Chapter 21. The New Guard

Doris's POV

"Should I know you?" I asked, eyeing this young man curiously.

He didn't look familiar to me; the way he was built, if I had to guess, I would say he was probably a guard for the Golden Palace. But he also looked so young, which made me believe that he was new. I have also never seen him before.

He gave me a boyish grin and he rubbed the palm of his hand on the back of his neck sheepishly. His dark hair lay shaggy around his features and for a moment, he looked almost puzzled.

"I guess not," he finally said after a breath of silence. "I'm... um... David."

"Hi David," I said, still eyeing him carefully.

He had a trustworthy face, but I wasn't sure I trusted him. It was rare to meet anyone around the palace that was genuinely kind. I lucked out meeting Beth, but I wasn't going to test that luck twice.

"Are you a new guard for the Golden Palace?" I asked.

He hesitated a moment before answering; almost looking unsure of him