290 Under the Thumb

~ ZARA ~

"…you do not need to worry, I will always have someone close by, Zara. Anytime you're in need of assistance, you can simply speak to your Defender, or one of the others. We'll make certain that they make themselves known to you. Of course, you can always just dream yourself out too. And if at any point you believe the King becomes suspicious, I would encourage you to do that. We have monitors back at home. We'll know if you come back."

I blinked. "You have… monitors? On my apartment?"

He shrugged. "Don't be angry. As your father I needed to make sure you were safe. I receive reports from our agents there every month on your movements and… your very boring existence to this point." Then he smiled. "Things are about to get a lot more interesting, Zara."

"I'm sure they are," I said faintly. "But I don't know this world. If I'm supposed to leave already—"