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

and games filling the bookcases, as well as a space to exercise,

the kitchen and find only a pantry full

full of frozen food. I decide to try

might be able to welcome Sinclair

I move towards

his chest. “You’re still on bed rest,

brow at him, experiencing a

“I can be on my feet for

at the

if he’s unsure whether or not he

defiantly, cradling my belly. As

do. I think grumpily.

feet when I’m doing something

me all of the ingredients and do

slyly, perfectly happy to let him

to have a

begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

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

he resents the fact that he’s trapped here with

with Sinclair and

in my memory.” Gabriel

ago this sort of thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands

coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel leader,

down entire packs before, but the idea that

is unheard of.”

look for

taking a packet of butter from the freezer and setting

he’s able to

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

take

thing he’s not providing enough

looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify,

confirms. “I can guarantee that’s

fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I

but Dominic is the one who pays

thankless

just doing his job.

gets dragged

everything for his people, they ought

recognize that.”

replies,

this all take?” I inquire

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

is.” Gabriel explains with a

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

blinks, looking surprised. “Of

seeming amazed that

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

mouth I realize how

a terrible thing,

is out risking their

been carefully closing the bags and boxes of

goes still. “Do you have no idea

The men in this room are

warriors in his guard – the ones most trusted