Hello! :D Finally managed to shake off the writers block! :D Sorry if I haven't replied to your reviews, I have never had this kind of response for a fan-fiction before and I'm finding it difficult to reply to you all :/ I apologise for that and I will try to keep up with this chapter :) Hope you like it :)

Chapter Twenty

Hide and Seek

Mid-September 1833

The light in the room made her golden gown glitter. She had captured his heart many moons ago, but that did not dispel his need for her when his eyes landed upon her. So beautiful that day was she that she held the attention of nearly every gentleman in the room. Their eyes upon her caused him a great deal emotion; anger, jealously, and an overwhelming desire to protect what was his. He had approached her in the corridor earlier that morn and had secured her hand for many dances already. As the orchestra began their set, the young prince swallowed his nerves and tried not to take notice of the hundreds of people gathered for his sister-in-law's birthday. Their eyes followed him as he crossed the room towards her. Lady Mary raised her head and smiled shyly as she too noticed his approach. Looking up timidly, her heart beat increased with his proximity. She could hear her breathing becoming uneven and tried to gain control over herself.

"Lady Mary?" his voice floated towards her and the corners of her mouth turned up at the sound.

"Your Highness," she breathed, overwhelmed by his presence.

They had spent much time together over the last few months and had grown rather fond of each other. The Prince knew in his heart that she was the woman he would marry; he could not picture himself with any other lady. He had plans to speak with her father soon. He did not know the Duke of Cornwall personally, but he would never dream of asking for Alice's hand without her father's permission. Of course, he would have to speak with his own father first, but he saw no reason to be denied this. There was nothing to delay their union, however, he knew that his mother would prefer they marry in spring; as his brother had, but he saw no reason to wait. He longed for Alice to be his bride. He smiled at the thought and offered her his arm. She dipped her head shyly, though he could see her radiant smile. She enjoyed his company as much as he enjoyed hers. He led his lady to the dance floor and took great pride in showing off his partner to all that were gathered.

One person in particular took notice of the pair that evening. Her Majesty was greatly troubled when she sought out her husband later that evening. It was not that she did not approve of her son's choice of lady; it was the nature of their relationship that concerned.

"We should have informed him," she spoke, pacing the length of their bedroom rug, "both Rosalie and Edward were told, why didn't we warn him, Carlisle?"

His Majesty sighed and studied his wife's agitated posture from where he lay upon their bed.

"It was not final," he stated in way of reply, "a male heir could have been born and the marriage contract would have been voided. Maria is only fourteen after all, my dear, she could be granted a brother still."

Her Majesty looked toward her husband with a look that showed her disbelief clearly. The current Queen of Spain was fortunate to have been blessed with one child, her daughter; Maria the Infanta of Spain, would be Queen. There were no other heirs to their throne.

"That is about as likely as us being blessed with another twenty," she smirked, though she did feel for the woman. She had lost children and she knew the deep disappointment and sorrow that came with miscarriage and stillborn children.

"Carlisle, I saw the way he looked at her tonight; we all did. He will not part with her without a fight," Her Majesty explained, and her husband's face formed a carefully composed mask.

"If Jasper does not marry Maria, he will ruin our alliance with Spain," His Majesty's face was calm as he thought over the problem before them, "he could cause a war by refusing her hand. Our son is not so selfish as to cause our nations to battle because of a silly little girl."

Her Majesty frowned, "be fair, Carlisle, Alice knew nothing of this, nor did Jasper for that matter! Lord, I feel so horrid."

Deflated, she moved towards her husband's bed and climbed in beside him.

"What a wretched mess," she muttered, as she laid her head upon pillow.

Silence fell for a moment or two, until a thought came to her; there was every chance that her son would refuse Maria, what would become of him if he should do just that?

"Will you punish him?" she questioned her eyes sad as she peeked up at her husband. He sighed again, his negative thoughts causing a deep sense of unhappiness within him. He did not wish to lose his son, but he knew what he had to do, if Jasper should be foolish enough to break his marriage contract. His Majesty pulled his wife into his embrace and her head fell gently against his chest.

"I will have no choice. I am so sorry, my darling, I did not wish to cause harm to our son, but should he refuse the contract, he will be stripped of his titles and he will be exiled. If Lady Mary should follow, her title will also be taken from her."

Horrified, she looked up towards her husband, "must it really be that severe?"

She knew in her heart that he son was no longer a child, but worried like a mother should. The city around their palace was not such a lovely place. It was dirty and filled with people who would kill for their next meal. Her Majesty would have to speak to her son, she could not allow for him or Lady Mary to be exiled to such a place. It was not safe for them in any other world, but the world they were born into.

"I am afraid so, my dear. If Eleazar thinks that we have allowed our son to go unpunished, should Jasper break the contract then he would have cause to start a war. I will not allow it; we have worked hard for this alliance and I will not allow our son to ruin all our hard work."

If she had been alone, she would have cried, but with her husband beside her, she would not allow herself to do so. She made herself comfortable beside Carlisle and closed her eyes to the world; she would not allow herself to think any more on this tonight. In the morn, she would request that their son be told, so that he may make his decision. All she could do was hope that he would make the right one.

One week later…

Giggling like the child she was, she dashed behind a shrub. She knew that he'd find her. Her infernal laughter always gave away her permission. He would find her in a heartbeat. His feet crunched on the gravel and her heart beat speed up. He was not far. She breathed quietly through her nose and listened for every sound, every clue as to his proximity. He almost reached her hiding place when he turned on his heel and strode off in the other direction. Confused, she peeked out for behind the shrub. She saw no sign of him on the path. Odd, she thought, creeping out from her hiding place. Before she could stand, however, an arm wrapped around her waist and a hand clamped down over her mouth.

Her heart hammered for a very different reason. Fear shot through her veins and she instantly struggled against the hold on her. She had been foolish to play such a ridiculous game, but it had seemed like such a marvellous idea at the time.

"Hush, darling, I will never hurt you," his breath washed over her flesh with each word. Her shoulders relaxed and he removed the hand from her mouth.

"What on earth are you playing at?" she whispered, feeling both excited and terrified to be in such an intimate position with him. Her back was pressed against his chest and his large hand was spread across her stomach.

"If we stand, they will see us and I really do not wish for this to be seen," he stated quietly, bring many questions to his companions mind. The most obvious question formed on her tongue, but died in her throat, as he placed himself in front of her. Her heart beat so rapidly that she feared it would break free of its cage. His eyes held hers for an everlasting moment and her breath caught, as he lowered his gaze to her lips. She was still a little unsure as to his intention, right up until the moment that he pressed his lips against her own. Her eyes fell closed at the sensation that his touch invoked.

"Your Highness?" a voice called from across the garden and the moment was broken. He unwillingly pulled himself away from her, sighing he pressed his forehead against hers and whispered down towards her.

"The sooner you are my wife, the better I shall feel." He stood then, leaving her dazed and unable to comprehend his words. He offered her his hand and she rose, glad of the assistance. It was only as he held out his arm, that she found her voice.

"Excuse me, if I misheard you, Your Highness-"

"Jasper."

"Sorry. Jasper, but did you say that I shall be your wife?" she questioned, her mind going into a state of utter confusion and sheer happiness. If they were to marry she would be Princess Mary-Alice, Duchess of York. Her title mattered not towards her happiness, but it was sure to irritate her sister.

"That I did, Alice," he replied keeping his voice low, "should you wish it, I would marry you as soon as was appropriate."

"Should I wish it? I wish for nothing more than to be your wife," she told him, not knowing whether to regret her honestly or to be thrilled that she had spoken the truth.

His brilliant smile was all the reply that she needed. Her fingers gripped his jacket tightly as she thought over the last few minutes. Would this really happen? Would they truly be husband and wife? Would they stand before the priest at Westminster Abbey, as his brother had, and commit themselves to one another, until death parted them? The idea was more than appealing. She had told him her true feeling on the subject, she genuinely wished for nothing more than to be his wife, to spend the rest of her life beside him, to share his bed and have his children. Nothing would please her more. Her thoughts of a new frock for the wedding and how she wished it to look, were forced from her mind, as they approached the voice that had called for the Prince.

His father's valet stood at the end of the path. He watched them approach, and as his eyes fell upon Lady Mary they filled with sorrow. In her state of utter happiness, she did not notice the man's change in attitude.

"Your father wishes to see you, Your Highness," he stated simply, and Prince Jasper nodded at the message.

"Please tell my father that I shall escort Lady Mary inside and then I shall join him in his study," he replied swiftly. His mind briefly wondered towards the potential topics of discussion, but he came up blank.

"Quite right, sir," His father's valet replied, before dashing off to deliver the message to his father.

"I shall escort you back to my sister-in-law," he told her, saddened that their adventure in the gardens had been so cruelly interrupted. He led her back into the palace, and regretfully released her into the Princess Isabella's care. His sister by marriage looked upon him strangely, but he did not think on it. His mind turned towards the reason; there was always a reason where his father was concerned. As he approached the study he began to worry, but his father had no reason to be against his relationship with Alice. It was this fact, and this fact alone, that eased his mind. He reached his father's studied and gently wrapped his knuckles against the door. Instead the normal, 'enter', the door immediately swung open at his knock. It was clear that they had been waiting for his arrival. His noticed his mother's worry immediately. As much as his mother prided herself on her ability to hide her emotions, she had failed this day. Her fear and worry was plain for all to see.

"Mama," he instantly questioned, "what is wrong? What troubles you?"

His mother glanced up and shook her head once. She wrung her handkerchief nervously, but said nothing. His father cleared his throat loudly, forcing his son to meet his gaze. His Majesty did not look pleased.

"Do you mind explaining, son, what on earth you were doing with Lady Mary-Alice in the gardens this morning?" his lips pressed together tightly, a clear sign of his annoyance.

Prince Jasper swallowed, he knew they had not acted their best this morn, but he could not help himself around her.

"Hide and seek, father," he muttered, mortified at having to state it out loud. His father sighed and leaned back into his chair.

"Hide and seek?" he questioned, to which his youngest son nodded once, "how old are you, Jasper?"

He had foreseen this question the moment his father had asked after their activities. It was true, he was far too old to be playing childish games, but it had seemed like such a wonderful idea at the time.

"Seventeen," he replied quickly, raising his head to meet his father's irritated stare.

"And she is?"

"Fifteen, father."

"I see."

His father continued to stare coldly across the room at him. He was displeased with his son's behaviour. It was most out of character for his shy and obedient son to behave in such a way. Unable to withstand his father's stare for long, Prince Jasper immediately jumped to his lady's defence.

"Do not blame her, father, this was my doing," he stated quickly, "neither me nor her shall behave this way again."

His father met his gaze and told him simply, "No, you shall not. Jasper, I think it wise that you distance yourself from this girl."

His father's words stopped his heart, the mere idea of distancing himself from Alice, too painful to comprehend. He shook his head slowly, until he found his voice.

"I cannot do that, father," was his timid reply.

The room fell silent for a long awkward moment. In the entirety of his reign, not one person, family or otherwise, had refused to act as His Majesty directed.

He sighed heavily, "You seem to misunderstand me. This is not a request. You will distance yourself from Lady Mary, or I will be forced to remove her from Buckingham."

"Father, I beg you! Please do not force me away from her! I wish to marry her," he pleaded, and his father's expression softened for a fraction of a second, before hardening once again.

"You cannot marry her, Jasper," his father told him, "you are promised to another."

All thought vacated his mind in that moment, and for a few seconds he simply stood before his parents, unable to respond in any way.

"I knew we should have told him sooner," He vaguely heard his mother whisper, "we should have told long ago."

His father ignored her and instead fixed his eyes on his son. Prince Jasper was beginning to regain some control over his thoughts and managed to ask the simple question.

"To whom exactly, am I promised?"

"Maria, the Infanta of Spain," His Majesty told his son at last. The contract may not have been finalised for long, but His Majesty had planned this marriage since Rosalie's had been voided. He needed his children in powerful positions, and with France lost to rebels, he had no other choice but to seek Spain as an ally.

"The daughter of the Emperor?" he questioned, trying to piece together the facts. In complete honesty, it mattered not who his father had promised his hand too, there was only woman that would be his wife.

"Yes," His Majesty replied, pleased by his son's curiosity, "she will be the ruler of Spain once her father passes on. God willingly, however, that will not be for some time."

Prince Jasper retreated back into his thoughts. He saw the appeal now; the reason behind his father's decision. His father wanted nothing more than to have strong alliances throughout Europe. The young Prince, however, had no desire to sit on the throne of Spain. He was not an ambitious man and had no wish to marry for power or titles. He wanted Alice, and only her.

"And if I refuse?"

His mother caught his gaze then and if he did not feel so strongly about this, he would have likely changed his mind to please his mother. He hated to hurt her so. His Majesty lifted his stern gaze to hold his son's stare. They shared a significant look and the young Prince knew that his father would not take refusal lightly. His father had a low tolerance for disloyalty.

"If you refuse, you will lose everything that I can take from you. Your title, income and housing will be revoked. You will be exiled from our home and our court."

After a long moment, Prince Jasper nodded once. He knew the price he had to pay, but it was not his punishment that concerned him.

"And Lady Mary?"

"If she should follow you, she will receive the same treatment as yourself. I advise you to think hard on your decision. Do not act rashly, son, neither myself nor your mother wishes to lose you, but we shall, should you make the wrong choice."

His eyes fell to the floor. He could not believe the outcome of this meeting, he was betrothed to the heiress of the Spanish throne and his parents had only now thought to enlighten him. He had never met Maria, but he knew she was young, younger than Alice. The marriage would be incredibly advantageous and should they be blessed with children, they would have a throne to inherit and would want for nothing. But if he refused, he would lose everything. He would have no title, no rank in society, and his friends within the court would be forced to shun him at his father's command. How could he ask for Alice's hand when he would have nothing to offer her? If he chose her, then they would lose everything. He could see no alternative, however, he could not imagine his future without her as his wife, but he could not doom her to a life in exile. He would have to speak with Alice immediately; they had much to discuss.

So what happens next? I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions... until next time!

Thanks for reading :)

P.S. if anyone knows of someone willing to Beta this story, please send them in my direction as its been put to my attention just how many mistakes are in these chapters :/ sorry if they annoy you, I tend to write really late at night so I don't always notice them lol Thanks again :)