The Guard: A Selection Novella (HarperTeen Impulse) by Cass Kiera

Author:Cass, Kiera [Cass, Kiera]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2014-02-03T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

I’D HEARD ABOUT THE KING’S tea party for the ladies of the Elite and knew America wouldn’t be in her room when I came knocking.

“Officer Leger,” Anne said, opening the door with a wide smile. “What a pleasure to see you.”

At her words, Lucy and Mary walked over to greet me.

“Hello, Officer Leger,” Mary said.

“Lady America is out right now. Tea with the royal family,” Lucy added.

“Oh, I know. I was wondering if I could chat with you ladies for a moment.”

Anne gestured for me to come in. “Of course.”

I made my way to the table, and they hurried to pull out a chair for me. “No,” I insisted, “you sit.”

Mary and Lucy took the two seats, while Anne and I stood.

I took off my hat and rested a hand on the back of Mary’s chair. I wanted them to feel comfortable talking with me, and I hoped dropping a little of the formality would allow for that.

“How can we help you?” Lucy asked.

“I was just doing a security sweep, and I wanted to see if you’ve noticed anything unusual. Probably sounds silly, but the littlest things can help us keep the Elite safe.” There was truth to that, but we weren’t exactly charged with seeking out that information.

Anne bowed her head in thought while Lucy’s eyes went to the ceiling as she wondered.

“I don’t think so,” Mary started.

“If anything, Lady America has been less active since Halloween,” Anne offered.

“Because of Marlee?” I guessed. They all nodded in answer.

“I’m not sure she’s over it,” Lucy said. “Not that I blame her.”

Anne patted her shoulder. “Of course not.”

“So, beyond her trips to the Women’s Room and meals, she’s more or less staying in her room?”

“Yes,” Mary confirmed. “Lady America has done that in the past, but these last few days . . . it’s like she just wants to hide.”

From that, I deduced two important things. First, America wasn’t spending time alone with Maxon anymore. Second, our meetings were still going undetected, even by those closest to her.

Both of those details caused the hope in my heart to swell.

“Is there anything else we should be doing?” Anne asked. I smiled because it was the kind of question I would have asked if I were her, trying to figure out how to get ahead of a problem.

“I don’t think so. Pay attention to things you’re seeing and hearing, as always, and feel free to contact me directly if you think anything is off.”

Their faces were all eager, so ready to please.

“You’re a wonderful soldier, Officer Leger,” Anne said.

I shook my head. “Just doing my job. And, as you know, Lady America is from my province, and I want to look out for her.”

Mary turned to me. “I think it’s so funny that you’re from the same province and you’re basically her personal guard now. Did you live near her in Carolina?”

“Sort of.” I tried to keep our closeness vague.

Lucy smiled brightly. “Did you ever see her when she was younger? What was she like growing up?”

I couldn’t help but grin.

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