Author's Notes:
While the Selected are met with a rude awakening, matters of the heart come into question among lovers. And there are no easy answers.
WARNING! For graphic sexual content and language. If this sort of material offends you, please go read something else. You have been WARNED! All others please continue on and...
Please, enjoy!
~Sweetwaterspice
A Gilded Cage Just For Me"
Chapter 13
~ Marguerite
"Ramsey?" I whisper-called as I slipped into his quarters. I had to see him. Recen had told me the beating he'd taken at Sebastian's hands and though I didn't want to feel guilty, a part of me did.
I remembered telling him how Sebastian's beating hadn't been thorough enough for my liking. I had meant every word at the time and it would've served him right.
I guess I got my wish.
The room held that eerie feel of dawn; the first signs of a grayed-out sky straining through the shutters.
There was a raspy grunt to my right. Recen was off on duty so I knew the sound of that grunt was none others than Ramsey's.
"Ramsey..." My breath hitched in my throat as he woke, propping himself up on his elbows and whincing.
"Marguerite?"
He blinked, his eyes squinting, no doubt trying to adjust to the meager lighting in the room.
I sat on the edge of his cot next to him uninvited, but I didn't care. I was worried.
Loss had become such a constant part of our lives. The rebel threat continued to loom heavy here at home and the war with New Asia didn't seem to be going much better either. So many young men— friends, brothers, sons, husbands had been lost; young lives cut short in a battle waged by those who held power in their hands, fighting over things we didn't even understand. As if that wasn't bad enough, we had people like Sebastian who pretended to be one of us and with an iron fist wielded his own authority as judge, jury and executioner.
"What're you doing here?" He actually sounded surprised. "How did..."
I pressed a finger to his lips. "Shhh...How are you feeling?" I whispered, keeping my voice low. I was already breaking a ton of palace rules by being in a guard's room. And then my own rules on top of those to boot.
Sure, I had told Ramsey I'd think about seeing him again. I hadn't planned on following through. I was cutting my losses. It was a cruel realization that Ramsey was what he was. He wasn't the prince I could drape my dreams around. He would never fit the bill. But, a part of me still cared for him. A part of me wanted him to hurt and yet not. I was conflicted in so many ways.
"I've seen better days," he grinned through clenched teeth. It was painful watching him scoot to sit. "No broken ribs, thank goodness."
"I'm sorry."
"Yeah...me too."
"Can I see?" It was bold of me to ask and I wasn't certain how Ramsey would react to my request. I expected him to brush me off, to kick me out but to my surprise he didn't do either.
"It's not pretty."
"I want to see." My words came across more demanding than I intended.
He nodded. It was the most vulnerable I'd ever seen him as he lowered the bed sheet down to his hips.
According to Recen, he had been forbidden to see the doctor. It would've led to a boat load of questions and even more trouble. If there was anything I could do to help, I would do it.
I gasped. "Are you sure nothing's broken?" The bruises were angry shades of purple. I blinked back the sting of tears. I wanted desperately to reach out and soothe his pain. I couldn't understand fully why. A voice in the recesses of my head scolded me for caring. Didn't he deserve it, after all?
"I'm sure. I've had a broken rib before. Trust me, I'd know."
We fell silent as the white elephant in the room lingered.
"Recen told me."
"Of course he did."
"Don't be sore at him. I made him tell me."
He scoffed. "What did you do? Twist his rubber arm?"
"Stop it," I chuckled. "That's not very nice." My brow arched as I bit back a smile.
"I'm a devil, don't you remember?"
Heat flashed across my cheeks at the sultry tone of his voice and I could feel the heavy weight of his gaze on me. I cleared my throat tearing my eyes away from his. Our romp in the linen closet, I had determined would be our last, hurrah...but... a glimpse of his masculine chest and the dark points of his nipples had my hands aching to touch him. I clutched the small cloth bundle in my hands instead.
"I brought you a salve... topical stuff...to help with the tenderness. Recen said he'd managed to get you some stronger meds for the pain." I busied my fingers with the knot, untying the cloth in a jiffy. Why did I feel so damn nervous? Seeing him with my own eyes...that he would be okay relieved me. Sebastian could've done much worse. To be honest, I was glad he hadn't.
Yes, Ramsey was an ass but he was hot as all hell and he stirred that wildness inside of me. I didn't come here to fuck Ramsey but now that untamed side of me wanted nothing more than to fill myself with him. I could satisfy my needs. No strings attached, right? None at all.
Ramsey watched me in silence. There was a growing tension hanging in the air.
I unscrewed the jar. "Smells nice," he said, the scent of mint wafting between us.
"It soothes aches and pains. Ashton's parents swear by it."
"Is that right?" The tone of his voice seemed to deepen.
I shook off the heady effect it was having on me. 'No, Marguerite. You cannot fuck him. Don't you even dare!'
Oh...hush!
Dipping my fingers into the salve I scooped a generous amount. "Let me...put some on. See if it eases your discomfort some," I said boldly.
"Please."
'What the hell are you doing?!' That bothersome voice called a conscience yelled as my hands smoothed along the ridges of abdominal muscles I've always admired.
'Shut the hell up!' I chided in response. 'I know what I'm doing, damn it!'
I held Ramsey's face between my hands kissing him deep and hard as I rode his steeled cock, my hips straddled over his, moving slowly back and forth, my pussy greedily swallowing every delicious inch. His cot creaked with each sway of my hips and I swore the sound of it got me hotter.
I didn't mind doing most of the work; actually I was enjoying the control I had since his sore abs had limited his mobility. I didn't feel guilty for taking advantage. The salve had dulled his pain enough, allowing my indulgence.
His hands were clamped on my ass pushing me further down on him, teasing my clit along when it rubbed against his magnificent dick.
"Ohhh...yes...yessss. More...more..." I chanted quietly, completely lost in reverie.
"Ride me, baby. Uhhhh...fuck yes!" I heard him hiss hotly in my ear. It made my womanhood quiver with delight.
I was lost somewhere...all I wanted was to quell that burning heat scorching my entire body.
"You like it, baby?" I said against his lips. "You like me riding your cock, don't you?"
Ramsey growled a response and clamped his mouth over mine, kissing me senseless. His fingers dug into my ass cheeks making me tremble and writhe as we soared higher...higher...
And as I crested...
I beared down over his thick cock as I came, burrying my face against his neck, my cry of ecstasy muffled around the pulse point of his flesh as my climax rent me apart. He held my damp, naked body against his as I shuddered and spasmed. One thing I had to hand to Ramsey— he always made sure I found my pleasure before seeking his own release.
His large hands held the sides of my face as I came. "Look at me, baby." I did. A second orgasm ripped through me in that instant. Ramsey swallowed my cries against his mouth and he kissed me with a passion I didn't understand. It felt...different. He had never kissed me that way before. I didn't want the lines to be blurred between us. We were fuck buddies, that's all I wanted. Nothing more. The time for love had passed.
I closed my eyes, not thinking anymore... just letting this wave of ecstasy wash over me. And ohhh, how delicious!
Regaining my senses after coming off my high, I climbed off Ramsey, sliding my body down his, admiring the corded muscles along the way until I was face to face with that marvelous cock he'd just pleasured me with.
I ran my tongue over the thick veins on the underside, tasting myself all the way up to the tip of his broad sensitive head. Ramsey groaned in approval as I raked my teeth gently over the swollen ridge. I always loved that.
His hands immediately sunk deep into my hair, guiding the bobbing motions of my head over his granite-like cock. I loved that too. It turned me the hell on when he took this sort of control.
I suckled, taking him shallow and eagerly devoured his words of encouragement as I took him deep into throat. I knew Ramsey had had many lovers but no one had given him head the way I did. Not even Skyler would measure up, I was damn sure.
Slurping sounds filled the narrow bridge between us as I picked up the tempo, my cheeks caving, my lips gliding along, my tongue doing its thing, my hand joining the party, pushing him toward his own personal bliss.
The warning came soon after. Ramsey's hands nested on the back of my head, holding me in place as his hips tipped upwards, driving himself another inch into my throat.
"UHHHH! UHHHH! Marguerite!"
I felt his cock buck as he pumped his seed into the channel of my throat. He softened after emptying himself and I released him with a playful pop.
We had had sex. Hot sex. And I was alright with just that. This girl wasn't about to invest her heart in romantic fantasies ever again.
I didn't stick around very long after we were finished although Ramsey wanted me to. I lied, telling him I had to get back to help Lady Celeste dress for breakfast. In fact, I had the morning off. We spoke in hushed voices, sharing a quiet laugh or two. He loved when I played in his hair and it didn't take him long to fall back to sleep.
Raking my fingers through my 'I've just been fucked' hair, I slipped through the door, getting the scare of my life when a voice said, "He doesn't love you."
It was Recen.
"What the hell!" I slapped his arm once I realized it was only him. How long had he been standing there? Did he hear anything? Everything?! Heat rose in my cheeks. "You scared me!"
"Did you hear me?" He sounded angry as he tore himself off the wall.
Yes, I had heard him quite clearly. My back stiffened. "What business is it of yours?"
"You can do better."
We stood face to face. Although he towered over me I looked up at Recen's hard stare. I didn't need to be judged nor was I seeking his approval.
"Really? And I guess you have a candidate in mind?"
Recen backed me up against the wall. "There's a lot better than Ramsey here. Open your eyes, Marguerite. Maybe you'll find what you're looking for has been staring you in the face all along."
And then he walked off leaving me trembling from fear or panic; I wasn't sure.
I was shaken to the core. Speechless. I gathered the bits of myself and hurried away from Ramsey's quarters and from Recen's words still ringing in my ears.
In the Servant's Hall...
~ Hector
Gambling was a popular past time among the guards along with drinking and other things of a more carnal, fleshly nature. Having a bunch of males living in close quarters, pumped full of testosterone with little opportunity to let off steam was a deadly cocktail in itself. Sure, the drills we ran took a bit of the edge off but we needed a distraction, a release much more than those dreaded drills offered.
Boxing, arm wrestling, darts, pool, dice, cards, drinking matches, you name your game, there was always someone running one. And that someone was usually Sebastian's number one, Bosch. Betting on the Selection happened to be the newest, hottest game in town.
"Make up your fucking mind. You in?" Bosch glared as he impatiently waited. He sat at our table, straddled on the wooden bench and visibly irritated.
"Shit... I was saving up to buy my mom her birthday present!" grumbled Spencer.
"Well, boo hoo. You see me shedding any tears, pretty boy?"
Spencer dug into his pocket. "I'm in." Bosch's greedy fingers plucked the money from Spencer's hand before he was even done placing his bet. I declined. I couldn't afford another loss like that.
Bosch grinned, stuffing the bills inside the small black sack. "Nice doing business with you losers. Better luck this round." He quickly moved on to the adjacent table, Torgan following close behind.
Bosch had free reign of control over the games. Having Sebastian's blessing he claimed twenty percent of any winnings right off the top for "administrative fees". Right. Even so, the lure of winning was enough for many of us. You had to be in it to win it, was the saying. So, we took our shot, playing the odds— hoping, praying for that one lucky break. And if lady luck was kind enough to smile on you, hell, you walked away touting a real nice payday.
After accounts were settled, most of the collected bets were said to be used to help the families of lower caste guards who had been injured in the war with New Asia or had been killed in the line of duty. What "most" was, I don't think anyone dared to question. It was Sebastian's way of taking care of our own...or so the story went. Sure, the palace would care for a guard for the rest of his life but that didn't extend to his family. And if a guard lost his life well, his family might as well be buried alongside him. I found it hard to believe that someone like Sebastian would care. Rumors had it he had been a Six. Go figure. I guess if anyone could understand it would be him. He had made himself into something from nothing but dirt. I couldn't stand the bastard but had to respect the man for at least that much.
"Sucks, man. I thought I bet on the sure winner!" I said bitterly. "I was hoping to ride that horse to the finish line! Damn my luck!"
"I reckon by that reaction the only thing you'll be riding is extra shifts, big spender? How much did you wager anyway?" Spencer asked.
"Too much apparently." I shook my head still not believing my rotten luck. First my hand and now this! At least knowing a portion of my personal loss was going towards a good cause lessened the sting...just a little. "A lot of guys bet on that girl, Ashley. Myself included. Damn. Why the hell did she get axed?"
"I say she didn't have the righf stuff, you know." Spencer curved his fingers into the rounded shape of two exagerated sized breasts, his hands hovering over his chest adding, "On top."
"I dunno. I thought she was pretty. Smart. Looked like she had the right stuff to me."
"WTF, man! It's not brains that's gonna win this! Have you seen the bazoongas on the Two? Mmm...Mmm!" Spencer groaned emphatically, biting his lower lip.
"You mean, the model?"
"Hell... what I'd do to get my hands on those ivory babies."
"Real nice, Spencer," Masterson said wryly, taking a seat at the table. Ribbons of steam spiraled from a plate he'd rested before him, filled with hash, eggs and bacon. "You're just a model of gentlemanly honor for us all, aren't you?"
Spencer grinned showcasing his perfectly lined teeth. "I do my best."
While conversation and laughter bounded between the guys at my table, I looked around the dining room for any sign of Skyler. I scanned every female face. Nothing. Damn. I felt my nerves getting antsy. This Selection business was messing with my game.
I realized I needed to be smarter about things. News about Ramsey had reached my ears. Recen had approached me, cashing in on a favor I owed him. I had no problem getting more meds, faking increased pain in my hand which the nurse rewrapped to help keep the swelling down. Of course, paying Brandy Sullivan a visit for a bottle of her tonic proved to be more than what I bargained for and as I shoved the medicinal bottle into Recen's chest, told him in no uncertain terms that the next time he needed a tonic he'd better be ready to go get it himself!
Damn. Brandy was like a feline in heat. It took everything to declaw her off me! I never realized the girl had that many hands!
Snapping fingers at my ear punctured through my thoughts.
"Don't hurt youself. She's not here, loverboy," teased Masterson.
"Who?" I grinned. I couldn't help myself.
"Think with your head and not your dick, Hector. Just some friendly advice." Masterson meant well but I didn't need his advice.
"Yeah, man. You may not have a dick left if Sebastian gets wind of you screwing around with his girl."
At Spencer's words, I bristled. "She's not," I paused, lowering my tone. "She's not his girl."
"Yeah? Well tell him that." Masterson jerked his chin and I looked over a shoulder as Sebastian entered the servant's hall— dripping with arrogance and entitlement.
There was no doubt. He was an intimidating figure. He had rank and power. He was authority. I was a peon in comparison. Why wouldn't Skyler choose him?
But something inside me maybe foolish, male pride prodded me on. I turned back to my friends. "Like I said, she's not his."
"'I was a dumb ass!'" Spencer declared dramatically. "I'll make sure to put that on your grave marker."
Masterson chuckled.
I glared at Spencer. "Very funny."
"Thanks. I'm here all week."
Bosch's voice interrupted the banter. "Last call if you ladies are interested in betting on the next elimination."
"What the hell? Already?" Riley said, taking a seat as he finally joined us for breakfast sliding a plate piled high with hash and bacon on the table.
"The clock's ticking, fool. Who's telling when His Royal Mightiness is going to cut another one of his precious, little virgin girls. Personally, if I were him, I'd pop each of those cherries before cutting them loose."
Bosch...what a dick.
"Who says he hadn't?" Spencer quipped making Bosch burst into boisterous laughter.
Bosch slapped a heavy hand on my shoulder in the process. With his free hand he pointed at Spencer. "I like the way you think!" He bellowed, I frowned.
I knew Spencer had to play along but regardless, I didn't like it. Bosch had a reputation as vile if not worse than Sebastian. If people worried about displeasing Sebastian, well, Bosch was the second ugly head of that three-headed monster. He had no boundaries when it came to his indulgences. It was known he liked both male and female companionship. And he always got what he wanted.
After the swell of his laughter ebbed he asked, looking at each of us. "So...anyone feeling lucky?"
Mastersoon shook his head. "I'm out."
"Not a gambling man, I take it."
"Not much. I sort of have this lustful affinity with my money. I like it where it is."
"Is that what that bulge in your pocket is?"
Masterson tensed and I saw the muscle in his jaw twitch. He'd turned beet red and by the looks of his flaring nostrils, he was pissed.
"What're the odds?" I asked, hoping to defuse the sudden tension at the table. I hoped it would be enough to cool my buddy down.
"I need to report." Masterson said, his words, clipped as he pushed off the table. He stood and brushed by Bosch.
"See you around...sweetheart."
Masterson stopped mid-step. It felt like the room suddenly went silent, the noise of voices dulled in the background. His hands balled into two fists. 'Don't do it, man.' I willed. To his credit he moved along.
My heart resumed beating, relieved that my friend hadn't done something utterly stupid like punch Bosch's lights out. I swallowed the knot lodged in my throat. Spencer had gone a bit pale and Riley's eyes were glued to the contents on his plate.
"Was it something I said?" Bosch chuckled.
What an ass. Bosch loved playing these mind games and Masterson had made himself a target by rising up the ranks too quickly. I guess he needed to be reminded of his rightful place. He was Sebastian's bitch just like the rest of us.
I took a blind bet for the next round just to squash the uneasiness we were all feeling. It worked. Riley placed his bet and things quickly settled back to normal.
But not for long. The doors burst open. A shout boomed in the room.
"REBELS!"
And everything went to hell.
~ Markson
"Damn it! HURRY! Secure the doors to the banquet room!" I shouted, ordering the guards under my command as we bolted down the hall. The rebels had slipped inside the palace walls. Whether they were Northerners or Southerners, I wasn't sure yet. My priority right now was making sure the Royal family was safe. A knot lodged in my throat as adrenaline pumped through my veins. It was bad enough to have had this breach with the Royal family in the palace but now with the Selected in house, this made things that much grievous.
Pushing the doors to the banquet room open, I heard the boom of King Clarkson's commanding voice, "To the back of the room, ladies!" Crossing the threshold, I entered, followed by a few of my guards who immediately took posts to protect those inside. Confusion laced the faces of the Selected as they began to move slowly. Queen Amberly was swift to react alongside the King and Prince to bring down the metal shades on the windows for protection.
I made my way through the palette of colorful dresses towards King Clarkson as he reached to pull down another shade.
"They're inside the walls, Majesty, but we're holding them back," I reported. "The ladies should leave, but we're so close to the door—"
"Understood Markson," replied King Clarkson cutting me off. Irritation shrouded him as he slammed down the shade into place. I could only imagine the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. The safety of us all depended on him.
The clatter of a chair drew my attention. One of the Selected, the fiery red head showed no hesitation to help in securing the other windows. I admired that. Her action moved some of the others standing around to join.
On the other side of the doors, my men had stationed themselves as they had been trained. Not a soul was going to get through. Regardless of having successfully secured the Royals and the Selected ladies inside the large room, panic rose as someone screamed, I think it might've come from the fiery red head. Objects launched against the metal shades clanked.
"To the back of the room! Now!" Prince Maxon ordered.
Some girls obeyed while others froze in fear. I worked with the Prince, picking up one that had fainted, herding the others to the corner of the room while His Highness snatched up the ones who were obviously in a state of shock. I handed off the fainted girl in my arms to a couple of the others, returning at once to King Clarkson. The soft sounds of weeping drifted from the group now clustered in the corner. I wondered if they'd realized what they had signed up for? Reading or watching a report on a rebel attack was nothing in comparison to actually experiencing one or surviving one.
"The rebels are going to have a hell of a fight on their hands, Your Majesty."
I stood before my King and Queen making sure they knew they would be protected at all costs. King Clarkson draped a protective yet gentle arm around Queen Amberly. She stood strong beside her husband, her chin set, wearing a quiet calm I could only admire and I wondered if any of these girls would even come close to filling her shoes. Maybe the red head?
"Do we know if it's the Southerners?"
"No report on whom yet, Your Majesty."
I had to hand it to the rebels. Strategically, it was a damn good time to make a statement. Discontent was growing strong among the provinces and the Selection wasn't helping to ease tensions. Many viewed this antiquated form of ruling a century past its hay day and one that needed to be replaced. For my part, I loved my country and all it represented. It wasn't perfect by any means but I had signed up not only to serve but pledged to protect the interests of my King and that is what I vowed to do.
"I want answers, Markson! You bring me those rebel bastards alive. Do you understand? This has gone far enough! If they think for one second I'll be intimidated by these savage tactics they don't know who the hell they're fucking with!"
"Understood, Your Majesty."
I turned on my heels walking swiftly towards the guarded doors.
"Tanner!"
"Sir!"
Tanner was a good guard, a capable soldier. A family man, he always gushed about his wife and two kids. I respected him for keeping focused on the important things in life but still doing an outstanding job for me.
"You're in charge," I said as he walked with me. Once out of the banquet room, I added in a hushed, severe tone, "No one comes within a hundred feet of this door, understood? If they try, shoot 'em. No questions asked." It was a kill order. It bristled against protocol and King Clarkson 's direct order but I didn't care. The safety of the Royals wasn't up for debate.
"Understood, sir!"
My mind was racing. The loud clash of objects thrown against the windows made my anxiety level rise further. I had to find Ashton. As long as I knew she was okay, I would be okay. Not knowing if these were Northerners or Southerners...I had to make sure she was safe.
I ran with my rifle in hand, my second gun strapped in the holster to my lower back. The alarm still hadn't been repaired and I wasn't sure if any of the staff on the second floor, where I knew Ashton currently was, would have had a chance to quickly get to the safe rooms. If anything happened to her, I swear I would kill the first rebel that crossed my path. So far, there hadn't been any breach inside as I made my way running down the hall of the main floor, passing guards, shouting orders to keep the rebels outside! I bounded up the stairs, taking two steps at a time, up to the second floor and ran straight into a maid. She screamed.
"Palace guard, miss," I was quick to identify myself.
"Oh, God!" she cried out, gripping the sleeves of my jacket. Relief immediately draped her features. She was shaking.
"Ashton...have you seen her?"
"I...I saw her checking one of the rooms." My eyes followed in the direction she pointed to.
The maid wasted not another second before running off.
Maids and guards rushed against me headed to the safe rooms. I frantically glanced each face looking for Ashton.
My chest rose huffing breaths of near fear as I opened door after door with no luck.
A shrieking scream pierced my ears when I barged into another bedroom. I quickly recognized Miss Anne kneeling on the floor, eyes as big as saucers when our eyes met.
"It's Officer Markson. You're okay. We're here, Lucy. You're safe, dear." Her attention swiftly returned to the maid she cradled in her arms, the one she called Lucy while another held her hand.
"Do you need..."
"No! We have her. Go help the others," the second maid ordered.
I nodded and ran to the next room. Empty. Then the next... the same. Panic began to swell. I debated going to the safe rooms before doing a clean sweep of the floor. No, I had to make sure.
"MARKSON!"
"ASHTON!"
Relief crashed over me like a tidal wave. The arm of a maid who cried out in pain as they trodded towards me was draped over her shoulder.
"She's hurt her ankle. She won't make it like this." Sweat beaded Ashton's brow as she labored with the hobbling maid.
"I got her." I swooped up the injured maid at once.
"I couldn't make it to the safe room, Jeremy. I couldn't leave her..."
Pride bloomed in my chest. "Of course you couldn't," I said but wished I could kiss her instead.
"Are they inside?" she asked, her voice quivering.
I shook my head. "No. But, I want to get you downstairs."
Guards were moving from room to room, making sure whoever was on the floor was okay and began ushering them towards the safe rooms. The popping sounds of gunfire echoed from outside. A few rounds richocheted off the palace walls startling Ashton and making the maid I carried contract into me. I hated this part of palace life. I wanted desperately to take Ashton away from it all.
"Where's Virginia?"
I hadnt seen her but so as not to trouble Ashton further I said, "I'm sure by now she's safe."
We made it to the safe room.
"She's not here. Skyler hasn't seen her either. "
"There's several safe rooms. She could be in any one of those."
"Find Virginia, Markson. Please."
She looked at me with those powerful green eyes. "I'll find her."
"We have to close the door, sir," said one the guards.
"Give me a damn second."
I hauled her aside. I had to get back to my duty and I had no time to mince words.
"I want to see you tonight. Tonight, Ashton." It wasn't a request.
"Okay."
Her voice was a whisper, her features, soft. I cupped her face, tracing my thumb over her cheek and gave her a small smile. Her eyes were big and the way she looked at me, as if I were her protective wall, I couldn't help but kiss her.
I then turned to go, running down several corridors to find Ashton's friend. No luck. All the safe rooms were locked tight. I was sure the girl was okay. I headed back up to the main floor, relieved to see no destruction. Indeed, the rebels had not stepped one foot inside the palace.
"What the hell are you doing out here, Hector?" I frowned, as I made my way back to Tanner. Hector walked next to me. "You're not cleared for duty as far as I've been told." Not only that, but he was out of uniform.
"My hand's fine, sir. I had to help." He held his rifle in what was his injured hand which was still bandaged.
I contained my smile. I would have expected as much from him.
"Very well. I heard shots."
"A couple of the rebels got close to the doors, sir, but we scared them off."
"How the hell did this happen? Damn it. And with a house full of guests! I'm sure we'll be stellar on the Report this week."
"It was bound to happen, sir. With the new recruits still not arrived; we need more men, sir."
I stopped dead in my tracks. Hector followed.
"That is not an excuse, officer," I stated gruffly, my brow pulled tight. "The king and queen depend on us for their safety. Their lives are in our hands and they are the only things keeping Illéa from disintegrating into mass anarchy! And I'll be damned if I let anything happen to them under my watch! I'm going to get to the bottom of this. I want every soldier under my command to report to me at eleven hundred hours. Spread the word."
"Yes, sir."
What a hell of a day this had been.
Debriefings were always tough after a rebel attack. We were running on a skeleton crew which to palace standards and safety rules was unacceptable. We were desperate for new flesh. Every guard would be needed to step it up until the recruits reported. Once the rookies arrived I'd make sure to do my part to whip them into shape. Until then we would have to manage the best we could.
Virginia had been tucked away safely in one of the safe rooms. She hadn't returned from an errand before the attack so had been swept along with the mass crowd that spilled from the servant's hall.
Today we were lucky. The attack turned out to be at the hands of Northern rebels. Prone to disrupt and raise havoc, the Northerners were the lesser of two evils unlike their Southern counterparts who were hell bent on killing. The challenge had always been identifying which group was at it. They wore no distinctive markers and that made my job ever more frustrating.
King Clarkson viewed the Northerners as nothing more than an inconvenience but there had to be more to these attacks than causing a mere inconvenience. They had an agenda. What that could be was even more of an enigma.
My palm caressed the velvety skin of Ashton's back. She sat with her back to me on our lover's bed in the confines of our secret place. "Come back to bed, love."
She looked at me over her shoulder and with a small smile snuggled up against me. I kissed her forehead, my arms pulling her warm, naked body against mine.
"What were you thinking about?" I asked, my voice low and tender.
"Everything."
I chuckled. "That's quite a bit."
"Jeremy…" she sighed, raising on an elbow. She propped her head on her hand. I looked at her, deep pools of emerald green under the silvery moonlight. "I was so scared today. We were so lucky this time. I can't help but think of the next time. What about if they're faster? If they get through?"
I touched her hair. "I know. I think about it all the time too. About how to keep you safe when I know I can't be there. I will never forgive myself if something were to happen to you." I slid my hand to cup her face, tracing her lips with my thumb. "I love you, Ashton."
"Jeremy…please…"
"I know. I know you're not ready. I won't push. But, I know you feel it, Ashton. If you didn't, we wouldn't be here together. I just can't pretend that I can go on without you. I want you in my life. And I'm willing to wait for you. Whatever it is holding you back from me…"
"You know what it is!" she stated forwardly, sitting back up, her back facing me again.
I shifted from under the sheets, sitting up, wrapping my arms around her waist. I kissed her shoulder, wanting to allow her the opportunity to open up to me. This entire time she had been unwilling to share her reasons as to why we couldn't be together. After our earlier spat, I toyed with the idea of speaking with her parents; perhaps they could've clued me in but decided against that. It would only make things worse. Ashton would see it as an invasion and she would be right. As much as I wished to know, I wanted to hear it from her.
"Love, tell me what it is. I don't want to make assumptions," I uttered softly, my face buried in in her scented hair. "I need you to tell me. Please."
"I…I can't…"
"Please, love." I brushed the tip of my nose on the soft track between her shoulder and neck.
I could feel her swallow. "I'm a lowly maid Jeremy. It's what I am. It's all I'll ever be. You're so wonderful. You deserve so much better than I could ever be. I can't do that to you. I can't cripple you like that. You have so much going for you. I don't want you to wake up one morning regretting a mistake."
"A mistake?" I frowned.
"Yes!" she turned to face me. "Me. I'll be your biggest mistake. Can't you see?"
"No!" I replied with as much passion. "God, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me," I smiled, my fingers deep in her hair, holding her head for her to look at me. "Ashton, before we met, I was a man with no direction. I wasn't sure if I was coming or going. Sure, I was never lacking anything but that didn't mean I was happy. I didn't know what happy was until I realized, it was you…why my world seemed different now. That it was you that made me happiest. Not my money, not my caste. Not even my job. They mean nothing to me compared to you."
She looked at me as if she were soaking in my words. I was praying she heard me; that she would take my words and trust them. But then she shook her head.
"You can't believe that. You don't know what you're saying." Once again, she turned from me.
"Like hell I do!" I grabbed her arms, turning her back to me. "Listen to me, Ashton," I pleaded. "I have two more years, two years left to serve at the palace then I can get pretty much any commission I want. If by then you don't think we are meant to be, I will accept your decision. But until then, I'm going to keep fighting for you."
"And what of your family? Aren't they going to have a say in all of this? Are you going to fight them? I know how it works, Jeremy. It doesn't matter what you want. Once your family gets involved, I have no chance!"
"My family?"
"Yes! You think your parents are going to let you marry a…a Six?! I could only see you mother's face right now as you break the news of your engagement to a maid!"
She jerked her body from my hold and tossed the sheets off herself. She was about to get up and run off as she'd done in the past but not this time. Hell no. I held her by the waist pulling her back to sit.
"I don't care what they think!"
"Will you care when your mother ties your purse strings? Will you be content to live on a guard's salary?!"
"Is this about money?" I asked incredulously.
"No! It's not about money, Jeremy. It's about your caste. What's expected of you…what your family expects from you and what I can't give you."
"And what is that?"
"Nothing. That's the point. I have nothing. Can't you see? Your family is going to look at me as some sort of gold digger or worse yet, a caste climber. They will only hate me. And I can't do that to you! I don't want you to have to defend your choice."
"I don't need to defend it. Because I know it. There isn't anything anyone can say to me to change the way I feel. And I feel it deeply, Ashton. I've never felt this with anyone but you." I pulled her close, kissing the side of her head. "I know I love you. I know we can be great together…you and I. I know I can make you happy. I know you can make me happy. I know we will make beautiful babies and I know I've never been more certain of anything in my life, Ashton Lynn, than my love for you."
Woo hoo! I did it! Got a chapter written within a month! Cheers! 😊
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