitive

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

care about is out risking

closing the bags and boxes of ingredients once I

you have no idea what an honor it

men in this room

in his guard – the ones most