Author's Notes: America causes a ruckus. Markson reveals some intimate thoughts. And two guards find themselves playing a very dangerous game.

All credit goes to the author.

Minor Warning: For mild adult language and content. If this sort of material offends you, please go read something else. You have been WARNED! All other readers please continue on and...

Enjoy!

~Sweetwaterspice

A Gilded Cage Just For Me"

Chapter 10

~ Ramsey

"You're lucky Sebastian didn't kick your ass, Ramsey. What the hell were you thinking?!" Recen's voice was low as we carried on our conversation in near whispers. We were on guard duty.

I gave a huff of dismissal at the question. "Answer me this. Does Sebastian hold a license to every skirt in this damned place?" I seethed as we both stood at the glass doors that led to the gardens outside. I supposed it wasn't the worst post. At least it gave me something more interesting to look at as moonlight made its ghostly path over the cement benches, rose bushes and trimmed hedges of the palace gardens. It was better than staring at a solid wall of nothing for an entire shift or a hanging painting that at times I swore would shift its gaze at me.

My companion shifted from one foot to the other. "All I'm saying is don't get on his bad side. It's not going to go well for you if you do. Especially where that one is concerned." He pointed his staff in the direction of the maid's quarters.

I knew who he meant by that one. Skyler, of course. I brushed him off finding the eerie shadows cast by the moonlight more interesting.

"Are you even listening to what I'm telling you?"

"That one," I said with emphasis, turning my attention back from the darkness outside to look Recen in the eye, "doesn't belong to anyone. She's fair game just like every other female in this place."

"Whatever you say."

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I said, my brow knitted tight. I took a step forward. "You act like Sebastian is King Clarkson himself. He's a big nobody...just like the rest of us. And he's not the only one that doesn't bleed. If things come to that..."

"Shut the hell up," Recen hissed and shoved me once in the shoulder. "These walls got ears. You keep talking like that and it'll somehow find its way back to him."

"So what?!" I huffed, leaning a bit closer, not hiding the irritation in my tone. "I am sick and tired of everyone pussy footing around him and kissing his ass as if he's some goddamned prince!"

Recen sighed. "All I'm telling you is watch your back, Ramsey."

"I can take care of myself." He regarded me for a moment and only shook his head. I stepped back to my spot.

"Sure."

"Thanks," I answered wryly.

Recen let out a slow breath.

"What?" I asked, the word clipped as I shot fiery darts in his direction. "If you have something to say, say it and then shut the hell up."

"Look, it's none of my business but I thought you and Marguerite were..."

"Aarh! Marguerite! She's a nice girl...a nice piece of ass okay. A very, very nice one. But Skyler is the one I want."

"You want her cause you can't have her."

"Wanna bet?"

"So what're your plans then? Marriage? I hope that's where you're headed since you're so hell bent on getting yourself killed for her."

"Marriage?! Hell no!" I gave a low laugh. "She's got a really nice package. Have you seen that rack on her? And I wouldn't mind taking a look up those skirts and getting a mouthful of that."

"You're an ass you know that?"

"I would take that as a personal insult but since..."

Our conversation came to a jarring stop as we heard footsteps hurrying, no, running in our direction. But they sounded different, lighter, slapping sounds like the runner was barefoot. Recen and I shot a glance at each other, my fingers gripping the staff I held.

"What the hell is that?" Recen muttered.

We didn't have to wait long for the answer when a young, red headed female barreled into us as I blocked the door. Her eyes were wide as saucers, frantic looking. I had never seen her before and by the way she was dressed, I quickly gathered she must be one of the play things reserved for the prince.

Too bad. She was quite pretty. Those big blue eyes sparkled like two bright sapphires. But, even I knew better than to mess around with this doll. If Sebastian would put a knife in my back for Skyler, my head would no doubt be on the chopping block come morning light if I even crossed the line with this precious little thing. No matter how scantily clothed she was.

So I did what any good guard would do. "Excuse me, miss," I sternly said, "you need to go back to your room." Why the hell didn't any of the other guards stop this girl?

"No...no. I need...outside." Her eyes shot up to me and her breaths were tight as if she were trying to suck in air.

I looked at Recen for some help and seeing my scowl he added as he stepped closer to the girl, "Miss, you need to go back to your room now."

I gave him a 'Thanks for nothing' look.

"Please," she gasped, her slender form shaking. I only shook my head.

The top of her head barely reached my chin and she smelled of sweet vanilla. I dipped my head to look at her more closely and bit the inside of my cheek. Dealing with emotional females had never been my strong suit. Thankfully, this time Recen proved more helpful as he said, "I'm sorry...Lady America, is it?" I wondered how he knew her name until my eyes flashed to the glittering silver pin on her nightgown. "You need to go back to your room."

"I...I can't breathe," she stammered and fell into my arms as I blocked her way from the door. My staff clattered to the marble floor as I caught her. Recen grimaced as her fingers curved, feebly raking, clawing at the sleeves of my jacket. This girl was a lunatic. I felt instantly sorry for the prince.

"Let her go!" The order clanged through every bone in my body. And the order came from none other than Prince Maxon. Shit!

"She collapsed, Your Majesty," I quickly explained. I could already feel my hands, my brow start to feel clammy as I held the girl, one of his Selected in my arms. "She wanted to go outside."

"Open the doors," he commanded, his voice laden with authority.

"But...Your Majesty..." Opening the doors at this hour of night was strictly against protocol. But the prince stood there, features like stone as he repeated, "Open the doors and let her go. Now!"

"Right away, Your Highness." It was Recen that spoke, moving towards the door, the keys in his hand clanking as he worked the one into the lock. The double doors pushed open and the smell of night and jasmine flowed into the entrance on a warm breeze where we stood. I adjusted my stance as the girl shifted in my arms trying to stand. Before my next breath she was already through the doors, walking on the smooth gravel path towards the garden.

The three of us stood at the door watching the girl stagger like some drunk. I kept my face neutral although I couldn't help admire the lithe form the moonlight had revealed under the flimsy gown.

"As you were." Prince Maxon's tone, laced with warning snapped me to. Recen and I simultaneously cleared our throats. Well, at least I wasn't the only one drooling. Training took over and turning away from the scene we faced into the hallway in time to be greeted by the stares of a few guards that had gathered to see what the commotion had been about. One asked if all was alright? I shot Recen a sideways glance and he merely jerked his chin as if he himself were warning me to mind my business and keep my mouth shut. When it came to the Royals we all knew it was best to remain blind and dumb.

"It was nothing. Just a minor disturbance. Get back to your posts," he said, pulling the doors ajar behind us. A couple of guards stretched their necks towards the garden, curious as to what this disturbance had been. Recen pinned them with a death stare and they quickly dispersed muttering amongst themselves as they returned to their assignments.

I wasn't sure how long Prince Maxon had been out there with the girl but it didn't seem like His Highness was in any sort of danger from the lunatic. No screaming or yelling. I would be lying if curiosity wasn't pricking me. Recen must've noticed my restlessness and said, "Don't even think about it."

"What do you think they're doing out there?"

"That's none of our business. Leave it alone."

I didn't dare look over my shoulder. I was probably already knee deep in shit since I was the one the Prince saw with my hands on the girl in the first place. Damn my luck! I wondered what sort of punishment he would deem fit for my sorry ass.

While I was trying to think of a million excuses as to how I found myself with my hands on Royal property, the glass doors opened. Prince Maxon entered and turning towards both Recen and myself said, "She needs a moment. If she's not in within half an hour, kindly urge her to come inside." The Prince looked me straight in the eye then he turned his attention to Recen making sure both of us understood the seriousness of his words. I got the message loud and clear.

"As you will, Your Highness." Recen and I replied in unison.

He took a moment to study our faces as if not wanting to forget who we were. We stood like two stone statues. I was holding my breath, swallowing my anxiety.

"It would also behoove you to refrain from mentioning this to anyone. Understood?"

"As you will, Your Highness." We bowed our heads at his command.

"Very well. As you were."

In a heartbeat the Prince turned and was on his way.

"What does behoove mean?" I asked Recen.

He muttered under his breath, "It means to mind your damn business, asshole."

~ Markson

I laid on my bed in the Officer's quarters I shared. My roommate had been on his way out for his shift when I returned hours after the Report. I yawned and stretched as the moon light filtered through the slats of the partly closed shutters, content to lay here and not having to report until tomorrow afternoon. I relished quiet moments like these. I could think of pleasant things. My parents, my sisters, my friends, my dog back home and of course, Ashton. I felt a smile creep over my lips as her face came to mind. My chest heated and that warm, fuzzy feeling coursed through the rest of my body. This is what it felt like to be in love.

I had tried sweet talking her into sparing me another hour in our hidden lover's nest but she sweetly rebuffed my efforts as she slipped back into her slip. "I can't!" she giggled as I nuzzled her neck, softly biting the bare patch of skin between her neck and shoulder. "I have the morning shift with Lady Kriss. And I have to get some rest, you scoundrel!" I chuckled, easing back unto the mattress, my arms cradling my head as I watched her dress, taking careful notes of every inch of her beautiful body.

I remember the first time I laid eyes on her. I had frequented The Hole before but had never noticed her, not until that fateful day she'd joined our table for a hand at poker. I cocked a brow, inviting the innocent, little gal to take a seat. She cocked a brow back at me, smirking as she took her place at the table of eight. Her green eyes struck me as they glowed like a feline's, hinting of mischief.

"Thank you," she said, sitting across the table from me.

I threw her a crooked smile, the glass of whiskey dangling between three fingers. She was striking I admitted once I got a good look at her. I wondered if the rest of her was as pleasant under the maid's outfit she wore.

"You play poker before?" I asked smugly, jerking my chin.

"A little." She didn't seemed bothered by the put down.

"Just so you know…" said the guard to my right, leaning a bit more forward, "this isn't any child's game. We play for keeps. There ain't no crying at this table."

"I'll keep that in mind." Her eyes narrowed into slits as if she were taking on the challenge.

I chuckled a little and those eyes flicked back in my direction. She wasn't intimidated as she stared right back at me. That little voice in my head was already shouting for me to run. I ignored it.

After the ante, the cards were dealt, and as her hand reached out to grab her set of five, "Last chance," I warned.

She merely glanced at me, and swept them up, fanning them out. "Alright then. Don't say I didn't try to warn you there, miss."

Chips started to clink in the middle of the table, forming a nice little pile. A few players chose to discard a couple of cards, getting replacements. I took the opportunity myself. My eyes were intent on the little doll across from me, as she discarded two. Grunts and hisses floated as players threw their cards down or shook their heads as they folded.

My hand was pretty good, a vast improvement; strong enough to win. "I'll call it." I threw in the chips to cover, loving the sound they made as they clanked on top.

Four of us were left playing the hand, including the little lady before me. She played with the chips between her long fingers, stacking and restacking them. She counted her bet and threw her chips in to the pile. She raised. She had to be a good bluffer. I chuckled again but she didn't flinch, just kept her eyes on her cards. The smile I previously wore, widened as two more players folded and now looking at the remaining competition, this was going to be like taking candy from a baby.

"I'll call." My eyes settled on the minx as she worried her bottom lip with her front teeth. They were a nice set of lips, I remembered thinking.

"Well? We don't have all night, miss."

She cocked a brow at me, then pushed all of her remaining chips in to the pile.

"All…in."

Suddenly, I felt hot under the collar. She had to be bluffing. I wasn't about to be showed up and not by this little gal. I huffed, feeling the full weight of eyes around the table now on me. "Alright," I covered, throwing my chips in. We stared each other down as I snapped my cards down on the table.

"Full House."

Her shoulders slumped and a little breath of disappointment followed. I couldn't help the wry chuckle I offered in return. Congratulatory pats pounded on my shoulders from the guards flanking me. A burst of laughter resounded from my apparent victory and I winked at her with smug satisfaction. But as I reached for the winnings, my hands already on the pile of chips, she placed a solid hand on top of mine.

My eyes shot up to hers. "How ungentlemanly. You haven't even seen my hand…" she said. She set her cards down against the worn and stained surface of the wooden round table. I blinked. Once. Twice. A straight flush. I tried to swallow but there was a knot in my throat. "Now…" she smiled sweetly, "Get your hands off my damn money." I looked at the cards again. Spades. My eyes narrowed. How fitting. As black as her heart, no doubt.

The table erupted, a maddening chorus of hooting and hollering. My face burned hot. I've suffered my share of loses before but this one seemed to sting a bit more. My jaw tightened. I could feel the pressure of my clenched teeth straight up through my temples. It's not that I minded losing to a woman. To think of it, the only one woman to ever wallop me this badly was my older sister but she had taught me the game. She didn't count. But this little witch...

She pouted at me. "Ohhh…there's no crying at this table…remember?" She mocked.

"Beginner's luck," I scoffed. "Next round!"

That beautiful mouth flashed a wicked grin at me and I knew I should've walked away right then.

But I didn't and that had been the beginning of the end for me. As that night went along, not only had she claimed a whole week's worth of my wages, she had also laid claim to something I had sworn never to give to anyone. I hadn't realized it until I couldn't get her out of my mind. I tried distracting myself with others but she was there in my memory banks; constantly mocking me, constantly calling me out, grinning wickedly at me. Those piercing green eyes, those luscious lips, that mane of silken ebony, that spirit of an unbroken mare. She had tethered me somehow. So, I foolishly started on her pursuit. Once I had taken that first step I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, I had been blindsided. I wasn't sure if it was infatuation or lust. It couldn't be love. Definitely not that. But love was just around the corner. She didn't melt as had the others. Didn't fall into my bed as I had expected. Instead she kept giving me the cold shoulder and looking uninterested. That was a blow my ego couldn't take. But it wasn't my ego that had been struck. It was my heart and she had hit a damned bulls-eye!

There was no boyfriend, I had been informed which was excellent news. But I had to change my strategy. I slowed things down in my pursuit. I would have notes delivered to her, or leave little notes where I knew she would find them. Flowers and chocolates followed along with little tokens letting her know she was the one I kept thinking of.

Eventually with time and patience, every time our paths crossed, I could feel this powerful charge between us and it wasn't one sided any longer. I could see there was a crack. Damn, she had been so resistant! But patience had paid off and we started to talk on friendlier terms. Then there was our first official date after a third month in pursuit- a moonlit picnic in a little nook of the Royal gardens I had secured with some help from my friends. I scored high marks for the effort. Then a second date followed. Then, a third and others thereafter. Things started to change. And every time I was without her, I felt incomplete.

The first time we made love under the stars, I thought I was about to fall to pieces. I had been her first lover. I held her tightly in my arms, our bodies covered in sweat but our souls bonded. I felt it then. And I knew there was more to us than just this moment. I could see forever. And forever was the only thing I wanted now. Ashton was not going to get away so easily. I loved her with every crevice of my being. I've planned on asking her to marry me again. I just have to make sure the moment is right. I can't afford to fuck this up again.

~ Anne

"Miss? Are you awake?"

Lady America moaned into the pillow. "Noooo."

I could hardly hold back the laugh that escaped me and apparently neither could Lucy or Mary as our lady groaned, "Is it morning already?"

"That it is. Now...come on Miss. We've got to get you ready. Today is the bid day!" I encouraged to her rise by tugging the bed sheet and was glad she didn't put up much more of a fight as she lifted her head from her pillow, greeting us with a smile and not a scowl.

Bright sunlight set her limbs into motion as she made her way to the bathroom stretching and yawing.

Once we had ushered our lady to her bath, something curious caught my attention– dirt stains on the hem of her nightgown. I felt my brow crinkle in question and noted the same expression on Lucy's and Mary's faces. Our eyes met for a flash but none of us dared ask even as my own heart slammed in my chest. The feeling that a white elephant had just barreled into the room was palpable. But our lady also chose not divulge details of her soiled nightgown so we ignored the obvious and went about our task of helping her undress. The nightgown fell into a pool of material at her feet along with the questions buzzing in my head and once she was ready, stepped into the warm, scented water. Lucy has the task of helping her bathe while Mary and I went about getting her dress, shoes and make-up ready.

After her bath, I dried her hair, pulling half of it up with some blue ribbons she had brought from home. Thankfully they accented well with the flowers in the day dress we had made for her. Mary did our lady's makeup which was perfectly light and didn't drown out her striking features. And Lucy applied a vanilla scented lotion to her arms and legs while I busied myself laying out the collection of jewelry pieces she could choose from in front of her.

Her eyes surveyed the array of pieces before her but said to my reflection in the mirror, "Can you please pass me that box?" It was a small box sitting on the vanity; one of the few personal belongings she had brought along with her. I handed it to her. She smiled as she opened it and took out a tiny necklace with a songbird dangling from the chain. It was silver and the design of it simple but the smile on her face warmed me. It must've been a special token from someone dear to her heart.

"May I?" I asked.

Lady America merely smiled and set the necklace in my palm. I draped it over her neck, securing it with the clasp. It fell just at her collarbone and she rested a hand on it, her fingers lightly brushing over the pendant as if she were communicating with the giver in a silent exchange.

"How about some earrings?" I suggested. I wasn't surprised that she chose the smallest pair in the collection. Somehow her simplicity made me smile inside.

"Well...let's take a look at you," Mary urged her to stand once we were all through.

I couldn't help the smile on my face. She was elegant and far from ostentatious. Nevertheless, I had no doubt she would brighten up that room as soon as she walked in. The Prince would have to take notice!

"I guess I'm good to go?" she said, returning our smiles.

"We do wish you well, my Lady!" Lucy chimed, her hands trembling slightly.

"America...please."

We curtsied and smiled at her as she turned to leave for breakfast.

We stood quietly for a moment. Mary, however, broke our silence and was the first to ask the one question that had hung over our heads all morning like an anvil ready to drop.

"How do you suppose she got dirt on her nightgown?" Mary retrieved Lady America's nightgown from the basket of used towels and clothing that had sat by the foot of her bed and was now holding it in her hands. We looked down at the sullied hem.

"I don't know…" I voiced with concern. What could our lady had been up to last night? We had been too afraid to ask and so we didn't.

"No one is allowed outside the palace after curfew," Lucy pointed out. "Especially with the rebels…" her voice trailed off with a tremor shaking her. I placed a hand on Lucy's shoulder seeking to calm her. I knew her thoughts would quickly get away from her.

"However she got dirt on her nightgown our lady didn't seem fit to share with us so if it's her secret, then it needs to be ours too," I concluded.

"Secrets? Oh, I love secrets!"

"Virginia! Do you not ever knock?!" Mary reprimanded through gritted teeth.

I took the gown from Mary's hands and shoved it under the soiled towels before Virginia noticed.

"The door was open!" she gestured. "If you wanted to keep things a secret then maybe you should close it next time. I'm sorry."

"It's okay," I smiled. "And you don't need to apologize," I said, hoping to distract from the subject. "So how was your lady's first night in the palace?"

"I suppose fine. Though, she didn't require much attention," she shrugged.

"Well, imagine that!" Mary quipped.

"Oh! Lady Kriss isn't like that at all! She's actually really nice. Didn't want me fussing over her much. We stayed up quite late talking about books," she smiled. "She's very smart. Did you know both of her patents are professors? She thinks she would like to teach too, but that would change if she becomes our next princess, of course." Mary and I glanced at each other. I felt a tinge of jealousy that Virginia knew so much more about Lady Kriss in such a short period of time than all three of us combined had learned about Lady America.

"She even offered to help me improve my reading if I really wanted to. Said she would teach me. Isn't that great? I think her and Prince Maxon would be a perfect match! Wouldn't it be just fabulous if she married him? Then I could say I lived a fairy tale romance!" Virginia gushed. I couldn't say I shared her enthusiasm.

"Now don't get carried away in that head of yours," Mary quipped, picking up the basket of used towels from the floor. "You can't go marrying off the prince quite yet."

"I know this is a contest. Still, I can't help to wish it though." She paused, then added, "Please, don't hate me for wanting Lady Kriss to win. I mean... I hope your lady does well too. I...I really do."

I believed her but a part of me hoped Lady Kriss didn't fare as well. Mostly because we wanted Lady America to win and partly because Skyler would flaunt her victory for all eternity and Lord help us all!

"Do you think there is really such a thing as love at first sight?" Virginia asked, interrupting my thoughts. "Skyler thinks it's stupid."

Mary's brows crinkled. "Of course she would."

"What do you think, Lucy?" Virginia asked, trying to engage her in the conversation.

Lucy shrugged. "I don't think I'd be the best person to ask about that." Her tone was solemn. Then Lucy turned without another word towards the bathroom.

"Did I say something wrong?" Virginia asked once Lucy disappeared.

"No. There are just some things Lucy is very sensitive about. She'll be fine," I said, giving Virginia a small comforting smile.

~ Ramsey

"Just keep your mouth shut and let me do the talking, alright?" Recen said as we headed to Sebastian's office. We had the duty of reporting anything out of the ordinary no matter how minor to our commanding officer and he reported to Sebastian. It wasn't a surprise that we had been summoned soon after our shift ended to elaborate further on the incident last night. I was not looking forward to it and Recen, knowing about protocol all too well, weighed our options which in reality were basically, none.

"What if somebody saw? He'll know we'll be falsifying a report. You yourself told me that the walls around this place have ears!" I murmured under my breath as we took the stairs down to his office.

Recen shook his head. "For someone who was mouthing off last night about kissing Sebastian's ass you sure seem to be quite ready to do so."

"I'm thinking about saving my own ass, okay? What about if he already knows about the girl and catches us lying to his face? He won't think twice about locking us up in the slammer."

"We're not going to lie...just bend the truth a little."

"He'll see right through it! And I just don't want him taking..."

"Look, Ramsey!" Recen whirled on me once we reached the bottom of the stairs. We stood eye to eye and he pressed a hard finger into my chest. "All I know is that we have a direct order from the prince himself. We. Don't. Say. A. Word. Got it? The prince knows who we are. You saw how he studied our faces. If word gets out about that Selected girl, guess whose asses are going to get shipped off to the front lines or worse, discharged from the palace! We would be caste-less to boot so I'm going to take my chances with Sebastian. My family needs me here and I swear, Ramsey if you so much as breathe...I'll put you in the ground myself. "

"Save the threats, alright. I won't say anything but you know Sebastian can see right through a man. Just be careful what you say. I'm putting my ass in your hands."

"Trust me. I don't want my hands anywhere near your damned ass."

We passed along a few guards perched against the wall leading to Sebastian's office, each waiting their turn to speak with the head guard either to give a report or address some other issue. Sebastian left most of the day to day business to his most trusted officers who in turn delegated responsibilities to lesser ranking officers. Still, there was nothing that went on in the palace that Sebastian wasn't privy to. At least that's what had been drilled in our heads since day one.

"Officers Recen and Ramsey reporting, sir," Recen stated as we stood at attention before the massive oak desk covered in papers and folders marked "Confidential". Sebastian didn't look up from the papers he was reading merely grumbled for us to get on with it.

One of his trusted guards leaned over and whispered something in his ear. At his words, Sebastian straightened and met our eyes. I swallowed as he scanned our faces, my eyes glued to the wall straight ahead. Like Recen had warned, his stare was like a lion on the prowl ready to pounce on his next meal. Sebastian inhaled a deep breath and eased back into his chair.

"So," he started, a slight thin smile cracked his lips. "I was told there was some sort of disturbance last night at your post. What was this disturbance exactly?"

I could feel the dark, pitiless eyes piercing right through me. My heart slammed in my chest and I was glad I wasn't going to do any of the talking. Leave it to Recen to tighten the noose around his neck. If it came down to saving my ass, that's what I was ready to do.

I didn't dare look over at Recen who said, "One of the servants had an attack last night...wanted to go outside." A twist. Not an absolute lie. "We attempted to stop her but the prince..."

"The Prince?!" Sebastian's voice crooned and he rocked back in his chair. His thick arms folded across his chest.

"Yes, sir. The Prince told us to let her outside."

"Did he now? And what was this...you said, it was a her...a female then? Well, what was her problem?" he asked, smoothly.

"She said she needed air. She needed to go outside. She was in a panic." Truth.

He seemed to chew on Recen's words as if sifting through them like a bandit seeking to find some hidden jewel of information. I tightened my jaw. Recen had kept his answers short. To the point. Perhaps that would be enough to satisfy Sebastian's curiosity. I was wrong.

"And since when does the prince interest himself with the rabble?" At that question he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.

"Sir?"

"Why this sudden interest by the prince in this servant girl? Or perhaps she was no servant. Other guards reported a young female running through the halls late last night."

"I suppose it could have been the same girl, sir. I cannot confirm or deny it."

"And what made you believe she was a servant?"

"By her appearance, sir." Now that was a total lie.

"How did His Highness get involved in this situation in the first place?"

"The prince happened to come upon the scene. The girl was in a panic and His Highness intervened." Truth, truth, truth!

"Hmph. And then what?" It seemed that his interest had spiked and we were sinking into deeper shit.

"He gave the order to let her outside. We did not question his Highness, sir."

"And did the prince then take his leave?"

"No."

"No? Well then..." Sebastian continued, "please don't hold back any details. Let's hear the rest." The hairs on the back of my neck stood. We were treading dangerous ground.

Recen swallowed but kept his cool. "His Highness spent a few minutes outside with the girl."

"And what was he doing?"

"We don't know. He told us to remain at our posts. We did."

"And how long would you say the prince was with this girl?"

"Fifteen minutes, perhaps?" Recen replied.

That was a fair estimation but I wasn't sure where Sebastian was headed with this line of questioning.

"And you..." he said looking at me, "anything you'd like to add?"

I felt as if a pointed knife was being held against my spine. I took a steadying breath, not taking my eyes off the back wall. "His Highness ordered us not to speak a word of it. To anyone." I felt Recen shift. It was the one truth that might save both our asses.

Suddenly, a wry snicker shot from Sebastian and he shook his head in amusement. "Of course, he did." He muttered, "Didn't think the boy had it in him." I took a chance to glance at Sebastian. His eyes sparked as if caressing some sort of deep secret only he was privy to know. "Guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree after all." He rubbed his chin and leaned back fully against his chair. I was pretty sure Sebastian had an entire treasure trove full of uncovered skeletons he could use to his advantage and the Royal family apparently was not exempt.

"Perception is misleading, men. I won't fault you for it. I can appreciate your loyalty to the prince." He regarded us for a few moments. "But you also well know how I like to keep a pulse of everything that goes on in the palace." He paused, "For our Majesties safety, that is."

"Yes, sir." We responded in unison.

"Dismissed."

And with that one command we turned and headed out from the office and out from maw of the lion with both our asses in one piece.

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