The Queen's Guard

Chapter 15

Time slipped by in a hazy blur of stolen glances, secret kisses, and whispered confessions. When Carina was in meetings, her mind often drifted to thoughts of Maya, longing for her touch. Maya, too, struggled to focus during training sessions, her thoughts continually returning to the queen. The moments they spent apart felt like an aching void, filled only by the all-consuming joy of long nights. They snuck around the castle, their stolen moments filled with passion and a hint of danger. Yet, their carelessness didn't go unnoticed.

One evening, in her chambers, Carina was preparing for another meeting with the kingdom's representatives. As Victoria helped her queen dress, tightening her corset, she glanced around the room. Her eyes caught sight of one of Maya's shirts lying forgotten under the bed, only visible to those who paid extra attention. A mischievous twinkle appeared in her eye.

"I thought maybe your guard would want the pleasure of helping you with this," Victoria remarked, unable to hold it in any longer.

Carina's eyes widened with surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Wh...What?" she stammered.

Victoria laughed, a light, melodious sound. "Oh, come on. The longing looks, the overprotectiveness—those aren't exactly part of her job description."

Carina's cheeks flushed deeper, and she averted her gaze, unable to meet Victoria's knowing eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about," Carina teased, trying to deflect.

Victoria rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, Carina," she said, her tone both affectionate and exasperated.

Carina turned around at the sound of Victoria using her name instead of her title, a pang of nostalgia hitting her. She realized how much she missed the friendship that had taken a back seat since she ascended to the throne.

"I know I talk a lot, but I'll always keep your secrets safe," Victoria continued, her voice gentle and reassuring.

Carina sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank you, Victoria."

***

Meanwhile, Maya had taken a rare day away from the castle to visit her best friend. The sun was setting as she arrived at Andy's home, casting a warm glow.

"Maya Bishop, what a sight," Andy exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across her face. "I thought those castle walls might have trapped you."

Maya laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Not quite yet," she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Andy chuckled, coming closer. "Well, it's good to see you out and about. It's been too quiet without you around."

Maya smiled, a hint of nostalgia in her expression. "I've missed being out here. How have things been?"

"Same as always, just a little different without you here," Andy said with a shrug. "How about you? How is royal life treating you?"

Maya blushed slightly, Andy's question making her think about Carina. Andy's keen eyes caught the flush on her cheeks. "Something interesting going on behind those castle walls?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

Maya's blush deepened, and she tried to deflect. "Oh, you know, just the usual politics. It's... different."

Andy raised an eyebrow, not buying her evasiveness. "Different how?"

Maya hesitated, her mind racing. She trusted Andy, but the weight of her secret relationship with Carina felt too heavy to share lightly. "It's..."

Andy saw the hesitation and suddenly realized the truth. The look in Maya's eyes, the subtle changes in her demeanor—it all clicked into place. "With the queen?" she asked loudly, her eyes wide as she failed to suppress her eagerness.