Sure enough, that sentence is all it takes for the conflict to leave his expression. He quickly gathers his things into his briefcase and starts walking toward his office door.

“Thank you for this,” Thomas tells me fervently. “You’re going to make a wonderful queen, Princess.”

I smile at his kind words, although they cause a flare of panic inside me. Thomas turns to leave.

“Wait.” I stride over to the doorway. “Give me your phone,” I order.

Thomas opens his mouth to argue, but I don’t give him the chance. “I know if you take it you’ll be badgering Philip every hour, making sure everything is okay. You deserve a weekend completely off. I’ll be fine.”

Thomas thinks it over for a moment, then finally pulls his phone out of his pocket and hands it to me. I try not to let the elation show on my face.

“Be careful, Princess,” are his parting words.

One down, one to go.

“Thomas already agreed to go with me,” I lie, taking a seat on Philip’s dorm bed. “You deserve a chance to be a real college student for the weekend, without constantly having to look out for me.”

“It’s my job,” Philip argues. “I’d feel much better if both of us are there.”

“I already told Katie that Thomas is going to Radcliffe for a meeting and that’s why he’s driving us,” I argue. “It will seem strange if you come along on our girls’ trip and our supposed father’s work meeting. We’re going to a small city, not a war zone.”

“I still don’t feel comfortable about letting you leave campus with only one agent,” Philip states.

“I’m not. Steve and Julie are coming too.”

Philip opens his mouth to argue further, so I play my last card desperately. “Please, I just need a chance to get away from this campus. Away from him.” We both know who I’m referring to. “You were right, okay? I got too caught up, and I just want a chance to enjoy myself away from him before I have to go home.”

The argument fades from Philip’s face, replaced by understanding and relief. “Okay, fine. But I’ll be checking up on you guys.”

“That’s not necessary,” I reply. “Don’t tell him I mentioned this, but Thomas finds it offensive when you check up on him while he’s guarding me. Since he’s the senior agent, it’s considered an insult.” I feel a wave of guilt as I utter the untrue words, but I have no choice if I want to get away with this.

Philip looks shocked. “I—I had no idea,” he stutters. “I thought he’d appreciate I was checking in even when I was off duty…”

“I know you meant well,” I interject, feeling increasingly nauseous with each lie I spew. “That’s why I decided to tell you, to make sure you know for the future.”

Philip nods, looking crushed.

“I’ve got to go get my things together,” I state, standing. “I’ll let you know when we’re back on Sunday night. Enjoy the weekend.”