Day 10

Jessica Wildness was woken up at first light with a “clang, bang, bang, clang” sound. See squinted at the window which was open.

That is odd she thought.

She was sure the window had been closed before she went to sleep. She hadn’t heard anyone open it either. She got dressed. She was counting down the days till she would be leaving for the castle. She hoped she would find answers there. She wanted to go home.

Jessica looked out the window. A group of men all dressed in shiny armor stood in formation. A man leading them would call something out and then they would bang their swords on their shields.

Isn’t it a bit early to be doing this, Jessica thought.

‘Bang Clang, clang, bang, came through the window. Jessica put on her favorite dress that she had got from the prince. A white dress with a blue ribbon tying the corset closed and a blue sash around the waist flowing down to the floor. She did her hair and gathered her things. She had gathered a lot of things while on Chayim, stones, clothes, shoes and stuff. She ran to get Shane and make sure he was still coming with her to the castle.

Shane West woke up with a loud “Bang, bang, clang, clang,” noise. He looked at Pragya. She was waking up. He hoped things could still be good between them. But he was not sure. He had rejected her affection and that usually didn’t end well.

Then there was a knocking on the door. He knew that knock. It was Jessica.

“Come in” he called.

Jessica burst in dressed and looking beautiful.

Jessica noticed that Shane wasn’t in the bed but on the couch. She looked at them. Then proceeded.

“I just wanted to check that you were ready for the castle. I mean you haven’t changed your mind?”

“We are still going with you.” Shane reassured.

“Great!” She said “I can’t wait. Get dress, look good. We are going to have a wonderful day.”

“Why are you so peppy?” Shane asked.

He was happy she was happy, but this was not Jessica’s norm.

“I am going to take pictures of everything today. Pictures of you and Pragya and the Palace and everything here. The dragons and the mountains and even the funny grass. All of it.”

“Why?” Shane asked.

“Because I will be leaving here soon and going home. I want to be able to remember my adventure. I want to remember the good things I am leaving behind so when the bad memories come, I can show myself the good things too.”

Shane smiled at her.

“I think if you were my sister. We would be great friends.”

Jessica grinned

“You think so?”

Shane nodded.

“But this doesn’t mean you are not difficult or impossible sometimes.” He added.

“That’s why you love me.” She grinned.

Jessica left the room so Shane could get dressed.

Shane and Pragya came out dressed. They looked lovely. Jessica took a picture.

So, the three of them went to the court yard where the soldiers had gathered. A man with shiny gold armor stood facing them. He was giving a pep talk to his men.

Jessica took a picture.

They then went to the dining hall. Servants hurried about preparing tables and cleaning for the morning breakfast. But Drake nor Yair were there.

Jessica took pictures of the mess hall.

Jessica wondered where Drake was?

She looked at the bodyguard who always followed her.

Jessica asked of Shane “Ask Caelin this dude following me, where I can find the Prince Drake.”

So, Shane asked him. But Caelin did not have a pleasing answer.

Caelin explained that the prince no longer wanted Jessica to accompany him to the castle.

When Shane told this to Jessica she freaked out.

“Take me to Drake.” She ordered but Caelin didn’t do anything

Jessica ran to the royal dining hall. Princess Tanith was there.

“Where is Drake? Drake? Drake?” Jessica repeated hoping that Tanith would understand her and take her to Drake.

Tanith looked at her with a ‘I am sorry and I feel sorry for you’ look.

Jessica ran to where they kept the dragons. Caelin was having a hard time keeping up with her as she randomly ran all over the place. Having left Shane and Pragya in the dining hall.

Men smartly dressed where preparing the dragons. Their armor shone in the morning sun. Reflecting as they moved.

“Drake?” she asked

“Drake?”

“Drake?”

But no one helped her.

She looked at the bottom of her white dress, it was now dirty from her running outside.

How can I find Drake?

Tanith she thought.

She ran back to the royals dining hall.

Tanith wasn’t there but Prince Ryu and his wife Libelle were there. Holding hands watching the end of the sunrise.

Jessica’s panting disturbed them. Prince Ryu looked at her all flustered and out of breath. Her hair had come undone and her dress was dirty. She looked so worried.

“Drake?” Jessica asked weakly not expecting a reply.

Libelle looked at Ryu.

“The girl is a mess” she said.

“Indeed, maybe my plan backfired on me. It seems I have pushed her closer to him and brought on my son’s anger against me.”

“Is she really so bad?” Libelle asked.

Jessica looked at her dirty shoes

Why would the king and queen help me? I probably forgot to bow or something.

Jessica lifted her head made a small quick bow and left the room.

Where would Drake be? she asked herself.

Maybe in the room upstairs. The room that she had been in and felt watched while in. She took a deep breath and climbed the stairs. But no one was there. As she came down, she saw Yair.

“Yair, Yair!” she called and ran after him

But he didn’t slow down or acknowledge that he heard her.

Jessica ran and caught up.

“Yair! What is going on? Where is Prince Drake?” she asked.

“I would presume he is getting ready.” Yair replied.

“Please take me to him.” Jessica asked “Please.”

Yair looked at her. He knew it was a bad idea but Jessica looked so desperate.

“He is in his chambers.”

“Where is that?” Jessica asked.

Yair looked at her knowing the guards would never let her past anyways.

So, he gave her directions as she was leaving, she said

“Please tell Caelin not to come into my chambers and watch me sleep its creepy!”

Now that’s the girl he had come to dislike.

But then he realized, Caelin was told not to enter her room and to guard her door. He was a good man who always followed orders.

Yair called after Caelin.

“Where you in Jessica’s chambers?”

Caelin stopped running after Jessica.

“No, I was not. I did not enter her room at all during the night. But I did think it was strange that I woke up slumped over on the floor. I figured the wine at diner was too much for me. But I only had one glass. Also, when I awoke, I found this letter in my hand. It reads as follows.” Caelin read the letter to Yair

“I no longer want Jessica to accompany me to the castle. Guard her well, while I am gone. Signed by Prince Drake”

“Let me see that” Yair took the letter from Caelin.

“I no long want Jessica to accompany me to the castle.

Guard her well, while I am gone.

Drake”

Yair examined it the wax seal was not quite right. It looked like it was Drake’s signet ring’s seal but something was off about it. As if he was in a hurry and didn’t let the wax harden a little before removing his ring.

Also, Prince Drake had not said anything to Yair about not wanting Jessica to go.

“Come let us find the girl and the prince.” Yair said to Caelin.

Jessica followed the directions. She saw the guards and knew they would never let her passed. She thought quickly. A servant come passed with clean bedding she had a brown cloak on as the morning air was crisp and cold.

Jessica took it from her. Both the bedding and the cloak. She then quickly walked past the guards clearly displaying the clean bedding.

Jessica reached Drake’s room. She knocked on the door.

It occurred to her that she wouldn’t understand his answer. So, as she heard an answer, she went in.

Drake looked very surprised to see her.

“What do you mean you don’t want me to go with you anymore!” Jessica moaned “You said you would take us! You don’t get to back down and change your mind just because we didn’t end things on a good note last night. It’s not right!” Jessica was angry.

She wanted to hit him but since he didn’t understand she didn’t think it would have the same impact.

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Drake walked up to her and put his hand on her arm. He looked at her like he was confused. Jessica glared at him. If she wasn’t so cross and angry it would have been a moment to enjoy.

He took her hand and sat on his bed. He gestured for her to sit next to him. So, she did.

“Please take me. Don’t leave me with your family. I know you can’t understand me. But I will run away. I will not stay here. Please.” She pleaded.

Drake looked at the woman who had pretended to be a servant to get to his room. She looked like she had been slaving away all morning. Her clothes were dirty. She was out of breath, and her hair was half up and half down.

He could understand that she was asking for something he just didn’t know what.

He looked at her big grey-blue eyes which displayed sadness. Drake moved the hair out of her face.

Jessica was surprised when Drake moved the hair out of her face. He seemed happy she was there. He didn’t seem angry or upset about what had happened the night before.

Then there was a knock on the door.

“Leave me.” Drake answered.

“Prince Drake it is regarding the woman Jessica.” Yair said.

Drake sighed he stood up and said

“Come in.”

Yair and Caelin came in. Both were very surprised to see Jessica in Drake’s room sitting on his bed.

“This letter was found by Caelin. He believed it to be from you.” Yair gave him the letter

“Also, someone was in Jessica’s chambers last night and they caused Caelin to sleep so he was not aware.” Yair informed.

Drake looked at Jessica. Was this what she was going on about?

“This is my seal but I did not write it. I had a disagreement with Jessica last night but I would not go back on my word. Does she know about this?” Drake asked.

“Yes” Caelin and Yair said.

“Is this why she is here in my chambers asking for something?” Drake asked.

“I believe so.” Caelin said.

“When I told her this morning, she ran all over asking to see you. She even spoke to the ruling prince and princess. She went to the dragon’s keep and ran all over the palace. I believe she was angry and distraught. I am surprised she managed to find you.” Caelin said.

“She ran and asked for me everywhere and no one would tell her nor sent word to me?” Drake asked annoyed.

“Yair please explain to Jessica that I was never going to leave her here and that I will clear up this misunderstanding.”

So, Yair did.

Jessica felt relieved and was also so glad she had not slapped him for going back on his word as he hadn’t.

She jumped up from the bed and threw her arms around Drake.

“Thank you!” she said hugging him.

Drake stood there unsure what he was meant to do. Jessica put his arms around her.

Yair and Caelin looked away and discreetly left the room.

Jessica hugged him tightly.

She considered that maybe she should ask in future rather than accusing.

She finally let go of him. Hugging a man dressed in partial armor was way more uncomfortable than she expected. But she didn’t care. He deserved a hug.

Drake opened his door and sent for new clothes for Jessica. He also instructed Yair to make sure she and her brother Shane and the Carsta had everything they needed for the trip to the castle. Drake didn’t like to leave things for the last minute.

Jessica dressed into a new clean dress. It also flowed to the floor. The royal blue trims on the sky-blue dress were just beautiful. A white lacy pattern finished the sky-blue dress.

Shane had eaten and accepted he was staying. Only now that he was staying did he want to go. But now was also an opportunity if he was going to stay in this strange world with dragons, he was going to have a life. It didn’t bother him that Pragya had been a sex slave. It bothered him that she might feel it’s what she owes him because of her experiences. However, he was going to take a chance.

Shane took Pragya to a quiet place where they were alone. Then he dipped her and kissed her. Not like a first kiss all awkward and unsure but more of a goodbye kiss before someone goes on a long journey. Then he put her back on her feet.

Pragya looked bewildered. Then she kissed him.

Jessica knocked on Shane’s door. There was no answer. So, she went in and found his things only half packed.

You give up to easily, she thought.

She then went to the dining hall where she had left them. But they were not there. However, a servant told Yair that Shane and Pragya had been seen going to the wine cellar.

Jessica burst into the wine cellar and saw Shane and Pragya kissing.

“Oh” she gasped “Sorry!”

She turned to block the door so Yair and Caelin couldn’t see in.

Shane and Pragya pulled apart.

“What is it Jess?” Shane asked.

“We are still going with Drake to the castle and you need to pack. Unless you decide you want to stay. But I really want you to come. So, you must go pack.” Jessica declared.

“How did you get Drake to change his mind?” Shane asked.

“I didn’t. He never said he wasn’t taking us. It was some kind of misunderstanding.” Jessica replied.

Shane was not convinced. It occurred to him that maybe Jessica’s paranoia was not so farfetched. That maybe someone didn’t like her and maybe her getting attacked wasn’t an accident after all.

“Can I get some food?” Jessica asked “I haven’t eaten yet.”

Once Jessica had eaten and everyone else who was traveling had eaten. They assigned traveling partners. Jessica would travel with Drake. Shane would travel with a guard and Pragya with another. Twenty-two dragons and twenty-five people were going.

It seemed like a small army to Jessica, and it was. Highly trained dragons and skilled fighters were going.

Jessica was given a wig of black hair that smelt like horses to put on over her red hair for the day.

Drake decided he wanted to leave for the castle early. Catch the queen off guard. He hoped her true intentions would be revealed.

Now that the planning for the trip was over. Drake had some matters to address. His ring sealed that letter and he knew he didn’t write it.

Drake went to speak with his parents.

“Father, mother. I have heard that Jessica came to you this morning distressed.”

“The girl was simply as mess. Didn’t know what she wanted. She ran out as quickly as she ran in.” Libelle said.

“It is not proper for her to be coming into the royal areas uninvited. Her behavior was unbecoming.” Ruling Prince Ryu said.

Drake held out the letter.

His father took it and read it. His mother read it.

“Is this your doing?” Drake asked.

“The girl has proved resourceful.” Libelle said.

“I wanted to test her. She has turned your head and as you know she is not from here but from earth. She has lied to you. She has lied to us all. I wanted to talk with you. But I know how hard headed you can be.” Ryu said.

Drake just looked away.

“But we did not write this letter” Ruling Prince Ryu said.

“You should have spoken to me about your concerns. Now my sister Tanith and our guests have been terrified.”

Drake kept his voice calm and respectful but he was angry.

“The guards were not in their place. You ordered them not to be there? What did you have planned before the spy disrupted your plans?”

“I was going to test her character. Nothing that would have endangered her. It is unfortunate how things turned out.” Ryu said.

Prince Charon, the youngest son was listening in.

“Maybe Jessica has not told us the truth about her because we keep giving her reasons not to trust us. Have you forgotten what happen at the barracks in our name? Have you forgotten?” Drake asked.

“It really does seem like a long time ago. Your father’s intentions were not bad. Maybe you should see what he intended instead of just the end result.” Libelle excused.

Drake caged his anger.

“Tell me your concerns that I may be enlightened.” Drake requested.

“She has lied to us about who she is. She stole precious stones from the barracks. She snoops around and meddles with things.” Ryu pointed out.

“How has she snooped around and meddled?” Drake asked.

“Why was she in the old dungeons?” Ryu asked.

Drake didn’t have an answer.

“She was found in the barracks. Breaking into places where the sick where being kept. She shouldn’t have been there.” Libelle said.

Drake found himself asking questions a prince shouldn’t ask about his parents.

How did they know where the sick where being kept and that Jessica went there without permission?

If Jessica had been snooping around their old dungeon, how do they know about it?

“Please tell me the truth and all of it. I feel you are keeping from me things that when I do know. I will be distressed.” Drake said.

“My precious son. Somethings, I cannot tell you. But in time you will know all.” Libelle said.

“Your mother is right. We love our people and we will protect them and our family. Please forgive our foolishness.” Ryu said.

Drake was still angry but what was he meant to do?

He took his father’s hand.

“Please leave the woman Jessica. Help her be good enough.” Drake asked.

Drake’s parents looked at him. How could they now go against him? Their tests were incomplete and it was going to stay that way.

“We will let her be.”

“Use caution my son” Ruy said.

Drake left his parents sure they would no longer test Jessica. But he wasn’t looking forward to see her. She wanted answers and she was unable to leave things alone. He didn’t want to tell her that his parents played a hand in her misfortune. But he knew she wouldn’t leave it alone and she always seemed to know when there was more to a story. Also, who wrote the letter? Who wanted to cause trouble between him and his parents?

He went back to his parents.

“Forgive my persistence. Who went into Jessica’s room?” Drake asked them.

They looked at each other.

“I have no idea. We did not have anyone go into her room. Nor did we write the letter.”

Drake looked concerned

“This is why I have Caelin guarding her.” He was finding it hard to hide is anger.

Jessica was not feeling so peppy anymore. She sat in the garden swinging on the swing.

Tanith came over to her. She asked if she could join her. So, the two sat swinging.

The garden was beautiful. Flowers bloomed. After a while Tanith wanted Jessica to go with her.

Jessica followed Tanith. She took them to a pool out in one of the outside gardens. The rocks made it more private so someone walking near would not see them. No one else was in that garden. Jessica took a picture with Tanith standing there in her royal gown.

Tanith took her shoes off and hiked up her dress. She stepped into the shallow part of the pool. The water came half way up her calf. Then she kicked water at Jessica.

“Hey!” Jessica objected.

Tanith giggled and shied away.

Jessica took off her shoes and claimed in.

Tanith got a naughty look on her face.

“Don’t do it.” Jessica warned.

Then Tanith kicked water onto Jessica making her drop her dress.

Jessica looked mad.

That’s it, she thought.

Jessica grabbed Tanith and pulled both of them into the water soaking them both. The big gowns held a lot of water and became very heavy. Jessica took hers off so she would have an advantage. She splashed Tanith and moved away from the retaliation Tanith tried to splash Jessica back with. So, they splashed each other and laughed. Jessica ran around the pool and jumped in making a big splash over Tanith completely wetting her. Tanith wadded along trying to get out of the pool. Her dress was so heavy it was pulling her over. She finally managed to get out. Her hair was stuck to her as she waddled after Jessica leaving a soggy path behind her.

If only we had costumes and plastic? Jessica thought, Then I would show her the fun of a water slide.

Tanith tried to catch Jessica but she was so slow in her heavy dress, that she didn’t have a chance.

Shane went up to the viewing deck with Pragya to watch the sunset. It was still a little while to wait but he was enjoying his alone time with her.

When they looked out over the gardens, they saw Jessica running in her nickers and Tanith in a soaking wet gown. The two were running around a half empty pool.

Jessica’s dress was in the pool.

“Awkward!” Shane said.

He turned to leave with Pragya when Prince Drake came up.

“I have been looking for you and Jessica. I was hoping to have a word with you…”

Drake saw Tanith chasing after Jessica who was running around the pool almost naked!

Yair was with Drake and he too saw. However, he did not respond.

The atmosphere was uncomfortable.

“Shall we talk somewhere else?” Drake suggested.

“Yes Please.” Shane replied instantly.

Drake sent a female servant to tell Tanith and Jessica that their behavior was improper.

A servant came over.

“Princess, your friend has no clothes on.”

“What are you doing here?” Tanith asked.

“The sun is setting and the viewing deck is occupied.”

“Oh” Tanith replied, knowing they had been seen.

When Jessica saw Tanith face, she knew the fun was over. She got back into the cold pool to try and haul out her dress.

After a great deal of effort Jessica got the dress out of the water. But she couldn’t get it back on. She couldn’t even get the layers into place.

Tanith knew she had to do something. So, she sent the servant to bring Jessica clothes. Then they went to the hot baths to warm up.

Tanith was sure Drake would ask Jessica to dine with them. So, she had Jessica wear one of her dresses.

When Drake and Jessica met up. Jessica was clean and dressed like royalty.

Yair translated.

“Where have you been all day?” he asked.

“Having fun with Tanith. I like her.” Jessica replied.

Drake smiled.

“You look lovely. Will you join me for dinner this evening?” Drake asked.

“Only if I can take a picture of you.” She replied.

“Yair, please get Jessica the small portrait of me.” Drake asked.

Jessica was holding a small something to her face.

“Hold Still. And say cheese” she said.

Drake looked confused

Yair translated.

Jessica took several pictures of them.

“See” she said showing him the picture of him on her camera.

“A picture of you.”

“A magic box!” Drake exclaimed.

Yair explained to him that it was a normal earth thing and not magic.

Drake and Jessica walked into the royal dining hall.

Tanith was delighted with her creation. Jessica looked the part.

Ruling Prince Ryu and Princess Libelle watched quietly.

Caelin also came in. He was not to leave Jessica’s side without a replacement. Drake was still worried about who had been in Jessica’s room and why the letter?

Drake’s brother Veles the next in line had noticed how often the widow was dining with them.

“Is this widow special that she dines with us so often?” Veles asked.

But he received no answer the room ignored him.

“Does it not bother anyone that the prince is enticed by a woman that is unfit for bonding?” he persisted “And her brother is involved with a Viden” he added.

“Veles!” Libelle scolded “Drake is able to decide for himself. He is responsible.”

Jessica could feel the tension. But she was not sure why they had such a problem with her? She was a commoner so to speak and a widow. So maybe that was the problem?

She considered telling Drake the truth about where she was from.

The dinner was awkward. This was a very big reason not to get involved with Drake or stay for him. She knew in her bones that his family didn’t like her. Only Drake and Tanith were nice to her.

After eating Drake walked her to her room.

Yair as usual was there, ready to translate.

When she got to her door, she decided to tell Drake the truth about her.

“I am not a widow.” She began “I am from Earth and I don’t know, how I got here. I also don’t know how to get home. Shane is not my brother. Before coming to this strange place, I didn’t even know him. I kind of knew he existed but we had never spoken to one another.”

“I know.” Drake said “Yair knows everything about it. I knew when we first met.”

“You have known this whole time and said nothing?” Jessica was feeling very silly.

“When you were ready you would tell me.”

Drake was very calm about things.

“So, you knew I was lying to you and you were still nice to me?”

Jessica was surprised.

If someone had being lying to her and she knew it she wouldn’t be nice to them. She would probably call them out on it and some.

“I understand you lied to protect yourself and Shane.” He replied.

“And you liked me anyways?” she smiled.

Caelin looked away as Yair translated.

Drake looked awkward.

“Have I been presumptuous?” Jessica asked seeing the responses.

She felt defensive. Maybe she had misread the signs and maybe there was another reason he was nice to her?

“Goodnight.” Drake said.

“Goodnight.” She said to the walking away prince.

Oh boy I messed things up, she thought.

She noticed the young prince Charon. It was as if he had been eavesdropping.

She sat on her bed feeling awkward. If he didn’t like her why have her, eat with him? Was he wanting to know something from her? But if so, Yair could tell him. He didn’t need to spend time with her.

She got into bed. Her mind was filled with questions and her thoughts ran through scenarios. Now that she had time to think she began to think.

How did there end up being a misunderstanding about her going to the castle with Drake? How does Yair know everything if he never kissed her nor Shane? After all a Viden learn though a kiss.

Jessica got up. She now had the proof that Pragya could and did understand her. Pragya had kissed Shane at the barracks. Yair kissed Pragya so Pragya new everything Shane knew and now so does Yair.

Jessica went to Shane’s room. She knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Shane called.

“I am here to see Pragya.” Jessica said walking in.

“Why?” Shane asked.

“She lies!” Jessica said pointing her finger at Pragya.

“What are you going on about?” Shane asked annoyed.

“Let’s go through the steps. Pragya kisses you at the barracks and later Yair and the prince arrive. Yair tries to kiss me but I wouldn’t have it. Yair didn’t kiss you. So how can he understand us? How does he know we are lying about being brother and sister? He knows about earth as if he did kiss one of us. Who else can understand us? Who speaks English but us?”

Jessica was pleased with herself. She had put everything together and now laid it out all neatly for Shane in front of Pragya.

Pragya looked at the floor.

Shane looked at Pragya.

Jessica looked at Shane.

“Do you understand?” Shane asked Pragya.

She nodded still looking at the floor.

“Why?” Jessica demanded.

Shane went over to her. But Pragya turned away from him.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Shane asked.

“I was protecting myself.” Tears fell to the floor.

“Seriously!” Jessica said seeing the tears fall.

“Jessica! It’s time for you to leave.” Shane said.

“What! Why?” she exclaimed.

“Now Jessica.” Shane said.

Jessica left annoyed that she figured it out and now some crocodile tears got her thrown out. She deserved the truth as much as anyone else. She paced outside Shane’s door trying to decide what was an appropriate amount of time to give them to talk before going back in?

Shane hugged Pragya.

“I don’t know what you went through before I came along, and I don’t know how I managed not to be a slave myself. But I hope in time you can trust me and talk to me about things.”

“They will kill me if they find out. Yair knows but he has kept my secret. I know too much.” She cried “Even if it comes out by accident I will be executed. I am alive because I am a Carsta not a Viden. I was taken from a field near my home by General Spade. I was afraid so I lied. Now if my lie comes out and I am revealed. They will know that I know too much, and become afraid of who I will tell. I will be dead within days.” She explained.

“Jessica can keep a secret and tell a convincing lie. I will ask her to keep this secret. She knows and she is like an animal with food.”

Pragya laughed with her tears.

“Why are you not angry?” Pragya asked.

“I have no reason to be.” Shane answered. He hugged her again.

Shane went to find Jessica. As he opened the door, he saw her pacing outside his room.

He shook his head.

“You are something else.” He said “Pragya has secrets. You figured out her biggest one and if anyone learns the truth, she is afraid they will kill her. You see she knows things about these Skiopia people that they don’t want people knowing. Please keep her secret.” Shane said.

“Why didn’t she just tell us the truth?” Jessica asked.

“Why haven’t we told the prince the truth?” Shane said.

Jessica had compassion.

“I told him this evening. It’s how I figured out Pragya was lying. He already knew we were lying. He knew who we are and where we are from.”

“Was he angry?” Shane asked.

“No, but he walked away from me and was cold.” Jessica answered.

“So, you came to fight with Pragya to make yourself feel better?” Shane asked defensively.

“No! I just wanted the truth. I…” Jessica paused looking at the floor “I hate being lied to. I am sorry!”

Jessica looked up at Shane. “I am sorry!”

Shane saw she was being sincere she was sorry and it looked like she was apologizing for more than just what happened with Pragya.

“You don’t have to come to the castle with me. I just really want to go home. I am afraid in this world. This place has death lurking around every corner. I understand Pragya being afraid and I will keep her secret.”

“It’s been a rough week and a half. It’s ok to feel overwhelmed. Just try to show the tolerance you want to receive from others. I hope we get to go home. But what if we don’t? I am not saying don’t try. I am saying be realistic.” Shane encouraged.

Jessica felt silly as she fought back the tears. She didn’t want Shane to see so she said a hurried goodnight and stared walking away quickly. Shane grabbed her arm and pulled her into a hug.

“It’s ok.” He said rubbing her back “It’s ok.”

“I’m fine. I’m fine” she insisted.

Shane said nothing and just held her.

Maybe I should be a shrink? he thought.

Jessica refused to cry. She was stronger than her feelings. While Shane hugged her, she realized she could get the answers she desired through Pragya. But she would need to be careful and cleaver about it. She didn’t want her or Pragya getting killed.