Chapter 2

• I stood there looking at all the things I’d tossed on the bed. There was no way it would all fit into one duffle bag. I had no idea what I would or wouldn’t need from this point forward. Did royal guards even get days off? I didn’t know. They had to, right? The other personal guards spent a lot of time in the yard, so they must have free time.
• I looked at my new porter. It had three locations programmed in: the underground chambers, the palace, and the guard’s yard. Only the high ranking and personal royal guards had this elite porter, so I shouldn’t complain that home was a long way away. I had no idea when I’d be back to even visit.
• Sighing dramatically, I went to my closet and dug around for another bag. Finding one that was long discarded, I tossed it on the bed. I needed to pick up the pace. I didn’t want to keep Captain Rafael waiting downstairs and alone with my family too long.
• My family. They were exhausting. Of course, my father understood what an honor my achieving the placement was as he’d been a royal guard for over a hundred years. His father and also my great-grandfather before him were guards. My mother was not so understanding. I often wondered if it was because my brother had dropped out of the training, or that I, her daughter had passed. Her daughter should be delicate and spend all her time in a dress, doing womanly things. I didn’t fit into her belief of what a daughter was. I was petite, a whole five foot three, but that was my only quality that fit her definition of a daughter. I could take down three quarters of the other guards in a practice skirmish, without using my ability. For the others I did need the occasional assist, but Captain Rafael and Prince Michael laughed when I used it. As far as I was concerned, using my ability was more than acceptable to defend myself.
• Stuffing the last of my things into the smaller bag, I quickly closed it, picked up my bags and went to the door. I paused to look around my room. Truth be told, I wouldn’t be heartbroken if I never had to sleep here again.
• ~
• I walked back into the kitchen and cringed. My mother was hovering over the captain with that look on her face. The look that meant she was trashing my profession again.
• “…her best friend’s father died on that island rescue.” My mother’s tone was hostile.
• Rafael glanced at me and stood up. “I’m aware, Mrs. Hinton.” He inclined his head, “we are doing everything we can to help his family.”
• My mother scoffed. “That won’t bring him back.” She pointed to me, “I don’t want my daughter to end up the same way.”
• Rafael cleared his throat. “Kinsley is a very skilled warrior. You should be proud of her.”
• I watched my mother’s shoulders rise and fall. I glanced at my father; his expression mirrored my thoughts. I needed to get out of here. “I hope this isn’t too much to port back.”
• Rafael gave me a quick look. “As long as it’s not a car, I can manage.”
• My father chuckled. “I wouldn’t say that, Captain, she’ll be running back up to get her weights.”
• Rafael grinned. “She has access to the family’s gym now, so hopefully they won’t be needed.”
• “Who is she guarding?” My mother blurted out.
• I wanted to melt into an invisible puddle.
• “My niece.” Rafael said calmly.
• I watched my mother process that. “So, she won’t be in fights anymore? Will just be spending her time hanging around the palace? You know she hurt her arm not long ago doing something for the guard?”
• My father interrupted before Rafael could answer. “It’s an honor for her to get this posting.”
• I picked up one of the bags. “We should get going. I want to be there before Rena arrives.”
• Rafael came over and took the bag from my hand. “It’s going to be an adventure.” He smirked and gave me a quick wink.
• ~
• When we stepped outside, I glanced to make sure my mother hadn’t followed. “I’m so sorry.” I whispered.
• “Don’t be.” He stopped and looked down at me. “It’s not the first time as a royal, or captain of the guard, I’ve dealt with hostile mothers.” He grinned.
• I blew out a breath. “I like to think any other mother in this realm would be thrilled her daughter was selected out of several hundred to be a part of the royal guard.” I shrugged, “but no, she’d rather I’d be in a frilly dress drinking tea.”
• He laughed. “If you prefer, we can get you a frilly uniform to wear.”
• I cringed. “No. Thanks.” I smiled. Hopefully the rest of the family was as easygoing as he seemed to be.