because you guys are SO awesome, i knew that i had to write up anoter chapter for you :) i had 25 messages in my email today, and all of them were alerts for reviews or story favorites or story alerts. so you guys ROCK!!!! thanks so much. i love each and every one of you.
again, this chapter's pretty slow but i need it for plot development. i also had a blast writing the Change of the Guard scene. if you're having trouble picturing Carter's uniform, think of the Marine Corps dress uniform. hers is based off that, only the jacket's navy blue and there's not a red hem. also she's carrying a sword like the ones in the front. thank you 4 years of JROTC in high school for these ideas! :)
Behind the safety of her enclosed tent, Queen Rosalinda was biting her lip. She hadn't even bothered to put on lipstick that morning, knowing that she would probably end up just worrying it back off with her teeth anyway. She didn't exactly know why she was so nervous for her friend, but the Change of the Guard was a big deal in Costa Luna. Thousands turned out to watch the ceremony every other year.
The queen hoped that the public wouldn't realize that her new Captain wasn't a citizen of her country, or that even if they did, they wouldn't become upset by it. Thankfully Carter had some Hispanic heritage, so she could at least look the part. Queen Rosalinda knew that her friend could take care of herself, and would probably perform her part flawlessly, but the distressed royal couldn't help but worry.
The ceremony was due to begin a few minutes' time, and on cue, Sophia came to escort Rosalinda to her position. Her mother led her outside of her tent, where a small security group met her as well. They continued to the center of the open courtyard.
As soon as she was in full view, the crowd that had assembled there began to cheer and clap and make a racket. Rosalinda smiled widely, raising a hand in greeting. Once she had reached her space in the courtyard, she turned to face the large open entrance of the castle, where both Guards would be entering from. She shifted uncomfortably in her dress. It was far too stiff for her liking.
"Sit still, mija," Sophia murmured with a small grin.
A loud, low voice sounded over the speakers set up near the spectators. "Ladies and Gentlemen of Costa Luna, the Changing of the Royal Guard is about to begin. We remind you that absolute silence is asked for by the castle staff and Guard members."
The crowd turned towards the entrance as well, all anxious to see what was happening. Two platoons of people rounded the corner and entered the giant courtyard together. Three columns were packed together for each group, the old Guard and the new Guard marching side-by-side. Outside the groups were the Captains, who marched alongside the platoons. Each wielded a ceremonious sword, representing that they were the Commanding Officer.
Rosie couldn't remember one time that she had ever seen Carter look so good.
Her uniform had been properly hemmed and she looked amazing in it. The black shoes and navy jacket complimented the white pants, white undershirt, and white gloves perfectly. Carter's jacket fit to her body, though not tightly, showing off her curves. Her cover was pulled down so that the brim almost covered her intense eyes.
The two Captains halted their platoons and faced them towards each other.
A voice came back on over the speakers. "The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony that has taken place every two years for all of Costa Luna's history. The Royal Guard is a small, elite group of individuals who have devoted themselves to the protection of the Royal Family and Costa Luna's safety. This incoming group is the 38th Costa Luna Royal Guard," he paused while the audience clapped and cheered, before quieting back down again. "Each member of the outgoing Guard please stand front and center as your name and position is called."
He went through all the names, slowly, each respective person moving out front. Once they were all standing in a line, the speakers crackled to life once more. "Now, each member of the incoming Guard will take up their place next to their counterpart."
Finally, all members of the old and new Guards were standing shoulder to shoulder. "The Queen will now pin the rank and decorations on each new member."
Rosalinda took her cue, and walked to the beginning of the line. First was Lieutenant Torres, the leaving Royal Grounds Commander. The queen went through each person. She removed the rank and cord from the old Guard members and placed them on the new ones.
"One of the most important parts of this ceremony is the changeover of the Captain of the Guard. The Captain is the head of the Royal Guard and is the personal protector of the Queen. All other departments report to the Captain and he or she issues orders that best serve the interest of the Royal Family," the man explained to the crowd.
"Our leaving Captain is Elliot Olvera," he paused for the crowd to break into applause. "And our incoming Captain of the Guard is Captain Carter Mason."
Rosie did her best not to grin like a proud idiot as she pinned Carter's cord on her shoulder. Carter winked indiscernibly at her as Rosie thanked Elliot for his hard worked and wished Carter luck.
Pretty much the rest of the ceremony was a blur to Queen Rosalinda as the new Guard was led out of the courtyard and she gave a quick speech publicly thanking everyone for their dedication.
It really wasn't until Major Mason entered the courtyard at a sprint while the crowd as exiting that Rosalinda really came back to reality. He grabbed the queen's arm, too breathless to explain, and the two of them ran (as best Rosie could in her dress) to find Carter. They rounded a corner, almost sliding into a wall, and shoved through crowds of people.
Major Mason finally found Carter, talking with Elliot and grinning wildly off to the side and out of the way. She smiled, seeing that Rosie and her dad were coming towards them, but the smile quickly dropped when she saw their looks.
"Come with me," Major Mason motioned, continuing towards the palace doors as Carter and Rosie struggled to keep up. They followed him inside, up the grand staircase, and into the first guest room that he could find.
A small television-looking device sat on the desk, a folder placed in front of it. Upon their arrival, it blinked on, revealing the Director. "Agent Gonzalez, Agent Mason," she greeted. "I apologize for the inconvenience of this mission, but it is quite urgent."
"A mission?" Carter asked breathlessly. An excited grin spread across her face. "Our first real mission?"
The Director nodded, gesturing for one of them to pick up the folder in front of the screen. Rosie did so and the two of them reviewed it while she talked. "As you know, General Kane's daughter Elisabeth has been preparing to be crowned queen next week. We've been given intelligence that a coup is being planned against her by her uncle and Kane's brother, Marshall Kane."
"Wow that family is screwed up…" Carter murmured as she listened.
"Director…" Rosie began, feeling angry heat go to her cheeks. "You're saying that you…that you want Carter and me to go protect General Kane's Daughter? After all that he almost took from me?"
"That is exactly what I'm saying, Ms. Gonzalez," the Director said curtly. "We realize that there are political tensions there Agent Gonzalez but your team is the closest team we have to Costa Estrella."
Rosie swallowed, nodding. If being a Princess and then Queen had taught her anything, it was how to keep a cool head, even in the most angering situations.
"Go prepare yourselves for departure," the Director said. "Meet the helicopter at the launch pad in one hour." And with that, the screen went dark.
Rosie didn't wait for Carter, but turned on her heel and left the room. She stormed down the hallway, barely making it to her own room and shutting the door before the tears came. Angry tears. She was angry at General Kane, at the Director for forcing her to do this, and at herself for not being able to keep her emotions more in check. She quickly pulled off her dress, finally able to breathe again.
The queen left the dress on her bed and pulled on a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt, also haphazardly tying up her hair. She sniffled a couple of times, wiping tears away, and was lacing up her black shoes when Rosie was startled by a quiet knock at the door. Before she could let the person in, the door opened to reveal Carter.
She quickly shut the door and walked to her friend. "Hey, it's gonna be alright…" she said, seeing the tear streaks on Rosie's face.
Seeing Carter renewed the feelings of uncertainty within Rosie, the tears being renewed as well. They rolled down her eyes as she angrily wiped them away. Carter stepped closer, taking Rosie's face in her hands as she wiped away the tears. Her hands slid down to Rosie's waist and she was enveloped in a soft embrace.
Rosie let herself go, crying into Carter's shoulder. Her heart leapt from the feeling of her friend's hands rubbing up and down her back, but her head throbbed from the dangerous gloom that this mission was certain to bring. "Thank you, Captain Mason…" Rosie whispered.
"You know, Rosie…" she began. "I can protect you as Carter too."
R&R?