Chapter 7
I woke up the next day with difficulty. My whole body aced and my head hurt. I made myself go into the bathroom and take a bath. It was so soothing. The bath had bubbles and nice hot water. I finished bathing and dried myself off. I walked into my room to look for a dress.
"I'm sorry. I knocked and know one answered. I wanted to make sure you are all right." Said Prince Daren covering his eyes with his gloved hand. I had a strong feeling he was looking between his fingers.
"Yes I am fine. I just had to clean myself up a little bit. Thank you for asking majesty" I said opening the closet.
"Please call me Daren."
"All right. Um, will you excuse me I have to change?"
"Oh. Yes. Sorry. Come down to the last door to the left when you're finished. I want to talk to you."
"Yes Daren."
He left quickly closing the door behind him. I wanted to leave. I wanted to find Edan. He has not found me and I am scared he never will. I selected a random dress, it happened to be a very pretty one. I looked thin and my figure looked fuller in it. I brushed my hair and walked down the hallway.
The door was easy to find. I knocked and the door opened. "Hello. Please take a seat." Said Daren pulling the chair closer to his. I sat down and looked up at him. "Would you like to take a walk with me outside?"
"Yes I would love that." I responded.
"All right then let's go."
"I just want to get something from the room first if you don't mind."
"I'll wait forever for you."
"Believe it won't take that long."
He laughed with great pleasure and stood up. I followed his jester and left the room. I walked down the hallway with him beside me. He opened the door and I walked in and picked up my dress Dimitri bought me. I looked in the pocket for Edan's necklace. It wasn't there. Looked in the other pocket frantically. It wasn't there either.
"Did you loose something?" Daren asked walking over to me.
"Yes. Please it means the world to me. It must have dropped somewhere" I cried out tears forming in my eyes.
"What is it?"
"My necklace!"
"What does it look like?"
"It's silver. With a pendent in the middle. It has two black roses on it."
"Calm down we'll find it. And if we don't I'll buy you a new one."
"No you don't understand. It was a gift from my...fiancé."
"Your fiancé !"
"Yes. He's probably looking for me too. I must find the necklace. It's the only thing that keeps us together when we are separated."
"What is his name?"
"Edan Rossdale." I said kneeling on the floor. I started to fall apart. Tears started to flow out of my eyes. Then one thing I loved that helped me remember Edan was gone. It's gone forever.
"I will send out a search for you fiancé. I will find him don't worry."
"Thank you."
He pulled me up on my feet and gave me a kiss on my cheek. He walked out of the room giving me some time alone. I laid on the bed wondering if Edan had searched for me. Won't he have found me by now? Does he really love me or was he just a one-night sort of thing. I didn't even really know him! Why do I doubt him? I love him. Or do I. Was it just an infatuation?
Someone knocking on the door interrupted me. It was a guard. "Sorry to disturb you madam but the prince has called for your presence in his chamber." He said trying to give me a hint.
"All right." I responded trying to understand it.
He walked out and whispered "I would leave as soon as you can miss." And he walked out. I ran out to ask him what he meant but he was gone when I opened the door. I sighed and walked down the cold corridor. I reached his chamber and knocked on the heavy oak door. "Enter." Said a voice inside. I pushed open the door and was welcomed by a warm fire. "Oh Jazlyn nice of you finally get here. Well I've started the search. Do you have any idea where he might be?" I thought for a minute. I didn't actually know where Edan's house was.
"No I wouldn't have the slightest idea. His house burned down a month ago and has been living with a friend and I don't know where his friend lives." The prince replied after a long pause, "Why are you engaged to him if he doesn't even have a home to take you to?"
I gave him a rude look and said with a little attitude "because I love him. And his house is being rebuilt." The prince smiled. "Reasonable." Is all he said.
I looked around his room to avoid eye contact with the prince. His room was covered gold crushed velvet. "Well I don't want to be a nuisance. So I'll leave." I said walking towards the door.
"You'll never be a nuisance to me." He said walking in front of me and opening the door.
Thank you." I said and walked out. The door closed and I gave a little grunt of anger. Out of all people he has to like me! I am only a commoner. If he knew that he would probably get rid of me and act as if I had not been there. Maybe I should take that guard's advice. I should leave and find Edan. Maybe I'll find him and we can be together again. Or shall I stay here and wait to see if the prince finds him. I really have no place to go, so I should stay here until the prince finds him. It'll be easier and not so life threatening.
I walk down the stairs to the main lobby. I saw a big wooden door ajar.
I saw books on tremendous sized shelves. I pushed the door open and walked inside. I walked around looking at the titles of random books. Someone walked in and walked over to me. I turned with curiosity. "I see you found the library. If it pleases you pick any of your choice." Said Daren walking around me in a circle.
"Are you following me?" I asked. My voice had light and seductive. Like I was trying to flirt with him. He laughed and came even closer to me.
"Do you think I am?"
"Yes."
"Hmm. then maybe I am."
"Good to know I guess."
"Yes very well."
I walked away from him and picked up a black leathered book called 'Dracula.'
"You like vampire books?" He said taking the book out of my hand.
"Not necessarily. I like fiction because it's not real. Anything can happen." I said taking the book back abruptly.
"You're not like everyone else are you?"
"Not everyone is alike in the first place. Just because I like to observe things and look at things for what they really are doesn't make me different. It makes you different because you will look at someone and like them for their beauty not who they really are" I argued looking into his astonished eyes.
"Is that what you think. You think I am attracted to you because you're beautiful. You maybe beautiful and very attractive but I like you for who you really are" He replied moving closer again.
"And who am I really?"
"Someone who is blinded by fake love. From what I have seen of you, you aren't that interested in what you have in front of you. You want to see different things, different people. Well, if I've known better I think you have found something or maybe even someone different from the way you grew up. Good day Jazlyn." He finished and left the room.
I felt like a great anger came over me. I wanted to hit him he made me so mad. He can't just judge me like that. I've known him for a day or not even a day! He doesn't even have the slightest idea who I am! I don't care if he is the prince I hate him.
I left the library and went outside. I felt free again. I sat in the shade of a tree and opened the book. It was about a vampire named Dracula. What a coincidence. I read half the book until it started to get dark and colder. I didn't want to be outside in the dark alone.
While I was walking inside I walked into my room and laid down. My days are so boring. Back at Lisa's I would at least have work to fulfill. But here you just do whatever you want which isn't much. I went to sleep not expecting anything but a normal dream but that surely did not happen.
"I told you not to run away and now look where you are. Trapped in a boring palace where the prince is hitting on you all the time. I wonder what Edan would think if he saw you there" said Dimitri sitting in the ground next to me.
"He would want me to leave with him. That's what he would want" I replied looking anywhere but at him.
"Are you sure of that? I am surprised you are sure about anything now. Edan has not found you. Maybe he doesn't want to. Maybe he found some other lost soul to screw." He said cruelly.
"He wouldn't do that to me. He loves me."
"How do you know what he'll do? You don't really know who he is. He may have just been nice to you because he wanted to screw you. And it worked!"
"Listen how do you know whom Edan is? What are you his father or something?"
"As a matter of fact I am."
"Yeah right. How am I supposed to believe you? Edan would've told me!"
"He doesn't know that's why. And he would've told you. And you don't have to believe me. But Edan is not coming back to you."
"Why isn't he?"
"Because. Well, your prince will tell you. Good night. I will see you again soon." Finished Dimitri and then I woke up.
There were two knocks on the door. I shot up from my bed so fast I thought I would fall over. I just hoped it wasn't the prince. If it is he is going to tell me something I don't want to know.
"Miss. The prince requests you come down to dinner" said the servant.
I felt a great relief. "Please tell him I don't want to be alone. If you don not mind. Here take this." I said handing her 2 Franks I found outside.
"Please I don't need this madam." She said with her eyes sparking with happiness.
"Please take it as a token of my appreciation" I said closing her hand around the Franks.
"Thank you."
"No thank you."
She smiled and left. I hope that made her happy. Went into the bathroom and my sadness and anger came back like a strong wind. Some how, I built up all this rage and I broke the mirror with my fist. My hand started to trickle blood. I started to cry with frustration and pain. My knuckles were bleeding nonstop now. I collapsed in a pile of glass. I heard the door being flung open and Daren came into the bathroom, picked me up and laid me on the bed.
I cried even more from the pain in my heart and my flesh. "WHAT HAPPENED?" He said panicked. He took the handkerchief from his pocket and held it to my hand that was bleeding. I stopped crying after a couple of minutes and spoke between sobs.
"Is he dead? Tell me is he?"
"Yes he is. He was murdered yesterday. Some passing by peasant saw him being stabbed. His killer took his body. The peasant said he saw him lying there still and wasn't breathing. The killer took the body and then disappeared. I am so sorry Jazlyn."
My crying soon washed over me. I cried so much I had no more tears left. Daren had to rush me to the bathroom about five times for me to vomit. I haven't eaten anything for about two days so soon I was throwing up acid that burnt my throat. When everything calmed down again I tried to talk. I lost my voice.
"Please let me go get a doctor." Daren said brushing the strands of hair in front of my eyes.
"No. I just need to rest." I whispered wiping tears out of my eyes.
"If you aren't well in two days I will get a doctor."
"Deal."
"Do you want me to send for some food for you?"
"Unless you want me to vomit again then I don't think so, but thank you."
He laughed and put a blanket over me. I told him to leave and get some rest. But he refused to leave me alone so he sat in the chair by the fire watching me. "Its amazing how you actually saw a madam vomit. Prince of France helping a know one through a tragedy. That must be the first." I said with a raspy voice.
"You know no matter how sick you are you always find some way to insult me. And I am not as conceded as you think I am." He said with a smile on his face.
"Yeah well you disserve it. I mean you like a woman who you just saw pouring he guts out, and her fiance just died." I said with a single tear trickling down my cheek.
"Well maybe you aren't just a woman to me. Maybe you're the woman. Maybe you'll give me a chance to show myself. You are so different than the other women are. Different, in a good way. When I saw you being attacked I knew there was something about you. In the carriage I couldn't keep my eyes off you. I think I'm in lo..."
"No please. Don't say it. Please." I pleaded looking away from him. I cried silent tears of pain. To be back in Edan's arms and telling me it's okay. I wanted he taking me away forever just the two of us.
I turned completely over and made myself stop thinking of Edan and go to sleep. I feel asleep peacefully. I just dreamt about how I will never hear his laugh again, or see his beautiful smile, or his black eyes gleaming into mine. I started crying again in my sleep. I could feel the warm tears trickle down my face.
Being in a strange room in a strange environment with a strange man watching you isn't that comforting. This isn't where I want to be. But I have nowhere to go. I don't want to go back to Lisa's. I can't stay here. I have no money. I have nothing. I have no one.
I stood up. I grabbed a shawl that was in the closet and left. I ran down the stairs to the door and out to the fresh air. I ran towards the road and down it. I danced and twirled. I ran and walked. I did anything I pleased. I walked and walked. I stopped at a nearby town to rest. Then my journey started again. I didn't regret or look back. I just walked.
I walked all day and night came. I found a patch of grass and laid carefully on it. I feel asleep quickly from exhaustion. Ever since I met Edan I have never had a normal dream. I dreamt of me holding a baby. Then I saw Edan coming behind me and saying "It's a miracle!" Then taking the baby from my hands and smiling. He then started to laugh and turn around in circles with tons of jubilation. I smiled and started to laugh. He kissed me and said "I love you. And I love my son!"
His kiss felt so real. I could smell his sent so close to me. I felt his warmth and his laugher. It was as if he was really with me again. The sun shined in my eyes, which was the cause of me waking up. I wanted to go back to sleep. I wanted to see Edan again. I opened my eyes to the real world. A real world with nothing but sadness and loss in my reality. I shook of the pain and stretched out. I was fully awake then I started to walk. Walk to where ever the road takes me.
I walked for the day again. Only stopping for apples or berries. I walked myself right into the wilderness. It was dark and cold. I just walked straight trying to ignore the strange sounds in every direction. I felt dirty and scared at the same time. For the first time in my life I wanted to be back at Lisa's. What am I doing? I am going to walk myself right off France into the waters.
I stopped for my night's rest. I made a pile of colored leaves and laid down. I tired to close my eyes and go to sleep but I kept on looking around making sure nothing was lurking around. I got mad at myself for being so paranoid. I just closed my eyes and let sleep over come me.
I woke up the next day with difficulty. My whole body aced and my head hurt. I made myself go into the bathroom and take a bath. It was so soothing. The bath had bubbles and nice hot water. I finished bathing and dried myself off. I walked into my room to look for a dress.
"I'm sorry. I knocked and know one answered. I wanted to make sure you are all right." Said Prince Daren covering his eyes with his gloved hand. I had a strong feeling he was looking between his fingers.
"Yes I am fine. I just had to clean myself up a little bit. Thank you for asking majesty" I said opening the closet.
"Please call me Daren."
"All right. Um, will you excuse me I have to change?"
"Oh. Yes. Sorry. Come down to the last door to the left when you're finished. I want to talk to you."
"Yes Daren."
He left quickly closing the door behind him. I wanted to leave. I wanted to find Edan. He has not found me and I am scared he never will. I selected a random dress, it happened to be a very pretty one. I looked thin and my figure looked fuller in it. I brushed my hair and walked down the hallway.
The door was easy to find. I knocked and the door opened. "Hello. Please take a seat." Said Daren pulling the chair closer to his. I sat down and looked up at him. "Would you like to take a walk with me outside?"
"Yes I would love that." I responded.
"All right then let's go."
"I just want to get something from the room first if you don't mind."
"I'll wait forever for you."
"Believe it won't take that long."
He laughed with great pleasure and stood up. I followed his jester and left the room. I walked down the hallway with him beside me. He opened the door and I walked in and picked up my dress Dimitri bought me. I looked in the pocket for Edan's necklace. It wasn't there. Looked in the other pocket frantically. It wasn't there either.
"Did you loose something?" Daren asked walking over to me.
"Yes. Please it means the world to me. It must have dropped somewhere" I cried out tears forming in my eyes.
"What is it?"
"My necklace!"
"What does it look like?"
"It's silver. With a pendent in the middle. It has two black roses on it."
"Calm down we'll find it. And if we don't I'll buy you a new one."
"No you don't understand. It was a gift from my...fiancé."
"Your fiancé !"
"Yes. He's probably looking for me too. I must find the necklace. It's the only thing that keeps us together when we are separated."
"What is his name?"
"Edan Rossdale." I said kneeling on the floor. I started to fall apart. Tears started to flow out of my eyes. Then one thing I loved that helped me remember Edan was gone. It's gone forever.
"I will send out a search for you fiancé. I will find him don't worry."
"Thank you."
He pulled me up on my feet and gave me a kiss on my cheek. He walked out of the room giving me some time alone. I laid on the bed wondering if Edan had searched for me. Won't he have found me by now? Does he really love me or was he just a one-night sort of thing. I didn't even really know him! Why do I doubt him? I love him. Or do I. Was it just an infatuation?
Someone knocking on the door interrupted me. It was a guard. "Sorry to disturb you madam but the prince has called for your presence in his chamber." He said trying to give me a hint.
"All right." I responded trying to understand it.
He walked out and whispered "I would leave as soon as you can miss." And he walked out. I ran out to ask him what he meant but he was gone when I opened the door. I sighed and walked down the cold corridor. I reached his chamber and knocked on the heavy oak door. "Enter." Said a voice inside. I pushed open the door and was welcomed by a warm fire. "Oh Jazlyn nice of you finally get here. Well I've started the search. Do you have any idea where he might be?" I thought for a minute. I didn't actually know where Edan's house was.
"No I wouldn't have the slightest idea. His house burned down a month ago and has been living with a friend and I don't know where his friend lives." The prince replied after a long pause, "Why are you engaged to him if he doesn't even have a home to take you to?"
I gave him a rude look and said with a little attitude "because I love him. And his house is being rebuilt." The prince smiled. "Reasonable." Is all he said.
I looked around his room to avoid eye contact with the prince. His room was covered gold crushed velvet. "Well I don't want to be a nuisance. So I'll leave." I said walking towards the door.
"You'll never be a nuisance to me." He said walking in front of me and opening the door.
Thank you." I said and walked out. The door closed and I gave a little grunt of anger. Out of all people he has to like me! I am only a commoner. If he knew that he would probably get rid of me and act as if I had not been there. Maybe I should take that guard's advice. I should leave and find Edan. Maybe I'll find him and we can be together again. Or shall I stay here and wait to see if the prince finds him. I really have no place to go, so I should stay here until the prince finds him. It'll be easier and not so life threatening.
I walk down the stairs to the main lobby. I saw a big wooden door ajar.
I saw books on tremendous sized shelves. I pushed the door open and walked inside. I walked around looking at the titles of random books. Someone walked in and walked over to me. I turned with curiosity. "I see you found the library. If it pleases you pick any of your choice." Said Daren walking around me in a circle.
"Are you following me?" I asked. My voice had light and seductive. Like I was trying to flirt with him. He laughed and came even closer to me.
"Do you think I am?"
"Yes."
"Hmm. then maybe I am."
"Good to know I guess."
"Yes very well."
I walked away from him and picked up a black leathered book called 'Dracula.'
"You like vampire books?" He said taking the book out of my hand.
"Not necessarily. I like fiction because it's not real. Anything can happen." I said taking the book back abruptly.
"You're not like everyone else are you?"
"Not everyone is alike in the first place. Just because I like to observe things and look at things for what they really are doesn't make me different. It makes you different because you will look at someone and like them for their beauty not who they really are" I argued looking into his astonished eyes.
"Is that what you think. You think I am attracted to you because you're beautiful. You maybe beautiful and very attractive but I like you for who you really are" He replied moving closer again.
"And who am I really?"
"Someone who is blinded by fake love. From what I have seen of you, you aren't that interested in what you have in front of you. You want to see different things, different people. Well, if I've known better I think you have found something or maybe even someone different from the way you grew up. Good day Jazlyn." He finished and left the room.
I felt like a great anger came over me. I wanted to hit him he made me so mad. He can't just judge me like that. I've known him for a day or not even a day! He doesn't even have the slightest idea who I am! I don't care if he is the prince I hate him.
I left the library and went outside. I felt free again. I sat in the shade of a tree and opened the book. It was about a vampire named Dracula. What a coincidence. I read half the book until it started to get dark and colder. I didn't want to be outside in the dark alone.
While I was walking inside I walked into my room and laid down. My days are so boring. Back at Lisa's I would at least have work to fulfill. But here you just do whatever you want which isn't much. I went to sleep not expecting anything but a normal dream but that surely did not happen.
"I told you not to run away and now look where you are. Trapped in a boring palace where the prince is hitting on you all the time. I wonder what Edan would think if he saw you there" said Dimitri sitting in the ground next to me.
"He would want me to leave with him. That's what he would want" I replied looking anywhere but at him.
"Are you sure of that? I am surprised you are sure about anything now. Edan has not found you. Maybe he doesn't want to. Maybe he found some other lost soul to screw." He said cruelly.
"He wouldn't do that to me. He loves me."
"How do you know what he'll do? You don't really know who he is. He may have just been nice to you because he wanted to screw you. And it worked!"
"Listen how do you know whom Edan is? What are you his father or something?"
"As a matter of fact I am."
"Yeah right. How am I supposed to believe you? Edan would've told me!"
"He doesn't know that's why. And he would've told you. And you don't have to believe me. But Edan is not coming back to you."
"Why isn't he?"
"Because. Well, your prince will tell you. Good night. I will see you again soon." Finished Dimitri and then I woke up.
There were two knocks on the door. I shot up from my bed so fast I thought I would fall over. I just hoped it wasn't the prince. If it is he is going to tell me something I don't want to know.
"Miss. The prince requests you come down to dinner" said the servant.
I felt a great relief. "Please tell him I don't want to be alone. If you don not mind. Here take this." I said handing her 2 Franks I found outside.
"Please I don't need this madam." She said with her eyes sparking with happiness.
"Please take it as a token of my appreciation" I said closing her hand around the Franks.
"Thank you."
"No thank you."
She smiled and left. I hope that made her happy. Went into the bathroom and my sadness and anger came back like a strong wind. Some how, I built up all this rage and I broke the mirror with my fist. My hand started to trickle blood. I started to cry with frustration and pain. My knuckles were bleeding nonstop now. I collapsed in a pile of glass. I heard the door being flung open and Daren came into the bathroom, picked me up and laid me on the bed.
I cried even more from the pain in my heart and my flesh. "WHAT HAPPENED?" He said panicked. He took the handkerchief from his pocket and held it to my hand that was bleeding. I stopped crying after a couple of minutes and spoke between sobs.
"Is he dead? Tell me is he?"
"Yes he is. He was murdered yesterday. Some passing by peasant saw him being stabbed. His killer took his body. The peasant said he saw him lying there still and wasn't breathing. The killer took the body and then disappeared. I am so sorry Jazlyn."
My crying soon washed over me. I cried so much I had no more tears left. Daren had to rush me to the bathroom about five times for me to vomit. I haven't eaten anything for about two days so soon I was throwing up acid that burnt my throat. When everything calmed down again I tried to talk. I lost my voice.
"Please let me go get a doctor." Daren said brushing the strands of hair in front of my eyes.
"No. I just need to rest." I whispered wiping tears out of my eyes.
"If you aren't well in two days I will get a doctor."
"Deal."
"Do you want me to send for some food for you?"
"Unless you want me to vomit again then I don't think so, but thank you."
He laughed and put a blanket over me. I told him to leave and get some rest. But he refused to leave me alone so he sat in the chair by the fire watching me. "Its amazing how you actually saw a madam vomit. Prince of France helping a know one through a tragedy. That must be the first." I said with a raspy voice.
"You know no matter how sick you are you always find some way to insult me. And I am not as conceded as you think I am." He said with a smile on his face.
"Yeah well you disserve it. I mean you like a woman who you just saw pouring he guts out, and her fiance just died." I said with a single tear trickling down my cheek.
"Well maybe you aren't just a woman to me. Maybe you're the woman. Maybe you'll give me a chance to show myself. You are so different than the other women are. Different, in a good way. When I saw you being attacked I knew there was something about you. In the carriage I couldn't keep my eyes off you. I think I'm in lo..."
"No please. Don't say it. Please." I pleaded looking away from him. I cried silent tears of pain. To be back in Edan's arms and telling me it's okay. I wanted he taking me away forever just the two of us.
I turned completely over and made myself stop thinking of Edan and go to sleep. I feel asleep peacefully. I just dreamt about how I will never hear his laugh again, or see his beautiful smile, or his black eyes gleaming into mine. I started crying again in my sleep. I could feel the warm tears trickle down my face.
Being in a strange room in a strange environment with a strange man watching you isn't that comforting. This isn't where I want to be. But I have nowhere to go. I don't want to go back to Lisa's. I can't stay here. I have no money. I have nothing. I have no one.
I stood up. I grabbed a shawl that was in the closet and left. I ran down the stairs to the door and out to the fresh air. I ran towards the road and down it. I danced and twirled. I ran and walked. I did anything I pleased. I walked and walked. I stopped at a nearby town to rest. Then my journey started again. I didn't regret or look back. I just walked.
I walked all day and night came. I found a patch of grass and laid carefully on it. I feel asleep quickly from exhaustion. Ever since I met Edan I have never had a normal dream. I dreamt of me holding a baby. Then I saw Edan coming behind me and saying "It's a miracle!" Then taking the baby from my hands and smiling. He then started to laugh and turn around in circles with tons of jubilation. I smiled and started to laugh. He kissed me and said "I love you. And I love my son!"
His kiss felt so real. I could smell his sent so close to me. I felt his warmth and his laugher. It was as if he was really with me again. The sun shined in my eyes, which was the cause of me waking up. I wanted to go back to sleep. I wanted to see Edan again. I opened my eyes to the real world. A real world with nothing but sadness and loss in my reality. I shook of the pain and stretched out. I was fully awake then I started to walk. Walk to where ever the road takes me.
I walked for the day again. Only stopping for apples or berries. I walked myself right into the wilderness. It was dark and cold. I just walked straight trying to ignore the strange sounds in every direction. I felt dirty and scared at the same time. For the first time in my life I wanted to be back at Lisa's. What am I doing? I am going to walk myself right off France into the waters.
I stopped for my night's rest. I made a pile of colored leaves and laid down. I tired to close my eyes and go to sleep but I kept on looking around making sure nothing was lurking around. I got mad at myself for being so paranoid. I just closed my eyes and let sleep over come me.