Author's Notes:

After the storm of the rebel attack an uneasy calm descends upon the palace. Dark secrets are revealed. And temptations lurk in the most unexpected places.

WARNING! For sexual content. If this sort of material offends you, please go read something else. You have been WARNED! All others please continue on and...

I hope you enjoy!

~Sweetwaterspice

A Gilded Cage Just For Me"

Chapter 14

Anne

There are people that unexpectedly come into your world that not only change your perspective on life but are what I like to consider a gift. That is our lady.

My thoughts like ticker tape, scrolled non-stop as memories of yesterday's events swirled around us. We didn't speak further of it but the rawness of it lingered. And yet, a part of me felt hopeful.

I tightened my lips biting back the smiles that had continously threatened to surface as I glanced at the young woman sitting at the writing desk busy with pen in hand. The lettering flowed smoothly unto paper as thoughts no doubt from yesterday's attack made their mark. She wrote to her family as the King had directed all of the Selected ladies to do. After what she had done for our Lucy there was nothing I wouldn't do for her to return her kindness.

The rebel attack had had a devastating effect on Lucy. I hoped our lady would not turn her away. Lucy loved being a maid. She had made her father so proud of her by securing an assignment under Ms. LaFontaine and had finally found a measure of peace. She didn't want to lose her job and most importantly she didn't want to disappoint Lady America.

But yesterday when Lady America had stepped through the doors of her bedroom fear grabbed me by the throat. Her eyes were wide, shocked as Mary and I sat on the floor with an obviously traumatized Lucy.

The rebel threat had passed. Now we were left to pick up the pieces.

She'll be fine, miss," I interceded right away. I needed to dispel any concerns whirling in Lady America's head. "It takes a few hours, but she calms down once everything's quiet. If it stays bad, we can take her to the hospital wing." I dropped my voice in a sort of pleading appeal.

"Only Lucy doesn't want that. If they think you're unfit, they hide you down in the laundry rooms or the kitchen. Lucy likes being a maid." I looked from Lucy to our lady bracing myself for judgment to be written on her face. There was none.

"P-p-please, miss. I don't—I don't—I. . .," Lucy cried, trying to get the words out.

But, Lady America as it turned out was the kindest, sweetest, most caring person I had met in a very long time. "Hush. No one's turning you in," she comforted Lucy. And looking at me and Mary, "Help me get her on the bed."

It took all three of us working together to get Lucy on the bed and settled. Violent tremors riddled Lucy's body as her limbs jerked and her body writhed but once we got her under the covers she fell into a quiet sleep. Mary had sat at her side humming a little tune. Mary wasn't the affectionate sort but Lucy seemed to bring out that softer side of her; like a big sister caring for her little sister.

Words couldn't describe how touched I was that Lady America had allowed Lucy, a lowly maid, a wretch according to many standards, to rest and on her bed of all places! She could've coldly sent her to the infirmary for treatment and would've had every right to do so. Yet, Mary and I knew what that would mean for Lucy. But Lady America had a heart. A heart of pure gold. I could clearly see her standing side by side with Queen Amberly. To me, they were one in the same– priceless gems.

Lady America's tender concern for Lucy, her compassionate spirit and her willingness to go the extra mile spoke volumes to what a truly special person she was indeed. I don't know what kind of treatment Lucy would've received from the other Selected, but Lady America wasn't like the others. There didn't seem to be any caste boundaries when it came to her.

"What happened? Did someone get through?" she'd asked.

"No, no," I assured her. "Lucy always gets like this when the rebels come. Just talking about them will send her into a crying fit. She. . ."

I wanted Lady America to know the circumstances around Lucy's breakdown. It's not that Lucy was unfit. She was merely, damaged. Destiny had not dealt her a kind hand. Not in life, not in love. Even after coming to live in the palace, it seemed life cruelly gave her only a temporary break– the attack she'd survived under the hand of that Southern rebel nearly crippled her already frail mind.

I took a deep breath. And trusted Lady America.

"Some of us were born here. Mary was born in the castle, and her parents are still here. I was an orphan, taken in because the palace needed staff." I didn't like talking about my past. I was a nobody, unwanted, a throwaway. My past was another reminder of my insignificance in this world. I straightened my dress, trying to hide my embarrassment. "Lucy was sold to the palace."

"Sold? How can that be? There aren't slaves here." The shock on Lady America's face was telling.

"Not technically, no, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Lucy's family needed money for an operation for her mother. They gave their services over to a family of Threes in exchange for the money. Her mother never got better, they never made their way out of the debt, so Lucy and her father had been living with this family for ages. From what I understand, it wasn't much better than living in a barn with the way they were kept.

"The son had taken a liking to Lucy, and I know sometimes it doesn't matter what caste you're in, but Six to Three is quite a jump. When his mother discovered his intentions for Lucy, she sold her and her father to the palace. I remember when she came." I looked over to Mary still sitting at Lucy's side. "Cried for days. They must have been terribly in love."

I had never experienced the devastation of a broken heart. But, unlike me Lucy had tasted the real meaning of love. Being so special to someone else that they were willing to love you no matter your caste; that was a special love. To have someone who loved you so deeply they would give you the world even as the world wagged its ugly finger telling them, hell no. A love that consuming...and it had been cruelly taken from her.

"Lucy's dad works in the stables," I informed Lady America. "He's not very fast or strong, but he's incredibly dedicated. And Lucy is a maid. I know it might seem silly to you, but it's an honor to be a maid in the palace. We are the front line. We are the ones deemed fit enough and smart enough and attractive enough to be seen by anyone who comes to call. We take our positions seriously, and with reason. If you screw up, you're put in the kitchen, where your fingers are working all day...It's no small thing to be a maid."

It was Lady America's turn to look at Lucy and I saw empathy in her eyes.

"Two years ago, there was an attack on the palace in the middle of the night. They got the guards' uniforms, and everyone was confused. It was such disarray, no one knew who to attack or defend, and people slipped through holes in the lines... it was terrifying."

I continued on before I could lose my nerve.

"One of the rebels got a hold of Lucy." I ducked my eyes for a minute. This was the hardest part to relate. I gathered myself, feeling that uncomfortable knot in my throat. "I'm not sure they have very many women with them, if you catch my meaning," I added quietly.

"Oh." Good. She understood.

"I didn't see this myself, but Lucy told me that this man was covered in grime. She said he kept licking her face." I crumpled my face in disgust imagining that horrific scene. I could only imagine what ran in Lady America's mind as her face drained of color.

"He was dragging her off somewhere, and she was screaming as loud as she could. In the commotion, it was hard to hear her cries. But another guard came around the corner, a real one. He took aim and fired a bullet right through the man's head. The rebel fell to the ground, pinning Lucy. She was covered in blood."

Lady America's hand flew to cover her mouth. I heard a tiny little gasp escape her.

"She was treated for some cuts, but no one ever really saw to her mind. She's a little jittery now but tries to hide it as best she can. And it's not just for her sake, but her father's. He's so proud that his daughter is good enough to be a maid. She doesn't want to let him down. We try to keep her calm, but every time the rebels come, she thinks it's going to be worse. Someone's going to take her this time, hurt her, kill her. She's trying, miss, but I'm not sure how much more of this she can stand."

Looking over to Lucy in the bed now fast asleep, Lady America nodded. "She'll be safe here with us, Anne."

I wasn't sure if her empathy stemmed from her caste, being a Five and all, but whatever the reason, she was genuine. She didn't put on airs or pretended to be who she wasn't. It endeared me to her.

We stayed with Lady America for the rest of the day in the safety of her room while Lucy recovered.

Yes, I knew she could be Prince Maxon's choice. She had to be! I only hoped the prince could see what we so clearly saw in her.

~Ashton

I sat in the servant's hall for breakfast, Virginia at my side. The events of the previous day were still fresh on the minds and the lips of everyone in the room. It had been reported that the rebels had not been successful in breaking through the palace doors…this time, just as Jeremy had told me last night when we were together. I was glad to hear it but it didn't do much to soothe my worry. Eventually they would succeed and who knew what devastation they could bring on us next.

"Oh, my God!" Virginia cried in a whisper. "There he is!"

"Who?" I whispered back, setting my cup of tea down on the table.

"Officer Markson!" She wore the widest smile I'd ever seen on her and she sat up a little taller. I could see a hint of red on her cheeks. I turned my head to look in his direction but was quickly reproved by my younger companion. "My God, Asthon, don't look! He might notice."

Was she actually blushing? It didn't take me long to figure out that my young friend had developed a crush on my secret boyfriend…lover. A flicker of jealousy sparked. I didn't let it show.

"I was told he specifically came looking for me yesterday."

"Because I asked him to, Virginia." I was stupid enough to think that bit of info would douse that fire. It's not as if Virginia knew of my relationship with Markson.

"Okay...minor detail aside." She waved me off.

Really? Yes, I was a major idiot. Jeremy was hot as hell. Could I really blame her?

"Besides, isn't he a little too old for you?" I countered her obvious dismissal.

"Oh posh! Only a three-year difference. That's not old at all!"

"How do you know how old he is?!"

She rolled her eyes. "I asked Ginny, of course. She has a stat sheet on all of the guards." Virginia's eyes seemed to turn predatory. "He's a man, Ashton and I'm 18 now. I'm legal." She seemed to puff out her well endowed chest at the fact.

"What?!" I whisper-cried.

"That's what Skyler said."

"Legal for what?!" I asked indignantly, being careful to keep my words between us but I knew exactly what she meant.

"For lots of things, Ashton. I'm all grown up now. I can do lots of things..." She left the sentence open-ended, hanging in the air and had the nerve to raise a cocky brow at me.

"First of all, Virginia…" I started but was cut off when she dug her fingernails into my arm. "Ow!" I snatched it away but she hadn't even noticed.

"Oh my, God! He's looking this way!" She quietly squealed, sitting up another inch taller, fixing the skirt of her uniform that didn't need fixing.

This time I looked in Markson's direction and our eyes met. He smiled and I returned it discreetly. I melted, my erogenous zones suddenly on full alert! My thoughts transported me to last night, to the time we'd spent making love hidden in our secret place. I could feel the ghost of his touch over every part of my body. My body remembering all too well every kiss, every bite, each delicious thrust. My nostrils flared recalling the heady scent of his masculine body. The deep timbre of his voice as we talked quietly in the dark. Dampness pooled between my legs. God, the things this man did to me.

Thanfully, Skyler hadn't joined us yet. She was like a bloodhound, I swear and would've picked up on every signal given away by my treacherous eyes. I would be condemned. The old saying was true– your eyes are a window to your heart. Were my feelings not as contained as I once believed? I wasn't sure any longer. Especially after last night. My heart was bound to him. I knew it now.

The clear message in Jeremy's own eyes as we risked that momentary glance made me at this very moment want to jump on this very table and declare my love for this man to the world! He was willing to give me two years to make up my mind. I loved him for it but still, two years? How could he be so certain? I couldn't see that far down the road. Nothing was a guarantee. There were so many variables surrounding us. But, if he was willing to wait, I was willing to try. I had promised him.

"Asthon!"

"What?!"

"Will you stop gawking?!"

"I beg your pardon?"

Virginia was so mesmerized by Markson she ignored me altogether, inhaling deeply and exhaling a wistful breath. Her shoulders slumped on an audible sigh. "Isn't he just dreamy?"

If she only knew!

Her fawning caused a couple of maids to turn in his direction. They giggled and whispered, one brazenly remarking about his endowments. I tightened my hold on my teacup otherwise I'd strangle the bitch across from me.

"But I saw him first." Virginia's declaration made my head whip in her direction. Was the little wench really claiming a stake on my boyfriend?!

"And what is that supposed to mean?" I asked defensively.

"Just that I've got interests. So if you happen to hear of any others…" She fixed the maids across the table with a firm glare. What the hell had gotten into the girl? Raging hormones, that's what! "Will you kindly shoo them off?"

I frowned. "I will do no such thing, Virginia!"

"Oh come on, Ashton!" she bounced in her seat. "I really like him."

"Like him? You don't even know him!" My heart was racing. I had to calm myself down before I forgot Virginia was my friend. "For all you know, he already has a girlfriend."

"Maybe…but she's not here."

"And how do you happen to know this?"

"Because…I know he's a natural Two," she replied smugly, twirling the end of a golden lock around her slender finger. "Ginny's reports are extremely detailed. He wouldn't have a girlfriend here. Besides, even if he did, she would only be a piece of ass to keep him satisfied in the meantime."

My ears were on fire! I could barely get the words out of my mouth as I spoke. "R-really?"

"Skyler says that's all the guards want. Ass. You know, a good fuck."

Now my ears and my face were burning. What had happened to sweet, innocent Virginia?

"Virginia! Keep your voice down!" I scolded so she alone could hear.

"Why are you acting like such a prude all of a sudden?" she asked me, her brow pulled tight.

"W-what do…?"

"Don't try to deny it Ashton," she stopped me with a hand before I could make a defense. Hissing at me she leaned closer, "I'm not stupid. I know what your late night outings are all about. I get it. So stop treating me like an idiot. I want a boyfriend too! Just like the one you sneak around with. I want a man. Is that so crazy?!"

Before I could say another word, Virginia shot up from the table and headed to the door, nearly bumping into Skyler.

That girl...lord have mercy! I was surprised she didn't leave a scent of pheromones trailing behind her as she exited! And this was nothing but Skyler's fault! Putting ideas in her head!

"What the hell is wrong with Virginia?" Skyler asked as she took a seat across from me, shooing away with a hip the maid that had been sitting there. The maid only scowled and with a grumbled, "Excuse you!" Scooted down the table along with her companion.

I sipped on my tea. "She's eighteen!"

Skyler chuckled. "Eighteen and horny. All she's been wanting to talk about is sex lately. I promised to take her to The Hole again, you know...to satisfy her curiosity."

"Really, Skyler? The Hole? Do you think that's what she needs exposure to? I wish you'd stop filling her head with nonsense."

"Nonsense? Whatever do you mean?" Skyler asked with an air of innocence as she poured herself a cup of tea.

"About men. And sex. And the guards in particular."

"What about them?" She asked plopping two sugar cubes into the steaming cup.

"She could find someone special."

"Here?!" Skyler snickered then set her eyes on me. "Have we not had this convo, Ashton?" I didn't reply. Skyler took my silence as affirmation. "More than I can count," she gladly reminded me. Skyler leaned forward keeping her voice lowered. "It's better for her to know the truth than to live in some fantasy world waiting for a fool's dream that will never happen! That's the last thing she needs! Having her head filled with storybook romances. Ha! She needs to come to terms with her reality and the sooner she does, the better for her."

I shook my head. "You can't press everyone into the same mold, Skyler," I told her, irritated. "We're not all destined for doom!"

I didn't want to carry on this conversation any longer. I got up, visibly upset and not only at Virginia for making my boyfriend her target but at Skyler for her narrow-minded, hateful mantra. I needed to clear my head. Suddenly I suffered a pounding headache.

~Skyler

Curious– it was the only thing I could think once Ashton left my company visibly irritated. I didn't know what her problem was. It's not like she didn't know how I felt. Life in this place was cruel in so many ways. I only determined to see the truth behind the glitter because seeing the ugly truth was better than living a lie. If we chose to believe the lies who were we kidding? Only ourselves. And I wouldn't be fooled.

I glanced at the table of guards. There he was. The one I had warned her about. And damn it, she didn't listen, did she? I knew it was bound to happen. I knew it was only a matter of time before she caved. Ashton hadn't told me anything for a certainty but I could feel it. The minute she gave him her virginity, I knew she'd been caught. And the second he bolted from his seat to follow after her like some pup running after its mistress I didn't need any further confirmation. My suspicions were right on.

Ashton wasn't like me. Her heart was kind and her demeanor sweet. She cared for people. She wanted what her parents had. Decades of love. As hard as I tried to pry her away from those thoughts, once Markson came into the picture– she was doomed.

I never knew that kind of love growing up. There was no commitment in my parent's marriage. They were married but sex wasn't restricted to each other. It wasn't sacred or special. I knew of their grown-up "parties" as they called them. Every third Friday of the month and into that weekend. I saw them. I heard them. I remembered the noises...the moaning, the thumping. I tried covering my ears to it all. It didn't feel right but I was young and impressionable.

This was normal.

Friends enjoying each other. Friends loving each other because love was to be shared...freely no matter what the law said. I overheard my parents and their friends talking about how much they hated the law. How it had no right over our bodies and who they chose to share it with. The law was sticking its nose where it didn't belong.

This "freedom"– There was nothing wrong with it, I was told. It was okay for mom to sleep with other men and it was okay for daddy to sleep with other women. And they were, "happy".

One evening, curiosity got the better of me. It was late. I was awakened by strange sounds. I climbed out of bed and carefully opened my bedroom door. Just a tad. I heard slapping and voices of men... the cries of my mother. But these cries were different. The voices came from her bedroom. My father was away so I knew it wasn't him. My heart slammed in my small chest. A shiver of fear skittered down my spine. More slapping...muffled, male voices. I dared to sneak down the hall to her bedroom and saw the door was cracked just a sliver. My heart beat sped up something fierce, my knees knocked. I should go back to my sanctuary, lock the door. But If my mother was being hurt...I needed to call for help.

I braved to look through that crack of the bedroom door and my life would never be the same afterwards.

There was my mother, naked being taken by three men at one time. She let them do things to her I could never...and my mother begged them for more...to punish her because she deserved to be punished. The men wore feral smiles as they happily obliged. One pulled her hair, yanking her head back as he stuffed her mouth with his flesh, the second slapped her breasts and the third once number one had detached, choked her as he whispered something to her I was happy not to hear.

That had been my introduction to sex.

Horrified, I ran to my room and locked the door. I was ten when I discovered my mother was nothing more than a well-to-do whore. I cried myself to sleep, exhaustion finally claiming me. But the sounds, the images would never die.

No wonder I was so fucked up.

My darkest thoughts were interrupted by a figure that punctured my blurred line of vision.

"Oh Lord," I sighed as Hector sat in the seat in front of me where Ashton had been not long ago. "What do you want?" I dryly asked him as I picked up a piece of toast.

"Good morning to you too, Skyler."

I gave him a less than genuine smile as I buttered my toast. "Shouldn't you be sitting over there with your…friends?" I waved my toast at the table full of guards. "We wouldn't want to give them the wrong impression now would we?"

"And what impression is that, exactly?" he smirked.

I bit my toast. I couldn't help but notice how good-looking he was. He was definitely eye candy. There was a day's growth of stubble on his face which made him look rather sexy. He was obviously not back on duty since all guards had to be clean-shaven. But I liked this look on him. Made him seem, daring. I liked daring.

"That there may be some sort of…I don't know…interest?" My pussy was very interested it informed me. And I wondered how deliciously his stubbled jaws would burn my inner thighs if I gave him a taste of me.

He looked over his shoulder at his friends. Some shamelessly threw smiles in my direction. I rolled my eyes.

"Really, Hector? Does the entire table know?" I was referring to our kiss.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. His fingers were less than an inch from mine. He had strong hands and I wondered what those hands were capable of doing. Would they feel rough against the soft flesh of my belly, my breasts? Would his fingers know how to bring me to pleasure? Would he be gentle or demanding?

"I have no idea what they know. On the other hand you seem certain that they know something. Why don't you tell me?"

"So, how's your hand?" I asked, veering from the subject. I didn't really care but I thought it was a good diversion to get back on equal footing. But I did care. I wanted those hands on me.

He opened and closed it. The bandage was gone and aside from some superficial cuts, it still looked a little swollen. "Better."

"I heard you engaged a couple of rebels yesterday. I suppose I should thank you for keeping us all safe." I paused as we looked at each other. His gaze was unwavering as he locked in on mine. He cocked a brow, waiting as if he expected my gratitude and nothing less. Bastard. "Well, thank you."

"All in a day's work." His cocky reply made me smile and he was quick to catch it.

"Was that a smile?"

"Maybe." I replied, taking a bite of my toast. I chewed as we only looked at each other, engaged in this little mental game. I wondered if he could read my mind. He would no doubt love to know all the naughty things currently swimming in this head of mine.

"I have the day off if you…"

"You better get back to your friends," I said as I stood from the table. "We wouldn't want to give them the wrong impression, now would we?" I teased. "Good day, Hector."

"You too, Skyler."

I made my way to the door feeling a dozen set of eyes following me.

Making my way up to the second floor, I couldn't help but wonder what Hector's interest was in me? It had to be only sexual. What else could it be? He was a guard. I was a maid. We could service each other. No harm, no foul. I wouldn't mind it. He was pretty hot-looking. And after that kiss which still burned in my memory banks, I wanted to know more, to feel more, to taste more and all of him. There would be no guilty feelings if I slept with him once. If he played his cards right, maybe he would get lucky enough. This was perfect. No commitment. No drama. No future. Just the now. The present. I was content with that.

Exiting the servant's hall as I contemplated this little game or whatever you'd call this thing I had going on with Hector, I was sort of looking forward to the next round. There was something thrumming through my bones at this flirtatious little game of cat and mouse. Now who was the cat or who played the mouse...?

"I hope that smile you're wearing is because you're thinking of me," said the deep rumble of Sebastian's voice.

I nearly tripped and he caught me in his arms as he wrapped them around my waist. Pure instincts kicked into gear as I pushed against the wall of his chest stumbling a couple steps back. The separation couldn't have been fast enough. I realized I had reacted as if the man was a leper and he might as well had been. Sebastian was danger and getting too close meant you'd end up paying the price with a body part or your life in the end. But all the same I was thankful that he hadn't forced me to stay plastered against his broad, masculine chest. God, was it hard.

"Good morning, sweetheart," he grinned at me, his two flunkies stood to his right.

"A little late for breakfast aren't you?" I cocked a brow in response crossing my arms under my breasts. Sebastian didn't hide the fact that he was finding the sudden lift to my tits quite pleasing, raking my body with greedy eyes. He was trying to make me feel uncomfortable but unfortunately for him I wasn't the bashful little chit he was used to intimidating. My experience in dealing with his sex made me callous almost to a fault. Drooling over my tits was child's play to me.

"It's difficult for a man to leave his warm bed when he's got his hands full." He flashed a grin dripping of nothing but raw lechery.

I cocked my head to one side. "Well, I hope it was as good for her..."

"Them," he cockily smiled. "A man of my passions needs to be thoroughly satiated, darling."

"Well then...You are a man of many talents, I see."

"Do you, Skyler? Because..." His eyes darkened and he leaned to whisper in my ear, "I want to show you. I want every part of you. I want you splayed on my bed where I can touch every square inch of you...inside and out. Where I can have you begging for me...where I can taste you as you come on my tongue. And you will come...hard."

His words lit me on fire and my body responded. My nipples tightened and my core blazed. I steadied myself, overcoming the shock I was suffering at my body's response. "That's a mighty big promise."

"My promises aren't the only big thing about me, sweetheart."

With a wolfish grin he walked away leaving me trembling and quivering with need at his bold and crass promise. I could imagine every single kiss Sebastian would sear on my flesh, branding me, owning me. And a dark part of me wanted it and it scared me.

Because it reminded me of my mother.

~ Anne

"Are you sure we should even be playing this? It's gambling."

Mary rolled her eyes at me. "It's not gambling. It's called learning to play poker."

The three of us along with Lady America sat on the floor of her room as Mary doled out the cards.

"Come on. It'll be fun, Anne," Mary said as she fanned out her cards.

"I like this game," Lady America smiled. "My brother taught me to play some." My mouth immediately fell open and I closed it just as fast realizing I was gaping at her making Lady America laugh. I felt heat rush to my cheeks.

"See! Perfectly innocent," quipped Mary.

"Nothing innocent ever stems from a game of poker," I retorted snatching my cards up.

"Yeah...just ask Skyler," Lucy added with a shy smile dropping her eyes on her cards as if she were keeping some secret. It was nice to see her smile after all she'd suffered through yesterday. By the graces of God and Lady America had Lucy been even able to remotely recuperate well enough to function as quickly as she was.

"Skyler?"

"Oh... she's one of Lady Kriss' maids," I informed, noticing the questioning crinkle on Lady America's brow.

Mary couldn't help her smirk as she tossed some chocolate Kisses in the space between us . "She would know."

"Everyone talks about poker night at The Hole," Lucy said as her Kisses joined Mary's. My eyes bulged and Mary stilled.

"The Hole? What's that?" asked Lady America.

We were silent for a moment. The Hole was not a topic to be mentioned outside of palace staff. Lady America's eyes flashed with curiosity.

A glint of mischief sparked in our lady's eyes. "Whatever it is, I won't tell."

"It's a vile place. Nothing you need to trouble yourself over, my lady."

Grunting, Mary chimed in, "Would you please loosen your apron strings for a second, Anne?!"

"Now, you've got me very curious!" Lady America straightened.

Not giving me a second to speak, Mary continued undeterred. "It's a getaway of sorts. A place for staff to gather after work, have a drink, play cards...dance...and you can find some of the cutest guards there."

I held my breath unsure of what Mary was going to say! I was relieved she didn't offer more info than necessary.

Mary was no stranger to The Hole having in the not-so-distant past indulged in what it offered. I wish I had the courage she possessed. Mary and I were cut out of different cloths. Where she was confident, I wasn't. While she could flirt without a hitch, I was a tongue-tied mess which made me appear stuck-up. I told myself it didn't bother me, but in all honesty, yes it bugged the hell out of me.

Lady America wiggled her brows. "Cute guards, eh?"

"There are several that are just plain eye candy," Mary shamelessly offered while Lucy hid her giggle behind her cards.

"Mary!" I blanched but the battle was lost. Lady America seemed to be enjoying the topic just as much not even acknowledging my terrified cry.

"Who would be at the top of that list?" Lady America asked.

"Officer Markson!" Mary and Lucy replied in unison and then burst out laughing.

A smile broke across my mouth. I had to admit this was nice..this bond of sisterhood I guess I dared to call it. Not that we were equals to our lady. She had prospects of being a princess and our future queen But she had embraced us. She sat with US on the floor of her room, playing cards, listening to talk about boys and other matters. She didn't scowl instead laughed with us. Engaged in real conversation with us. It was surreal.

I allowed myself to embrace it.

Yes, I joined in after "loosening my apron strings".

It felt good.

I felt a little freer.

A little lighter.

And I couldn't imagine a day passing whereby the four of us wouldn't be sitting playing cards, laughing and being there for each other.

Maybe it was all too soon to feel this way but if something felt perfect, you knew it.

And this felt... perfect.

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