Eliot Strange and the Prince of the Resistance

20) Security

When we arrive back at the farmhouse, Steven tells Jack to follow him, and they will find somewhere for Carli to rest. That's going to be hard because people seem to be sprawled everywhere. People sitting in groups together, most of them looking half-starved and so drained of energy they can barely continue on. There are no potential soldiers here. They all came in so fast that I don't know if there are any deviants or spies in this bunch or not. Bad spies sent here to find our prince. That will be easy because he is right here in plain sight, just like the rumors on the road said.

Thankfully, Clay has already thought of this danger, because when I find Torin in a back bedroom, he is with an entourage that Clay calls "the Prince's New Security Detail".

Clay explains that he picked people he could trust. Private Hellman with her bandaged hand is back in her former role, and she is joined by Tommy and Marla. Tommy is beaming like he's just been picked for the captain of the team, and Marla probably thinks she got front row seats to the concert of her dreams. Tommy's arm is out of the sling, and his face looks like it is healing, but he is 16 and Marla is 15 and Hellman is hurt. Some security detail.

This bunch is guarding the most important person in the world right now. If this is the best we got, Lord help us all.

Torin just shrugs his shoulders at me as if to say, well here we are again.

"I can't even go to the loo without this crew. It is quite embarrassing."

"Just trying to keep you safe, sir," says Hellman.

"We are not looking, your highness," says Marla. "I promise."

"No, we are not," agrees Tommy who is still grinning like he has a secret he wants to tell.

I bet they are not looking.

"Where is Steven?" asks Tommy. "Is he still on duty?"

Clay, who is ever the soldier and would never pass up a chance to pass on what he knows, reminds him:

"Now Tommy, remember your priority is the prince. Don't get distracted."

Just to let me and Torin know he is doing the best he can with the soldiers he has left, Clay adds, "These young soldiers take a bit of training, but they will do a fine job."

"Yes, they have been quite efficient so far," agrees Torin. "I felt quite safe with them looking over me while I rested. Maybe, since Eliot is back now, and I am sure you trust her, Clay, and I am awake and armed as well, my security detail could take a short break."

"Yes sir. We will give you some privacy. You three take a break, and I will stand guard right outside, sir."

As they leave, Hellman salutes Torin who salutes her back. Marla and Tommy, who are quick learners, salute too.

When they are gone and the door is shut behind, I smile at Torin and say, "Yes sir, your Royalness, your Highness. I promise I will not take a peek."

"Ah, there is my lady back. Is she not angry with me anymore? Does she fancy a peek herself. I know you enjoy observing me in compromising positions." He winks at me and adds, "I have so missed our banter, my lady."

I have missed our banter too, but I am still perturbed with my beautiful prince. "Cut the crap, Torin."

He sighs a deep sigh, "Right, cut the crap. Certainly. There is no time for banter, not anymore." He looks rested, but he still has the circles under his eyes and unless he plans on growing back his beard, he needs a shave.

"You are right, Eliot. These are serious times. Serious times."

I am still mad at him, but I have missed him and worried about him too. "You feeling better?"

"Somewhat better, Eliot. All thanks to you. I owe you a great deal of gratitude. How ever can I thank you?" He moves within inches of my face so close I can feel his breath on my cheek.

"I can only think of one way," I say, though I am wondering why the man keeps wanting to thank me.

"Yes, my dear," he leans in and just when I think I am going to get the first real kiss - the one that is going to be the kiss to end all other kisses before this one - he sighs again and places a hand on my shoulder. "Eliot, I owe you so much, my country owes you so much. Seriously, what can I do to repay you?"

I don't think I like serious Torin. I want my bantering, flirty prince back. This one is no fun, but he is right - times are serious, and I have places to go.

"Let me borrow this gun," I say as I pull it out of his waistband. "And I'm going to need one for Steven too. I need some supplies, and I need them fast. I've got to go back to town. I'll need a ride too."

"What? Has my lady lost her mind. We just escaped from there, why ever would we return?"

"Not you, Prince Torin of Wales. Just me and Steven. You stay here where you're safe. Make a decision. Lead your ragtag army or escape while you still can. And, since we are all serious now, quit calling me your lady."

"Never, my lady. No matter how serious things get. No matter if the world ends tomorrow. You will always be my lady."

"Too late, world is over already."

Torin pulls me in and kisses me softly. I am certain this is just a warm up peck because he places his hand on my face like he plans on staying here awhile. I wonder if he can hear my heartbeat because I can feel it beating in my neck, and I realize I am not breathing. Just when I am sure I am going to be kissed like a girl should be kissed by a man who calls her "my lady", Torrin says:

"I am glad you are here Eliot. Glad we are finally alone."

"Finally alone," I repeat. I am feeling shaky. It could be the earlier puking or my heart beating out of my chest. Oh man, I forgot about puking, does my breath smell as bad as it tastes?

"I have something I must tell you. Something to confess," says my beloved.

His undying love and desire for my body and soul? I'm all ears. And lips and other parts he can kiss and touch. I am waiting to hear my true love confess his undying love for me, when there is a loud knock on the door.

Torin opens the door; his double is standing there.