Chapter 19
Ember
Despite my objections I can’t help but smile as I look around at the rehearsal for the engagement ceremony. The last few weeks were intense, both as a member of the security team, and as Bianca’s sister, but this chapter is nearly at an end.
The energy in the room is optimistic as the rehearsal begins. The royal guard has had a grueling few weeks as figured out the security for the event, made more so by Prince Kaine’s demands that everything be doubled. Now that the rehearsal is upon us it feels like we can take a moment to breath.
My late nights pouring over maps of the palace and arguing with Robert have paid off as everyone takes their places, going through the motions of the ceremony. Everyone performs their roles perfectly and everything from security to the couple themselves comes off as a well-choreographed dance. Even Bianca is so wrapped up in the atmosphere of the day and her own joy of her engagement that she forgets to throw a snarky comment my way.
Everyone seems to be in a good mood, surprised by the day’s good fortune. Bianca enters on cue, the prince remembers his speech, and there are no technical difficulties along the way. I don’t love the idea of Bianca being officially engaged to the prince, but I push that thought aside, pleased that my hard work is paying off.
As rehearsals begin to wrap up, I continue to man my post, close enough to keep a close eye on the couple but out of the way enough not to draw focus. I scan the room, checking for potential threats and to insure the other members of my unit are still in position.
All seems to be well and I nod to the guard closest to me. My previous status as an outsider nealy forgotten as we share a look of a job well done. I almost even allow myself to relax a little, but then I notice a flash of movement from behind Prince Kaine.
In a flash, a man with a knife begins running in Prince Kaine’s direction unnoticed by the other guards. I lunge forward, placing myself between the two men. I grab the man’s arm to change the trajectory of the knife as it twists, feeling a sharp sting as the blade nicks my arm in the process.
I ignore the pain as I manage to wrestle the knife from the attacker. As I do his attention shifts to the other guards closing in and I am able to get him pinned to the ground.
As the other members the guard begin to take over, I carefully get to my feet, examining the wound on my left arm. It stings but isn’t too deep. I’ll need to dress it, and make sure it doesn’t get infected, but I’ll live.
The moment the thought occurs to me; my vision blurs and my head begins to swim. I take a step forward, willing my feet to work, but I stumble forward. I nearly land on my face, but instead I find myself once again in the embrace of Prince Kaine.
My mind stutters as I fight to stay conscious, and I push the prince away. “Your Highness, this… isn’t proper,” I whisper and then I see black.
Prince Kaine’s beta, Jake quickly moves forward, carefully taking the unconscious Ember in his arms. Guards rush out of the way as he passes, intent on his goal to get Ember treated.
Kaine turns to face the face the captain of the guard, a serious look on his face. “As of right now the Palace is on full lockdown. No one comes or goes until we have more information about this attack. I doubt the assassin acted alone,” he barks.
As Kaine speaks Bianca blinks the prince unable to hide her annoyance. “It’s just a guard getting injured. Is all this really necessary? What about the actual engagement ceremony tomorrow?”
Bianca’s eyes widen as Kaine’s expression turns icy. “She’s your sister—not just a guard. And after such a major security breach, no one’s safety can be guaranteed. Tomorrow’s ceremony is canceled.”
Bianca’s mouth falls open as she stares at Kaine, but she doesn’t push. His mind is made up. As Kaine storms out of the room Bianca walks toward the guard captain.
“I know an assassin’s a big deal, but is this really necessary? My sister stopped the guy.”
The guard captain regards Bianca, a grim look on his face. “Unfortunately the prince is right. There is no way of knowing how many people are involved in this plot, this is not going to be a speedy investigation.”
Before he continues, he looks around making sure no one is in earshot, “However, it appears that your sister has been poisoned by that blade. Now might be a good time to see her removed from the palace. A guard that can’t fight is useless here.”
Bianca nods, a plan forming in her mind. Bianca makes her way toward the exit of the banquet hall startling when a guard approaches her. “Where are you headed?” he asks concern etched on his face.
Bianca smiles, playing innocent as she replies, “I need to go check in on my sister. I can’t rest until I know she’s alright.”
The guard pauses, “You’re the future luna I shouldn’t allow you to walk the palace unattended after an attempt on the crown prince’s life. I will escort you.”
Bianca’s smile falters but she quickly recovers, “Ember is my twin, the person who knows me best in this world. The thought of losing her… I’m sorry but this is a deeply personal matter, and I need to be alone.”
The guard looks like he is going to argue but Bianca continues, “The prince has seen that I have had combat training. I assure you I will be fine, unless you think that the training the palace has offered isn’t enough?”
The guard hesitates, and Bianca uses the opportunity to walk past him and into the hallway. She quickly makes her way to Ember’s room her idea to tamper with Ember’s wound in her unconscious state solidifying in her mind. She wouldn’t kill her sister, but if she could exaggerate the severity of her injury Ember wouldn’t be allowed to continue as a guard.
As Bianca pushes open the door to Ember’s room she breathes a sigh of relief as she sees Ember alone, sleeping on her bed. Bianca enters quietly and walks to Ember’s side. With a quick glance around, she slowly lifts the blanket off of Ember’s shoulder and pretending to check the wound.
As she looks at Ember’s arm something near Ember’s collar catches her attention. Bianca quickly yanks Ember’s collar aside. Bianca gasps and all color drains from her face as she comes face to face with the royal mark.
Before Bianca can act further, the door creaks open and Ember’s best friend Ella steps inside, her eyes narrowing as she takes in Bianca standing over Ember’s helpless frame. “What are you doing here?” Ella demands.
Panic rises in Bianca’s chest at her near discovery. If she was caught tampering with Ember’s wound, Kaine would almost certainly end their engagement. She take a deep breath and then turns to Ember’s friend,
Bianca bites back her panic and forces a smile as she regards Ella. “Just visiting!” She says, jumping up and rushing out of the room before Ella can say another word.
Ella takes in the room around her, eyes wide. Her concern for Ember evident on her face as she approaches the bed.
