Sleepers by Megg Jensen

pointed at Albree. She pulled herself off the floor, smoothed out her dress and walked over to Trevin’s bassinette. I sighed. At least Trevin would be near me. I’d have to give up my nights with Kellan, but for Trevin, I’d do it.
    Then he looked at me. “You are dismissed and ordered to leave the castle.”
    “No!” Mags screamed as Albree picked Trevin up out of his bassinette. The guards held on to Mags’ wrists, as she strained toward her son. “You can’t do this to my baby. My innocent little boy.”
    Tears spilled down her cheeks, her bloodshot eyes reigniting. She struggled against the guards, but they were too strong.
    Albree turned around, Trevin in her arms. She bent over and kissed him on the nose. “Who’s the sweetest little baby?” she cooed at him.
    Mags dropped to her knees, sobbing. I ran and fell on the floor next to her, holding her in my arms. Her tears soaked the top of my dress, but I didn’t care.
    “Get up,” a guard yelled, kicking her leg. They tugged on her arms, trying to force Mags to her feet. I held on tight, not taking my arms off of her. They would have to pry me away.
    Mags leaned over, her head next to mine, her lips on my ear.
    “Don’t let them get away with it,” she whispered, her voice hoarse and strained. “If you can, kill him.”
    Mags pushed herself out of my arms and stood up, resuming her composure
    again , ever the queen.

CHAPTER TWELVE
    “Do you have everything, Lianne?” Trevin squirmed in Albree’s arms. She didn’t even attempt to soothe him, instead she pulled his blanket tighter to keep him still.
    She hovered over me while I packed my few belongings. I stuffed clothes into a bag and placed a few trinkets in it. I was surprised how little I’d collected in sixteen years of living in one place. No gifts from my mother or sister to pack. No gifts from anyone, really. I had my clothes and the rest technically belonged to Albree and my mother.
    My so-called mother had been informed I was dismissed but she didn’t even bother to see me off. I hadn’t expected her to either. Albree was only here to make sure I didn’t take anything that wasn’t mine. She’d already pulled a ribbon out of my hand, claiming it was really hers.
    I didn’t argue. I didn’t care enough about a stupid ribbon to fight for it. I had a bigger battle ahead, one that didn’t require pretty ribbons in my hair. I had to save Mags and I had to get Trevin away from Albree.
    “I have everything that I care about, Albree,” I replied.
    I was done trying to hide my hatred for her. It didn’t matter now. Albree laughed, making Trevin cry.
    “Stupid baby.” She put him down in the bassinette one of the guards had brought in. “Be quiet.”
    “You’d better be nice to Trevin.” I couldn’t even stand to think of him in her arms. The angry fires licked at my belly, but now wasn’t the time to act. If I took Trevin from her, and I knew I could easily overpower her, I would have no hopes of saving Mags. Until I had a plan they both had to stay in the castle, each in their own prison.
    “Of course I’ll be nice to Trevin,” Albree said. “Why wouldn’t I?”
    “Because you’re never nice to anyone.” I didn’t bother with niceties anymore.
    “Lianne, you are not one of us. Trevin may be a bastard, but he is still Fithian. We care for our own, not for some pathetic adoptees thrust on us.”
    “Thanks for caring.” I wanted the words to sting.
    But Albree had already turned her attention to the window. She leaned over the windowsill, her breasts hanging over the ledge, giving the men practicing their maneuvers outside the full view. She called out to them, waving. Their cheers rose up to the window. They were obviously happy with the distraction. Aric yelled, scolding them to pay attention.
    I fought the urge to kick her in the butt and send her flying out the window. It would be too easy. I pulled my bag onto my shoulder and leaned over Trevin’s bassinette. He