Protector of the Crown

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Looking in the full-length mirror was a bizarre experience. My other gown, while beautiful, was nothing compared to my new shimmering, fiery red gown. The gown was strapless, fitting tight and secure against my breasts and fitted until it hit the small of my waist. From there it loosened into a glistening wave of chiffon that sparkled as it moved. There was a slit up the side reaching my mid thigh, which was exposed each step I took. It truly fit like a glove, not moving an inch when I moved. I could easily punch someone and the dress would stay put.

I slid on a new pair of silver heels that made the dress a perfect length. I was unsure what to do with my hair, so I chose to wear it in a soft bun at the nape of my neck, allowing pieces of hair to frame my face. I had a bit of makeup on to accentuate my eyes, but kept it soft. I put on the emerald earrings Jax had given me and ran my hands down my neck to my chest. I'd never seen myself look so beautiful and for a moment I wondered what could have been if I had grown up with my parents, a noble family, attending balls and events regularly. Would I be the same person I was? Would I be happy? Would I still have found Jax?

As I left my room I heard, "Holy shit, Mia!" Grant was looking at me in genuine and complete shock, "You are going to take every ounce of attention from those nobles tonight."

"Thanks," I smiled gently. We hadn't seen each other in a while. Marcus was taking the attack as an opportunity to travel the kingdom instilling fear into the innocents.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm ok," I said, "I got to get back into the gym today so that was nice, made me feel normal again."

"Look, before we go down," Grant whispered, pulling me aside, "Keep an eye out for Marcus. He was in a mood after the attack. He was talking about how arrogant and defiant Jackson is and how you needed to be tamed and controlled. He looks at you like a starving dog looks at a bone. Just, please, be careful."

I looked at Grant and saw genuine fear in his eyes, something Protectors don't often show.

"I will," I said, watching him take a deep breath and straightening his tie.

We walked to the ballroom quietly. Once we made it to the ballroom, another protector instructed me to a back room before Jax and Marcus arrived, stating the King wanted to introduce me separately. I stood in the quiet room thinking about what Grant had said. Marcus was escalating and his behavior was becoming concerning. If he tried to hurt Jax, I would without hesitation defend him, which could cost us both our lives.

I was lost in thought when I suddenly heard a loud cheer and the doors in front of me opened. I squinted as the dark room lit up and the ballroom entered my view.

The chandeliers were dim and glowing, a full orchestra sat in the back waiting to begin their music, and the room was full of people dressed extravagantly and clapping. The King called me forward and people stepped aside to create an opening leading to the throne.

I stepped into the room. As I worked my way down the aisle, Marcus stood, glaring at me with a mix of disgust and interest. I turned my attention from him to Jax, who stepped forward in a handsome black tuxedo.

The room became silent to me and I gazed at him and smiled wide. As I walked up Jax stepped forward and offered me his arm. I wrapped my arm in his and my hand grazed his, causing my body to erupt into flames. His gaze stayed on mine, the stormy gray eyes consuming my mind.

"You look like a dream, Luther," he whispered.

"Welcome, Ms. Luther," the King bellowed, his voice drawing me out of my own head and returning me to the ballroom surrounded by others, "We hold this ball in your honor! For performing the most sacred duty of your kind, protecting the crown. Not only did you save my life but you also discovered a rebel ring that we have been working diligently to destroy!"

I pulled from Jackson's arm and stood forward, "You are too kind, my King," I said, strongly, "It is my honor to defend the crown."

The King smiled, happy with my response, "Humble and breathtaking," the king exclaimed, causing a cheer to run through the crowd, "You are truly one of our greatest warriors. You will henceforth be known as Mia Luther, Protector of the Crown."

The nobles erupted into cheers and I curtsied to the King, "You've bestowed the greatest honor to me, my King."

"Let us begin with a dance, as this ball is in honor of your courage Ms. Luther, will you do me the great honor of dancing with my son and heir?"

I froze and looked at Marcus. His slimy black hair was slicked back and his golden tuxedo was so stiff he moved even more like a robot than usual. I looked to Jax quickly and then back to the King.

"How could I refuse?" I said, curtseying.

Marucs approached me. His sleazy smile widening as he held out his hand for me to take. I resisted the urge to shudder as I felt his cold, bony hands grasp mine in a death grip. He then pulled me to him and placed his other hand uncomfortably low on my lower back and top of my bottom, a tad too low than what was proper in the hold.

I softly placed my free hand on his sharp shoulder as the music began. It was a simple and easy song. I avoided looking at Marcus as it would result in our noses nearly touching. I could feel him lean close to me.

"Ms. Luther, you look simply...delicious tonight," Marcus hissed into my ear.

I felt the blood rush to my face and I clenched my teeth to avoid pulling away and punching him, "You're too generous, your highness."

"Tell me, Ms. Luther, what do you think you're doing with my brother?"

I froze and looked at him quickly, my eyes locking on his beady black eyes, "I'm his guardian. I'm doing my job."

Marcus laughed, only it sounded more like a cackle, "Do you think I'm stupid? I see the way you look at each other."

"It's my job to watch him, it's simply a trusting relationship," I hissed, squeezing his shoulder.

"Don't get too upset. I was simply asking," he said, smiling, "Besides, it won't be much of my concern soon."

"What do you mean?" I asked, concerned with the accomplished look on his face.

"My father and I have always considered Jackson a burden. He's too wild, too friendly; too...what's a good word for it? Untamable. He'll be given a choice. Marry the lovely Lana Gaines so we may obtain her wealth for the kingdom or go to the Banks."

I froze mid dance and my back stiffened, "What?"

The King was always trying to forcibly take lands from the kingdoms around us. The Banks was the deadliest battleground in our kingdom's history. For the past six years our forces were unable to move forward into the Kingdom of Mercer. The front was on the edge of the ocean. The lands were dense and difficult to maneuver in. Each time our troops attempted an attack on the troops from Mercer, they would use the land to their advantage to defend its borders. We lost dozens of soldiers and Protectors on a weekly basis. If Jax were to go to the Banks and the Mercer troops knew, he would surely die.

"Marriage or death, pretty simple," Marcus said, smiling and dragging me into dancing again, "Either way, you lose him Ms. Luther."

The song ended and Marcus stepped back and bowed. I dipped into a small curtsy and struggled to calm my heartbeat.