Note: This interview was originally hosted by "Books Read By Tracy" as part of the Royal Spy Blog Tour.
- What is your full name?
Clare Ellington
- What was it like to have to take care of your brothers by yourself from such a young age?
It was difficult at times. My childhood ended when my parents died, and I had to raise Thomas and Mark. I had Eliot, my older brother, help, until he was old enough to join the city guard. It was a lot of work, and there were days I was just so tired. But taking care of my brothers was also very rewarding. I love them with my whole heart.
- What is your life motto?
Focus on what you can control. Sometimes that might not be much. It might only be your attitude. But if you focus your energy on what you can do, you will feel less overwhelmed and less helpless.
- Who do you love the most in the world?
My family. That includes my brothers, and also the family I’ve made more recently: Bennick, Vera, Venn, and the other guards.
- On a scale of 1 - 10 how much did you freak out when you first kissed Bennick ? ;)
Definitely a 10! It was a complete shock. One moment, we were arguing, and I was feeling so many emotions. And then he grabbed me and we were kissing. It felt like my heart would pound out of my chest. It was exhilarating, beautiful, and perfect.
- What is it like to have guards around you all the time?
It was very strange at first, and a bit uncomfortable to always have people around me. In the beginning, it really felt like they were watching me—almost more like prison guards, as opposed to bodyguards. But as I spent time with them, I came to see them as friends. Sometimes I do long for a moment alone, though.
- What is your favorite hobby when you don't have to do duties?
I’ve always enjoyed cooking, especially for my brothers. I miss doing that. I also love to sew, and seeing all of Serene’s dresses inspire me to make my own designs.
- If you like reading, what is your favorite book?
As a kitchen maid, I didn’t have much time for reading, or great access to books. When I started training as Serene’s decoy, I mostly read histories and anything else my tutor told me to read. I love learning about other kingdoms, so my favorite book so far is probably one I read about Zennor’s jungles. The people who live there, the animals--it’s all so fascinating! . . . Of course, I also found a romantic novel in the library, and I’ve read it a couple of times now J
- What makes you happy?
A day spent with friends and family. That is when I’m happiest.
- What stresses you out the most and how do you deal with it?
What a great question! I feel a lot of stress when there is a last-minute change in plans, especially when I’m acting as the decoy. But I try to take a deep breath and remind myself that I can handle this. That I’ve trained for this. It really goes back to my motto: focus on what you can control.
- What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is losing the people I love. My brothers. Bennick. Losing them scares me more than anything that could happen to me personally.
- What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to live away from all the politics and danger that surround me, and to have my brothers with me. And Bennick, of course.
- What is your favorite flower?
I love daisies.
- Who is the person you despise the most?
I think I would have to say King Newlan. I hate that he put me into this position, forced me to become the decoy. I may have found some good things, met some people who have changed my life, but I can’t forget how he blackmailed me into this. I also hate the kind of ruler he is.
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