The Guard

14

THE GUARD
• Serena's pov •

"Thank you for staying with me this evening, Josephine." Josephine sits behind me on the bed, braiding my long blonde locks. I was able to steal her away from Arabella for the night.

Night is creeping upon the earth, candles were lit in the room to cascade any light.

Josephine handles my hair with a gentleness that makes me sleepy, but I keep my eyes wide and alert. The whole day was spent with me avoiding Bridger. I couldn't face him right now, and I know we both agreed on communicating better but I needed a moment of space for some time.

My feelings were clawing at my throat, begging to be let out, to scream at the top of my lungs to him. That I love him.

I invited Josephine over solely because I needed a friend at this time of need, and because I wished to not speak to Bridger right now.

His kisses still leave a mark upon my skin, his touch imprinted on my mind- I could not think straight. I was even so afraid to go downstairs to the kitchen area- afraid I would catch Bridger.

My stomach rumbles within me, daring for food, but I keep to myself.

"It is no problem." Her sweet voice invades my ears. "Would you like me to prepare you food? I do not mind."

"No, that is very kind of you. Would you mind coming with me to the kitchen perhaps?"

She nods delightfully. "Of course." She releases my braided hair, and we take a stand from my bed.

"How is it being Arabella's courtier?" I question as we leave my forsaken room I've been in all day and enter the long darkened hall.

Josephine carries a lantern in front of us, baring light through the walls. "It feels just the same as when I helped Arabella before. Arabella is a doll for letting me help her at the palace."

"You are the biggest help to her, you are a treasure." I smile at her, earning a widened smile.

"Thank you." She blushes.

Our footsteps lead us down the steps of the palace, leading through the kitchen. I can hear masculine voices nearby, and my heart rate picks up suddenly.

I can hear Bridget's footsteps and voice anywhere.

Josephine notices my tense self, rounding the corner to enter the kitchen, we are met with King Jaxson, his courtier; Ugene, and of all people in the world...Bridger.

They all turn their heads swiftly at us, shutting their chatter and the kitchen goes silent.

Josephine and I in sync bow to Jaxson's presence in respect and he nods, sharing a small smile.

"Evening ladies," he greets.

Josephine tenses, her ears growing red from blushing. "Good evening, King Jaxson."

"Evening," my voice calls.

My eyes fall upon Ugene who stands tall in the middle of Jaxson and Bridger. He's immediately in a trance when Josephine enters the room. I can sense tension in the room, but it isn't between them two, it is from a certain person.

Bridger Cunningham.

He meets my eyes, falling into the same trap Ugene has gotten under with Josephine. My heart almost leaps out of my throat, fisting my dress.

Josephine, who is too blind to see Ugene's longing stare, walks into the kitchen and hums to herself in the midst. She catches my eyes when finding an apple from the bowl, squeezing herself near Bridger.