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 me

bookcases, as well as a

investigate the kitchen and find only a pantry

freezer full of frozen food. I decide

that I might be able to welcome Sinclair home with some

similar. However when I move towards the

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

a familiar

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

sit at

rumbles wordlessly, as if he’s unsure whether or

my belly. As if he could ever

baby’s well being than I do. I think grumpily. Besides, an extra

I’m

then you can bring me all of the

suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let

to have a task. “What do you

off a list, and begin opening

something like this ever happened before?” I ask

he resents the fact that he’s trapped here with me instead of

Sinclair

my memory.”

wasn’t that uncommon.

a powerful rebel leader,

idea that this is happening

is unheard of.”

bad is it going to look for Dominic?” I inquire,

not sure.” He answers, taking a packet of butter from the freezer and setting it

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

doesn’t look good that

to take him

he’s not providing enough of a

outsiders?” I clarify,

can guarantee that’s how the Prince will

I argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed

causing all this trouble but Dominic is the one

thankless job most times. When

one notices, because he’s just doing his job. But

he gets dragged through

everything for

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering a

this all take?” I inquire after a

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

explains with

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

looking surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that

boring that

mouth I realize how insensitive they

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

you care about is out risking their

had been carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients once I

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

in this room are here because the

us the fiercest warriors in his guard – the ones most trusted to protect