Disclaimer: I don't own glee.
Finn stepped out of the carriage, Kurt following him out, and took in the sight of the castle. It was intimidating to say the least.
The high guard points and pointed peaks were enough to drive anyone mad. The scariest thing about the St. James estate was that they kept lions as guard animals. They roamed the property, growling at those who came in warning. While they were trained not to attack unless given the command, they were still frightening.
Finn was brought out of his thoughts by a hand that had clapped him on the shoulder. He looked to see Noah. His head had recently been shaved in order to stitch up a wound from battle. Needless to say, Noah had not been happy about that.
Noah looked over at Finn and say, "Are you ready to deal with him?" Finn laughed and shook his head as they began to walk up the path, capes billowing out behind them.
The guards soundlessly opened the doors for them, bowing politely. The three princes tipped their heads to the men and continued along the hallway. They entered Jesse's private study and seated themselves knowing he would be present soon.
Sure enough, they had just settled into an easy conversation when Jesse swept into the room. The other three princes stood and gave a half bow at the waist and Jesse returned the greeting of royals.
"My fine, gentlemen, please be seated once again," he spoke in his pompous tone. They obediently took a seat and Jesse sat in his own chair. "May I ask what brings you hear?"
"We are here to see how affairs are running on your kingdom," Kurt said with an air of disinterest in his voice.
Jesse laughed and said, "Things couldn't be running any smoother, my dear friends. Just the other day I caught a rapist myself. I had to wrestle him away from the maiden he had been attempting to violate…"
Finn had already zoned out of the conversation. It was very boring. He had heard the tale time and time again. He was sure that Jesse was simply changing the place of the crime because there was no way that he could find that many rapists before they committed the act.
He was thinking of more pressing matters. Burt wanted him to try to find his own maiden to settle down with. He had hinted that Princess Quinn had been interested in a union of kingdoms but she was better suited for Jesse.
Princess Quinn loved to talk about herself. She wanted everything and pretty much got what she wanted as well.
He was snapped back from his thoughts by the sound of his own name being called. He turned and saw Jesse looking at him expectantly.
He cleared his throat, "Sorry, dear friend. I must have been more tired from the journey then I expected. What was the question?"
Jesse rolled his eyes. "I know that your mother has been asking you to find yourself a young maiden. I was wondering if you were having any luck."
Finn was pleasantly surprised. Jesse had actually asked a question that wasn't going to pertain to himself. "Actually I haven't decided yet. I want to make sure I make the right choice."
Puck scoffed. "Please, any girl would be willing to have a prince. It's not everyday that a fairy will come along and grant your wishes for you. Do what I do. Bed whichever one's you think will be suitable until you find the one that can get back in there more than three times."
Kurt laughed. "Then you should have married half your kingdom by now!"
This comment set all four of the gentlemen laughing. When they finally calmed down Jesse spoke again. "I myself have narrowed my search down to two maidens. A young foreign girl named Charice is a fine catch. She isn't east to look at but she has a relatively good voice."
Finn rolled his eyes. Of course, Jesse would have to talk about himself now.
Kurt politely asked, "Where is the girl from?"
"She doesn't live far from the Kingdom but she is still considered a foreigner. I could easily allow her and her family entrance to the kingdom if she would accept my hand."
Puck then asked, "Who is your other candidate."
Something strange happened. Jesse's features contorted into a dark smirk. He gave a low chuckle, like it was a private joke to himself. He stood up. "I'll show her to you."
Finn was confused but rose to follow him. The four men began to walk down a corridor. They came to a large wooden door. Jesse pushed it open and they began to descend the stairs.
The stairs twisted and their pathway was lighted by torches on the wall. The fire gave the place an incredibly eerie glow. As they descended the stairs, Jesse told them a story.
"I came across two men who were life partners." He gave Kurt a pointed look. "They were very poor and in need of money. They were still paying off the surrogate who had their only daughter."
Finn felt his stomach drop. He had a feeling that this was not a happy story.
"The girl was about sixteen or so. I offered them gold in exchange for her. They took it on the premise that they could still see her. I agreed to allow them to visit her… while I was still visiting that part of the kingdom."
Finn felt bile rising in his throat.
"They cried when they found out I was leaving and taking her with me. They said goodbye but that was when things took a turn for the worse. She put up a good fight. She cried and kicked and screamed. It was no match for my guards. We set her in chains and brought her hear."
Finn shivered. Jesse had stolen a girl from her family on false pretenses.
"She is extremely defiant. She's stubborn and talks more than she should. She is beautiful though. I'm just treating her like a horse for now."
Kurt interrupted, "Treating her like a horse? What does that mean?"
"It means I will break her spirit. Once that happens, she will be a suitable bride. Until then, she is nothing more but a common slave."
They had finally reached the bottom stair. They walked down the corridor and Finn realized that they were in a dungeon.
They walked up to one of the cells. The guards saluted Jesse who did not acknowledge them.
"Gentlemen," he stated as he made a sweeping motion towards the cell, "meet Rachel Berry."
Author's Note:
Another quick chapter. Hope you all love it. Please review and let me know what you think.