Hey guys, the story is close to an end so stay tuned (This chapter will be a little longer than the previous ones.)
"You do know what this means?" Asked Septimus, furious.
"Yes." Said Jenna while wearing her boots.
Septimus went to stand beside her "So why did you do this, Jen? Ministers get killed, what do you think will happen to a Queen?" He asked with his arms folded. Jenna stood up to look in the mirror, trying to appear indifferent. "No matter what happens, I couldn't let him go with such dangers up ahead. Besides I have a plan." She said and smiled with approval at her look.
"Jen, is it because of what happened with Erick?" Asked Septimus.
Jenna finally turned to look at him in the eye "Sep, what happened with Erick? How much do you know of it?" Before Septimus could answer she continued "It wasn't anything concerning love but it concerned my power and this country and believe it or not; Beetle was involved."
Septimus sat on the bed, frustrated. Jenna sat beside him and took his hands as she continued in a more soothing voice "I know what I'm doing but what I also know is that I have to save Beetle."
"Save him from who? He's the most candid person I know."
Jenna looked at the mirror "I thought so too." She said in a low tone. "But recently he's changed into someone secretive and dangerous. I don't know if I can handle it."
Septimus had too noticed the changes in Beetle's attitude. "I admit, he's not as open as before but dangerous is one thing he's not." He saw Jenna's eyes darken but couldn't understand the reason. "Jen, I know Beetle. He will never harm you."
Jenna, however, had other reasons in her mind that she couldn't tell Septimus. "Not directly but he's connected to people who exist just to harm me." She was trying to explain in the best way possible but Septimus looked only more confused. "Sep, I'm confused too. I'm unconsciously so attached to him that I sometimes forget the reason I can't be with him but the moment I remember, I have to push him further away." She felt tears behind her eyelids which made her to stand up sharply and blink them away. Septimus noticed too so he didn't push it any further. "Sep, do I look like a hunter?" She smiled to change the subject. Septimus sighed for he knew nothing would change her mind and nod.
Beetle, Harry and the entire court were waiting in their carriages for Jenna to come. Jenna stepped out of the palace and gave a look of disappointed "Who would go hunting with carriages?" She mumbled and then looked at the guards "Help them to a horse."
The guards swiftly changed the ministers positions from carriage to horses. Beetle and Harry both brought their horses forward to stand alongside Jenna.
"My liege, are you sure this is not too much of excitement for you?" Said Harry mockingly to Jenna.
"We'll see about that." Jenna retorted with a smile then she turned to Beetle and in much quieter tone she said "Up to the challenge, Beet?"
Beetle smiled at that and gazed at Harry who was shooting a neurotic look at him "Always." He said. Jenna followed his gaze and when she saw Harry she understood the game Beetle was playing so she smirked and brought the horse to run followed by dozen of horses. Jenna cursed herself for talking to him like that.
They soon arrived at the hunting camp which was filled with numerous tents. Beetle swiftly jumped from his horse to help Jenna down. Harry too jumped down and almost ran to out beat Beetle in helping her. Jenna looked at both hands drawn out to her. She without any hesitation started to get Beetle's hand that she looked him in the eye. In an instant Jenna took Harry's hand and climbed down. Beetle's hand fell to form a fist.
"Thank you Minister." Said Jenna and freed her hand. Harry smiled at her warmly and strode off. Before Beetle could open his mouth Jenna went inside her gold tent.
The tent was too luxurious for any kind of hunting. She sat on the gold plated chair and took her head in her hands. Beetle rushed in the tent, clearly impatient. Before she could order him out, he put his hand on her mouth.
"I swear to God." Said Beetle and with an angry, breathless voice and through clutched teeth he continued. "I swear Jen, if you don't speak up; I'd be someone capable of anything. Understood?"
Jenna nodded and Beetle pulled back. Out of snit of being overpowered, Jenna pushed him further away. "What's wrong with you?"
Beetle looked at her who was looking all more beautiful in her long white fur coat, brown boots, warrior braid and cheeks red from anger. He for a moment was again speechless that the entrance of a maid brought him back to reality.
"Your highness, the Prime Minister seeks audience." Said the woman.
Jenna glanced at Beetle "Tell him to come later and have everyone step away from the tent."
The maid nodded and left them alone. "Now tell me. What is the reason for this?" Asked Jenna but Beetle didn't answer. "I asked you what is the reason for this madness?" She screamed, furious.
"You've changed." Said Beetle in a low tone.
"Really? And how was it possible for me to stay the same?"
Beetle took a step back "Of course you would change but you confuse me. Jen, who am I to you? One minute you're the same as before and next you're pushing me away. I need to know where I stand in your life."
"Do you know what I envy most about your mother? She wasn't a queen." Said Jenna, trying hard to control her voice "For her love and marriage are ordinary event or even beneficial but for me it's a path to downfall. Do you deny that you'd use me to gain power when I am well aware of your recent ambitions?"
"Didn't you too, used me to gain control over the court? If you mistrust me so much why_"
Jenna jumped into his words "I trust you." She blinked the tears away as she said it.
Beetle looked at her wet eyes "You must like me. No, you do like me." He said curtly.
"I don't." Denied Jenna.
"Is there a reason for this?"
Jenna gulped and tilted her head up to look him straight in the eyes "Because I'm no longer a woman. I'm a ruler and that's all." She said then continued in a more silent tone "I can see your loyalty to me and your desire; but I can't. My love and devotion must go this country only and anything other than that is wrong." Beetle started to speak that she brought her hand up and gulped to stop her voice from trembling "You think I don't have any feelings? Think I don't want someone to lean on and lift the burden for me? You think my heart wouldn't throb if... if you held me?"
The next thing Jenna felt was Beetle's instant embrace. He held her tightly, smiling to himself at the feeling. Jenna's hands came up to hold him just as tightly that they stopped dead midway. With the frightening result of her actions her eyes widened in horror. She fist her hand and pulled away "No, this cannot happen."
Beetle's eyes were red from sorrow "Why? Why?" He shouted then continued "Your mother and all the previous queens married just fine. What is so scary in this? What makes you any different?"
"My mother who gave her life for me, Milo who abandoned me for years and many others who sacrificed for me all demand one thing. To save this country from disappearing and strengthen the crown. Until then I don't exist." She said trying not to look him in the eye "Beetle, don't even imagine of possessing me."
"Love is possession." Said Beetle with a hoarse voice.
"No one can have me, not as long as I rule." She said conclusively
Beetle suddenly looked dangerously calm "What if I try to? Will you still choose to trust those lot out there specially Harry after I expose their dirty works? After all this is my job."
Tear snaked out of the corner of Jenna's eye "Beetle please, don't make me choose." She plead.
The will and anger in Beetle's blood red eyes scared her. He smirked in incredulity and walked out so fast that he was unable to stop himself from bumping into Harry.
"Oooh, watch it." Said Harry loudly.
Beetle stopped with suspicion when he saw Harry's closeness to the tent "Don't tell me you were eavesdropping."
"Well let's put it this way. I can't control what I hear and what I don't." Harry exclaimed.
Jenna walked out of tent holding a dagger with a bow and arrow on her shoulder "Bring me the horse."
Harry stepped forward "Going hunting?"
"Yes."
"Then I shall accompany you." Said Harry with a look of victory at Beetle.
Jenna sat on the horse "I don't need any company." She said with a glance at Beetle and rode off. Harry watched her go in disbelief "How can she?"
"Is this place safe enough?" Asked Beetle.
Harry shook his head "Nowhere is safe enough for her." He too sat on a horse and followed Jenna's trail. Beetle stood there for a moment not sure whether to go or not. Instead he entered the tent. He began searching with the table and bed. Soon he found a box under the bed. Even thought he knew it was wrong he still opened it to reveal some papers. Beetle understood Jenna's plan in a heartbeat and bolt out of the tent.
Jenna was riding as fast as she could. She didn't care about what was up ahead but just wanted to go as far as possible from the horrible mess in her life. Her wish was not fulfilled for Harry blocked her horse with his "You okay?" Said Harry in uneven breath.
Despite the obvious tears on her cheeks and puffy eyes she tried to act strong "In fact I am. Thank you Minister."
"No this wouldn't do. Get off." Said Harry with a huff and jumped to help her. When Jenna didn't respond he sighed "Come on... Jenna."
Jenna turned to him, amused to have heard her name from his mouth. Slowly she began to get his hand but was too weak for jumping down the horse "We better go back."
"In this state? You must be insane. Hold on." Said Harry after he saw her hand filled with blood. He took her hands and hollowed them around his neck "Now let go and jump."
Jenna released her feet and slipped onto his hands "Thank you." She said then continued in trembling voice "Can you do me a favor and forget this scene?"
Still holding her, Harry smiled "It's too beautiful to be forgotten."
Beetle who had just arrived watched them with grief from afar. He sat next to a tree to not bother her more than he already had. He had to think of something. Something to ease Jenna's mind and worries of being with him.
Harry placed Jenna on the ground and held her bloody hand "This needs to be tended."
Jenna pulled her hand back "I'll do it." She said uncomfortably.
Harry forcefully took it and looked at it. Her hand was filled with scars from holding holding the tether tightly "What have you done? Was he really worth it?" Prevaricate Harry.
Again Jenna tried to get her hand back "I'm fine."
Without listening to her Harry took out his coat to wrap it's sleeve around her hand. Jenna smiled "Why are you out of the blue being nice to me?" She said.
"I told you that. You shall have my devotion and loyalty if it means saving everything."
"So this is a trade kindness."
Harry laughed "I meant it in a less logical and more emotional way but yes."
Jenna sighed "And what kind of power are you trying to get?"
"Don't you worry. My greed doesn't go as much as coveting your throne." Said Harry.
Beetle swore at Harry's diplomatic words. Abruptly he sensed some movement behind him. His hand got ready to take out his sword. Out of corner of his eye he saw someone hidden in the bushes with an arrow pointed directly at Jenna. Before he could call out the arrow was shot so he just swiftly ran forward and blocked it with his sword "What are you doing? Run away. Hurry." Shouted Beetle at Jenna.
Harry brought Jenna to her feet "Let him handle it. With you here it'll be more difficult." He said for he knew Jenna enough to know she would go and help Beetle "Don't worry. I'll stay to help him."
Jenna began to run in the forest aimlessly. A loud shriek of pain made her stop and look back, as much as she tried to she couldn't leave them to defend her. Jenna stood still trying to navigate her way back by noises. Another screech and she was running back to them. From afar she saw Beetle running to her "Beetle_" Jenna's call was interrupted by a huge net that fell on her head.
"Jenna." Beetle and Harry shouted in union and ran to her. Beetle got there first "They're gone. It's over." He said while trying to cut the net.
"Don't. It's a trap." Shouted Harry too late to be of any use. Beetle looked back in horror to see countless bow arrows attached to strings that were pulled by the net and pointed at them. He gazed back at Jenna who was still trapped under the net and held out his arms as her shield. In an instant all the arrows flew in the air mostly passing them as they ducked to avoid them. Beetle's shouted as one hit his arm.
So that's it for this chapter. Hope you enjoyed it and review when you read. I need opinions. See you next time.
