Valley Of Glamorgan (13 page)

“I’m sorry,” I said getting ready to text
Declan and tell him I couldn’t make it.

Taking a step back she looked at my clothes
and asked, “Where are you going? You’re not running away are you?”
Her question making me feel sorry as I saw concern spreading over
her face.

Laughing softly I responded, “No, I was just
going outside for some fresh air.” I tried to sound as calm and
collected as possible, even though inside I felt nervous.

“Um hmm,” she said; clearly not believing my
story. “Are you sure that is all you are doing?” she questioned
further.

Laughing again I thought, ‘ah what the hell,
she is my sister. I should try to be honest with her so that maybe
we could have the kind of relationship I want.’ And so I replied,
“I’m meeting someone.”

“And who may this someone be?” she asked;
not moving an inch from where she was standing.

Taking a deep breath and knowing that if I
stood here much longer I would miss Declan, I replied, “I am
meeting Declan outside because he has a break from his work at the
East wall; whatever that means.” And I rolled my eyes, making a
mental note to ask him what exactly he did do there. Or at least I
would if I ever got to meet him.

Maggie remained standing for a moment as if
she was contemplating something. “Okay,” she simply said, “Be
careful though.” Although shocked by her response I took the
opportunity to go before she changed her mind.

As I made my way to the door I whispered,
“Thank you,” to her. She in return surprised me by whispering back,
“I want all the details tomorrow,” and as I looked she winked at me
before gracefully making her way back up the stairs.

Quickly and quietly I made my way outside
and down the walkway; keeping my eyes open for Declan. Just as I
started to think that maybe I had taken too long he popped up
beside me.

“Hey there,” he said in that sweet voice
that I was quickly becoming rather fond of.

“Hey, how are you?” I replied.

Chuckling he said, “Well, honestly, a lot
better now that I can see you again. I haven’t been able to keep
you out of my mind.” Surprised by his comment I wanted to yell, ‘me
too,’ but I was afraid that I would sound needy, so instead I
decided to change the subject.

“What is it exactly that you do over at the
east wall?” I asked.

Motioning for me to follow him we began
walking as he answered my question, “Well, I relieve the guardians
over there, and take watch of the security cameras on the perimeter
and such when they go on a break. It gives me more money for my
family, and also gives me something to do to keep my mind off
things.”

“What things?” I asked, instantly covering
my mouth with my hand and quickly apologizing, “Sorry that was
rude, and nosey of me. You don’t have to answer that.”

He chuckled at my reaction. “No, I don’t
mind. My father was killed by an intruder a few months back, so I
have been trying to do things that keep me from thinking about
losing him,” he explained.

“Oh, my God!” I cried out as I suddenly felt
terrible for bringing the subject up. “I am so sorry, that is
horrible. Is that why you have been working with the guardians on
security?” I continued.

Looking at me for a moment he finally
responded, “Yes, I want to make sure that if that man ever comes
back then I will be the one to find him……and kill him.” I was
shocked at how much rage filled his voice.

“I know how you feel,” I suddenly found
myself saying. “I lost people that I thought were my parents, I
even assisted in killing them,” I said, regretting immediately
having brought the subject up.

Declan stepped closer to me and placed his
arm around my shoulders. “You did what you had to do. Stop being so
hard on yourself; anyone in your position would have done the same
or worse, I know I would have,” he explained.

The thoughts the conversation had stirred up
disturbed me so I asked if he minded that we change the subject. If
I was honest I didn’t want to talk about such grim things with him.
Looking down at me he shook his head, saying, “Of course. We can
talk about anything you want Carmina, but unfortunately it will
have to wait until tomorrow. My break is nearly over and it will
take the rest of it making my way back to the East wall.”

Disappointment flooded through me and I
hated that our time was up already; it seemed like it had only been
seconds since I had come outside. Very reluctantly I wished him a
goodnight, and having sneaked back into the massive house I made my
way back up to my room. Slipping back into my pajamas I turned the
lights off and lay back down on the bed. Just as I was about to go
to sleep I heard my phone beep; I had another message. It read,
‘Hope you sleep well, goodnight.’ I smiled to myself, deciding that
I was looking forward to the next day; hoping I would see him again
soon. Texting him back I told Declan goodnight, and before long I
quickly drifted off into a deep relaxing sleep.

Chapter 8

The next morning I woke to bright warm
sunshine filling my room. It was a great start to welcoming a new
day. Sitting up I stretched, then grabbing my phone to check the
time I gasped out loud. It seemed I had slept until one o’clock.
Climbing out of bed I ran into the bathroom; brushed my teeth and
relieved my bladder, feeling better than I had in days. I was also
quite pleased with how my hair had turned out from scrunching it
the night before.

After washing I made my way to the gigantic
closest and started digging around inside; hoping to find the
perfect outfit for the day. Finally I chose a brown, flowing skirt
that stopped just above my feet; I would probably have killed
myself on the stairs if it had been any longer. To top this I threw
on a white shirt that hung slightly off one shoulder and that had a
fitted band around the waist to keep it in place, although it hung
loosely around the rest of my midriff. As I finished getting
dressed I slipped on a pair of brown metallic, strappy sandals
which, to my feet’s relief, were flatty’s. I didn’t think I would
be wearing high heels again for a long time to come; at least I
hoped I wouldn’t be.

Heading down the stairs I smelt the amazing
aromas coming from the kitchen. Entering the dining room I was
surprised to see that everyone was sitting around the table. They
all looked up in unison and greeted me as they invited me to join
them. I could feel my cheeks beginning to burn as I felt
embarrassed that I had slept so late. Making my way to the table I
took a seat next to Eleanor and opposite Knoll and Maggie. As I
looked at them it seemed to me as if they were always gazing at
each other.

“I hope you’re hungry,” asked Liam.

Nodding my head I replied, “I could eat a
horse.” And I laughed although yet again I had that feeling of
awkwardness as I sat amongst my family. Looking around I could see
that everyone looked as if they belonged together, and I wondered
why I still felt as if I didn’t.

As I waited quietly for lunch to be served
while everyone chatted amongst themselves. Suddenly I began to
wonder if they had really noticed that I was there or not when
finally Knoll spoke, “It seems as if you enjoyed yourself last
night.” His comment seemed more of a statement than a question so I
just nodded my head in agreement with a little smile. Then he went
on, “I was hoping that you and I could spend some time together
today. We need to sit down and discuss your security here with the
guardians.”

He had caught me off guard and when I
responded, not knowing what else to say and not meaning to sound as
sarcastic as I am sure it did, I replied, “Sounds fun.” Knoll
looked as if he was annoyed, but merely told me that we would go
after lunch. For some reason I felt kind of mad that he had just
assumed I hadn’t had plans for the day; even though I hadn’t it
would still have been nice if he had asked. Suddenly I started to
wonder if all the excitement had now died down and this was how it
was going to be every day from now on. To me everyone seemed a
little off and I had a feeling it had something to do with the
sudden meeting with the guardians.

After a delicious meal of warm barley soup
and soda bread Knoll and I made our way to the security gate where
I had met Declan the previous night. I was hoping that I would see
him again today. Knoll must have sensed that I was distracted
because he cleared his throat and asked me if everything was
alright. I did my best to reassure him it was. I didn’t want him
questioning me anymore, so I flipped the conversation on him,
asking, “How are you and Maggie doing? She seems to be pleased by
your return.”

Knoll smiled from ear to ear, “Yes, we are
doing wonderful; thank you for asking,” he replied, genuinely
pleased at my question. I nodded and then stopped dead in my tracks
as I saw Willow standing next to the gate arguing with someone. I
couldn’t see who it was until we got closer and then I recognized
the fiery red hair; it was Thora.

“Oh boy,” I whispered sarcastically as we
approached them.

“Is there a problem ladies?” Knoll asked
whilst Thora, stepped in front of me.

Thora turned on him with a hateful glare.
“No one was speaking to you so don’t bother yourself with it. I was
just leaving,” she announced and she began walking away
briskly.

Willow stood still, looking irritated. “That
one,” she pointed at Thora, “needs to be dealt with!”

Turning she looked directly at Knoll, who
shook his head in agreement saying, “I could think of a few ways I
would like to deal with her!”

Annoyed that they were talking as if I
wasn’t present I interjected, “Is anyone going to fill me in?” I
felt tired of being left in the dark.

Catching herself Willow walked towards me
saying, “Oh dear child don’t bother yourself with thoughts of her,
there is so much for you to do.” Then she gave me a warm smile
before excusing herself, explaining that she needed to see
Maggie.

Once Willow had left I looked to Knoll for
answers by simply asking him what was going on. Knoll shook his
head, “Not this time Mina and it’s nothing for you to concern
yourself with. As Willow said we have a lot to do and not much time
to do it in so if you don’t mind I would like to get this meeting
started.” Annoyed by his reaction there was little I could do but
follow him into the security booth; surprised by the layout as I
figured it would be much smaller and a lot less modern.

Going inside, I discovered there was a large
sitting area with leather sofas and a large coffee table. Plus
there was a massive TV hanging just above the fire place. It looked
more like an apartment to me as there was a kitchen with a large
table very similar to the one at the castle. Off to the side of the
living room was another large table where a number of men sat in
chairs around it, and in front of the table was a dry eraser
board.

“I’m not sure what I had envisioned but
somehow I pictured it much differently,” I told Knoll as he
instructed me to take a seat at the table alongside the men.
Looking around I realized I didn’t recognize anyone other than
Eirnan, the guard I had met when I had first arrived. ‘At least I
know someone,’ I told myself as I smoothed my skirt and followed
Knoll to the chairs.

An older gentleman stood up from the table
to greet us. He said a simple hello to me but pulled Knoll into a
huge hug. Knoll introduced him as his father, and Liam’s guardian;
his name was Keenan. He was a few inches taller than Knoll, which
surprised me as I had never met anyone as tall as him before. His
hair was graying, but I could tell where Knoll had inherited his
good looks from. The second man to stand up was much more formal
than Knoll’s father. As he stood he straightened his back, standing
more erect than I knew was possible. In all honesty he looked
uncomfortable. Introducing himself as Hayden I realized he was a
little older than me, and he had sun kissed blonde hair. Inwardly I
smiled as he looked as if he belonged on the beach surfing instead
of around a table of guardians. After saying nothing more other
than his name he quickly sat back down. The third man to stand
bowed respectfully and then introduced himself as Bryan. He had
white hair and was a bulky man for his age. I could tell that he
had been a guardian for a long time, maybe even longer than Knoll’s
father and it made me wonder why he wasn’t at the head of the
table.

Eirnan simply waved to me. He seemed to be
the most laid back of all of them. Keenan narrowed his eyes on him
and told him to stand and introduce himself properly like a real
guardian. I tried to step in, “Urm excuse me,” I said trying to
come to his defense, “but we have already met.”

Despite my attempted intervention Keenan
still made him stand and introduce himself properly. I felt sorry
for Knoll that he had had such a strict father whilst growing. The
last two guardians stood in unison, “Hello, Princess,” they said,
practically at the same time. They then introduced themselves as
Luke and Ben. They were identical twins, each having brown hair and
piercing honey golden colored eyes. After the introductions, I was
invited to take a seat next to Knoll and his father.

Keenan turned his chair to face me, and
said, “I am sure this has been a lot for you to adjust to. However,
I am here to tell you that you don’t have to do it alone. We are
all here to help you adjust but to also help keep you safe.” After
a short pause he continued, “I know that it may seem like this
place is safe but, make no mistake Mina, there are people here who
would harm you the first chance they got.” His words started making
me feel uneasy as I had thought that I would be safe behind these
walls, yet clearly I wasn’t going to be safe anywhere.