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 me

are books and games filling the bookcases, as well as a space

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

of frozen food. I

I might be able to welcome Sinclair home

something similar. However when I move towards the pantry,

his chest. “You’re still on bed rest,

experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to

“I can

at the

whether or not he should allow me this

my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly.

being than I do. I think grumpily. Besides, an extra

when I’m

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

slyly, perfectly happy to let him take

have a task.

begin opening ingredients as

this ever

that he’s

Sinclair and

memory.” Gabriel

ago this sort of thing wasn’t that uncommon.

form coalitions at times. Under a powerful

packs before, but the idea that this is happening in this

is unheard of.”

to look for Dominic?” I inquire, measuring out

He answers, taking a packet of butter from the freezer and

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

the pack, but it doesn’t look good that the rogues

to take

thing he’s not providing enough

he looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify,

confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how the

glumly, beginning to cream the thawed

Dominic is

a thankless

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

gets dragged

growling, “Dominic does everything for

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies,

all take?” I inquire after

could be hours,

Gabriel explains with

there with them?” I ask,

blinks, looking surprised. “Of course

seeming amazed that I should

a lot more boring that being in

mouth I realize how insensitive they

battle is a terrible thing, but it can’t

you care about is out risking their

had been carefully closing the bags and

have no idea what

guard you? The men in this room

guard – the ones most trusted to protect you