Crowned Upon

Chapter 9

Kace

They'd both been lost in their own world. They'd forgotten about the lockdown, the gunshots, everything. But now somebody was trying to get into the shed.

They both stood suddenly. "Stay back." Kace commanded Rosalie, shielding her body with his own. His eyes flickered towards his satchel on the ground. He needed his gun.

Before he could make a move for it, however, the door suddenly flew open. "Oh thank god." Mr. Lincoln closed his eyes momentarily in relief, before rushing forward to hug his son tightly. "You scared the life out of me, son."

"We were safe." Kace assured him. Mr. Lincoln pulled away and noticed Rosalie for the first time.

"Rosie." He rushed forward and enveloped her in a hug as well. Kace had never seen his father hug Rosalie, or call her 'Rosie'. He must've really been worried.

"Let's go kids. We've secured the grounds, but I still don't want you out here." Mr. Lincoln led them out of the shed. He took off his jacket and placed it around Rosalie's shoulders.

"What happened?" Rosalie implored.

"A radicalist dressed as a maid opened fire in the great hall. No one was hit, but we believe her intention was to harm either yourself, your brother, or your father." Mr. Lincoln explained.

"Was she an official employee?" Kace wondered.

"She was." Mr. Lincoln answered stiffly.

"And she was gunned down." Kace finished. Mr. Lincoln looked at him questioningly. "We could hear the shots." He explained.

"Yes, she was. Unfortunate, because now we can't question her. But now she's no longer a threat."

"What if there are more of them?" Rosalie asked.

"We are beginning extensive background checks and interviews on all palace employees." Mr. Lincoln told them.

"That'll take forever." Kace argued, displeased with the idea.

"It will, but we haven't got many other options right now." His father answered. "The suspect is dead."

Kace didn't say anything. They arrived at the back doors of the palace. James was just inside the doors, shaking the hands of a few guards. "Thank you for your work, gentlemen."

"Jamie!" Rosalie exclaimed, running into his arms. Kace hadn't heard her use his nickname in ages. "You're alright?" She asked, checking his body for signs of wounds, placing her hands on his cheeks, his shoulders.

"I'm fine, Rosie." He assured her. "Where were you?"

"In the garden." She answered. "I thought I was going to die." She admitted. "But Kace saved me."

James nodded at his friend. "I'm glad you're safe, both of you."

"Rosalie, starting tonight, you'll have guards with you at all times. They'll guard your bedroom at night." Mr. Lincoln told her.

Rosalie sighed, clearly not thrilled with the idea, but she didn't argue. "Where's dad?" She asked her brother.

"He went to bed." James answered. "He was exhausted by all of this."

Kace wondered if he was the only one who noticed her demeanor change. Her shoulders slumped, the sparkle in her evergreen eyes disappeared. "So am I." Rosalie said. "I'm going to bed."

"I'll escort you." Kace offered.

"You don't have to." She declined, not meeting his eyes. He hated seeing her like this. How had he never noticed before? It was like the light inside of her had dimmed.

"Watkins and Fields will escort you." Kace's father insisted. "They've been assigned to guard you during the night."

Rosalie nodded before walking away, the guards flanking her.

"I'm proud of you, son." Mr. Lincoln said to Kace. "For protecting the princess the way you did."

"She'll attend security briefings from now on." Kace commanded sharply. "She didn't even know about the royal lockdown code. Do you know what could've happened had it not been me who found her?"

Mr. Lincoln was visibly shocked at the intensity in his son's voice, but he nodded. "Yes, you're right."

"I'm going to bed now, too." Kace told his father and friend. They both bid him goodnight.

"Please see your mother before you do, she's a wreck." Mr. Lincoln said.

Kace walked away slowly, a pang in his chest. King Charles hadn't even given enough thought about his daughter's well-being to stay awake until she was found.

Though he shouldn't, he felt extremely guilty. He had two parents who were worried sick about him, while Rosalie didn't even have one.

I've noticed some new readers, so I just wanted to say hi to everyone! I hope you're all enjoying my story so far and  I love you so much for even reading this far! It's crazy to me that other people are reading the words that have been private to me for so long!

How do you all feel about the shift in Kace and Rosalie's relationship? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

THANKS FOR READING