Page 33 of Dawn of Hope
“No.” I don’t need to say any more. Technically, she answers to me. She can be as pissed as she wants to be, but there’s nothing she can do.
“I need to report this to the king.” She shifts into her more soldierly stance, squaring her feet and clasping her hands behind her back, her duty side taking over. I’ve seen it occasionally over the years, but usually never when we are behind closed doors.
I spin around to face her. “No, Brynne,” I say, now almost yelling the way she was at me. “You aremyguard. You are here to protectme. Part of protecting me is keeping this from my father. I promise you, I would not be doing this without good reason.”
“It’s my duty to the throne,” she starts.
“Your duty is to me!” My anger catches her off guard and she clamps her mouth shut. My shoulders drop as I let out a long breath. “I’m sorry Brynne. I’m not mad at you. I understand I put you in a hard position, but please. I’m begging you, don’t do this. I know you care about me just as much as you care about your duty.” She shifts on her feet, and I see her face soften slightly.
“I need this, Brynne,” I plead with her.
She glances down at the floor, her face staying stoic before she looks back up to meet my gaze.
“Has anyone seen you?”
“Obviously. I can’t hide myself from everyone on the streets. But I haven’t gotten so much as a second glance. I do my best to hide myself. I color my hair darker, and I go by a different name.”
She nods.
“The guards at the gate haven’t noticed.”
She gapes at me before she recovers. Her mouth closes and her nostrils flare. “Fucking imbeciles. They are going to be replaced immediately.”
“No, Brynne, don’t. Don’t do anything that will call attention to this. They’ve been kind and attentive to their position. They’re just being tricked. It is on me, not on them.”
“I’ll need to accompany you if you go out again.”
“You can’t Brynne. It will be too obvious. You’re the Second Guard. You aren’t exactly inconspicuous.”
She folds her arms over her chest and remains silent for a few moments. “I don’t like this Lennox.”
“You don’t have to like it, but you have to follow my order.”
Her jaw clenches. She knows she has to listen unless my safety is in immediate danger, which it isn’t. I have proven that I am safe coming home, even late at night.
“You will be armed next time, just like we’ve practiced.”
“Fine,” I agree with a nod.
She visibly relaxes before spinning on her heel and walking toward the door. She places her hand on the handle, but before pushing it open, she turns and looks back at me.
“As your guard, I’m furious with you right now. But as your friend,” she pauses and gives me a small smile. “I’m proud of you.”
I smile back at her. “Thanks, Brynne.” I hope she can see my relief at her words.
She pauses for a beat more.
“But I’ll be standing guard in front of your door for the foreseeable future.” She turns the handle and is out the door, closing it behind her before I can respond.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
My skin slides against the soft satin fabric as I thread my fingers into the black elbow-length gloves that perfectly match my dress. I try to keep steady on my feet as Tila’s assistants jostle me around, pulling the ribbons to tighten the bodice. My breath catches with one strong pull, but I ignore the slight discomfort.
The dress is magnificent.
It’s the most beautiful dress Tila has ever made for me, a dress fitting for the importance of the occasion. Today is significant, not just for me, but for the future of Blackwood. She wants to make a statement, to ensure I look like the future queen I am to become.
I’d been fussed over all afternoon, hair pulled, and makeup applied, with Tila directing the ship and making sure the entire look went together flawlessly. I watched in the mirror as they transformed my hair into luscious smooth waves that cascade down my back, with sections twisted and wrapped sleekly around my head.