Chapter 11: The Meeting, and Suspicion

Bash quirked his brow as a slow smile appeared on his features.

Perhaps you're right; try not to think too much about it. Well, you can if you want; I don't mind. I encourage it.

Good night, Your Grace.

Bash tapped his phone on his chin thoughtfully, chuckling to himself as he scanned the security cameras again, before reopening his browser and staring at the two items on the screen. Determining to hold off on purchasing the items, he plopped his phone next to his alarm on his night stand, unwrapped the towel from around his waist and threw it into the hamper on the opposite wall.

He turned off his lamp, and laid in his large bed, signing up at the ceiling.

She might be able to sleep, but I don't think I'll be able to.

He replayed the events of the day in his head, chuckling to himself incredulously again, and he whistled low in his throat.

Wow, man. Hot damn.

At four o' clock Bash's alarm went off. It was off by the second ring, Bash already out of bed as he dressed in his training clothes and headed for the gym.

He was in his shower by five thirty-four, and dressed by five fifty-three.

When he made his way down the steps that led to the foyer, he saw his team already assembled.

He stared at all twenty of his men, whom stood with their posture straight and to attention, arms behind their back, already laced up and in uniform. They were waiting to greet their supervisor, and Bash didn't keep them waiting.

"You're all up early. Thought I was the only one today."

"When the cat is away, the mice will play, sir," one of his guys replied, and Bash nodded as he walked among them.

"See to it that you do." He stopped before Jackson, Connor, and Reily. "As for the new operatives, see what they know, and whip them into shape if necessary. If they don't impress you, they won't impress me, so make sure the newbies have some cold blood running through them."

"That goes without saying," Connor said airily, "We don't babysit."

"If they don't got what it takes, I want them debriefed, and I want them out."

"It's already under control," Reily responded, his Irish lilt full of mischief. "Connor and I will give these boys hell. They'll either leave here with short term memory loss or greet you when you return with blood and sweat."

"And Jackson?"

"Leave her to me. I'll take good care of her."

Bash nodded at his comrades, and headed out the door.

Mary was awake early this morning, earlier than usual. She had opted to wear a knee length black dress, with three quarter sleeves and a v-neckline. She had curled her hair and pinned half of it back elegantly with a few small unseen bobby pins.

She shifted as she stood before her full length mirror, slipping her feet into the black high heels she would wear to finish off the outfit. Resting atop her head, per her usual look was the small tiara she always wore, this one though was finely crafted with a few purple and black stones set into the intricate pattern work of the tiara itself. She smoothed her hands over the dress, before grabbing her long black coat and throwing it over her shoulders.

Slipping her arms through the coat, she fastened it around her waist and went to pick up her small bag that she would carry with her. She had most of her books at school, and if she needed an outfit change well she thought she had one of those at school as well.

She went and pulled her phone off the charger, and slid it into the pocket of her jacket as she went and sat down while she waited for Jackson to arrive and pick her up. She had dreamt of Bash last night, and very much so was properly awakened with a fresh thought of him. She pulled her phone out and sent him a quick text.

..

Good morning, Sebastian.

Bash was reorganizing his class room, placing the test papers he'd graded and a few sources of reading material down on the desks, when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He fished it out and quickly read the message, his face neutral but his eyes warm.

Good morning, Your Grace.Then, It seems as if you are calling me Sebastian quite a lot. Pleasurably so.Slipping his phone back into the pocket of his slacks, Bash finished passing out the papers and then picked up the clear lensed glasses off his desk. He checked his watch then walked towards the door as he made his way down to the faculty room.

Mary smiled as she looked towards her door, reading over his message and smiling warmly. Well, once you get passed calling me 'Your Grace' and start calling me Mary, we'll be even better. She sent the message as she stood and made her way to the door.

She knew better than to leave her room without an escort on school days, even rightfully to just wander the halls. But lately she had gone to wanting to be with Bash more, or rather Sebastian as she had now started calling him it seemed. She walked to the door, opening it slightly and looking around the halls for Jackson, a small frown on her face.

Clearing her throat, she called out. "I don't need to be late for this meeting!" She than closed her door and went and sat back down.

he says she doesn't need to be late, and yet we still have plenty of time. Someone's eager for school. You slept with her, didn't you?

No, I didn't.

You're damn right, you didn't. The Dauphin's coming back as early as Monday. Can you keep it in your pants until then?

You did tell me to skip the drinks.

Do as I say, not as I do, cheeky kid.

I'm a kid now?

Yeah, when you aren't using the right head.

I'm your commanding supervisor.

I trained you for ten years. You're my supervisor because I let you be.

You're not very happy with me.

On the contrary, I'm ecstatic. You got the girl. But be careful.

I plan to be.

I'm at her door now. I'll send confirmation when we're on our way.

Bash ended his conversation with Jackson and sent a reply back to Mary.

That, Your Grace, won't ever happen. You're a queen. And a queen I respect.He paused a moment.

Jackson is outside your door, and

You do understand what it means for us to be like this, don't you?

It was a thought that came to him suddenly, and while he thought it was implied, thinking back on her reactions the day before, Bash wasn't so sure.

When this faculty meeting begins, Mary, I'll be on assignment. I'm on assignment now, even. I can't and won't be anything other than my job. You get this, don't you? There won't be exceptions, and I won't allow any.

I need you to tell me you understand what I'm asking of you.

He looked up from his phone, smiling at the teachers that greeted him and awaited Mary's reply.

Mary looked at the messages, nodding her head once, though he couldn't see it.

Of course I understand, stritcly business on the end of school and everything else.

I'll see you at school, and I will be on my most Queenly behavior.

She sent the messages and walked to her door, opening it as she looked at Jackson. "Hello, is it time to go?" She asked politely, tilting her head. She had her bag on her shoulder and her coat was properly tied around the waist to prevent herself from getting cold.

Inside she knew that things were difficult for her and Bash, and yet she would behave as if he was her guard most often. She knew the risk, and she also knew that Francis was due home soon, though she also knew that she would have to figure all of that out. She couldn't marry someone she didn't love anymore, even if it was for her country. Perhaps she should talk to her mother about it all, she knew her mother would make things easier on her, and yet she also knew that her mother would act as the mother in this situation.

Jackson gave a quick nod. "Your Grace. Good morning. I'm sure you've already been briefed by the Head of Security. I'm Jackson Marlow, I'll be your escort to school this morning." Jackson stood with straight back, arms behind him as he greeted the queen. His green eyes met hers squarely as he spoke every word smoothly. He was wearing a black jacket similar to Bash's, his blonde hair cut short. He continued, "I apologize for...my tardiness."

Mary gave a small nod as she exited her room, and shut the door behind her. "It's fine, I had a bit of a hard time getting my hair done." She said, coming up with some excuse for how long she spent in her room. "Shall we?" She said as she started walking towards the front, and towards the vehicle that would no doubt take her to school. "Did Bash explain why he had to leave so early?" She asked, unsure why he couldn't have waited and taken her early as well. She wouldn't have minded getting to school early, but then again they had to keep up appearances.

Jackson led Mary outside to his car. It was a black Nissan Altima, just like Bash's.

As they got in the car, Jackson said, "The Head of Security's assignment is to maintain your safety at all times until otherwise noted from the French royalty or in the case of your marriage to the Dauphin. As you are a student, this meant that he needed some way to keep watch over you during school. Being an IT specialist in an under cover assignment such as your high school is very advantegous. He can, through his post as a teacher, ensure your safety at all times. Provided that he can be discreet and keep up appearances at all times. This meant showing up for the faculty meeting that is being organized for your senior class. It will be easier for Bash to scope out the meeting's location and place security detail where necessary. As a precautionary measure."

After some time, Jackson added, "The Nissan is protocol. Every one on the team has one. It was a counter measure Bash implemented when he assumed head position over the team. You can have against me, but you can't get me if you aren't sure which car is mine. It's a helpful covert tatic that's made our jobs easier. Of course, we still have our personal cars, too. You looked like you were wondering."

Mary listened as she walked to the car, she understood of course and was grateful that Bash was taking precautions for her safety. Though she was curls what would happen if she didn't marry Francis.

She stood at the back passenger door, waiting for him to open it for her. She knew that unlike Bash, Jackson wouldn't break protocol even if she asked. So she wouldn't fight it this time around, it was for her safety after all.

"I'm thankful my safety is the top concern, I appreciate it."

"No use telling me that," Jackson replied with a shrug. Opening his door and then pressing the automatic lock that unlocked Mary's. "Get in, Your Grace," he stated, getting in the car and waiting for Mary to do the same.

Not even moments later, they were driving to the school, which was located only twenty minutes away by car. That was ten minutes driving off of royal property and another ten driving down the main road that took them to the school. As they drove the stretch to out the castle lot, Jackson asked if Mary was cold or if she needed any refreshments.

Mary shook her head, looking out the window as they drove. "I'm fine." She responded as she saw the school in the distance ahead, she was actually happy to go to school. Partly because that meant Saturday was even closer, and her date with Bash.

"When we get there, I'll be stopping at the restroom." She told him, knowing that she had to be accountable for her whereabouts just as much as her detail did. She was curious about the meeting Bash was in right now. Didn't he day she needed to attend it as well?