Crowned Upon

Chapter 10

Kace

"There are going to be some serious changes around here, everyone." Kace listened intently as his father addressed the room. Mr. Lincoln was at the head of the long dark wooden table. James and the King occupied the first seats on either side of him. They were followed by a number of more important members of the Guard.

Kace had been allowed to attend this meeting because of his efforts last night, though he was sat at the end of the table, being a low priority. Rosalie was sitting next to him.

She wouldn't meet his eyes. She'd simply slipped into the room, flanked by her guards, and sat down next to him. She hadn't looked at or spoken to anyone.

"Is it true you're firing all new employees?" James spoke up before Kace's father could continue.

Mr. Lincoln seemed shocked by the question. "We've let go of a few of the newer ones, yes."

"Which ones?" James pressed.

"A couple of maids, a handful of kitchen staff, some waiters." Mr. Lincoln listed.

"Why?"

"It was thought that it'd be safer with longtime, trusted employees at the palace."

"So are you firing all new employees?" James continued his interrogation.

"At this very moment, we've put a hold on all firing and hiring of Palace employees, while we perform interviews and background checks." It was evident that Kace's father was confused by James's interest in the subject.

"All subsequent firings will be cleared with me first." James commanded. "Please."

"As you wish, your highness." Mr. Lincoln complied. James nodded. Kace's dad continued with his earlier course. "Each member of the royal family has now been assigned permanent guards to alternate protecting them at all times. The morning set will have duty from 9am to 9pm, the evening set will be from 9pm to 9am."

Kace couldn't help but notice that Charles and James had two guards at all times. Rosalie didn't used to have any, though now she had just one.

"Any and all suspicious activity is to be reported to me immediately." Mr. Lincoln continued. "Until we get some answers, there is a halt of all visitors to the palace. Employees and political officials will be the only ones allowed inside the palace walls."

"So the charity ball is cancelled, then?" Rosalie is clearly disappointed by this.

"A frivolous charity ball is the least of our worries right now, Rosalie." The king admonished his daughter.

She didn't say anything in response. Kace grinded his teeth. He'd never before had treasonous thoughts toward the king until this moment.

"Are there any other matters to be addressed?" Mr. Lincoln asked Charles.

"Actually, yes." The King stood. "This attack on the palace has reminded me that my life is in fact, finite. One day, I will be gone and James will stand in my place."

Kace loathed the way he was looking at his son, like he was the most important thing in his life.

"That day may be far in the future, but it may also be tomorrow. The future is uncertain. Therefore, I think it is time that you find a wife, James."

James's eyes widened in surprise. Kace was surprised as well. They were only 18 years old, much too young for marriage.

After a moment of stunned silence, James spoke up, "That will be hard to do when we aren't allowed visitors, sir." He joked.

"As soon as we're able, we'll hold a ball for all of the eligible women to attend. You may a choose a wife then." The King said.

James nodded his compliance, but he'd turned pale.

After a few remarks to wrap up the meeting, they stood and filed from the room.

"Hey." Kace grabbed Rosalie's arm to stop her. Her guard, Watkins, Kace thought his name was, gave him a stern look. Kace ignored him. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." She wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Do you want to have lunch together?" He offered. "We could talk-"

"We're not stuck in that shed anymore, Kace." She snapped. "You don't have to pretend you care about me anymore." With that, she turned and walked away quickly, Watkins scrambling to catch up.

Yikes, sorry i've been gone for so long! Classes started back up  and they've been kicking my butt!! Hopefully I can start to upload more frequently! I've got a few chapters written so I should at least be releasing those in the next few days!

As always, let me know what you think! Your comments give me so much inspiration to write!

Thank you for reading, i love you!!!