I'm sorry it's been so long since i've updated!!!! i have SO much going on. midterms are in like a week, and i've been running around doing college applications, and my best friend was in town for thanksgiving and i hadn't seen her in 5 months so i spent like every waking minute with her. crap just got in the way. hope you don't hate me too much :(
Disclaimer: i do not own anything except the plot and my random costa estrella characters.
Rosie shifted uncomfortably at the plane's window, crossing and un-crossing her legs multiple times. She glanced at Carter, chuckling silently. Her friend was passed out in the seat next to her, mouth open, snoring slightly.
The plane was due to land within the next few minutes, and Rosie's uneasy feelings were beginning to mix with the rushes of anti-gravity as it descended. The queen swallowed nervously as the plains of Costa Estrella came into view through the clouds. The two agents were travelling incognito, giving Rosie the opportunity to ride a non-private airplane for the first time. However this also meant that she had to take extra means to hide her face. It wasn't very easy to sneak a queen out of her own country. And not much easier to sneak out the new Captain of the Guard. Sunglasses and ball caps worked wonders, she had found.
The queen kept her face pressed up to the glass as the countryside came more and more into view. Since General Kane's attempt at Rosie's throne, the queen had been to Costa Estrella a few times, simply for diplomatic purposes. During those visits, however, she had been intensely guarded and had seen no more than the private airstrip and palace. Strangely enough, she was actually looking forward to seeing more of her sister country.
Rosie snapped out of her reverie as the plane touched down, jostling Carter from her sleep as well. The confused agent yawned loudly, wiping some drool from the corner of her mouth. "We here?" she mumbled, smoothing her fingers through her hair in an attempt to control it.
Rosie nodded her confirmation as she began to pick up her bag and sunglasses as the plane taxied down the landing strip.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, we have landed at the Costa Estrella International Airport. The current local time is 10:07 AM and the temperature outside is a mild 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Baggage can be claimed at carousel 4, which is just to the right of our gate. We hope you have enjoyed your flight and that you have a pleasant stay in Costa Estrella." The captain repeated his speech once in Spanish, finishing as the plane was parked at the gate.
Carter and Rosie, in every attempt to remain unnoticed, stayed seated as people rushed to disembark. Once they were close to last, the two stood and made their way to the front of the plane. Rosie quickly slipped her sunglasses over her nose, looking away from the flight attendants that stood at the exits.
Safely off the plane, Carter grinned at her friend as they entered the main terminal. The girls had packed very lightly and had not had a need to check baggage. They exited the terminal and past security, hopping onto the nearest escalator. As the two descended from the gate, Rosie nudged Carter, pointing towards the exit. A man who looked to be around twenty stood with a sign in his hand that read MASON + GONZALEZ. He was dressed in khaki pants with a dark purple shirt buttoned three-fourths of the way up, the sleeves rolled back to his elbows.
Carter waved towards him as they approached, and he smiled, lowering the sign. He reached out, taking Rosie's hand warmly in greeting. "Your Majesty," he murmured. "Forgive me for not bowing properly, but I do not wish to cause any kind of scene. My name is William Hernandez, and I am the personal guard to La Princesa."
Rosie smiled back at him. "It is good to meet you, William. And please, it is just Rosie while we are here. I did not come as a queen, just a regular agent."
William nodded. "Of course, Rosie." He turned his attention to Carter, shaking her hand as well. "And your Captain of the Guard, Ms. Mason? A pleasure to meet you," he said.
"Likewise. And it's just Carter for now, "she replied.
"Very well. Shall we depart?" he asked. The two agents nodded, following him outside. "Costa Estrella is very grateful to the two of you. Protection is never something that one should not take advantage of. Have you been fully briefed on the situation?"
Carter shook her head. "We were told that we would find out details after arriving. All we know is that Princess Elisabeth may be in danger."
A black car was parked in the waiting zone, and William pointed, gesturing for them to get in. He moved to open the door for Rosie, but Carter beat him to it. He stepped back, momentarily confused, but smiled again. "My apologies, I had forgotten that Costa Luna's Captain of the Guard was plenty capable of caring for her Queen," he said, getting into the passenger seat.
Rosie giggled as a hint of red appeared on Carter's face. She slid past her friend to get into the car, lingering momentarily to brush her lips against Carter's cheek. "Thank you."
Carter nodded, unsure of what to say, as she slipped in behind Rosie and closed the door. The driver moved the car forward and they were soon out of the airport. Rosie pulled her ball cap off her head, happily brushing out her long brown curls with her fingers. She looked quite relieved to have it out from the smothering hat.
A smile played on Carter's lips. "You're so prissy," she teased, shaking her head. She was perfectly content to continue hiding her flat hair under her Louisiana Tigers cap.
Rosie opened her mouth to respond, when William turned in his seat, handing them a folder. Carter took it, opening it up. Inside were a few pictures of Princess Elisabeth, one of Marshall Kane, and one of what they presumed to be the palace ballroom. A list of names was behind the picture, as well as blueprints to most of the palace, and a list of phone numbers.
"Marshall Kane has always been angry for not having the throne to himself. When General Kane was arrested, Costa Estrella returned to its monarchy, with the next available blood relative taking the throne. The princess, however, was not old enough to become Queen, and Kane stepped in, setting up a board of advisors to assist her in running the country," William explained as Rosie and Carter finished looking through the folder. They nodded, both familiar with the recent government of Costa Estrella.
"Now that she is seventeen, the princesa is able to take the throne for herself. As you know, her coronation is next week. We're very concerned that, with the tension between her uncle and herself, a coup may be planned. Princess Elisabeth and her family are hosting a pre-coronation ball tomorrow night. The guest list is in the folder. Because Kane is family, he will be there. Though the chances of him trying something in a room full of people are very slim, it would give him the perfect cover to spirit her away.
"Kane knows that I will be watching the princess very closely, but he also knows that I have duties as a Royal Guard, and will not be able to stay with her at all times. This is where I need both of you. Myself and the princesa's mother have planned to dress one of you as a Royal Guard member, and the other as a server. One of you needs to have eyes on the princesa at all times."
"And after the ball?" Rosie inquired. "We are to stay until her coronation?"
"Yes," William said. "It is just as likely that he will try something during a quiet week of preparation as during a crowded ballroom."
"We got it," Carter said, closing up the folding and slipping it into her backpack. "We won't let Elisabeth out of our sight."
The drive to the palace took roughly 45 minutes, and after William had finished briefing them, Rosie and Carter were free to sight-see. The Queen was surprised to discover how similar Costa Luna and Costa Estrella's geography were. After they exited the city, she almost felt as if she were home as she gazed upon the slightly mountainous and lush landscape.
The palace was nestled in part of a hilly region about a half hour outside of the capital. It rose up suddenly as the car rounded a turn, and Rosie recalled the few times that she had been there. She was looking forward to seeing more of it than just the Grand Hall, her own suite, and the dining hall.
The car pulled into the long decorated drive way, and a guard walked down the steps to escort Rosie and Carter into the palace. They thanked the driver, and followed William and the other guard in through the elaborate entryway. They led the girls up a large staircase to the left of the entry hall and into the west wing.
"Ah, William. Left the princesa's side for the moment I see," a voice boomed through the enclosed corridor. The party paused, turning around. A middle-aged Hispanic man, along with several others gathered around him, was walking down the hallway behind them.
William visibly stiffened. "Indeed. I take it you are having a pleasant day, senor?"
The man grinned. "I try to make every day pleasant," he glanced at Carter and Rosie. "And who are these lovely ladies? Where are your manners, William? Introductions must be made."
William's expression didn't change. "Carter, Rosie, this is Marshall Kane, Princess Elisabeth's uncle. Senor Kane, these are two new additions to the Royal Guard. Carter Mason and Rosie Gonzalez," he said, gesturing to each of them in turn.
Kane's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked the two of them over. "Are you in the palace often? The both of you do look familiar…"
Carter shook her head. "No, sir, this is the first time either of us has been to the palace."
Rosie said nothing as she looked on at the man. Her fists visibly clenched, but she kept them controlled at her sides. Inside, she couldn't help but feel like she was staring into the proud eyes of a devil.
Sorry there's not much romance going on between carter and rosie yet, but i really needed to develop the plot a bit more. it'll get mushy soon, don't worry. I also PROMISE that i will update again sooner for the next chapter. R&R!