Security
POV: Alexandra
I leaned in wondering what it was that Rayla had told Lucien that was so interesting, “What was so interesting?” He sighed, “Despite the Ligidew family not being a part of The Order and specifically Rayla not being a member of the Citadel or their dark ops team, she went undercover to The Order. They were more than willing to bring her in with open arms, no questions asked. The Order figured that if they can get two against one in their quest to keep you from the throne, it was a win-win situation for them.” I scoffed, “Poor simpletons. They understand this whole thing is merit-based. Rayla hasn’t even been trying and Melody is a disaster candidate.” He shrugged, “They did try to hedge their bets by stacking the council and bribing other members.” I nodded, “Okay, you have a point. So what did Rayla find out.” He tapped his desk, “They are thinking of backing out of killing you.” My eyes widened, “So I no longer have to fear for my life.” He shook his head, “Your life? No, you’d no longer have to fear for that. You’d have to fear for your freedom at this point. She said that the new plan is to kidnap you.” I looked at him confused, “Kidnap? Why? I thought they hated me.” He rubbed his face, “They still do but they realized with that guard that your blood is very valuable. They could use it to make anyone bend to their will. They’d keep you in prison and tap your blood. Rayla says that after you all sprung Tyleesh from his prison that they came up with a new imprisonment method. It would be infinitely harder for us to find you should they succeed. She made the argument that it would be beneficial for her to remain in her self-appointed role. She said that I should keep your guards on you at all times. She understands that if The Order wants to succeed in taking you, tonight would be the night to do so since Derek and Jess will be on their run. She says they aren’t aware of any other guards there if any. I didn’t tell her about your new fae guard. Did Renier tell you about that?” I nodded, “Yeah, I ran into him earlier when I was leaving.” He smiled, “Good, he has his uses then. Did he say when you’d be assigned one? The sooner the better. I’m also officially ordering Toby to guard you as well since he isn’t going to be otherwise occupied.” I shrugged, “He didn’t say but I imagine it is whenever Jheelis gets back from Seely. He’s apparently quite skilled in archery.”
Teddy stuck his head through the door, “Pardon me, Your Majesty, but King Renier is here to see you. It’s about Alexandra.” Lucien waved, “Perfect, I needed to speak with him on that very subject. Let him in.” We both rose out of our seats to greet him as he stepped into the room. He smiled as he realized I was in the room with Lucien, “Good to see that you are here. This makes things easier to discuss.” Lucien gestured to the sitting area of his office, “Let’s be comfortable to speak then.” He allowed me to choose my seat first, I chose to sit in a chair while Renier chose the chair across from me and Lucien sat on the couch. Renier smiled at Lucien, “I know you gave permission for Seely to send a representative guard to Vellum to help guard Alexandra. I understand that her normal guards are of the lycan species?” Lucien nodded, “Yes, they both are which has made this a little bit of a logistical challenge. We’ve managed to reassign the General’s assistant to Alexandra. We would have assigned another to her but he is, at present, also a target of The Order. He’s able to stay within the confines of where he is. You’ve actually met him, his name is Ashton.” He nodded, “If I remember correctly, he’s your brother. Is he not Alexandra?” I nodded, “Yes but it isn’t widely known yet so if you would be so kind as to keep that to yourself.” He made a gesture that he was zipping his lips, “Your secrets are mine, Highest Highness.” Lucien cleared his throat, “Do you have concerns about Alexandra’s safety then?” Renier furrowed his brow and nodded, “I do have concerns and I wonder if I might be able to fix that with a suggestion.” Lucien leaned forward, “And what would that be?” Renier smirked, “I would like to invite her, as my guest, for the three nights that her regular guards will be out.” Lucien sighed, “Unfortunately, we cannot do that since this would be seen as tampering with the Queen competition. I thought of that already and using you to do so. I asked Elder Edgar since his support is behind Alexandra and he advised that the others would not take kindly to that.”
Renier sighed in frustration as he leaned back and there was silence in the room as the two men pondered how they could keep me safe. I knew I had more protection than most anyone knew since Blake had at least one person in the shadows watching over me. I spoke up with this information in mind, “You do realize that I have a guard in the shadows too, right?” Lucien nodded, “I didn’t remember that but given what Rayla told me, I don’t want to risk just Toby and whoever my brother assigned to watch you.” I snapped my fingers, “What about House of Dark? I’m supposed to go there for dinner one night. I might check if he can house me there for the three nights. No safer place in all of Vellum, I imagine.” Lucien nodded, “That sounds like a good plan but you need to speak with Mordred first.” I sighed, “I’m assuming he already knows.” Renier looked confused, “Wait, Your Highest Highness, do you mean to say that you are acquainted with the King of Witches, Mordred Le Fey?” I nodded, “He’s my adopted uncle and, according to him, I’m his favorite person. Only he knows why.” I heard a voice in my head, “It’s your spunk, young one. Be a doll and let them know I’m coming.” I sighed, “Heads up, Mordred is on his way.”
A portal opened in the room and the tall man stepped through in his signature all-black look complete with a crow's head cane. He smiled down at me, “I would be honored for you to be a guest in my home. I am extending that invitation to King Renier and Prince Calypso as well. I only ask that you allow me to have the first night for a private family dinner between me, Talon, Vanessa, and this beautiful child here.” Renier smiled up at him, “Of course, Your Majesty, I would be honored to come and stay. We can give you your privacy. I understand the only way to get to Lasparia is via portal?” Mordred took off the leather gloves he was wearing and draped them on the back of my chair, “Yes. Alexandra is correct in saying that there is not a more secure place. I’m the only one who can open portals in House of Dark. Everyone else will be sent to either the dungeons, from which there is no escape or the front outside of House of Dark. That also triggers a protection barrier around the castle. There are also all the witches who recognize her as a royal in the House of Le Fey. She’d be well protected. I’m actually honored that you thought to come to me for help, sweet one. I will inform your father that you won't be home and I will take you there myself after work.” Lucien shook his head, “She needs clothing, Mordred.” He glanced down at Lucien faking a pout, “I think I have her covered. I have prepared for such a situation. Any other objections?” Lucien nodded, “Make sure she comes to work daily? Oh and also she’s bringing Ashton and Toby Ligidew. That is non-negotiable.” He smirked, “Excellent, my nephew will be a perfect addition to my home. He’s never been and House of Dark will be excited to meet my long-lost nephew. I will fetch them.” I sighed, “Leave Toby alone, he can come here on his own.” He picked up his gloves and put them back on. He threw the long white hair over his shoulder, “So much to do, so little time. I must get going so I can prepare for the most awaited visit of the twin stars. How exciting.” I looked up at him confused, “Wait, twin stars? What are you talking about?” He waved over his shoulder after opening the portal, “Some other time, my dear. I must get going.” He stepped through the portal as he said which made an echo in the room.
As soon as the portal disappeared, I sat back and sighed, “He’s infuriating sometimes.” Lucien chuckled, “You wouldn’t have him any other way.” I shrugged, “Maybe but maybe not. He’s a handful at times and hard to manage. You’d think I was his mother.” Renier chuckled, “It is delightful to see another side of you, Your Highest Highness. I look forward to seeing you around this part of your family. Now that we have the issue of your safety solved, I really must get going so I can have my attendant pack for the trip to Lasparia.” He rose to his feet and was beginning to leave when Lucien looked at me, “You’re dismissed, Alexandra. I think I have everything I need.” I nodded at him and followed Renier out of the door. After I closed Lucien’s door, I asked, “Your Majesty?” He turned and looked down at me with a somewhat surprised look on his face, “Yes?” I drew in a deep breath, “I haven’t seen His Highness since that night. I wonder if he is well.” He smiled, “Oh how lovely that you are concerned for him. He is well, just tired. You can visit him before we leave tonight.” I looked over at Malinus, “You can go, Alexandra. We have things covered here.” I nodded, “I think I will go check on him now then.” When I looked back at Renier, panic flashed across his face before he gained composure. It was a blink and you’ll miss it type of moment, “Go ahead then.”
I walked past him at that moment, fearful that he had done something to his son. I walked down the hall to the room I was told Cal was in and knocked. I heard a ragged, “Come in.” I stepped into the dark room, I couldn’t see where Cal was and I narrowed my eyes to see if I could adjust my eyes to the dark. I heard the door close behind me and felt two arms wrap around me. A head dropped on my shoulder, “I’m sorry, Alexandra. I wanted to see you but he wouldn’t let me.” It was a pained whisper, “Don’t apologize, Cal. I was worried about you though. Are you okay?” He sighed and the breath hit my neck which sent a spark of something through me, “I want to be honest with you but I’m afraid.” I shook my head, “Then say nothing. I understand but why?” I only heard him breathing and I suspected he was searching for the words to tell me without sending panic through me. I knew in the few moments that he was not showing me his face that his father did something to him. I felt his lips on my neck in a peck, “You make me feel calm when I am scared. Did you know you have that effect? I feel better with you here too.” I sighed, “Cal, are you stalling? Why did he do it?” He nodded, “It’s because I didn’t rescue you. He thinks it was Lucien. There is no proof of that but he was pissed that you didn’t thank me for saving you which meant I didn’t do it. He punished me for it. I paid dearly.”
