Page 4 of Her Royal Rebellion

“I appreciate the offer, sir. I’m not sure—”

“You are coming up on your service anniversary.” His gruff voice was softer than normal. This felt more like a causal check in than an interview. “You didn’t mention wanting to be released last year, but if that’s what you want, I can make arrangements.”

I shook my head. “I’m not sure that’s what I want either.”

“I understand. This was unexpected, and you’re not required to make a decision today. I want you to take some time and be certain about your decision.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Sergeant Brown leaned forward, resting on his elbows on his desk. “Off the record, how have you been?”

“Good. Actually, things have been going very well. I was able to put some new security measures into effect that I’m really proud of. I’m happy to be in a position where I can influence things and make changes. That was one of the hardest things for me before. I was just a cog in the machine. Someone that took orders and executed them. Now I have the ability to think for myself and have my voice heard.”

He looked pleased. “That’s great. Some go a bit stir crazy in the palaces. They miss the excitement and danger.”

I chuckled. “Then they don’t go out with the family enough. The paparazzi are terrifying. They will do anything for their shot. I’ve never met a more fearless and reckless group of people.”

His lip twitched. “I really am pleased you are happy there. It’s a big responsibility. It takes a special person to endure the lulls and still be on their toes when the moment comes that they’re needed.”

“I agree. It’s a unique challenge.”

“Have you thought about what you want to do after this?”

I tilted my head. “What do you mean, sir?”

“Do you want to make this your career? Do you want to eventually return to civilian life? Do you have any passions you want to follow?”

I scratched my jaw. I’d been wondering the same things for a while. I kept putting off making any sort of decision for a while, simply letting my contact renew each year in hopes something would help me make up my mind. “I’m not sure.”

His eyebrows raised just a hair. “What was your plan when you first joined the Marines?”

“It was all I wanted growing up. I wanted to serve our country. I never loved school. I didn’t want to go to university and end up in a cubicle for the rest of my life. I wanted to be out in the world.”

“It’s been seven years now.” He pointed out.

“It has. I still feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing, but I’ve been a Marine my entire adult life. I haven’t had time to figure out what else I’m passionate about.”

He nodded. “I’d like for you to think about that while you consider the special task force position. How much longer do you want to serve? What is your plan? What do you want your future to look like? We’ll touch base soon.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He excused me and I left his office feeling less dread but much more confusion. His questions were simple. I should’ve had answers for them, but I didn’t. He was right. I needed to think them over and make some important decisions.

When I got back to the palace, I checked in at the security office. It was a large room under the east wing that housed the surveillance footage, armory, and could also be used as a bunker in case of emergencies. It was bombproof and at least three guards were stationed there at all times.

“All clear?” I asked Bill, the head officer down there, as I took the open seat next to him.

“Nothing to report.” He tipped his head in the direct of a screen that showed the front gates. There were three media vans parked, but otherwise it was empty. “It’s nice not having any guests or events for a bit.”

I didn’t argue with him. Things had been mad with the wedding, then with Prince Cian and Prince Aiden bringing home girlfriends. We had at least one paparazzo a day try to break into the palace. Thanks to the security system I developed, we were alerted immediately and they were removed. Since the news of their relationships became less enticing, things had calmed down. You wouldn’t hear any of us complain about that.

“I’m going to check in with Shane. Let me know if anything comes up.”

“Of course.”

I left the palace and crossed the grounds to the guard bunker. It was a two-story building made to look like a barn, but inside was a kitchen, living room, ten bedrooms with two bunk beds each. After living with my squad in the desert for months, it felt like a luxury hotel to only share with three others. Plus, usually only two of us were sleeping in there at a time with our shift rotations.

Shane and I were the leads on Princess Isla’s guard. There was only an hour a day that we both had off, and we used that time to coordinate any of the princess’s events.