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

the bookcases, as well as a space

other entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only a pantry full

full of frozen food.

thinking that I might be able to welcome Sinclair home

when I

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

experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to be bossed

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

sit at

as if he’s unsure whether or not he should

up defiantly, cradling my belly. As if he could ever

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

when I’m doing something

bring me all

to let him

to have a task.

and begin opening

“Has something like this ever happened before?” I ask after

he resents the fact that he’s trapped

Sinclair and

memory.” Gabriel replies

wasn’t that uncommon. Bands

at times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues

the idea that

is unheard of.”

look for

a packet of butter from the

to prevent the

doesn’t look good that the rogues felt

take him

people might thing he’s not providing enough of a deterrent to

looks weak to outsiders?”

“I can guarantee that’s how the Prince will spin

argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed butter.

causing all this trouble but Dominic is the one who pays

thankless job most times. When every

he’s just doing his

gets dragged

growling, “Dominic does everything for his people, they

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering

long will this all take?” I inquire after a

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

explains with a

with them?” I ask, watching his

looking surprised. “Of

answers, seeming amazed that

a lot more boring that being in the thick

mouth I realize

I know battle is a terrible thing, but it

care about is

bags and boxes

“Do you have no idea what an honor it is

The men in this room are

his guard – the ones most trusted to