We leave the office and head downstairs to discover that the four agents who comprise my new security team have arrived. Richard looks over from speaking to one of them as Michael and I enter the living room.

“Princess, perfect timing. How was the call?”

“Useful,” I reply. “Thank you for setting it up.”

“Thank Lionel Vanderbilt. He was the one who had some connection in the American football world. Someone he knows from his time in South Carolina.”

I nod, then glance over at the four agents curiously. As soon as the group realizes they’ve caught my attention, they all bow, with the exception of the solitary woman, who drops into a deep curtesy. Members of the Royal Guard aren’t typically required to display the formal greeting in the presence of royalty, except when approaching a member in public or meeting them for the first time. I look the four agents over with interest as they all straighten.

“Your Highness, let me introduce you to your assigned team,” Richard states. “First, we have Agent Thomas Lee.” A tall man who looks to be in his mid-forties gives me a kind smile. “He’ll be posing as your stepfather and also as an engineering professor at Lincoln.”

A younger guy just a couple inches taller than me stands next in line, a serious expression on his face. His blond hair is closely cropped; his stance is rigid. He gives me a brief smile before returning to the same stoicism.

“Next, we have Agent Philip Matthews. He’ll be known as your stepbrother and a fellow Lincoln student.”

A short woman with a long braid of blonde hair gives me a warm smile.

“Agent Julie Williams will be undercover as a member of campus security,” Richard continues. “Along with her partner, Agent Steve Jackson.”

A bulky man with dark brown hair nods to me respectfully.

“Agents, this is Her Royal Highness, Princess Vivienne of Marcedenia. As we discussed in your individual briefings, I cannot overstate the importance of this mission and your responsibilities enough. She is the sole heir to the throne, a role that just became of even greater importance in light of recent events. Anything happens to her, and I guarantee you will wish it had happened to you instead. Understood?”

“Yes, sir,” the line of agents chant in perfect unison.

Studying their cowed expressions, I realize Richard’s brisk attitude over the past few days was actually a glimpse of his most patient and friendly self.

“Good. Now settle in for the night. We’ve got a big day tomorrow. The plane leaves at eight sharp.”

I don’t sleep well that night, anxiously tossing and turning as I contemplate the complete and utter upheaval that’s about to take place in my life.

I wake from a fitful sleep to find the cottage already bustling with activity as everyone prepares to depart. The car is reloaded with all my luggage while I say goodbye to Richard and Michael before they head back to the palace.