Walks in the Gardens
King Laurent
I adjusted the numerous silver rings on my right hand, waiting sort of patiently for Jasmine to join me at the gates to the gardens. Sure I could've went and escorted her here myself, but I wasn't up for it. And it's not because I was upset about her pushing me away earlier, either!
I do wonder though, why she had been screaming like that. Like she was being torn apart limb from limb. Her eyes had been so frightened when she jerked out of her nightmare, so unfocused and sad.
As I kept thinking on it, a thought passed through my mind. Didn't she yell something at me back when we were having dinner? Something about seeing faces from the plane crash? And that when it hit me, how much pain she truly had been in.
Oh... Wow, what a douche I can be at times. I wiped the slight sweat off my forehead, trying to recollect myself. Yes I felt bad about what she was going through but I would not subject myself to remorse over something I had no hand in. Still..... I did hope inside my heart that the nightmares would eventually subside.
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Jasmine
Once again I was late. Geez, it's like I never made it on time for anything. But then again, King Laurent could've came and got me. But judging off the way he behaved when I declined his help in the room, I shouldn't be to surprised. I was confused by this man. He was so hot and cold. One minute, he seemed to be kind of into me and the next he was all "Kingy" and just ignored anything about me. Like I was a nonexistent bug. Ugh, I was getting mad thinking about it. I'll just have to deal with it for right now.
The guard I had been escorted by and I had ignored this whole time thinking about the stupid King, informed me that said stupid King would be waiting for me just up the path. I blushed hot, not realizing I had King Laurent stupid out loud. The guard laughed and left me on my own. I walked up the cobblestone path, admiring the maple trees running along it. God, this place was beautiful. As the gate came into view, so did King Laurent and I forgot how to breathe for a second. He was wearing a nude sweatshirt and black jeans that were backwards, which seemed unusual for a Kings attire to me. His twists were pulled up in a ponytail with just a few strands loose, framing his slender neck. He had his head back, drinking from a bottle of water. I don't know why I was so mesmerized by this man doing such a simple action. Water trickled down his lips and his throat from the bottle and I felt liquid trickle down somewhere else too. I shook my head trying to shake away the sinfully pleasing images. I walked up to him and he finally noticed me. He gave me a small smile, though it seemed a bit forced.
King Laurent: "Ah, so glad you could finally join me Princesse. You do seem to make being late a habit, do you not?" I had been so distracted by my thoughts of him that I completely ignored the jab.
King Laurent: "Helloooo? You in there Miss Jasmine? Judging from your red face, you see something you like?" This sentence took me out of my daze and I gave King Laurent a annoyed gaze.
Jasmine: "Do not flatter yourself King Laurent, I was simply thinking of the guard I had been escorted by." King Laurent appeared to not like that answer as he gave me a pointed glare. I fidgeted under it, feeling like he was seeing into my soul.
King Laurent: "Ah, I see then. Shall we go into the gardens now?" His voice was clipped and professional like. Ugh, was this how this walk was going to go? I gave a sigh and walked with him through the gates. The sights that came into my vision took my breath away for a second time today. There were flowers of various colors everywhere. On top of the gate and along the path. I walked ahead of King Laurent, so entranced with the sight.
Jasmine: "My goodness, this place is gorgeous." I was in awe and King Laurent gave a soft click of approval with his tongue. We walked without saying much, King Laurent leading the way. I watched as numerous caretakers and gardeners were trimming and watering the gardens. It smelled wonderful, like a mixture of the purest perfumes.
King Laurent: "Soon, we will be coming upon my favorite place, but first let's take a rest on the bench shall we?" I agreed, the slippers starting to kill me and irritating the healing wounds on my legs from back in the forest.
As we sat closely since the bench was only so big, all my attention was on the plant life. I softly played with a purple tulip next to the bench, careful not rip its petals. I gave King Laurent a glance and his eyes were closed, enjoying the tranquil peace of it all. A smile crept upon my lips and I briefly wondered if this was how life could be. I squashed that thought just as quickly as it came. I had to get to London, that was the only end to this scenario.
Jasmine: "Excuse me King Laurent, but have you decided on my terms about helping you?" He opened his eyes slowly, a bit annoyed at his peace being disturbed.
King Laurent: "Yes I have Miss Jasmine, and I decided that I will agree to your terms. All I need is for you to tell me of how to reach them and I will do so. In return, I expect within the week to start the search for my Queen. Is that acceptable?"
No.
Why did I think that?
Jasmine: "Of course King Laurent, I will not renege on what I promised to do in return Your Majesty. You have my word." I peeked up at him, his expression now distant.
King Laurent: "Words mean nothing in my world Miss Jasmine, only actions. But I will take your word for it just this once, since you could've tried to run away but you haven't."
Jasmine: "Well King Laurent, actually there is another condition to me helping you. You see... The woman who found me in the woods, Ms.Betty, she had been trying to talk to you and King Larry about poachers in the forest. I was wondering if maybe you could help her out?" King Laurent played with his chin hair in thought, that seemed to be a habit of his I noticed.
King Laurent: "Sounds reasonable after all, she is of my kingdom. I will look into it." I gave him a big smile, grateful to his kind attitude at the moment.
King Laurent: "Come along now, I wish to get to my special spot." His voice was clipped again. Ah and there was the cold half. He stood up and I had a bit of difficulty standing. I didn't realize how much the cuts from the crash still pained me. Why were they flaring up, did I do something? King Laurent noticed my gait and difficulty. He took my hand gently, being mindful of the way I was standing.
King Laurent: "Are you okay Miss Jasmine?" Concern laced his tone.
Jasmine: "Ah yes, I apologize King Laurent. I had suffered many gashes from the plane crash and I had monetarily forgotten them since they haven't hurt. But now they seem to be acting up. But I am fine Your Majesty." King Laurent gave me a skeptical gaze but took my word on it. I didn't miss the fact that he was walking much slower than before, allowing my legs more time to rest as we walked. There was the kind side. Goodness, I was going to have a bad case of whiplash with this man.
As we went deeper into the gardens, trees of various natures were starting o surround us. Lord, how far did these gardens go? I didn't think I could be amazed any longer until we came to a bridge and I fell in love again.
There was a Koi lake. Not a pond, but a lake. I could feel my excitement at the beautiful fish overflowing. I rushed ahead to the middle of the bridge as quick as my slight limp would take me. I stared at the beautiful carps, whom just like the plant life, varied in color.
Jasmine: "My goodness King Laurent, this place is breathtaking. I never seen such beauty in one place." A giggle rose up from my throat, I felt like an excited child.
King Laurent: "I'm glad you enjoy it. After all, I don't bring many out here. It is special to me and I figured I would bring my Princess out here. That fact that you enjoy it is a pleasure."
I didn't really know what to say to that. He sounded so earnest. I caught a glimpse of two figures in the distant. It looked like Kyanna and King Larry. I smiled, hoping she was also enjoying herself.
Jasmine: "King Laurent, what happens if we do find Queen Jessica?" He looked a little caught of guard by the question but answered.
King Laurent: "Then I send you on your way to London, and call off this Court Game. It will be null and void."
I tried so hard not to but I felt my heart drop at his sentence.
Jasmine: "I figured as much. I suppose you will be happy then."
King Laurent: "Will you Miss Jasmine?" He looked me straight in my eyes while asking. I took a gulp, feeling cornered. He took a step closer to me, his head inclining towards mine. For a moment, I wanted him to kiss me. I wanted to know if the wayward emotions I was feeling held any truth to them, to see if electricity would spark between us. Then I remembered that this was nothing but a game to him.
Jasmine: "Yes, I will be happy. I'll be away from here."
End.
Pfft my love don't easy damnit -.-