Free Legacy by Cayla Kluver Page A

son, sharing a bite to eat with him and listening with feigned interest as he returned to making speeches about himself. Eventually, we went back inside the palace, I, at least, feeling somewhat guilty about leaving Madam Matallia asleep on her bench. Steldor accompanied me to the spiral staircase, and although he offered to escort me farther, I latched onto a Palace Guard to stand in for London.
    Having escaped Steldor without a kiss, I trod lightly up the steps to the second floor, picturing the faces of the Elite Guards in my mind while I mulled over the possibility that one of them was a traitor. Most of them had protected the royal family for at least half my life, and I knew that in order to be inducted into the Elite Guard, a soldier’s loyalty to the throne had to be proven. What could have prompted one of them to betray the kingdom he loved?
    Hearing muffled conversation from inside the library, I moved in the direction of the sound. As I approached the half-open library door, Tadark’s unmistakable voice reached my ears, and I sent the Palace Guard who had walked with me on his way. Words were tumbling from the lieutenant’s mouth, and I assumed London was with him, for no one else would have had the patience to put up with such never-ending chatter.
    â€œWhen I was nine, I would steal my father’s sword to playwith. I never hurt anybody, but I got in a lot of trouble, believe you me. For some reason, I kept doing it, though. I don’t know why. I guess I was just destined to be a soldier. It was my dream to become part of the Elite Guard. You people inspired me to become what I am today. I made a lot of stupid mistakes when I was just a soldier, so I didn’t think I’d make it, but I did! I remember hearing in military school about the training you have to go through to be in the Elite Guard, and I just thought, never. Never would I survive that. But once I was in the training program, I didn’t want to drop out, and so somehow I made it through.”
    There was a pause, and I pictured Tadark surfacing like a swimmer for air, as his speech had surely put a strain on his lungs. Then he continued, more slowly, his enthusiasm now tempered with curiosity.
    â€œHow did you survive it?”
    Time slipped away while Tadark waited for London to respond. I guessed that the deputy captain was reading a book and not paying any heed to what the younger man was saying.
    â€œYou’re the quiet type, aren’t you?” It was still Tadark who was speaking.
    â€œOnly around you,” London replied absently, at last giving his partner his due.
    â€œWhy’s that? I really can’t picture you talking much ever. You strike me as a bit…dull.”
    I covered my mouth with my hand in order to keep from laughing out loud, drawing many odd stares from the guards and servants who passed me.
    There was a pause, then London gave an explanation. “I just figure you talk enough for the both of us, Tad.”
    â€œMy name is Tadark. ”
    â€œWhat, you don’t like the name Tad? I think it fits you. Tad.”
    â€œDon’t call me that!”
    â€œWhatever you say…Tad.”
    Tadark exhaled huffily several times, and I was certain London had returned to his book, at ease with Tadark’s displeasure. After a moment, the lieutenant collected himself and attempted again to engage London.
    â€œYou want to know why I follow you around all the time?”
    â€œBecause we’re stationed together?”
    â€œWell, yes, but I mean other than that.”
    â€œTell me, Tad. Why do you follow me around all the time?”
    â€œBecause I respect you. You’re everything I strive to become—everything an Elite Guard should be.”
    â€œI’m honored.”
    â€œI’d hate to think you’d betray your king and queen for your own profit.”
    A few moments of silence greeted this outrageous statement.
    â€œWhat are you talking