Stone of Hope

Chapter 27

“James?” I ask, cracking the door open. Seeing a different guard holding down his usual post by my door, my eyes widen in surprise. “Oh! You’re not James.”

“I can call him if you like, Miss,” the guard replies.

“No, don’t worry about it. I just woke up and I’m starving, and I’d like to get out of my room and get some fresh air.” Offering a smile and hoping to get this new guard on my side, I confide, “I’ve been stuck in here for two whole days. I’m going stir-crazy!”

“We were told no one goes in, and no one leaves,” the guard answers in a very businesslike tone.

Why are these guards so diligent about following their orders?Damn Destine.

I could try and run, but that would just draw attention. After playing out all the scenarios in my head, I finally suggest he call James. I leave the door open as the guard nods smartly and marches down the hall to find my regular guard.

A pang of guilt hits me when I see James come around the corner, still rubbing his eyes from what was obviously his nap. I walk quickly past the new guard and grab James’s arm, tucking mine companionably into his.

“Will you please walk with me to get a snack?” I request, batting my eyelashes and pursing my lips for an extra pouty expression. He caves and starts leading me down the hall.

“Okay,” he answers warily, “but no running away. You’ll get me into big trouble if you do.”

Damn him for playing the part of a good little soldier! However, after the fiasco with Miko, I realize I don’t have the power to save anyone from the King. “I promise, James – we’ll run to the kitchen to grab a snack, and then maybe just a quick walk around the castle to stretch my legs, and you can return me to my room.”

“Kitchen and back, you got it.” His smile says he knows what I’m up to, but he’s willing to play along anyway.

As we walk, I try to memorize every turn and artifact James points out so it can help me later when I make my escape. Arriving in the kitchen, I’m amazed at the sheer size of everything in the room. The ovens are bigger than any I’ve ever seen; they are almost twice as large as standard stoves in the Earth Realm. Several large stone tables take up the bulk of the middle of the kitchen. Some have chairs surrounding them, reminding me of my high school lunchroom.

James interrupts my awed inspection of the space to ask, “What would you like? I’m pretty sure there’s some leftover soup I can heat up.”

“Which one is the fridge?” I walk with James as he points to a massive rock door. My heart pounds in anticipation as I watch him put all his weight behind opening the door, revealing an enormous walk-in pantry. The room behind it is longer than the hallway we just came from. Perusing all the variations of food I can choose from, I decide to go with something that looks like the rhubarb-ish dessert I ate in the North. I also grab something resembling yellow grapes. “What are these?”

James smiles. “Boko. They’re sweet, but not juicy.” Always the gentleman, he pulls out a chair for me at one of the stone tables. The gesture reminds me of Ash, and how I always used to crack jokes that it wasn’t the 1950s anymore. Secretly, it made me melt each time he did something like that.

I pop one of the boko fruits into my mouth. The yellow, grape-like fruit’s texture is similar to that of an apple, although it tastes like an orange. But he’s right; it is dry. Casting about for conversation starters, I settle on an old standby. “So, James, you seem to know almost everything about the castle. How long have you worked here?”

“Nearly all my life,” he answers proudly. “The job was given to me when I saved King Destine from a runaway rezurc.” Seeing my eyebrow arch at the odd word, he explains, “A rezurc is one of our largest animals. They have dangerous tusks, one on each side of their mouth. Each tusk has two points, giving them an obvious advantage during a fight. Well that, along with their long claws,” he adds with a wink. “They have coarse fur all over, with a lustrous mane that circles their face. But don’t let the fur deceive you. Their skin is almost impossible to penetrate.”

Fascinated, I realize I’m picturing something like a cross between a mammoth and a lion. “What color are they?”

James scratches his chin, warming up to his role as educator. “They’re normally black and hard to spot. This one just happened to be tan.”

“When you say ‘runaway’, do you mean it was a wild animal, or are rezurcs trained to be pets?”

“Rezurcs are wild animals. I’ve always heard they can be trained and domesticated as a companion animal for one person, but the trick is that one person must raise them from birth. If you ever come across a baby, though, run…because the mother is never too far behind.” James chuckles, the richness of his laugh causing my tension to unfurl. “When they have a baby, the pack comes together and refuses to let anyone or anything get close. Their long, pointy teeth are usually enough of a deterrent to make anyone think twice.”

I laugh and then ask, “Well if that’s the case, how did you save Destine?”

“Simple. I pushed him out of the way from getting run over by a mother. She ran by him, picked me up by her tusks, and flung me to the side. Luckily for me, none of the points on her tusks made contact, and she threw me high enough and far enough where I landed in a pond. I never would have survived the fall otherwise.”

“That took a lot of courage,” I responded softly, starting to realize why guards followed rules the way they did.

James nods his head, a slight flush coming to his cheeks. “That’s why King Destine trusts me with his life, because in his eyes, I already gave up mine to save his.”

The conversation lags as I start to eat in earnest. Down to the last bite of my rhubarb square, I suck every last crumb off my fingers and admit, “I’m still hungry. Let’s see what else we can find!”

James chuckles and turns to lead the way, but just then, a horn blares. James opens the pantry and pushes me inside, bolting the door from the outside.

Great.I know what the horn means, and I wonder if it heralds something ominous. Soon realizing that pounding on the door and screaming his name is a worthless exercise, I flick on the light switch and peer around instead. Walking toward the back of the pantry, the aisle rounds to the left, ending at a grey door flanked by long, oversized jackets. Opening the door, I realize it’s the refrigerator. This place isunreal! Since I don’t know how long I’ll be in here, I grab a coat and hunker down, searching for another rhubarb square.

“Jewel!” The suddenness of Destine’s voice startles me as the pantry door opens. “Jewel!” he shouts, panicked.

“I left her right here, sir.” James’s voice is flustered and filled with concern.

“You never should have allowed her to leave her room!” Destine chastises. “You should have notified Joycelyn first. When Joycelyn went to check on her and realized she was missing, we thought she’d run away, or worse, that someone had taken her. I should have been alerted!” The King was incensed, his voice rising with every word.

“Sir—” Worry is evident in the guard’s voice.

Fed up with hearing poor James get scolded, I speak up from the back of the pantry. “I’m back here!” I slip off the coat and hang it up right as Destine rounds the corner and reaches me. He holds his arms out, expecting me to run into them like a frightened bird, but I make a sharp turn and veer out of his way so he can’t touch me. I’m still pissed at the game he’s playing.“You have no right to yell at James!” I reproach him. “I was hungry and wanted to see for myself what was available. Out of respect for you, I didn’t try to leave on my own, which is why I asked James to escort me. If you trust him enough to guard my door, then he’s certainly good enough to walk me down to get a snack.” Turning to James, I haughtily inquire, “James, are you ready to walk me back to my room?”

Without giving him a chance to respond, I tuck my arm in his, grab a cup of water, and proceed to pull him back through the kitchen door, taking the path I’d memorized. Two lefts, then a right, and up the stairs. Jerking my head up at the sound of shoes hitting the steps at an alarming rate, I see Ash, Paul, and Alfred coming down to meet me.

“Hello, gentlemen,” I say cheekily, making sure James keeps walking, never loosening my grip as I give them a slight nod.

Their footsteps, along with Destine’s recent ones, follow along. Left turn. Right turn. Left. Another left. Then a snake statue.

James comes to a stop and opens my door. “Thank you, James,” I add. Without looking back, I shut the door on the assembled crowd. As soon as the door clicks shut, I hear the growls of the men on the other side. Placing my ear on the door, I hear Timber ask, “Where was she?”

“She’s fine,” Destine answers placatingly. “She woke up, starving. At least she was smart enough to ask for James; he just wasn’t smart enough to tell anyone, and the guard who was posted at her door changed shifts with another guard without telling the new guard she left with James.”

“That’s some security system you have around here.” Timber’s voice is agitated. I imagine his piercing scowl as I smile to myself.

“James, was she at least able to hold down her food after she ate?” I hear the hopeful sincerity in Destine’s voice.

“Yes, Your Highness, she ate more than I’ve seen her eat since she arrived. She was also able to walk the whole way there and back without assistance. She seems to be on the mend.”

Destine exhales a relieved breath. “Good. You’re on guard again. Prince Timber, you and your men can return to the guest wing.”

Hearing retreating footsteps, I assume Timber has decided to play nice in order to get on Destine’s good side. I wonder what rules he must follow here, since King Destine outranks him.

Suddenly, I hear Destine’s voice. “I’ll be staying in her room tonight and watching her from the inside. No one comes in, and no one goes out.” I rush to my bed and dive under the covers just before the door creaks open and a chair scoots across the floor.

“Relax, Jewel,” he consoles. “I’m just going to sleep by the door.”

It takes me forever to fall asleep, but when I wake up the next morning, Destine is no longer in my room. I feel a sudden rush of disappointment, which confuses me. In any event, I feel better than I have in a long time and decide to make the most of it. I bounce out of bed and head to the bathroom, deciding to take an extra-long shower to dissolve the tension from my shoulders. I turn on the water and hold my hand under the current, the heat radiating through my hand and up my arm. The water here has a rich, floral smell I can’t place. I turn on the shower spray and melt under the pounding stream.

Why did Destine insist on sleeping in my room? Does he think Timber plans to whisk me back to the North, or was it because of the horn?I plan to ask James to take me on another walk through the castle so I can try and locate the Healing hall.

Realizing my fingers and toes have turned wrinkly, I turn off the water and step out of the shower, wrapping myself in a thick, luxurious towel. I walk over to the vanity and find a brush, then realize with a start that they even provided a flat iron, a curling iron, hair spray, and an assortment of varied hair accessories. I take the time to actually fix my hair, which gives me a delicious sense of normality to complete an activity I used to do at home every day.

Hair polished and shiny, I walk over to the wardrobe and choose a bright blue shirt, pairing it with white pants. Even though the hunter green shoes don’t technically match, I convince myself I can pull off the look. I admire my reflection in the mirror and almost feel normal, until I see the stone wall behind me and remember where I am. Deciding I’m finally ready to venture out, I walk to the door. I’m not surprised to find James there.

“Good morning, James!” I greet him with a smile. “Are you ready? Let’s go get breakfast.” I start walking fast, forcing him to catch up.

“Jewel, I must inform King Destine first. He requested that?—”

“He can meet us in the kitchen,” I interrupt airily and point to another guard standing nearby. “Send him to go tell him.” I don’t want to get James in trouble, but I feel trapped. I explain, “Back home, I could go as I please even when my dad was gone. For me, this little trip to the kitchen provides an ounce of freedom. Besides, who knows how long it will take for King Destine to get here? I’m starving!” I give a pouty face, hoping it will allow me to get my way.

Giving up with a weary sigh, James tells the other guard to fetch King Destine and ask him to meet us in the kitchen. I’m still attempting to memorize the turns as we walk the halls, although the closer we get, the louder the sounds of clanging pots and pans are. As we enter the kitchen, I see an ancient female troll surrounded by a group of younger trolls who appear to be her prep cooks.

“Rose,” James greets her, “this is Jewel. Jewel, Rose.” The old lady turns around just in time to see James reaching for a pastry.

Her arm darts out and swats him, and she scolds, “James, I know who she is!” Turning to me with a generous smile, she asks, “What would you like, Belovedine?”

I instantly like her, although I’m not sure what the name she just called me means. I remind myself to ask James about it later. The old woman reminds me of my math teacher, with kind eyes that run to her very soul; someone you can tell is wise and friendly, but who doesn’t put up with nonsense. I smile. We’re going to get along just fine.

“Anything you have already cooked that I can heat up will be fine.” I start walking to the fridge to grab some of those yellow grapes, but Rose stops me with a light touch on my arm.

“Now, Belovedine Jewel, please let me get that.” She tries to direct me to a seat.

I allow her to steer me to a chair before asking, “Actually, I was wondering if you could teach me about your food and ingredients; what they taste like, how to cook them. Back home, I used to cook a lot for my dad and Ash.”

“When did you cook for Ash?”

Spinning around at the sound of Destine’s voice, I realize James is nowhere in sight. Did I say too much? I decide to ignore his question. “So, Rose, what’s this?” I pick up a red, round object from a bowl.

“That is a tighel,” she answers, ignoring the simmering tension between me and Destine. “It goes well with eggs and trivels.” She walks further into the fridge and pulls out something green and square, waving it with a flourish. “Trivels taste like a cross between a mushroom and a green pepper from your homeland.”

I stand and follow Rose as she putters in the kitchen. Destine follows us and I tense as I realize how close he is to me. Stepping away to get some distance from him, I see a slight smile on his face from the corner of my eye. He knows how he affects me, damn him.

“Rose, please lead the way. Eggs with tighels and trivels sound delicious.” Aware Destine is still hovering, I take a seat and watch Rose as she nimbly grabs everything she’ll use.

Rose places the ingredients on the counter, along with a knife and cutting board. Then she brings another set for me to use. I watch as she demonstrates how to cut up each ingredient. It doesn’t take long before we move to the stove. Rose helps me cook with her and explains everything she does. For the first time since my failed run with Timber in this realm, I finally find peace.

All the way, Destine remains my shadow.

The flowers transform into a startling shade of navy when I enter my room, and I actively try to adjust the trajectory of my thoughts so Destine doesn’t see. Cooking with Rose made me miss the thought of cooking with my mom, even though she died before I was old enough to do so.

Catching the flicker of colors throughout the room, Destine carefully reaches a hand towards me. “Why are you sad? Is it because you miss cooking with Ash?”

Chagrined, I realize he must have been thinking about my earlier slip all throughout the meal. “If you want an honest answer, then I need answers from you, not more lies,” I retort. When Destine nods his head in assent, I make sure to angle us near the flowers so I can tell if he’s telling the truth. Satisfied, I begin, “Ash went to school with me back home, and we became friends. Over time, he started coming over for dinner.” Which technically isn’t a lie; I just don’t feel the need to elaborate that our relationship developed into something more than friendship. “Your turn. Why did you kidnap me and bring me to your kingdom?”

Almost as if anticipating my question, Destine answers, “There are several reasons why. The first reason is that you were injured, and I knew Joycelyn could help you. Another reason is because I’m attracted to you.” Seeing the blush spread across my face, he continues, “Another reason is that King Gus showed up, and I didn’t want to stick around longer and endanger the lives of you or my men.”

“Is King Gus really that bad?

“Yes. He’s nothing but pure evil,” Destine confirms vehemently.

I’m having trouble piecing the puzzle together, but the flowers tell me he’s speaking the truth. Confused, I inquire, “Why did he show up?”

Destine looks in my eyes, gauging my reaction as he states, “My guess is because of you.”

“Me?” I scoff.

“Yes, you,” he affirms. “Prince Timber informed me that King Gus departed as quickly as he arrived, announcing that what he came for had just left. Now, it’s true he could have been talking about me, but we have a feeling he meant you.”

The flowers roil throughout the room, reflecting my muddled state. “But why me?”

The King shakes his head. “I don’t know.”

Somewhat pacified, I ask the other question on my mind. “Why did you sleep in my room last night?” My cheeks are flushed and I can’t meet his eyes, so I busy myself rearranging my flowers as I wait for him to respond.

Feeling his breath on the top of my head, he admits, “After last night, I thought you might try to sneak out and find Miko.”

My heart pounds, realizing I’m not as slick as I thought I was.

Destine continues, seemingly unaware of my inner turmoil. “You have a stubborn streak in you, Jewel, and I needed to make sure you were safe the whole night. My kingdom has been on high alert since we left the North, and after what King Gus said, I didn’t want to let you out of my sight,” he admits. “Also, I was afraid you might get sick again after eating all that food. But I’m happy to report that Joycelyn checked on you throughout the night and said all of your vital signs have improved.”

Wow. That’s a lot to digest.“Okay… Well, since you mention it, you still didn’t answer my original question,” I counter. “Joycelyn could have stayed with me while James guarded the door. You’re the King, and you have plenty of people you could have ordered to watch over me. Why did you stay here?”

Destine smiles, well aware he evaded my question. “She was healing someone.”

His eyes remain fixed on mine, eliciting a full-body shiver. I try to hide my reaction and fail miserably. “Fine,” I retort. “What about Miko?”

I feel his breath again as he sighs. “Yes, Miko.” He gently takes my hands in his. “I’m not the monster you think I am. I didn’t want to punish him, but lessons must be taught and examples must be made for the good of the entire kingdom. I didn’t do it to hurt you, but rather to show everyone that a female should be treated carefully.”

Exasperated, I cry, “But you knew he didn’t hurt me on purpose!”

“I know, and I’m grateful for that, or else I would’ve had to put him to death.” Regret swims in his eyes. “He’s my best friend, Jewel. This wasn’t easy for anyone involved.”

Realization finally clicks into place. Even though I still think the entire situation is messed up, I feel bad for him. Touched by his vulnerability, I offer him a quick sympathy hug. But when I try to pull away, he doesn’t let go. Allowing him this small victory, my voice is muffled as I ask, “So can I go see him?”

He chuckles, rubbing my back in a rhythmic pattern. “I can’t seem to say no to you.”

Transfixed by his proximity, I watch as the flowers turn from vibrant blues to pulsating pinks. Destine steps back and cups his hands on either side of my head, leaning in. He starts with a feather light kiss, his eyes open, seeking permission and approval. My body betrays me and I lean in, placing my hand on his chest. He walks us backwards until my back hits a wall. I feel the drumming of his heart against my palm and know I need to rein this in before it sparks out of control. A sharp knock on the door clears the fog and brings my inhibitions back with a crash.

A smug smile playing on his lips, Destine takes a step back and looks at the flowers with a knowing look in his eyes, a cacophony of vivid red, lurid pink, and garish yellow painted throughout the room. Satisfied, he turns away and opens the door. When I see Joycelyn step inside, my shoulders relax.

Seeing her eyes go wide, I realize she knows all too well what the flower colors mean. Damn intuitive flowers. I see why they force someone to have a pure heart. With them around, it’s impossible to lie, even to yourself.

“I apologize, King Destine and Belovedine Jewel,” she declares, bowing her head as she stands in the doorway.

Since when does she knock? She usually just barges in! As soon asI step away from the wall, the colors start changing again, this time turning orange. I don’t have to guess what that color means. I know it’s embarrassment.

“Please come in, Joycelyn,” I invite, hoping to cover my discomfiture. “Hey – can you tell me what ‘Belovedine’ means? You’re the second person to call me that today!”

Instead of answering my question, Joycelyn shares a poignant look with Destine, exchanging thoughts wordlessly. “I just came to check on you and see if you’d like to visit Miko, or perhaps go for another walk,” she offers smoothly.

In a flash, I’m at the door, grabbing her arm and pushing her out of the room. Destine follows suit.

“James will escort you from here, Jewel. I have a meeting,” the King explains.

“Don’t you ever let him sleep?” I ask.

Destine gives me a look as though he’s never considered it before, then suggests, “James, you can sleep once Jewel is back in her room. I’ll guard her door again tonight.” Accepting the guard’s nod and salute, Destine heads down the hall.

Oh, boy.

I shake my head and decide to push Destine’s possessiveness (and sexiness) out of my head. Grabbing Joycelyn’s hand, I urge her to walk faster, ready to escape the stifling confines of the castle.