Fifteen
Lancelot Larkin
The very last place I wanted to be was in a forest, looking for a witch doctor who kept a crocodile as a pet. However, George had asked, and for George I would do anything. For as long as I could remember, it had been George and I.
I met him when I was about six. It was in the throne room. George had worn a blue suit, and had been standing next to his father. Blond and arrogant.
My father had nudged me forward. “George, this is the Prince. You’ll be his protector. His Captain of the Guard.”
George had stepped forward, and given me a hug. It was the first time I’d ever been hugged by anyone who wasn’t my Mother.
“I’m glad to have a friend,” he said. “The palace is lonely. There’s no one here my age.”
“I thought I was your protector,” I said.
“We’ll pr
