The Guard

8

        THE GUARD
• Serena's pov •

It was quite the chilly morning, but I made haste up and ready to go to my sister's home at the Kingdom of Lockwood. My palace was a bit of a bore; especially dealing with an oversized child named Bridger Cunningham. Jaxson made the palace too small for me, I can see Bridger's cranium from the library when he's standing near the living space.

He was in every nook and cranny, every space I found peace in he was always there, lurking- watching, knowing good and well he did not wish to be watching over me. What was his deal?

Upon my arrival, Arabella mustn't have known I made my parcher here- not even when her lovely husband, the King, welcomed Bridger and I to his home. Jaxson stands tall, charmingly handsome- I cannot blame my sister for falling in love, he was a sight for sore eyes.

He screamed power, but also kindness- not the way his father used to walk around scaring the poor people of this country with his strong orders and executions. No, Jaxson may be his son, but he was nothing like his father. The only thing I had a problem with him was the man behind me every step of my way everywhere I went.

Jaxson eyes me, giving a small nod. "Good evening, Serena Houstings."

"I would say it is a fine evening, but I smell...hmm, a bit of stinch..." I trail, sharing one of my gracious sarcastic smiles. I was referring to Bridger. Of course, he did not wreak of filth, but I needed to grind his gears so he'll have enough of me and leave!

"Perhaps, Bridger can take care of that, hm?" He tilts his head, smirking his way toward me- playing along to my little game.

I squint my eyes, glaring at his being. "Where is my sister?"

"What do you think?" He chuckles. "What do you suppose she would be doing on a fine evening such as this?"

"Got it." I pick up my dress and make haste into the palace, knowing exactly where my feet would take me. Her fabric room. Of course she would find time out of her busy schedule in being Queen to make a dress to get away from the world. It's where she finds her peace and alone time.

My heels click with every step I take throughout the huge palace. It beamed with dark green curtains and yellow flowers- knowing that it was Arabella's touch in decoration. Burgundy floors shine, almost blinding me when the sun sets through the windows and I nod to the guards whom stand along the walls in respect.

On my way to finding my sister, the huge windows give me a good look out to the back of the palace to see the palace's maids washing and drying up the clothing that I presume is the King and Queen's clothes. They hang them to dry on a line, looking for the next batch of clothes.

One maid in particular catches my eyes. Josephine. She's quiet as the other's are talking, but she is listening as she always does. Her doe eyes set in on the one person who's speaking, then the next, and so forth. Until she can get a word in, and her mouth moves a bit before closing.

I find a tiny hall that leads to the back door, but a shadow leans against the door- lurking out the window, watching the girls and I might've suspected that it was a guard, but no, it was Ugene. Jaxson's courtier. Whom should be at Jaxson's side at all times, so why is he not?

I try to tip toe- being the nosy Housting I am. Standing behind Ugene, I try to get in the right sight to see whom he is staring at. My mouth opens wide, my heart softens at the fact that the big, bad courtier that keeps up his schedule at the same time everyday, is watching over the Queen's courtier, Josephine.