Switched

Chapter 23

Disclaimer: Some words taken directly or paraphrased from The One by Kierra Cass

"Mr. August Illea, at your service."

My mouth fell open.

"You heard me right. I'm an Illea. And by birth too. This one will be by marriage sooner or later," August said, nodding to the girl.

"Georgia Whitaker," She said, her voice like jingling bells. "And of course we know all about you, Princess."

She gave me a small smile and I lifted my chin. I wasn't sure I trusted her but she seems nice, which is odd considering what I had always considered rebels to be.

Then something occurred to me.

"So my father was right then. He said you would come for the crown one day. Well, I have a news flash for you, I'm not giving it up that easily."

"I don't want your crown," He assured me.

"Good because I intend to lead this country. I was raised for it and you can't just waltz in here claiming to be Gregory Illea's great—."

"I don't want your crown America!"

"Princess America," I corrected coldly.

"My bad, Princess America. I have no ill intent towards your throne. Destroying the monarchy is more up the southern rebels alley, don't you think? We have other goals."

Georgia looked around at the guards surrounding us. "What does a gal have to do around here to get something to drink?"

"Would you like some coffee or tea?" I asked, my upbringing coming out.

"Coffee?" Her eyes lit up.

I couldn't help but smile and I waved Officer Woodwork over.

"Yes, your majesty?" He asked.

"Could you tell a maid to bring us some coffee. And to please make it extra strong."

"Of course," He said and headed away.

"I can't even begin to imagine what it is that you are here for. But it appears you've made a point of coming to the palace while everyone's asleep, maybe even while my father is away, so what is it that you want? I can promise that'll listen but that's about as far as your demands may go."

"That's all I ask," August replied. "We have been looking for the diaries of Gregory Illea for decades. The northern rebels mean the monarchy no harm, in fact, we quite like a few people here." He looked pointedly at me. "We have no issue with having a sovereign leader, particularly if that leader is you."

"Thank you," I spoke, a smile that I couldn't help spreading across my face. It was nice to hear it from someone besides myself.

"What we would like are other things. Particularly, elected officials and the end of the caste system," He said, leaning back in his chair as if these were simple inconveniences that I could have taken care of in a jiffy.

"You act like I'm already the queen. Even if that was possible, I couldn't simply give you what you're asking for."

"But you're open to the idea?" August countered.

"What I'm open to is irrelevant right now because I'm not the queen."

August sighed, preparing to speak but I placed a silencing finger to my lips. A maid, Lucy, stepped towards the table and placed down 3 cups, pouring coffee for the three of us. She gave me a questioning look and I motioned to her that I'd tell her everything later. Georgia was already downing her coffee and I raised it to my lips, taking a delicate sip. I like my coffee like I like my wine, meaning, I do not like coffee at all. But it would do the trick at keeping me awake.