Chapter 2 : Announcements

The view from my room included a nearly panoramic view of the ocean. I watched a pod of dolphins surface just off the coast, and I let myself enjoy it for a moment. Duty took priority over pleasure at all times, so it was nice to have a rare moment of peace to myself.

But that was all it was, a moment. I needed to decide if I should say anything to Aurora about Prince Rowan's flirtations, and I needed to decide quickly. I was getting ready for the state dinner tonight, and I only had a limited amount of time before I had to go get Aurora.

The gown I would wear tonight had been chosen for me, one with a slit up one side so that I could easily access a holster on my thigh where my gun would be kept. There were several other hidden weapons within the dress and under the dress, and I felt as if I were suiting up for battle rather than getting ready for a state dinner. At some point, I expected this feeling of strangeness to wear off, this otherworldly feeling as I prepared to do my job.

There was a time when I dreamed of being able to protect myself this well. Now, not only was I able to defend myself, but I was paid to make sure that others were safe too. There was a hollow sense of pride for that, wishing I could go back to assure myself that life got better, but knowing that making it to this point required that turmoil.

I drug myself from memories of the past and studied my reflection in the mirror. Rowan couldn't have meant anything with his flirting earlier. The angular planes of my face were too sharp, too severe to be beautiful. They were nothing like the perfect, soft features of Aurora, the way her round cheeks and button nose made her look almost angelic.

I wouldn't mention my conversation with him to her. There was no need. It was meaningless, coming from an undiscerning playboy who couldn't bother to be faithful. Maybe he needed time to adjust to having a fiancée first. If it continued to happen, I would mention something to Aurora, but for now, it wasn't worth stirring anything up about.

The thin silver chain with a single teardrop diamond sitting in the jewelry box on the dresser felt weightless as I lifted it and fastened it around my neck. It was my prized possession, one of only a few things I could truly call my own here. It was a nice finishing touch to the ensemble, enough to dress it up a little without being overpowering. I didn't want to call any attention to myself. The fitted navy gown was unremarkable and would help me to remain unnoticed within the crowd as I kept a close eye on the royal couple.

I took in a deep breath and sighed, then turned toward the door. I hated wearing heels, and the thin straps on these heels were already digging into my ankle. I had forced myself to learn to do everything I needed to be able to do in basic training in heels. I wouldn't let my shoes be the cause of danger befalling someone in my charge. That didn't make them any more comfortable though.

The shoes made a loud, echoing click on the marble floors of the hall outside my room. As I walked to Aurora's door, I tried to change the cadence of my walk, praying to be a little quieter. I couldn't stand to hear myself that way.

I knocked on the intricately carved wooden door that guarded Aurora's room. The palace was beautiful, no detail overlooked, but it was also gauche, and I cringed a little as my fist collided with the tiny face of a wooden soldier.

The door slid open and Aurora stepped out. She was in a flowing white, silk dress, making her look even more like an angel than she already did. It was bridal, clearly sending a message about our visit, and I assumed that anyone seeing her would know exactly why she was here now.

"Oh, Genevieve. You look nice," she greeted, sounding surprised.

I brushed off her reaction. I doubted she'd ever seen me in anything other than the standard rotation of uniform options I had.

"You're lovely as always," I told her.

She dipped her chin and smiled. Charming as ever. "Thank you. I'm so nervous. Do you think they'll like me? What do you think his parents will think?" she babbled.

"I'm sure everyone will love you," I assured her, turning to escort her to the dining hall where the banquet was being held.

It was a state dinner in which the royal family would be announcing to the rest of their court that Prince Rowan was engaged. It wasn't going to necessarily shock anyone–the negotiations for this had been in the works for months. They had involved basically everyone in both courts, so this was expected. There would be press here though, and I wasn't sure what the general public knew about the situation.

The walk to the dining hall felt eternal, and the men on my team seemed annoyed by the sheer size of the palace. I was inclined to agree with them, but I hid my irritation.

The dining hall was decorated with streams of gauzy fabric, dazzling crystal, and dripping florals. It looked like a wedding already. It was reminiscent of a fairy tale, the sort of image you only saw on television. I had to work hard not to gawk at the display. Even if it was excessive, it was beautiful.

We were sat at a table at the front of the room, a sort of head table. Aurora and Rowan served as a centerpiece, the focal point of the entire room. I was seated just to the right of Aurora, where I could best keep an eye on her. I felt uncomfortable being so visible in such a large crowd, but I rationalized that no one was truly looking at me. They would be enamored with their new princess.

Aurora tittered about the beautiful decor, and I couldn't blame her for being taken with it. It truly was gorgeous. I watched the way the light glimmered off of all of the immaculately cut crystal, casting rainbows around the room.

I surveyed the royal court, looking for any faces that seemed unfriendly or unfamiliar. I felt like I'd been studying these people for ages, and I knew most of them the instant I saw them.

There was Marquis Laurent, and his wife, first names Abel and Sabrina. The Lord and Lady Royce, first names Marco and Belinda. The four of them were gathered around a small table sipping wine, the women's faces overly done with makeup, and the men having waxy mustaches. I turned to study another group–two young dukes and a collection of young women whose families were all members of the court. I assumed that they were probably each trying to impress the dukes, a feeble attempt at maintaining royal bloodlines.

I kept scanning the room, looking for anything out of place or any other threats. Maybe it was paranoia, but I still wasn't fully settled and something in my gut said there was something off about this entire situation.

As if called to order by some inaudible bell, suddenly everyone was taking their seats, standing behind their chairs as they awaited what I was sure would be the entrance of the king and queen.

There was a trumpet blast, and doors at the back of the room swung open, revealing the waiting monarchs. They came in with broad smiles and elegant waves, greeting everyone in the room. I wondered if everything I'd heard about them was false because they seemed so friendly at that moment.

It didn't last long though. As they seated themselves on a dais behind us, their faces fell to bored expressions, looking disdainfully at the assembled court.

Dinner was served as soon as we were all seated, and it was decadent, to say the least. I might not approve of the lavish and wasteful spending, but it would be a lie to claim the food wasn't incredible. It was clear that no expense was spared there either, with tender cuts of beef, seasoned vegetables in rich sauces, and beverages like I had never tasted before. I wanted to savor every last bite, but the court around me all seemed unimpressed.

Aurora, at least, gushed to Rowan about everything–how delicious the food was, how beautiful the room was, how lovely the entire evening had been. It was part of what endeared me to her.

Rowan had the decency to chatter back with her, asking her questions about the sort of things she was used to at home. He showered her with compliments as well, telling her how beautiful she was and using that flirtatious charm to keep her giggling through the entire meal.

There was no detectable threat. The room was settled, no excitement to be detected anywhere. There really wasn't even any lively conversation at any of the tables aside from our own. I wondered what it would be like to live here, to be among people who were so clearly always bored. It seemed miserable. Perhaps that was why I had such an uneasy feeling in my gut. Things were so … boring.

The king and queen stood, and I realized then what a portly man the king truly was. He had a full, round belly, which he was attempting to hold back into a suit that was too tight for him. The queen was also full-figured, with a red face that hinted at a drinking habit. They donned the deceitful smiles once again, and the press that had been assembled for the occasion rushed to designated spots within the room so they could get the best picture, film the best clip, or get the best recording of the coming announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the court," the king boomed in a proud voice. "We have some wonderful news to share with you all, and with the people of Boldova. This has been months in the making, and we couldn't be more proud. After many long discussions, the royal family of our neighboring Reyna has decided they would like to ally themselves with us and give us the opportunity to strengthen both of our countries. In the process of these negotiations, our sweet Prince Rowan has asked the Duchess Aurora of Reyna to be his wife. Celebrate with us!"

There was a gasp through the room, followed immediately by excited chatter. Cameras flashed and press began yelping to get the king and queen's attention, throwing out what sounded like hundreds of questions.

It was a good show, at least. While we knew that the court had been aware of these developments for a while now, they put on a convincing act that they were surprised. I wasn't sure what purpose that would serve–as a citizen of Reyna, I was glad to know that months of planning and negotiation had gone into the royal marriage. I'd want to know that as a citizen of Boldova, if I was one.

Aurora beamed proudly, answering the handful of questions the press threw at her. For the most part, Rowan was silent, as his parents fielded the press with bored expressions and dismissive tones. I couldn't figure out their mercurial moods, unsure why they didn't just pretend to be happy for a few more minutes.

The press wasn't allowed to interrogate anyone for very long though, and soon they were ushered from the dining hall. They all left dutifully, uninterested in pursuing any more information. Whether they trusted their monarchs implicitly or they just knew that trying to drag out more information was futile, I wasn't sure, but I was glad when they were gone.

The true trouble was just beginning though.