“And why do I feel that it’s not enough?” She stood up and paced for a few seconds, eyes closing as she came to a stop by the window. Sarah would gladly bar the doors on her children’s windows and doors, but if she did that, if that small hint of construction hit the press, there would be no hiding it. The media would run wild, reporters would have a field day. All she could do right now was put her trust in James and she did trust him. It was everyone else she wasn’t sure about.
Sighing, she raised a hand to massage her temples, her eyes opening as she turned back to face her advisor. Eying him, she shook her head. “As much as I would love to say I trust everyone on my staff right now, I don’t. The only person who holds my trust is you, so I’m warning you, do not make me regret that decision.” When she was sure her message got across, she nodded her head, a plan already forming in her head of what she could do to help straighten her children out. They were already shaping up to be kind rulers, they just needed that extra boost.
“See to it that those who are in charge of my children currently are run through background checks again. Anyone who refuses, let them go. Triple check them, and send the reports to me.” She shrugged. “And your judgement is sound so you’re in charge of putting who you think is best at protecting my kids. They are to go nowhere without an escort. Put alarms on the windows if you must.”
There was a slight chance of possible paranoia on her part to those on the outside, but with people vying for the throne and willing to go any length to sit as ruler, Sarah was not taking any chances with her family. “While you’ve been my main advisor for years, I’m promoting you. Essentially now, you’ll be my right hand, the person that is in charge when I’m unavailable.”
“If you want the job, that is?”
The sole movement given at the warning was the inclination of his head. James was certain that, were Sarah not Queen, the measures that could be taken to ensure her children’s safety would be higher. He, however, understood the limitations her job entailed. Every movement she or her children made were scrutinized, the smallest gesture could be taken out of context and the media would begin to circle the royal family much as sharks do to their prey. He lifted his head as she returned her attention towards him, seeing that a plan had formed in her mind where her children were concerned.
He had seen firsthand the kindness that seemed to emanate from the royal family. The kindness they held did not stop at blood, but extended to anyone who needed it or asked for it. It had become their trademark, their stamp on the royal lineage that held the country’s very well-being the palm of their hands. Just as surely and readily was the kindness given was it taken away; as he had witnessed moments ago, the trust that was given readily was not given a second time. For all their kindness, they were firm rulers in judgement; second chances were rare, albeit none at all.
James remained intent on his Queen as she told of the list she had in mind where her children were concerned. A mental note was made of each demand, particularly the one in which he decided who would guard the future kings. The team he had built to protect them had been solid, handpicked specifically to the needs of the royal family, and while he himself held no reason to doubt them, he would do as requested, intent on keeping his vow of protecting the royal family.
“As my Queen commands, it will be done.”
The additional security measures came as no surprise to the advisor. With her children’s lives hanging in the balance, he expected no less. The sudden promotion, however, did catch him off guard. For years, he had prided himself on his reputation as royal advisor, expecting nothing more or less than the praise or criticism given for the assignments given to him. The sudden upheaval, to now be the one person who held the Queen’s utmost trust, was not something expected but it also could not be refused.
He inclined his head, bending at the waist in a bow towards Sarah. “Your Majesty, I would be honored to accept the job.” James straightened, looking at her intently. “I will see to it your orders are carried out immediately.”











