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#Post#: 386468--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: guest1220
Date: July 14, 2015, 10:07 pm
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Essie straightened in her chair. He was right; she shouldn't let
everything discourage her, but it was easier said than done.
Her fingertips ran across the table in front of her. The groves
of the wood were smooth against them. Idly, they retracted into
get palms as she sighed. As usual, her thoughts were on Jasper
and the kingdom; but mainly Jasper. It dawned on her that he had
yet to have a coronation celebration. Perhaps, she should plan
one as a surprise.
When he brought up the idea of being king, she took notice of
how quick he was to look away as if somewhat abashed. A small
laugh passed her lips, which she stifled quickly to avoid making
him think that the idea itself was humorous. Actually, him being
king was far from crazy, but she had presumed it was merely a
way to ensure a secure financial future. She found it funny just
how little she knew. Essie nodded, causing her hair to fall in
front of her eyes momentarily before a decisive flicker of her
hand whisked it off of her forehead.
"I tend to agree," she said.
After she had finished her treat, she folded her arms and leaned
back in the chair. "I just wasn't aware that you were all that
interested in politics. I always took your silence as
indifference, though I know now that wasn't the case."
Essie frowned in contemplation then smiled at him. Walt differed
from her usual company which wasn't a bad thing. He knew when to
stay silent and only spoke if it suited him rather than letting
his tongue ensnare him in a trap. It was a trait those who held
depth and wisdom had. Also, it meant that he was perhaps too
serious at times for his own good. Testing her theory, she
leaned forward and placed her chin in an open palm as she looked
up at him through thick lashes.
"Walt, how many females have you kissed?"
-
He drew a heavy sigh as Ayla was caught up by Jasper before her
head could become the table's new ornament. Harry poured him
self another cup of liquor then looked quizzically at Jasper. It
wasn't like him to become unraveled under stress. Then again, it
wasn't like Ayla either, but none of what these poor kids were
going through was normal.
He raised his catepillars for eyebrows and nodded silently to
himself.
"Ah, alrigh', lad," he agreed, taking the seat indicated by
Jasper. "Ye are a spoiled palace brat who knows nothin' of
Ayla's life, but you assume all the girl wants is your bed so ye
have no problem givin' it to her until emotions come up between
the pillows. Ye are king fer a reason and ye couldn't even
protect a lass yet everyone is suppose ta' trust ye with a
kingdom? Ye broke her heart but all ye will say is that ye
didn't mean to and ye didn't know she fell for ye even though ye
were aware of how damaged she was. An ' I suppose ye are still
unsure if ye are goin' to go with her or Essie, which is
despicable."
Harry watched him carefully, gauging his expression with each
word that came out like a dagger. Then, he retracted his stance
and took another chug of his whiskey, allowing Jasper to say his
peace. Once or if he had, the man shook his head.
"Now, what I was goin ' to say before you assumed the worse in
this old man is that I'm sorry for ye loss," he said, gently. "I
loss' me daughter and sons so I know how it feels to an extent.
Which is why I am protective of Ayla. But, she is a woman and
she makes her own choices. Jasper, ye have great potential and
ye are a great king. Don' lose yourself in this tragedy. I know
ye will do well so don't be so hard on yourself."
The man tilted his head and glanced at Ayla. He wished she would
muster up enough courage to rise out of the ashes she had been
sinking in since her fiance's death. Also, he feared of what
would happen if Jasper decided to choose Essie instead of her.
#Post#: 386497--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: Renegade
Date: July 17, 2015, 10:01 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Brown colored brows furrowed in response to Essie's laughter. He
couldn't tell what it was she found funny, but based on her
reaction, he could assume it wasn't that she was laughing at the
idea of him being a good king. More importantly, she seemed
satisfied by his answer, since she changed the subject, which
meant he didn't have to let that information out. When she asked
her question, he looked around, as if to survey how many people
might be listening in on their conversation. Then, he gestured
with a finger for Essie to come closer so he could whisper in
her ear. He cupped his mouth with his hand to block off the
visual from anyone who may have been watching, then once his
lips were close to her ear.... He kissed her cheek! "One more
than I kissed yesterday." He said with a laugh, before leaning
back in his chair with a satisfied grin. There were some things,
Essie just didn't need to know...
--------------------------------------------------
Last time Harry tore into Jasper, he objected. This time, he
remained silent. Not really looking at Harry, but not looking
away either. It was as if he were somewhere in his head,
considering the man's words. It wasn't that he didn't have any
objections. He inherited the Kingdom at least ten years before
he expected, of course he wasn't ready! He had chosen Ayla! but
she chose her men over Jasper. She decided that a life with him
wasn't for her. If her heart was broken, he could easily claim
the same. But he didn't speak any of this to Harry, not because
he feared his response, but because he didn't feel worthy to
defend himself. Not after allowing Ayla and his unborn child to
come under harm...
He expected that to be the end, so he was surprised by the old
man's next words, which caused him to lookup and catch the man's
eye. He offered a light smile, and poured himself a cup of
whiskey. "Thanks..." His voice was low, and far from joyful, but
his appreciation was sincere. He held up his cup toward the man.
"To a brighter future than past." He said. He didn't know what
that would mean specifically in his life. But he knew things
would have to change for the better eventually.
#Post#: 386500--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: guest1220
Date: July 17, 2015, 8:44 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Essie laughed at his antics. A blush had managed to sneak its
way across the high arches of her cheekbones. The woman was
astonished at how little she knew of him despite having known
him practically her entire life.
She leaned forward and folded her hands on the table in front of
her, sighing. With her eyes on him, she continued to smile in
thoughtful silence. When she realized she was staring, she
blinked and looked down, pretending to rearrange the skirt of
her dress on her lap.
The smile vanished almost instantly as she said, "I think it's
time to go. Jasper may be wondering where I ran off to."
Although, she doubted that was the case.
-
Harry returned the smile with a fraction of a nod. Upon hearing
the toast, he raised his cup and replied 'aye '.
The thought of a brighter future was pleasant, though for now
they had to settle for dark days and darker nights.
-
Ayla woke up headache threatening to tear her head in half.
Apparently, her drunken self still had yet to learn to drink as
much water as alcohol. Taking a moment to allow the room to stop
spinning, she hesitated before getting out of bed.
After Jasper had saved her from hitting her head, she had made
every effort possible to avoid him and drown herself in wine.
She had been successful in avoiding him and Essie, making her
wonder if they were all following an unspoken agreement to stay
clear of one another.
Just then, a knock answered the question.
"Ayla?"
Essie's voice made her frown and groan. What in the world could
she possibly need from her? A congradulations on getting
everything she was deprived of? She no longer cared how childish
she was being in allowing herself to be bitter.
After a moment, Essie came in and their eyes met. Ayla raised
her brows, waiting to hear what she had to say.
"I'm planning a party for Jasper," she explained, wringing her
hands as she stood by the door. "I was wondering if you wanted
to help."
"No."
Essie sighed and nodded. "Fine. Will you come?"
Ayla scoffed. "Why should I come? Will there be alcohol?"
Her sister frowned and shook her head then turned to leave.
Pushing herself forward, she forced herself onto her feet and
out of her bed as Essie stalled and looked over her shoulder.
"It's tonight, if you change your mind," she said, then walked
out.
-
Finding Jasper was like trying to find a skittish cat within an
entire castle. Ayla finally tried his study after looking in his
bedroom and the throne room. She knocked, but it was more so an
announcement of her coming in rather than an inquiry for
entrance. The gown she wore was tattered, clearly one she had
worn outside the castle. By the shredded skirt and long strings
that hung off the arms, it was possible she even wore it to
battle a few times.
Regardless of the attire, she still radiated beauty and grace.
And in its original place across her crimson lips, was the smirk
that emitted confidence as well as mischief.
"Jasper?"
She projected her voice into the room as slender fingers cracked
open the door. Instead of letting the door swing completely
open, her hand held it a foot from the doorframe as she peeked
her head around to investigate the room.
#Post#: 386501--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: Renegade
Date: July 17, 2015, 9:42 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Yet another day spent in his office, Jasper had grown quite
accustomed to spending most of his time there. Today, however,
he was getting very little work done. He was too busy thinking
of the dark cloud that seemed to have descended upon the palace.
It was obvious that both Ayla and Essie were avoiding him, as
well as each other. There were several instances where he had
caught glimpses of Ayla, and she switched directions in order to
avoid crossing paths with him.
He had seen Essie only in business meetings. Her mood seemed a
bit brighter the past few days, but she didn't seem much more
interested in speaking with him than Ayla. She seemed almost...
secretive. Busy, even when there should have been nothing to do.
It bothered Jasper. But he never spoke on it. He simply went on
about his business. Until today, their avoidance of him had
given him time to be much more productive. The men and women who
had been guests in the castle were now safely back in their own
homes, and his approval ratings as King were impressive for one
so young. Nonetheless, he grew exhausted from the heavy energy
that surrounded him. He decided perhaps he should call a
meeting... Just then, the door knocked, and in peeped Ayla.
That was good for her, he supposed. Normally she would just bust
the door open and walk in without any regard for him or his
space. Or at least, she would have, when she was speaking to
him. "Come in." He said, placing the pen that hadn't written a
word in hours down on his desk. He eyed the tattered clothes she
was wearing. They reminded him of the world she came from; The
world she had made him clear he intended to return to... He
folded his hands atop the desk and looked the woman in the eye.
"What can I do for you.?"
+6/.
#Post#: 386502--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: guest1220
Date: July 17, 2015, 10:52 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Ayla did not appear hesitant, but her movements were slow and
methodical as she crossed the room and sat in front of his desk
in the chair provided to guests. She glanced down at his folded
hands and her smirk had grown by the time she looked back up
into his eyes.
It was easy to sit in a private room with him when it should
have been awkward. It was easy to feign a smile while seeing him
so relaxed. It was easy to watch him act as though she was
another one of his subjects seeking answers or a favor.
"I want to ask a few questions," she said matter-of-factly as
she crossed her legs beneath her dress. "Like, what you want."
There was more; so much more that her first request came out
quickly as she struggled to find a go starting point. She felt
fidgety, uneasy, and above all, hurt. Still, she remained
sitting as she chewed on these emotions silently. Having not
thought of what she was going to say or why she even felt
compelled to visit him, she was left at a disadvantage. All of
this, including the acting, was in fact no easy.
So, she extinguished the mask and let the smirk fall away and
her shoulders slump forward, not in defeat, but exhaustion from
the inner chaos.
"Who you want," she corrected, softly and more gently than what
she felt.
She knew what he might think: what right did she have barging in
demanding answers after avoiding him and pushing him away. With
that thought, she realized that she was not sure she wanted to
know, making her believe she would have been better off just
going with her original plan and leaving.
"No, I don't want to know," she admitted, looking away. Where
was her unyielding confidence? It was buried along with those
she had lost.
She leaned back in her chair and stared at the wall over his
shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I can't imagine what you went through because of my
selfishness. I was hurting, but so were you and it was partly
because of me. You touched places within me that I still was not
ready to let anyone into and because of that, I let you down."
Her eyes shone, but no tears fell. Ayla was not going to allow
her emotions to get tossed in the spotlight now.
She forced herself to look back at him, but just as quickly as
she did, she looked down, unable to stand the shame and pain she
felt, that might be mirrored in his expression.
"Jasper..." her sentenced trailed as she shrugged, uncertain of
what to say at this point.
#Post#: 386540--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: Renegade
Date: July 26, 2015, 2:12 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Jasper's eyes were brown. They were almost always brown lately.
It was like a default; lacking the brilliance and mystery they
had held in days past. Jasper didn't have the luxury of time to
explore his emotions. Nor was it granted to him by either of the
women fate had brought into his life. So his eyes reflected his
life; Businesslike.
They showed a hint of color, however, when Ayla asked him what
no who he wanted. The color was a deep red. It rose across his
iris like steam rising within the room, and reflected an anger
that Ayla's retraction was far too late to quell. "You know what
I want Ayla!" His voice had risen, but it wasn't to the point of
yelling. "I -told- you what I wanted! I wanted you!"
He took a deep breath and lowered his voice once more. But his
lowered voice wasn't any more soothing. In fact one might have
found it even more disconcerting. It was cold, and dark, and it
was accompanied by pitch black eyes that bore into the soul in
the worst possible way. "But you didn't want what I wanted. You
wanted to be with your men. So now I have a question for you,
Ayla. Why aren't you with your men? They're who you chose,
right?" His hands folded on top of each other on his desk as a
face of stone stared at his visitor, awaiting her response.
#Post#: 386554--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: guest1220
Date: July 27, 2015, 12:21 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Ayla straightened slightly in her seat as her gaze fixated on
him unwavering. The turn in his demeanor hardened her
expression, but otherwise it did not phase her. Having realized
how out of line she had been to ask him such a thing, she stayed
silent and allowed him to speak. His question forced her gaze
down and ensnared her with guilt.
Her gut reaction was to retract and retaliate with a smart
reply, but she failed to muster up enough will to do so.
"I am sorry," she said, softly. "I was out of line."
She glanced back up. Ayla tried hard to hold onto the last
thread of dignity that still remained and leaned forward. There
was a notable difference in the color of his eyes, making it
extremely difficult to behold him.
Then, she looked back down, shielding her face from him as she
murmured, "I tried."
When her eyes met his again they were glossy, but she
desperately tried maintain her hold on the last thread of
dignity she had left.
"I wanted you. I just..."
There was nothing left to say that she had not already said, but
she felt compelled to at least try. She took a breath to steady
herself and shook her head.
"Please?"
It was impossible now and she knew it. He would not forgive her.
Without waiting for his denial, she stood. She wanted to tell
him so many things and try explaining her side, but that was not
what he needed.
"I want you to be happy, even if I am not the one making you
happy. Jasper, I messed up, but I was hurt. Now, I'm done
grieving. I will never give up."
The last remark had drained away her sorrow and left a cold
chill hanging in the air. She did not wait for him to dismiss
her, she left on her own, hoping against the odds that there was
still something within him that still wanted her.
#Post#: 386567--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: Renegade
Date: July 27, 2015, 2:27 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Her apology was sincere. Even Jasper could tell that, and it
caused the expression on his face to soften. However, even now,
in what could be her last opportunity to truly express herself,
Ayla refused to be vulnerable. That was the most important thing
to her, it seemed. And if that was the case, she couldn't be his
wife, regardless of how he felt for her. In his heart, he was
fighting this realization, but on the surface he appeared more
than calm. Somber blue eyes watched in silence, waiting for a
reply that would prove him wrong, but it never came. In the end,
she spoke only a few words, and then left...
Perhaps one day Ayla would grow up, and learn that she needed to
look out for more than just her pride. If she could do that,
then maybe the two of them could have a future. But for now,
this would be the end. Twenty minutes, and he hadn't moved,
hadn't even bothered to pick up the pen he was previously
keeping warm. Eventually, he gave up, and returned to his room;
The room that would no longer have Ayla as an expected guest...
#Post#: 386579--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: guest1266
Date: July 27, 2015, 8:25 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
The few days that followed her lunch outing with Walter, her
mood had lifted considerably. She had spent her time planning a
surprise coronation for Jasper which made her feel useful and
excited. He remained distant, always swamped in his studies
without coming to dinner. And Ayla was no where to be seen.
The gloom that preyed upon the residents within the castle
should have bothered her, but it didn't. It only made her
buoyant to know that she had the ability to help lift the curse
over them.
As maids and servants tended to the throne room, she arranged
the flowers while her thoughts swayed to Walter. She smiled to
herself and hummed an old hymnal as she continued to daydream.
"-at is what he said," insisted Tommy, the doorman as he lifted
a chair up onto the table pushed against cream colored walls.
"He said he saw Jasper with Ayla three days ago - " she rolled
her eyes. "-then she stormed out mumbling stuff. But, Jasper was
indeed firm with her."
Essie frowned and stopped fiddling with the bouquet and inclined
her ear.
"So, then, it's over? Just like that?" the maid listening asked,
appalled by the idea of the king's breakup.
"Aye," he replied, shaking his head.
"Well now Essie can marry him and everything can go back to the
way it was meant-... "
Essie tuned them out and hastened out of the room. Her heart
thudded like a hundred horses' hooves within her chest as she
made it to a small hiding corner within a sharp corner of the
walls. Jasper had not mentioned any of this to her. Probably
because he did not find the need to.
This thought hurt to swallow, but it was still a possibility.
She shook her head.
Although she didn't know what happened, she was elated to hear
that maybe Jasper was finally coming around. That maybe he was
available again...
She smiled and sighed.
-
The night was adorned in yellow lights from lanterns hanging on
hooks around the castle. By now, Jasper had been fully informed
of the event planned for him, just not by whom.
Many people had arrived and all were dressed in extravagant
apparel as to outshine each other. One by one, they all took a
seat, awaiting for their king to arrive.
Essie waited in the halls outside his door in a midnight blue
dress with an intricate golden pattern etched along the skirt.
She tugged at her gloves nervously, hoping he would be pleased
to hear that it had been her surprise to him. He deserved this.
"Essie."
She turned a half a step, following the sound of the voice until
it lead to a plump maid with reddened cheeks.
"We need your assistance in the kitchen immediately," she
explained in exasperation.
Essie frowned and glanced back at Jasper's door before agreeing
to go with the maid.
She would just have to see him later.
#Post#: 386598--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: Renegade
Date: July 29, 2015, 10:50 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Jasper couldn't help but feel it a bit silly for him to have a
coronation now. It had been a few months since he took his
father's crown. It seemed almost like the Royals just needed
something to do. Nonetheless, it made him feel good that those
in the castle had thought enough of him to throw him an official
coronation, though he was still unsure who had organized the
whole thing. Perhaps now he would be able to sit on his father's
throne without hesitation. Dressed in a new suit that had been
delivered to his door, he prepared to head out. He thought he
had heard his escort outside his door, but when he stepped
outside his room, he found that the halls were empty. No matter.
He would just make his appearance alone. Just as the clock was
striking, An announcer would be calling Jasper's name, and he
would step before the crowd, to witness hundreds of subjects,
happily cheering for their King. It was a feeling Jasper never
accepted. His Kingdom actually cared for him. They approved of
him as their King, and he loved them for that. He could only
hope and pray that he would hold their approval and admiration
over his years as King. He didn't know what was planned for the
event, but he waved to the crowd, and took a seat on the throne,
waiting for things to get started.
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