Author's Notes: Skyler reveals a bit of her past. A new love interest is introduced and a threat to the staff comes to the fore.

Thanks to Supergirls2008 for your awesome contributions!

If you posted a review since the last update see your special message at the end of the story!

WARNING!: This chapter contains adult themes: drug use and hints of sexuality. A minor warning just in case.

Enjoy!

~Sweetwaterspice

Chapter updated: 05/22/2020

A Gilded Cage Just For Me

Chapter Five

~Skyler

My chest heaved with each maddening step as I tore through the hallway of the second floor seeking to get away from Ashton's piercing words. I didn't stop to apologize to the maid I'd almost knocked down, or the one I would have run over if she hadn't plastered herself against the wall. I blocked out their cries of indignation. The walls in my head solidified around me. They were my protection; my usual self-defense mechanism.

What did Ashton know, anyway? I thought, now feeling the sweat of my anger starting to bead on my brow. At least she still had a mother and a father who loved her dearly; parents she could see any time she wished. They too resided in the palace. What did she know about my life before coming to the palace? Everything! That's what Ashton knew. Why had I hit her? Why had I allowed my anger at others to be poured on someone who since the day we met in our early pre-teen years, had been the only thing to a real family I'd ever known?

I didn't even belong here! Damn my parents! It wasn't fair I had to suffer a life of servitude because of their blatant disregard for the law. I had been born a Three. A Three! Not a Five, Six or Seven. But now I was a Six…a damned Six! And damned I was indeed.

Shouldn't I be grateful though, to be a Six living in the palace? Shouldn't I be grateful that I had the necessities of life? Shouldn't I? Shouldn't I? Shouldn't I? That was the recurring question others had always asked me. They told me that I was lucky. They told me I wasn't out there scrounging and working my fingers to the bone to survive. They told me I was well taken care of. They told me to be grateful.

But why should I, when my life could've been so much more?

I tried not to think about it. Contemplating what my life could've been versus the reality of what it was, drove me to a stiff drink or two. I had been condemned. I remember my mother's voice telling me this would be for the best. Here, under the king's majestic roof, I wouldn't need to worry. The palace would take care of me. I never believed my mother would leave me here. She couldn't! She wouldn't! It wasn't until I saw with my very own eyes her outstretched hand as she received payment in return for her daughter. What was happening?! No! This was a nightmare! A nightmare l lived everyday.

Those memories were too powerful right now and they needed to go back into that Pandora's Box from whence they came. I stumbled outside into the servant's yard and my starved lungs sucked in the fresh morning air, gasping for it. My damp skin absorbed the cool relief that skimmed across my face. As oxygen coursed through my lungs, my angered breaths began to calm.

Leaning now against the adjoining wall, I closed my eyes trying to gather myself, fighting off the tears that sprung from seeing the light of day. Slowly, they ebbed away. With clarity, I surveyed the small parcel of land covered with cobblestone and adorned with flowers, some in pots, and others planted along the border of the furthest wall. A corner of it had been reserved for a vegetable garden which was flourishing rather well, the pumpkin patch being my favorite. There were some tables and chairs scattered about for the staff. Thankfully, the garden space was vacant at the moment.

Hiking up the skirt of my uniform all the way to my upper thigh, I retrieved a small tin box wrapped in a handkerchief tucked inside my stocking. Unwrapping it, I opened the metal tin, retrieving a wrapped cigarillo no longer than my index finger and a small book of matches. I exhaled, pushing the kerchief and tin box into the waist of my skirt. My hands were shaky as I slipped the smoke between my lips. I needed an outlet, something immediate to help me relax. My body was so tense and I hated feeling tense. Ashton's words came back at me with force and I heard myself biting back a tiny sob. Striking the match against the emery board back, frustration began to mount. If I could only stop shaking! Images of my drunkard father ran wild in my mind. Images of my whoring mother too. It was too much. But I needed to forget. "Damn it!" I cried, as I snatched the cigarillo from between my lips as another attempt to light the match only met with failure.

"Need help?" asked a deep voice startling me out of my whirlpool of misery. Steely eyes glared at the man who stood there, tall, olive skinned, and somewhat handsome from my perspective. Hector was a palace guard. A nice guy and nowhere close to my type. He had been drafted a couple of years ago. A former Six from what he had mentioned. But ever since our paths crossed, Hector had been trying to catch my eye. His attempts were so obvious it was pathetic. I found it more grating than flattering. I didn't wish to have a puppy dog nipping at my heels for attention. But I knew he still liked me. A lot. And was still standing at home plate.

"Do I look like I need help, Hector?" I asked wryly, striking another match to no avail. I cast him the scowl now deeply set in my brow and I hoped it would encourage him to leave.

"Looks like it to me," he chuckled.

I could see him watching me closely, probably wondering what was eating at me. Not that my life was any of his damn business and I wasn't the sharing type. I wanted to be left alone and his presence was highly irritating at the moment.

"Ugh!" I cried out once more, unable to get another one to light.

"Let me," he offered, and not waiting for me to respond, he took the matchbook out of my hand and struck a match. The flame danced immediately. "See, that wasn't so hard, now was it?" he asked, holding the firelight up to me. I looked at him, a bit annoyed as I placed the cigarillo to my mouth, leaning in to the flame and the sweet smell as it ignited, reminded me that all would be okay.

I took a drag, my eyes fell closed, allowing the bit to do its job. I blew out the smoke and then took another. The smell of it wafted about us. Now, I felt as if my troubles were disappearing like the ribbons of smoke before me. Finally, I started to feel relaxed. "Thanks," I said, watching the smoke as it rose in swirls.

I wasn't in any mood to talk and wished now he would go away. No such luck.

"Are…are you…are you smoking weed?!" Hector asked, alarmed. I merely glanced at him from the corner of my eye. I found his shock cute and with an unconcerned look I brought the contraband to my lips again. He stared at me in some sort of awe. "Is there nothing that bothers you?" he asked. I didn't answer. "Do you know how much trouble you could get into if you're caught?"

I chuckled. "Just another one of my many sinful infractions, Hector. Are you going to turn me in?" I asked sweetly, holding out my wrists waiting for the handcuffs to be slapped on.

"You know I wouldn't do that. Not to you." His voice was assured and stern.

"See. It is good to have friends in high places," I winked.

"Still, it's not smart, you know." He took a spot next to me, the bottom heel of one of his boots pressed against the sturdy wall.

From the corner of my eye, I glanced at him. "What are you doing out here anyway? Aren't you supposed to be on duty? Guarding His Majesty or protecting us from rebel scum or something important like that?"

"I've been on duty away from the palace. Just got back today, actually. I was security detail for some of the Selected ladies." He smiled, proud, as if this news was somehow to impress me. It didn't.

"Welcome home, then." I blew out another puff of smoke.

My reply was cool. I could see he didn't care for it. His disappointment didn't bother me. I had no time for games.

"So, does that mean I get a welcome home kiss?"

Now that question was a surprise. He was bold, pushing aside the disappointment of my frigid reception. Smoke, the shape of an O, floated from my lips. "I bet you would like one." I smirked, raising a delicate brow, holding the last remnant of my special treat between my thumb and forefinger. He turned his shoulder into the wall now, standing so close, his eyes heavy on me, looking down on my smaller frame. I wondered if he would dare to make a move.

I stood there and pondered if I should grant him his request, having rebuffed all his prior attempts. Temptation knocked at my door as I smoked the last bit, smashing the smoldering end against the wall. Turning to him, our stance mirroring, I looked up, behind long lashes into his brooding, brown eyes. There was something behind the way he looked at me, something daring that I hadn't ever noticed before. It intrigued me. Would he dare kiss me without permission?

It looked as if he were debating with himself now. Should he? Should he not? The spark of confidence that flared in his eyes a moment ago dimmed, to my disappointment.

"You know, Hector," I sighed, "if you ever expect to get a girl and especially if you have any hopes at all of getting laid in your lifetime, first of all, you need to know what you want and...take it."

He flinched. I knew my comment had hit him hard. Good.

A frown creased his brow. He stood there absorbing the blow of my words. "I know what I want," he asserted, in a tone softer but firm.

My eyes narrowed. "And what is that, exactly?" I asked sweetly. My body inched closer, my eyes falling to my lips, mapping his mouth. He had very nice lips, not thin or too full, but perfect lips. I licked my lips, wondering if he would kiss me after all. I could see the rise and fall of his chest. There was an eagerness there. Desire. I shouldn't toy with him like this but, this was fun, I had to admit. I couldn't help but test his bravado.

"You, of course."

He spoke. So disappointing, I thought. I liked a man of action, not a man of words. Well, I had given him a shot. Too bad he didn't take it.

"And that is why," I confirmed, poking a finger in his chest, "you'll never have me." Moving around him, I didn't get far, feeling his firm grasp on my wrist. It took me by shock but I didn't dare show it.

"Let go of me," I demanded through clenched teeth.

"No."

I tried to pry my wrist from him, yanking and pulling, using my free hand as well but he was too strong. "I swear to God, Hector…"

"I've been after you…" he grunted, pulling me close so my body pressed against his, "for months," he seized my other wrist, pinning them to my sides, "and I don't even get an ounce of consideration?" His eyes blazed with fire. "And yet…," he grunted again as I tried to pull away, "you have no problem, flirting with others."

If he thought he would intimidate me, he was dead wrong. His lips were only inches from mine. He smelled masculine, intoxicating. His scent assaulted my senses and I felt a heat, and the rush of excitement running wild through my veins.

"That's because you bore me!" I hissed, though my body was very interested indeed. My chest heaved under my uniform and if he kissed me now…Lord only knew what would happen!

"Bore you?!" he cried, incredulously. I could see rage shooting from his eyes, sparked deep from within. He stared me down, holding me tight as if demanding how I dare think so little of him.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" he asked gruffly as I stared back at him just as hard. And it was in that moment as if there was nothing more he could do but what needed to be done…

He kissed me. Hard.

No, this was wrong; all wrong, I thought, feeling Hector's demanding kiss, and I welcomed it, his tongue sweeping against mine with knowledge and expertise. Although a small part of my brain told me I needed to stop him, the much larger portion was urging me to go full steam ahead! I returned his kiss with as much intensity. My body had sunk into his and in his own reverie he'd set my arms loose, opting to slide strong arms around my waist, up my back. I tingled...everywhere! My arms unconsciously wrapped around his neck as he bent me back slightly, feeling a need to be closer to him still.

I loved the feel of his muscular, hardened body pressed so tightly against mine. My thoughts began to undress him and I couldn't help but wonder, what he would be like in bed. Oh, how I wondered! Wonderful no doubt, if his luscious, probing kiss was any indication of his talent. I had never been manhandled this way. But I didn't mind it now. In fact, I liked it. Very much. The reins of control had always been in my hands. And yet, as Hector continued his devilish kiss, I could feel the reins slipping from my hands.

NO!

With all the strength I could muster, I pushed myself away from him. He released me and I stumbled backwards, then stood there, breathless, trying to recapture my thoughts and my senses. A strange feeling had assaulted me. No. I wouldn't allow it. Without another word, I bolted from his presence even as he called my name, back to the door that led to safety inside.

~Markson

"Thankfully, nothing's broken," Dr. Ashlar, stated over his spectacles, his brow marred with a slight frown. "Well, just keep a cold compress on it, swelling should go down, bruising, -eh, will take about a week or so."

"Thank you, doctor," I said, watching as the good doctor went to the medicine cabinet, reaching inside for a small bottle of pills. He walked back, jotting down something on Hector's chart and handed the bottle over to him, the injured patient on the bed. "Take one every 6 hours. It'll help with the pain and the swelling. Though it won't do any good for the intellect," he ended wryly.

"Agreed," I frowned.

Hector smirked at the doctor, opting to keep his thoughts to himself smartly so, with his commanding officer standing next to him. Instead, his attention turned back to his bruised, scraped and swollen hand currently being dressed in a wrap by one of the nurses.

"So…you mind telling me how this happened?" I asked Hector once the nurse had finished and excused herself to care for another patient.

Stretching his fingers, which looked like sausages, he winced, no doubt feeling the shooting pain through his hand. "I hit a wall. And the wall won." He knew better than to answer his commanding officer like the smart ass he was being at the moment, but it seemed frustration got the better of his tongue.

I wasn't amused with the retort. It was bad enough one of my best guards had injured his hand in some needless altercation. We were shorthanded and every man available was needed until the draft. It didn't sit well with me either with the Selection just around the corner and security having to be at its highest level. This sort of loss was inexcusable.

"Don't be a smart ass, Hector," I frowned. "You know I could put your sorry ass on night watch duty for a month if I wanted to. And deservedly so."

"I apologize, sir. I'm just… frustrated is all." Jumping off the hospital bed, he shoved the bottle of pills into his pants pocket with his good hand.

We began the walk out of the hospital wing. I had a good relationship with the officers under my command. I wasn't much older than the lot of them but I had made my way up the ranks quickly. I prided myself in my duty to the crown and that sort of work ethic didn't go unnoticed. And though it had been hinted that being a natural Two served to catapult my rise in rank, I simply scoffed. I took my duty seriously and my loyalty to my King and Queen was what had gained me what I had rightfully earned. Not my caste.

"I know that look Hector. Girl trouble, heh?"

"I suppose," he shrugged. "If only the girl I wanted would stand still long enough for me to catch her!" he voiced irritably.

I let out a small chuckle. Placing a firm hand on his shoulder, we came to a stop. "Listen, you have to show patience. These things with women… you know, they take time." I spoke from my own personal experience with Ashton.

"Time? It's been months!"

"If you want her as bad as you say you do, time won't matter. You can't throw in the towel, man! You have to show some stick-to-itiveness… unless you've given up?"

Hector shook his head. "Not on this one."

"Good. You're a palace guard. We never give up." He gave a simple nod and thanked me for the pep-talk. Well, I didn't think it was much of a pep-talk but I certainly could empathize. We turned to walk again, saluting a couple of guards that crossed our path. After a breath of silence Hector asked, "Will you be joining us at The Hole tonight, sir?"

The Hole, as it was called, was an old cellar no longer in use by the palace but had found new life within its walls thanks to the old regime of guards that had once served at the palace. They had created this little off-duty sanctuary of sorts— a place to relax from stressful days on guard or just to seek out a distraction or try your luck at a game of poker or craps. It was a place where a tired or adventurous soul could find drink, gambling, dancing and other pleasures.

Of course, palace staff was welcome and especially staff of the female persuasion. Often, many of the maids who needed a break from their strict routines had taken the opportunity to find enjoyment within this exclusive club. Exclusivity was at a premium as it was, for anyone who'd stepped foot inside The Hole had not only become a party to its indulgences but also a party to criminal activities. No one dared speak of The Hole in any sort of critical manner, for it would only prove to be a sentence against one's own character or worse. And because due of this self-damning censure, The Hole proved to prosper, even in its relative secrecy within the walls of the palace.

I raised a brow. "Negative. I've got other business to tend to tonight." I pushed the smile threatening to surface deep down. My thoughts of my date with Ashton making my heart thump.

"I understand, sir. You must be very busy with the Selected coming in a few days. I'm sure your plate is full. But just a lil' piece of advice?"

"Advice?" I stopped, finally reaching the main floor, now much more subdued than it had been earlier in the day. I gave Hector a curious look.

"You know that old saying, sir, all work and no play…"

"Yes, I've heard it," I interrupted, waving a hand. "Well, I assure you Hector, I will make myself find some time for recreation. You, on the other hand," pointing at his injured hand, "avoid any more confrontations with walls, understood?"

"Duly noted, sir."

"Very well then. Carry on." We then parted, headed in opposite directions.

Halfway down the hall, I spotted the mane of cropped blond hair I had so carefully conditioned myself to avoid. I swore softly, but a confrontation was unavoidable.

"Markson!" The gruff voice of my superior called.

"Sebastian," I tried to keep the tension out of my voice. Officer Sebastian was the head guard and reported directly to King Clarkson. But his iron-fist reputation had less to do with the direct connection to the King, and more with his tendency to increase his power using blackmail and threats. No one truly knew his story, he seemed to spin a different tale every time he was asked. Some people swore he was a natural Two, others said he had risen from a Seven, and still others said he was a distant relative of the royal line. Regardless of his history, he was hell to deal with. Although he was older than many of us, just turning thirty, he acted friendly with all of the guards in order to gain information to use against them.

"I'm on my way to pummel that idiot Hector. Care to join?" His two cronies, were at his side.

As frustrating as Hector's stunt today had been, I had sworn to protect my men. And no one was as much danger as Sebastian. I tried not to shudder as I looked into his ungodly blue eyes always fired with something sinister behind them. If Sebastian found out Hector had injured himself semi-purposefully, he would punish him harshly. If he found out it was over a girl, he would make it his mission to ruin Hector.

"It's taken care of, sir. I've already reprimanded Hector." Not wanting to linger on the subject, I quickly moved on. "Isn't it your night off? Come on, let's walk down to The Hole for a drink," I offered, glancing at my watch. Even though I had my plans with Ashton later, I would spend a few hours faking nice with Sebastian if it's what I had to do. Where Sebastian was concerned I knew how to play the game. He wasn't a man to be fucked with. Never poke a bear, like my father always taught us.

Sebastian's eyes bore into me as if he were gauging my words. I kept my eyes steady and just as suddenly as it appeared, the intensity in his eyes was gone, replaced with a wry humor. "You are the last person I expect to be offering me drinks at 4 in the afternoon," he commented, but to my satisfaction, he turned to follow me.

We entered The Hole settling at his regular table. "A round!" I called out to the girl behind the bar.

"Right up, sweetie!"

We shared that round and another. Humorous laughter and joking floated easily around our table but I couldn't wait to get out of here. I tapped my thumbs at my beer mug.

Ashton.

Just the thought of her made my blood sing. Sure, she was beautiful, but she was also a feisty conundrum I had made my mission to solve. Which made my current predicament worse— I had never had anything to hide from Sebastian before.

A prickle on my skin made me look up, and I found Sebastian watching me, a strange expression on his face.

"Something on your mind?" He sneered.

"Long day," I said, hiding my true thoughts. Sebastian was a damn sadist. He preyed on your weaknesses and found a sick pleasure in exploiting them. You were better off letting him believe you had none. I shook my head, huffing, "As if keeping this palace safe wasn't hard enough, soon we will have 35 more charges."

The Hole offered us a safety net. We could speak freely, without the threat of the King's wrath looming. However, it was rarely safe to speak in front of Sebastian, which made me regret my complaint immediately.

"Lucky bastard. What I could do with 35 virgins… at once." He smirked, "I bet that fumbling boy won't even get his cock wet." Chuckles from our companions echoed around the table.

I schooled my disgust, clenching my teeth together and nodded in agreement. Prince Maxon was young and naïve in many worldly ways no doubt. And for all his power, he had never even been seen kissing, touching or in any compromising position with a woman. But he was also highly revered by the palace staff for his kindness, and frankly, for being the complete opposite of his vile father. To hear someone disparage him was the equivalent of blasphemy in this place, where many a toast had been made to the future King's reign. My future King.

"What has your panties in a twist?" Sebastian remarked an hour later, "and if you glance at your watch one more time I'm going to remove your hand." Sebastian had a rack of empty shot glasses in front of him, not seeming to have noticed I had been nursing my last drink. I didn't want to show up to my date shit-faced. Luckily, several other guards had joined the fray, meaning Sebastian couldn't focus all his attention on me. His friendliness was just a cover for his evil soul. "Do you have a hot date or something?"

I brought my drink to my lips, hoping to hide the truth. The years I had spent under Sebastian's thumb had made me carefully guard my personal life. While indiscretions of the palace staff were generally overlooked, Sebastian only kept secrets for favors or bribes, and the last thing I wanted was to owe Sebastian anything. "With your sister," I attempted to jab casually, but it was too late.

"You do have a date! All this time and I was beginning to think you weren't interested in women at all," he bellowed. He was definitely in his cups but still sharp as a razor blade.

"You were just hoping I was interested in you," I shot back. Banter I could handle, his cruel sense of humor was well-known and it was the kind of interaction Sebastian expected. "See you in the morning, sir."

I glanced back at Sebastian as I left, to find him swirling his drink and watching me curiously.

I clenched my jaw. He wouldn't find out about Ashton. He couldn't.

My thoughts catapulted me to the past...

"Well what have we here?" Sebastian crooned, raking his fingers along the maid's blushing cheek.

"Get off of her," the offending guard had yelled. I had been a brand new guard when I came across the scene. Sebastian holding a struggling woman in his arms, his cronies holding back the guard who had been caught with her.

"You're just my type, you know," he smiled, raking her body over, a wolfish grin stretching his mouth. "Too bad I won't have the pleasure of whipping you myself for your little indiscretion." He smiled at the quivering maid. "I hate to see such tender flesh marred." I stood, frozen, as the woman sobbed. Even in my brief time as a guard, I knew Sebastian had his fair share of illegal trysts, and while he rarely cared if a guard got some side action, he had no mercy if he thought the woman meant anything more to a guard than a quick lay. "Unless," he purred, "you convince me not to tell."

The woman stopped struggling, wide-eyed. She glanced at her partner, who was still being held back from launching himself at Sebastian by his two cronies. The murderous look in his eyes only made Sebastian chuckle. They had been caught and he was going to make them pay one way or the other. Sensing that there was no way out, the guard slumped in the grip of his captors.

"No," the restrained guard groaned urgently. "Don't. Please..."

A mistake. He'd showed his weakness. And Sebastian was going in for the kill.

"What's it gonna be?" he asked her gruffly.

The woman looked back at Sebastian's towering form and nodded. He laughed. "I'll show her what a real man is made of," he tauntingly said to the guard.

"Come on!"

And she followed him down the hall.

Sebastian's cronies hauled the man behind them and watched as she disappeared into a room with him. The helpless whimpers of the guard reached my ears.

"YOU'RE DONE HERE!" Bosch, one of Sebastian's cronies yelled at me from down the hall where he stood, holding the defeated guard by an arm. "GET! AND KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT, YOU HEAR?"

I wanted to kick their asses but it wasn't my battle to fight. I didn't stick around. I knew what was about to happen there. And I swore from that day forward, Sebastian was no friend of mine.

I grimaced at the thought of Sebastian's hands on Ashton, like they had been on that woman. No, I would protect her. It wouldn't come to that. Shoving down the revulsion, I focused on my feet, each stride taking me farther from my despicable boss and closer to the woman I would protect with my dying breath.

Wasn't that flashback scene creepy-awesome? Thanks to supergirls2008 for that addition!

What do you think of Sebastian? He's a creation of supergirls2008 and I can't wait to see more of him!

You know what to do now ~ post a review, PM, fave or follow! Share your thoughts! Remember readers, your thoughts are important to us!

Special Shout-Outs:

*Supergirls2008 - I am interested to see more Markson! He seems sweet -

Markson is my favorite guard! Don't worry! You'll be seeing PLENTY of Markson soon enough! *wink*

*MastaGamerita - Dammit, Ashton! Why'd you refuse Markson's proposal? You could've had a happily ever after if you hadn't! He loves you despite your caste, can't you understand that! *Shakes head* No worries...I have ways of persuasion. Deadly persuasion.

How could she turn him down?! I'm as baffled as you are but I wouldn't mess with Markson's girl! :p

Don't forget to check out my Author's Notes of my story "At Last" for further comments on Chapter 5 and a sneak preview!

Chapter Six...

Coming!