Prologue
A year ago
"It wasn't supposed to go like this," the guard said.
Eleanor shrugged. "I, uh, it was nice." She glanced around the small room and pulled the blanket back up over her body.
The guard stood and fastened his pants. "I just, well. It was okay."
Nothing like making her feel unimpressive.
"It's usually more--" he said. "No one's first time--"
"I understand," she said and smiled.
Because that was what nice girls did. They smiled, even when they really didn't feel like smiling. Especially when one more thing was just another disappointment.
He bowed his head. "I thank you for the honor--"
"Do not say it," she said.
He blinked. "I feel very privileged that you would want to be with me, even though I know the circumstances."
"I know. But I appreciate it," she said. She looked him up and down as he dressed. "You can go now."
"I would like to make sure you are safe returning to your residence, Princess."
"I will be fine."
"I would not want your reputation damaged because of--"
"Truly, I will be fine," she said. The last thing she needed was for too many people to realize who she was. She shifted under the blankets. "Just go, and I will be leaving shortly. We do not have to make this more than what it is."
He nodded. "Again, I appreciate being selected for this duty. And your eyes are very pretty, up close."
She winced. Her eyes, a blight on her character, as so many claimed, including her father. Many looked at her as broken or scarred because her eyes were not the traditional dark brown-black of the perfect Terrans.
One more imperfection.
Just one more reason to get rid of her.
He stepped back.
The guard, barely older than she was, had only been brought into the Royal house a few months prior. Their close age had brought a friendship, a camaraderie of sorts between two contemporaries. She appreciated the company.
And when she'd needed his assistance, he had been honored to help her. She appreciated it, even if it was for the wrong reasons. It was supposed to be more than a duty. It was supposed to be something special and important. And with someone she loved. Not a guard, who she picked to help her out of a difficult situation. She watched him turn to the door.
Colt.
His name was Colt.
"Thank you, Colt," she said.
He glanced back at her. "You're welcome, Eleanor."
And he walked out the door.
The closing of the door felt like it had been slammed. It hadn't, of course. It just felt that way. Final.
