I feel a bit of my resolve waver.
Who am I to ask this of them?
Who am I to ask anything of them?
I clear my throat and force out the words I practiced earlier in my bathroom mirror. “I won’t pretend to know much about how the King’s Guard functions, or how one goes about protecting a royal family. If I did, I wouldn’t be here bothering you. The simple fact is, you’re all far more informed about castle security than I am. You know how this monarchy runs better than anyone. Which is why I trust that, despite the dutiful party line being spouted around here…”
Bane scoffs.
I ignore him. “You know the truth. Things are not in control — they haven’t been for a while now. We are not safe — not even within the walls of this palace. And, whether it ruffles certain feathers or not… changes must be made. Otherwise, people will keep dying.” I swallow hard. “So, I’m asking for your help. I’m asking if any of you are willing to work directly for me. To keep me informed of what’s really going on in this castle and in this country.” My eyes flit from face to face. I hope they can read the sincerity burning in my gaze. “This is not a royal decree. You can say no. You can choose to remain in your current position here without any ramifications. The only soldiers I want in my private guard are those who join of their own free will. Because… I’d rather have no one at all watching my back than someone forced into doing it. Loyalty that must be commanded is not loyalty at all.”
I finally trail off.
The silence is so thick, it seems to press in from all sides. No one says a word. No one moves a muscle. No one even seems to breathe. The weight of seventy-five sets of hyper-intelligent eyes rests heavily on my shoulders, making me feel smaller with each passing second. I force my spine straight, not wanting to show weakness under their collective assessment.
Can they see the way my knees are shaking?
Their expressions reveal nothing. Truthfully, I’m not sure how they perceive me. Perhaps, like their commander, to them I am nothing but a little girl with pitiful concerns, readily dismissed. An insolent, petulant child sticking her nose in matters she has no business interfering with.
“Well. If Her Royal Highness isquitefinished…” Bane’s voice claps out, full of egotistical smugness. Evidently, my speech did not sway him in the slightest. He turns to his men. “Thank you for your attention. You are dismissed.”
I brace myself for the blow of watching them leave but, to my everlasting surprise…
No one moves.
I suck in a sharp breath. On my left, I hear Bane do the same.
“What are you standing around for?” he snaps. “I said you’re all dismissed!”
Still, they remain.
Bane takes three strides forward, his face mottling red with rage. His roar is loud enough to rattle the windows. “MOVE OUT! That is a direct order from your commander!”
I hold my breath, waiting. His anger echoes into silence. And for a moment, in the utter stillness that follows, I think maybe, justmaybe, I’ve actually managed it. That I’ve somehow convinced these hardcore men of battle to disregard their orders, to stand by my side, to safeguard me from the dangers that seem to be pressing closer with each passing day…
The delusion slips away as I watch them turn in orderly, single-file lines and start heading for the doors. Some shoot me what appear to be apologetic glances as they go, but most of them simply stare straight ahead, either uncaring they’ve abandoned me or unwilling to risk Bane’s wrath. A dagger of undeniable pain pierces my heart as they vacate the vast arena, one after another, until I’m alone with their commander. My bottom lip starts to quiver, so I sink my teeth into it. Hard.
Save your pitiful tears for when you’re alone, Emilia.
There’s a beat of silence after the door swings shut behind the last soldier. I brace myself, but can’t quite hide my flinch when Bane steps closer to me, chuckling under his breath at my utter failure.
“I tried to warn you — nothing happens with my men without my consent. Did you really think you’d convince them to abandon posts they’ve held for years? If you did, you’re truly a fool. Did you really—”
“Your Highness.”
Bane’s vitriol is drowned out by a new voice. I glance up sharply and feel my eyes widen when I see the arena has not emptied — not completely. A sole figure remains where seventy-five once stood. The only soldier brave enough — or perhaps stupid enough — to stay behind, disregarding a direct order. My eyes go even wider when I see it’s not a man at all.
It’s a woman.
Hidden away in the back row, I didn’t notice her earlier. I should’ve — women in the King’s Guard are a rarity. Such a rarity, in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s the only one in the entire unit.
For years, women weren’t even allowed to attempt the physical qualification tests. They were thought to be too fragile to ever serve at such an elite level. Too emotional to assess security threats with the cool-headed composure required for such a job.
And yet…
Sheis direct evidence to the contrary.
Her brownish-blonde hair is swept back into a tight bun by the base of her neck. She’s standing at attention — her hands clasped behind her, her shoulders square, her chin raised. Our eyes meet across the empty room and I see they’re the lightest shade of blue.