Day 9

Jessica Wildness arose early. The sun had not yet risen. She was so excited about leaving with Drake for the castle. She couldn’t sleep any longer.

She didn’t like having Yair everywhere, but it could be worse. She could be still trapped on the barracks or married to General Spade. So far, every-time she went somewhere new it was better than before. From being lost in a field to the barracks, (maybe that wasn’t better) but from the barracks to the palace.

Jessica investigated around the palace. She was really trying to learn the language but reading it was something she hadn’t yet started.

There was writing on the wall and it seemed to be a hall of honor to passed princes. Portraits lined the walls. Some looked like family to the current princes, but some looked nothing like them at all.

She continued to explore the palace. Even finding a room filled with treasure, jewellery made from the stones she had found at the barracks. Stones that shone, it was beautiful. She didn’t take any as it felt like that would be stealing from Prince Drake. She kept moving and found a large staircase going up. She went up into a large round room, with a roof, and railing but no walls, it was like a view point on top of the palace. She watched the sunrise, a yellow and pink display cutting into the night sky. Then slowly being replaced with blue. She thought she heard footsteps but when she checked no one was there.

Curious she followed the stairs down, but down even further then the level she had originally been on. She explored, sure someone was following her, but explore she did anyways. If the reigning prince was hiding things like a dungeon, she planned to find it, and find it she did. An old dusty spider riddled stone dungeon. No one was in it that she could see.

“Hello.” She called

Her voice echoed.

“Anyone there?” she called

Only her voice answered her.

She tried not to feel afraid as she walked in the gloomy dungeon. No lights were lit at all. Not one candle or lamp. Small windows about the size of a hand let light in relieving the cold unmovable stone walls, the iron gates and bars, the chains that no longer shined but were still firmly in place.

Something crawled on her neck.

Brushing it off, she screamed.

That was it!

She was out!

It was now, way too creepy for her.

She ran back the way she had come as she reached the stairs and started running up, she heard something.

She stopped, her heart pounded so loudly she wasn’t sure if it was real. A tin sounding clang came from below. She carefully went down stairs. Her skin still felt like something was crawling on it so she kept brushing off her arms, legs and neck.

The compulsion to brush oneself off after a spider or creepy crawly, crawls on you. This compulsion filled Jessica as she walked down each step slowly. Engaging in a well-known dance without music.

She entered a room to her left which she hadn’t explored. A servant lay on the floor. A big black pot lay next to him and a big bump was on his head.

“Eeer” he moaned.

Jessica breathed not feeling so creeped out. It’s a servant. She looked around the room. Something was off. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but something was off. She helped him up. Took the pot in her hand and helped him up the stairs. Servants were now moving around the palace.

“Help over here!” she called to them.

But none stopped to help.

She grabbed one by the arm.

“He needs help.”

The servant looked at the man and wailed.

“It’s just a bump on the head.” Jessica said even though they couldn’t understand.

The servant she had help suddenly had strength. He pulled a short sword from a leather sheave hidden under his shirt.

The servants screamed and ran in a panicked ciaos. He reached for Jessica, but she hit him with the pot.

“Ahhh” he cried.

Anger and outrage filled his eyes.

“Oops” Jessica said.

She turned and ran. She sprinted for the entrance where she knew there would be guards. But there was none. She sprinted for the prince’s room. The man was gaining on her. She wondered if anyone on this world was slow or disabled. Because so far, she hadn’t found anyone slow or incapable. She grabbed a shield from a neat display.

She remembered in her room she had pepper spray. So now she ran for her room with a big heavy shield. He caught up to her.

“I helped you.” She bargained.

He didn’t stop.

One pot on the floor, only one. Now she knew what was off, if pots had fallen and had hit him, there would be more than one pot on the floor. He was faking it. But how did he get the bump on his head?

And how did he get into the palace?

His big rough hand grabbed her. She used the shield and rammed it into his face. His nose stared to bleed. But he didn’t let go.

She kneed him.

He let go, wincing but then as if fine. He came after her again.

Jessica screamed like a wailing banshee at a funeral.

Her screams echoed in the palace and finally some guards appeared. The man was captured.

It seemed like all at once. Drake and Yair where there.

“What happened?” Yair asked translating for Drake.

“I was walking around and I heard something. When I checked it out that man was laying on the floor with a big pot next to him and a bump on his head. So, I brought him to the servants that ran away screaming then he pulled a sword out from under his shirt and attacked me. It doesn’t make sense?”

“How peculiar.” Drake said.

“I ran to the entrance but no guards were there.” Jessica added.

Drake raised an eyebrow

“No guards anywhere!” Jessica stated.

She started to shake.

“Really?” she moaned at her shaking hands.

Then Drake hugged her.

Jessica stood like a statue. What was happening?

“Yair?” Jessica said questioningly.

“The prince is providing comfort for your trauma. Being attacked in the palace is an ordeal.”

“Oh” Jessica stood as still as a shaking leaf.

Drake seamed bigger than before. His shoulders where a lot broader than she’d realized. The firm hold she was in, was somewhat comforting. Yet she disliked it. Not because anything was wrong with it but because it was just right. She didn’t want to care for him. She wanted to use him to get home. She wanted to return to earth and be done with weird people. Yes, leading him on a little to get what she wanted was within acceptable parameters. But having him care and be likable… that was going to mess everything up. She already liked him a little but it was under control. But this hug of compassion was breaking her walls down.

“Please stop.” She whimpered “I want to sit.” She added reluctantly.

“Of cause.” Drake picked her up and carried her to a cushioned bench.

“Some wine for the lady’s nerves please.” He asked of the servant.

“I’ll be fine.” Jessica said standing up

“Let me return to my room.”

Jessica walked away.

“Have I done something wrong?” Drake asked.

“No, that’s the problem.” Yair answered.

Drake was confused. He looked at Yair as if he held answers.

“What did I do?” he asked.

“Everything right.” Yair replied.

“So why does she walk away?”

“Because she cannot stay.” Yair replied.

In Drakes mind this is how things went.

She loves him, but because he is a prince and she is a widow from another tribe or so the story told to them went. They can’t be together. Part of him knew they couldn’t be. He was to marry a woman from the Skiopia. A virgin bride. Because he was the heir and if an expectation was on anyone, it was him. He was required to fulfill the duties of a prince in every way.

Drake was upset with what had happened. So, he asked the guards where they were. They claimed they were there. But he knew they lied.

Had they betrayed his family?

Jessica sat on her bed. Shane knocked on the door and came in.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“No.” Jessica wined hiding her face in the cushion

“I want to go home. I really want to go home. But I like Drake. He’s so nice and handsome and he just keeps surprising me with how sweet he is. I don’t want to like him and it would be ridicules to stay for him.”

“Heaven forbid, Jessica starts a new life.” Shane teased.

“You are being mean.” She snapped.

“Thinking we are going home is crazy. We don’t even know where we are or how we got here. If you could start a new life living in luxury you should consider it.” Shane advised.

“Is that why you don’t want to come with me to the castle. You’ve giving up on going home?”

“I want to go home Jess. I really do. I have a good life to return to. But let’s be rational and let’s ask ourselves. How? How are we going to get home? And let’s also ask ourselves, what if we never get home?”

Jessica couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“So, you going to start a new life with Pragya?”

“No. A new life but not with her.”

“Why not? You clearly like her.”

“She needs to be a free woman. Even free from me. She can’t just be a slave to me for helping her. Then I would be like those that enslaved her.”

“So, because you care you won’t be with her. But I must be with Drake?” Jessica demanded.

“Consider it.” Shane suggested “Plus, I came to see if you were ok. Not fight with you.”

Jessica pouted

“What if I never learn the language and he then divorces me?”

Shane tried not to laugh

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

“You Jessica, are something else.”

Jessica looked at him questioningly with wide eyes as if wanting the answer to the mystery of the universe.

“Then you will have Yair to translate, like you do now.” Shane answered.

“Really?” Jessica glared at him.

“Come let’s go eat. I am hungry” he said ignoring her.

“You’re avoiding.” She said following him to the mess hall.

She was intercepted by Yair.

“You have been invited to join the prince for the meal.” He said.

“Is Shane also invited?” she asked.

“The invitation was extended to you.”

“Please request that Shane be allowed to accompany me.”

Jessica went into the non-royal food hall.

“What would this be called?” she asked.

So, Shane named things for her and gave her an on-the-spot language lesson.

Yair returned.

“Please come join the prince for the meal. Shane may join us.”

“May Pragya join?” Shane asked.

“I thought you would ask that. Yes, she may.”

So, the four went to the table at which the royals ate.

“I am surprised to hear about your unfortunate ordeal.” Prince Ryu said.

“Such a thing has never happened in the palace before.” Libelle said.

“It was…” Jessica didn’t know what to call it

“Suspicious” she finally said fishing for responses.

“I will get to the bottom of it.” Prince Drake said.

“I believe you will.” Shane said

“It was a scary ordeal. I am sure that will not happen again.” Shane said trying to keep the peace.

But his words sparked an exchange of looks between the ruling prince and his wife.

“Who was that man?” Jessica asked.

“It seems that the queen sent spices to our home. I can only imagine what she has planned for the peace conference.” Libelle said.

“The servants recognized him.” Jessica said.

“Did they?” Libelle sounded interested.

“Yes, they ran when I asked them to help him.”

“How interesting.” Libelle mused.

“Mother my guest was attacked in our home. This in not interesting.” Drake stated.

“No, it’s outrageous.” His mother said.

Tanith played with her food. Barely eating at all.

“Dear what’s the matter?” Ryu asked his daughter.

“If Jessica our guest was attacked inside out home.” She paused “We are not safe here.”

“Dear you are perfectly safe.” Ryu comforted.

“No, I’m not. Why her?” she pointed at Jessica “Did they think she’s a royal or were they after a servant or did they target our guest?”

Ryu had not expected this response from his family.

“What would make you feel safe?” he asked.

“Extra guards.” Tanith replied.

“Done.”

Shane just listened. It was quit the thought provoker. Why Jessica indeed?

Caelin was assigned to protect Jessica. Caelin did as Drake instructed.

The breakfast ended. Jessica didn’t like having Drake’s bodyguard following her everywhere. She felt it hindered her abilities to investigate them.

Pragya was treated as a Viden by the guards at the palace. For her being a slave was kept secret. Now that she was a free woman it didn’t matter that she was once a slave. She was introduced to the other Viden living in the castle. There were more than she imagined. Yair was the one trusted by the royal family to keep their secrets. But others lived with the guards, and some with the servants. Some with the trainers and breeder of the dragons. It was as if there was a Viden to record everything at every level.

“Why was Jessica attacked?” Pragya asked.

“We do not know. Some servants believe it’s because she is the lost heir to the throne. Some guards believe it’s because Drake cares for her and that will make the family look bad.”

“Please find out for me. She is my master’s sister.”

Jessica watched Shane change the bandages of the boy who was badly burned. He looked really bad, like he was dying a horrible death.

“How do you stomach it?” Jessica asked.

“I am helping and helping makes me feel better.”

“The boy is dying.” Jessica stated.

“Maybe, but if so, he will die with dignity and some comfort.”

“It’s not comfortable.” Jessica said looking at the half conscience boy.

“He’s not feeling most of the pain. It’s better than nothing.”

“What if he dies?” Jessica asked.

“Jessica!” Shane said getting annoyed

“It’s enough. Stop. Just stop.”

Jessica looked at him.

“Are you ok?” she asked.

“I’m fine.” He answered coldly.

“Ok then….. Maybe I should go.”

Shane didn’t try to stop her. Jessica left the room.

Note to self, he’s touchy about this work, she thought.

She bumped into Pragya as she turned the corner.

“If you’re looking for Shane, he’s grumpy.”

Pragya hesitated then smiled and headed towards Shane medical room.

“I know you understand me.” Jessica called after her.

Pragya kept walking, not even looking over her shoulder.

Jessica narrowed her eyes.

1. She could just be walking

2. She could be walking to hide that she understands

3. Not even looking, this could be because she’s ignoring and trying to seem like she doesn’t understand.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a man wearing a big brown coat. He was taller than most of the men in the palace.

Drake was behind him. He had a weaved basket with him and a sheet covering its contents. Yair stood with him.

“Hi” Jessica said awkwardly.

“Please accompany me on a trip?” Drake asked.

“Where?”

“A surprise to help keep your mind as ease.”

“Ok” Jessica grinned.

She followed him to his dragon. Where they flew together over the mountains that were snow-capped and down into a valley with a river. Yair and Caelin followed with their own Dragons. Jessica held on as they landed. Her dragon was still healing from her crash the other night.

Drake said very little as he spread the sheet on the ground. Placed the basket with fresh bread, fruit and smoked meat down on the sheet. He sat on the sheet with his shoes off the sheet. He reached up to her inviting her to sit with him. She sat on the sheet next to him. With her shoes off and her legs crossed. She studied his face. He didn’t look like a gentle soft man. He was handsome but not soft. He had a strong face.

“I wish I could understand you.” she said.

Yair was about to translate but Jessica stopped him.

“I was talking to myself. No need to repeat.”

Jessica sat watching the water go passed. It splashed as it went over rocks and turned with the currents.

“I don’t want you to come with me to the castle.” Drake said.

“Why?” Jessica was defensive.

“I can’t guarantee your safety.” he replied.

“I am safer with you at the castle then left at the palace with your family. You are the only reason Shane and I are safe there.”

“You look like the queen.” he said “I want the peace conference to mean something for my people. If they think I am trying to take over with the rumored lost heir. Then nothing will be achieved.”

Jessica’s mind ran. Before she knew, what she was saying, the words blurted out of her mouth.

“Can’t you disguise me? Make me, not look like the queen?”

Drake seemed to think about it. He discussed something with Yair. Then said

“That could work. We can hide your red hair, make it another color.”

“Like a wig or dye?” Jessica asked.

“Yes.” Drake said.

“If hiding my hair is all that’s required then how do I look like the queen?” she was confused.

“The queen has red hair like yours. Only royals from the Terra tribe have red hair. It is the sign of royalty.”

“So, I shall hide my hair.” Jessica smiled at him.

“So, you will take me with you? Shane and I?”

He looked into her eyes.

“Yes, I shall take you and your brother with me to the castle.”

Jessica hugged him in relief. The idea of staying with his family in the palace was terrifying. She would steal a dragon and leave the moment they weren’t looking.

Drake hugged her back. It got a little awkward.

“Hummmm, food.” Jessica said changing to topic breaking away from the hug.

Drake put smoked meat on the fresh bread and gave it to her.

“Thank you!” she responded.

Their picnic was lovely after Drake agreed to let them still go with to the castle. Drake didn’t understand why she was afraid of his family. They were good people, who would never hurt her. She clearly had been through a lot and he was willing to meet her where she was at.

Jessica held on tightly on the way back. Not so she wouldn’t fall but just to enjoy being close to him. If she was able to find a way home at the castle she would leave. But she did want to enjoy some of the journey. She liked Drake, he made it easy to like him. She took in his smell and how his back felt against her face.

Once they arrived back Tanith met them. She was in a state. Then Drake ran off with her. Jessica ran after but Yair stopped her.

“It’s a family matter.” he said.

She stood there hoping Drake would at least look back at her. But he didn’t. Not sure how she was feeling she went to see her dragon.

He was recovering well. Even starting to fly again.

* * *

Shane sat in the room. When the door open, he presumed it was Jessica.

“Not now.” He said “Please just leave me alone. I need some time by myself.”

He turned annoyed that she hadn’t left and saw Pragya.

“Oh, it’s you.” he said.

She came and sat next to him.

“Why are you troubled?” she asked.

“Just annoyed with Jessica.” He answered.

“Why” she pressed.

“She is in a hurry to leave here. She wants me to go with her to the castle. I don’t want to leave here yet.”

“Surely you can stay and she goes alone” Pragya said.

“Maybe, but if there is a way for me to return…” he paused.

“If the castle has a better life for us then we should go. But if it doesn’t then we have left something good for nothing.”

“If the castle doesn’t hold the answers you are seeking, then you can return. Nothing is making you stay there.” Pragya said.

Shane thought about it. He could go and then return if there wasn’t a way to get back to earth. Going to the castle didn’t have to mean leaving. It could be treated as a visit.

“Pragya you are brilliant!” he said.

She smiled.

“Thank you.”

Then Pragya kiss him. Shane froze, part of him wished it could last. But he really wanted her to be free, a free woman even from him. He looked into her lilac flame eyes.

“You don’t owe me anything.” he said pulling away.

“That wasn’t for you.”

He looked at her blankly.

“So how can I help?” she asked.

A few hours later Jessica walked in. She sat on his bed.

“Hi to you too.” He said.

Pragya smiled behind the desk. Jessica gave her a look. Pragya waved as if just greeting her.

“Drake was having cold feet about taking us to the castle.” Jessica informed.

“And?” Shane asked.

“I talked him in to taking us with him. All of us Pragya included.” She looked at Pragya

She sighed

“He is worried that my red hair will cause problems. So, I suggested a wig. But I am not sure it will be enough.”

“I am sure he has a reason. We know your red hair has caused trouble for you before.” Shane pointed out.

“I think he is losing interest in me.” Jessica pondered.

“Even though you are a difficult woman I am sure he is interested. He is a prince neglecting his responsibilities to spend time with you.”

“That doesn’t mean he is interested!”

“Yes, it does!” Shane stated.

Pragya hit her smiles well. She battled not to laugh.

Jessica grinned thinking about it. Maybe he did like her… But this world had different rules and she wasn’t planning to like anyone no matter how rich and handsome. Defying her feeling had worked for her in the past.

“How is the boy doing?” Jessica asked.

“Fine. A Mystic Healer came by today and healed the burned boy. It was amazing to watch. This guy put the boy’s hand over his heart and then I watched the burns disappear. The boy is walking around like it never happened.”

“They have people that can heal you like that and no one has sent someone to heal my face or your… bites?” Jessica asked.

“Mmmm… yip.” Shane answered.

“I am going to ask about this. My face still hurts when I chew.”

Yair delivered a message

“Jessica, clothes have been laid out for you and an invite to join the prince for the evening meal has been extended.”

Shane was like:

“See?”

Jessica grinned

“Yes, I will accept.”

She stood up straight squaring her shoulders.

Shane shook his head. He was happy for her. But he wondered if the prince knew what he was getting.

Shane watch Pragya trying to hid her smile.

“What’s so amusing?” he asked.

“Nothing” she lied.

“So, why are you trying not to smile?”

She cracked

“Watching you and Jessica is very funny.”

“Why?” he asked.

“She rushes in all red in the face, jumps about. You say stuff, she sits down. You say more, she smiles and leaves skipping.”

That was an interesting take on their relationship.

***

Jessica went and bathed. Showers were not part of the norm in those parts. She dressed in the pretty black and white dress. Put on the soft slippers and waited.

The food served to the prince and his family was better than the food given to everyone else and not even comparable to the food served in the barracks. So, eating with the prince was preferable.

Caelin her new body guard waited outside her door. She refused to let him in her room. She needed personal space.

There was a knock on the door. Jessica opened to see Caelin. Her smile disappeared. Caelin stepped aside and Yair was there.

“Fair Jessica, I present…” he was cut off.

Prince Drake had come in person. Jessica had a Cheshire cat grin.

He put out his arm for her.

“I have some upsetting news.” He began

“The man that attacked you this morning was a spy for the queen. However, he has been stationed here for months without receiving new orders. We uncovered that his orders were to observe our weaknesses and report back. I believe the queen was planning an attack on us.”

“So, what about the peace conference?” Jessica asked.

“We believe she has since changed her mind about an attack. Maybe our strength has made her look for less costly solutions. However, one of our spies say she has changed completely. Become a new person after an attack on her life was made. All we can do is go to the peace conference and be prepared for a trap. I hope that she is genuine about peace for our land, that is all one can hope for. If it is a trap, we will be prepared.”

“A trap at a peace conference?” Jessica looked unconvinced.

“You don’t know the queen. She has done many unbelievable things. She killed everyone at the last gathering. Not one leader made it out. She then sent their heads to their families with a letter. She cannot be trusted or underestimated.”

“What did the letter say?” Jessica asked.

“ “I am the queen. None shall defy me.” This is how my father became reigning prince. My grandfather was beheaded.”

“Oh.” Jessica felt awkward “I’m sorry.”

“So where were the guards and why attack me or even be exposed?” Jessica asked seeing as the puzzle was still incomplete

“I am still investigating”

“Can’t Yair do his kissy thing and tell you?” Jessica pressed.

Yair gave her a look.

She shrugged at him.

“It’s more complicated than that.”

Drake didn’t want to tell her that his parents were the reason there were no guards and that this man just took advantage of that. He didn’t want to say that his parents were attempting to test her and it went bad. Their plan backfired and Tanith was the one who found out as she felt unsafe in the palace now.

“No, it’s not.” Jessica objected “It’s not complicated at all. Yair could find out and tell you. Like at the barracks. You don’t need to ask questions when you can just take the answers. So, it’s complicated is not a good enough answer. In fact, it’s not an answer at all. You’re avoiding!”

Jessica had stopped walking to make that statement.

Yair hesitated, then told Drake everything Jessica had said.

Drake was shocked that someone dared to tell him off and call him out like that.

Drake spoke with Yair.

“Shall we tell her that because once he saw her he presumed she was the rumored lost heir that many believe the dragon riders are hiding. He perceived that if he takes her hostage or kills her our plans for her will be destroyed.”

“This lost heir nonsense, is really getting out of hand.” Drake paused “Is there a lost heir?”

“Not confirmed but strongly believed by most. It gives them hope.”

Jessica hoped they were telling her the truth.

Whatever they were talking about it better be telling me the truth.

“Tell her.” Drake instructed.

“He attacked you because he thought you were the lost heir to the royal family and taking you or killing you would bring our plans to ruin.”

“Really?!”

Jessica didn’t believe it.

“Yes”

“Why wait until we had others around. Why not just take me while we were alone?”

“He didn’t want to carry you up the stairs and he only noticed your hair once you were upstairs.”

That almost seemed like a plausible reason. But she wasn’t convinced.

“Maybe I shouldn’t join you for food.” She said “I don’t really feel for your company right now.”

Drake looked stunned.

Yair maintain an emotionless expression.

Caelin looked at the wall and behaved like he couldn’t hear anything.

Jessica started walking away.

“Why?” Drake asked.

“Because you are not being truthful and I hate being lied too! I hate it!” she took a deep breathe

“What was complicated about that? Nothing! It’s also not the truth. Didn’t want to carry me up the stairs?! Who would believe that? He could have sent a ransom letter or taken me to the queen. But he tried to kill me with witnesses” she snapped.

She kept walking away.

Jessica joined Shane and Pragya with the guards in the mess hall. She looked beautiful like a princess and she was noticed.

She sat with Shane but didn’t say much. She just told Shane that dinner with the prince was cancelled.

After dinner Pragya and Shane went to their room where Shane invited Jessica to join them. She reluctantly joined them.

“So, what’s wrong?” Shane asked.

She faked a smile. Then tried to avoid.

“Let’s teach Pragya, rock, paper, scissors.”

Shane raised an eyebrow.

“Ahhumm… You are avoiding. Why?”

“I had a fight with Drake and I think I messed everything up. But even if I did. He’s not being honest.”

“Like you weren’t being honest?” Shane inquired.

She didn’t even get defensive

“No like not telling me about why I was attacked and where the guards were”

“Maybe he is not permitted to discuss it with you. He is a prince and there will be things he can’t and won’t tell you. Also, you are not even his girlfriend. Surely only a wife would be told somethings?”

“Then why not just say. I can’t talk about it?” Jessica asked.

“Would you let it go and not force an answer if he said that?”

Jessica thought about it. She would want an answer. Honestly there was no way to say I can’t tell you that would be good enough for her. She needed to know everything and what she couldn’t get out of someone she found out anyways, by snooping and investigating.

“I was attacked this morning in the palace and he won’t talk about what he has learnt with me.”

Shane sighed.

“So, what are you going to do now?”

She thought for a moment.

“Once I am at the castle I don’t ever have to deal with Drake and his family again.” She forced a smile as if she was happy.

“So how about that rock, paper, scissors?” Jessica asked changing the subject.

They played together. It was a lot of fun. Pragya was getting good at it. She even drew a tie with Jessica by the end of the evening.

But when she left the room, her smile faded in sadness. She felt very home sick, wishing this whole thing hadn’t happened. That she had never come to this strange land.

She went to her room. Caelin following in toe. Her new shadow that scared her every-time she saw it behind her.

“Goodnight,” she mumbled to Caelin

“Soon you will be free of me and you can go back to following someone else around. Following Drake around.”

She lay in bed. She had even blown out the lantern. Darkness was her company as she stared straight up. Then her door opened. She looked at the shadow that moved into the room.

Seriously Caelin, she thought.

She turned over. If he really wanted to watch her sleep like a creepy person. FINE!

Shane felt sorry for Jessica. One day she would meet a guy who could and would be willing to love her despite her. He knew she was a hard-headed, stubborn woman who sometimes made things difficult for herself. Because of her overzealous behavior for the truth and the need to know everything.

“Pragya, do you think things will work out for us?” he asked.

Part of him worried that if Jessica was thrown out, he would also be. He hadn’t yet proved himself as a useful man in medicine.

“You are lucky. A good charm to those around you. Things will work out for you.” She answered.

“Why are you so sure?” he said.

“Because I am now a free woman because of you. Good people get noticed and goodness is repaid.”

“Freeing you was the right thing to do. After all, with General Spade being removed from his post. Who would you be a slave to?”

Somehow, he thought this was a good answer.

Pragya shock her head

“You are a clueless wonder.”

He made his bed up on the couch. So, she could have the bed.

“Join me.” she said.

“No, I am good here.” He said.

“It’s cold. Join me.” she said again.

“I can’t.” he said.

“Why not? You lay next to Jessica?”

Shane countenance fell.

“Have you met her?” he replied.

“She is beautiful.” Pragya said “A royal beauty” she added.

“She’s an…” he wanted to say many things but it wouldn’t help

“I don’t like her the way I like you.” he mumbled.

Pragya looked at him with a strange look. Like she was taking everything into memory.

“You are making me self-conscience” he said.

“Fine be cold.” Pragya responded.