A Tangled Web of Truth | Complete (ONC 2021 Shortlister)

18. Disruption

Alejandro and Alicia were sitting on a small blanket in an alcove along the Eastern side of the palace, sharing a piece of chocolate cake.

"So you really don't think Amelie's music is good? You're actually trying to tell me you prefer Falcon? That's just—" Alejandro shook his head and offered Alicia a sip of the champagne bottle he'd brought to accompany their dinner.

"Well, I never said I don't think it's good I just prefer other—"

A loud crack from a nearby door caught both of their attention as a stream of guards flew out of the palace, half of them heading toward the front courtyard and the other half directly toward Alicia and Alejandro.

Shit! What now?

Alejandro threw everything to the ground and grabbed Alicia's elbow, helping her up as quickly as he could. "Come on, Alicia. We have to go. Now."

"What's going on?" she asked, lagging behind him as she turned to look at the guards. "Why are the guards collecting our things and chasing us down?"

"They aren't chasing us, Alicia, they are protecting us. We have to get inside."

"What? Why? Shouldn't someone have taught me this a little sooner? I've been here half a year and no one thought to tell me there's emergency guard safety procedures?"

"Can we talk about this later?" Alejandro checked over his shoulder to see a crowd accumulating in the front courtyard. They were too far away to hear what they were saying, but it couldn't be good. "The guards know what to do, but it's quicker if I take you, okay? Can we just make sure you're safe and then you can yell at me?"

Alicia put her hand on his arm and continued running with him along the path, not stopping to look behind her until the door was closed between them and the outdoors, several guards still following them while the rest remained outside.

"We need to get you to the safe room, Miss," one of the guards I didn't recognize grabbed Alicia's arm, causing her to jump.

"I have it from here," Alejandro pressed the guard. "Where are my mother and father?"

"Room One," the same guard answered. "I'll send two to accompany you?"

"Yes, that's fine," Alejandro didn't have time to argue about how many guards he needed. "Thank you. Keep safe."

"No trouble, Your Highness. Appears to be peaceful demonstrators, but we'll keep our focus." With that and a wave of his hand, he and the majority of the guards went off running down the other hallway toward the side courtyard.

"Come with me, Alicia," Alejandro held out his arm and she placed her hand in his. There was something about how effortlessly she trusted him that made him hope for the future. Now, he just had to find his parents and ensure there would be a future for her.

* * *

Half an hour later, Alejandro had ensured Alicia was safely in the room with his father and a few staff members who had been nearby at the time. After giving Alicia a quick kiss, he followed his mother to the upper floor where they could better assess the situation with the palace guards. Despite everything that was going on, his job was mostly to wait for the guards to gather enough information to make a decision.

Alejandro's mind constantly moved back to Alicia. Is she safe? Is she scared? I hope my dad isn't telling her every embarrassing story he can think of just to keep her distracted.

I really hope my dad is telling Alicia all of those embarrassing stories just to keep her distracted.

A sharp rap on the door pulled him back to the present situation as Fetu approached from their left. "Your Majesty, the guards have a report. Would you like me to relay it through the earpiece or allow them entry?"