Eliot Strange and the Prince of the Resistance

21) Family Reunion

It is impossible to say who is more pleased to see the other one because Torin is beaming and yelling and whoop-whoop-whooping, and Jack Taylor is picking Torin up and twirling him like his dream girl at the dance. After Jack finally puts him down, Torin picks him up and shakes him like a dog shakes a toy. They are scuffling and punching each other and roughhousing like they are ten years old. Torin is obviously pleased to see his cousin and Jack Taylor, well Jack Taylor, ruined my about-to-be-perfect kiss. And that is one more reason why the jury is back out on him.

By the time it is all over, the security detail is back, and I hear Tommy say like a lovestruck teenager, "There really are two of them. I thought I was seeing things at the battle. I thought Steven was exaggerating, pulling my leg."

"Sorry sir," says Hellman. "We heard the noise. Thought something was wrong."

"Nothing wrong here," says Torin who stops hugging his cousin long enough to introduce his security detail and Clay to his, "Beloved cousin and chief bodyguard". He adds, " And he is officially my chief bodyguard, so I will not be needing you while he is here."

Marla and Tommy look like they might tear up until Jack Taylor who is also a diplomat adds, "Of course, I will still need your assistance. I can tell you are professionals. Can you guys secure the perimeter? Make it about 30-40 feet?"

"Yes sir," salutes Hellman. "We are on it."

Marla and Tommy both salute again as they are backing out of the room, and they grin so big I feel a little embarrassed for them both.

Clay who won't be out commanded says, "Yes, secure a perimeter. I'll go with you and explain what that means and show you how to set it up."

When Torin and Jack and I are left alone, there is another small round of the boys hugging and patting on the back and gazing at each other to the point that I feel like the third wheel in the room.

Torin finally notices me again and says, "Eliot have you ever officially met my cousin? This is Jack Taylor, my cousin, my bodyguard, my best friend since we were babies. I owe my life to him."

Before I can say I already met Jack, Torin tells Jack, "And this is Eliot, my good friend."

Good friend? Good friend?

Jack Taylor who is as aggravating as Prince Torin, bows and kisses my hand as he says, "My lady Eliot, I am so happy to meet a good friend of our Prince. I am honored to make your acquaintance. And thank you for being a good friend of the prince. One can never have enough good friends."

There seems to be an emphasis on "good friend". This man is as annoying as Torin. I think he enjoys a parry and a jab too.

"I met him already." I say to Torin and then to Jack, "Don't call me your lady."

"No, don't," agrees Torin. "And you better listen to her cousin, she is quite the boss." Torin is grinning like he has just made the funniest joke.

Did Torin just call me bossy? First I'm his good friend, and now I am bossy? I have had enough, and I've got to get going anyway. I have to get a few more supplies and go find my mom and dad. I hesitate because the last time these two were together, Jack stole Torin away, but dammit, I decide, they deserve each other.

"I am going," I say, "You boys have fun catching up."

"Now Eliot, don't go on my account," says Jack Taylor. "I feel like I have interrupted something. Something important."

Before I can respond, Torin says, "No, nothing important Jack. Nothing at all. I was just thanking Eliot for all her help. She has saved my arse numerous times. We owe her a great debt."

Nothing important? Only possibly what may have been the greatest kiss since Romeo and Juliet and, after that, a profession of love so great, poets would quit their day jobs out of envy.

"Indeed," agrees Jack Taylor. "You are quite the hero. Our country owes you a great deal. You have done my job quite well, Eliot. And that Steven. Did you see him at the battle, Tori? He was incredible."

"Yes, he was," agrees Torin. "He saved the day. Have you met him too?"

"Yes," says Jack. "Carli and I encountered Steven and Eliot outside your camp."

"Oh good, Carli is safe too," says Torin. "It has turned out to be a great day. All my favorite people are found and safe. Isn't this great news, Eliot?"

"Yeah," I say. "I have to go. Go talk to Carli and check on her." I back out the door, but Torin doesn't seem to notice I'm leaving. I don't tell him about my mom or dad before I go.

Oh well, his chief protector and favorite person on earth can share the news. That is probably for the best. I got a little distracted by seeing Torin and being around him, but for now, the prince is not my priority. He is safe with his personal body guard now.

Prince Torin has family here with him, and now, I have to go find mine.