Seeing Truth
Chapter 13:
I quickly closed my eyes shut as I felt a splitting headache come on. Bringing a hand to my head, I groaned. My whole body ached and the cold stone floor under me didn't do any better. I tried to stretch my legs, but it only resulted in more aching. At least I could move, but that meant I had probably been out for more than three hours. I slowly sat up from where I had been lying. It was cold, dark, and damp, but that didn't stop me from noticing the wet pile of bones next to me. I yelped and backed away in an instant. How could I forget, I was in a dungeon, and Eric and his "gang" must have put me there for a practical joke. I noted to myself to get them back for that, but first I had to get out of here. I stood up shakily and walked to the dungeon's bars while leaning against the wall for support.
I suddenly felt something damp against my shoulder than quickly backed away. My knees buckled under me as my head became heavy with dizziness and I soon fell hard against the stone floor. I winced in pain as I tried to push myself up. I finally gave up, letting myself rest against the floor. It seemed like hours had passed since I had been lying there, but in reality, only ten minutes…
The sound of footsteps echoed through the halls beyond the door. I glanced up in time to see the door opening, the creaking of its hinges making me wince. I watched hopelessly as a familiar figure ran towards me or, rather, the bars.
"Jade…" he said worriedly.
I feigned a smile, "Hey, Kado… Um, how long have I been out?"
"The whole night."
"Are you serious? You mean the Ball's over?"
He nodded and I sighed in relief, "Anything interesting happen?"
I sat up as he spoke, "Well, I talked to my parents just now, and I think I got them into letting you go, but I don't know about this whole marriage thing yet."
"Oh, well, I think you can work something out," I held my head to keep the dizziness away as I spoke, "What time is it?"
"Nine-thirty."
"Kay, cause I still have to be at that farm at three…Speaking of which…" I searched around me for the folded piece of paper Pierre Rayne had handed me, but to no avail.
"What is it?"
"I can't find that paper with the directions…"
I heard Kado sigh, "What did he say his name was?"
"Pierre Rayne. Why?"
He looked up at me, "Hey, that guy's dad is the one who owns the largest farmland in Hyrule. Everything they get is basically from there. If you look at labels in a market, most of it is from there."
"What does he raise? Crops? Fruits? Anything else?"
"Everything else. Even cotton and silk come from there, medicine, herbs, and even some gold, and ceramic stuff."
"So…Do you know where this place is?"
"Yeah, not too far actually."
"How not too far?"
"About ten minutes on horseback."
"Good enough…" the sound of squeaking hinges cut me off as a soldier walked in carrying keys.
I quickly stood up, which actually was pretty slow, but I managed. Using the wall, I pushed off and walked towards the entrance as the soldier unlocked and opened the bar door. I sighed in relief as I stepped through and stretched.
"Freedom…" I breathed happily with a smile.
The soldier mumbled something as he left, but as the person I am, I ignored it…well, I would have wanted to stick my tongue out, but I didn't care at the moment. Turning to Kado, I smiled while he just leaned against the bars with arms crossed.
"I was really worried about you when I watched them do that to you, and guilty cause I couldn't do anything." He closed his eyes and sighed.
I smiled sympathetically and walked towards him, "Hey, that's okay. It was mostly my fault, though. I dragged you into this, got you into trouble, and myself, too, so I guess I deserved this, but everything will be o-mmph!"
I was obviously cut off again after my endless babbling to ignore Kado's gaze on me. It seemed longer this time with his lips against mine. I felt my heart skip a beat, and yeah, I don't know if that really happens, but it felt like it. When he finally backed away, I just stared at him…
"What was that for!" I asked angrily, but my voice seemed to fail me.
He sighed than turned to me with a small grin, "To shut you up."
I stuck my tongue out at him, "Well, better not talk so much to you anymore…"
"I wouldn't mind it if you did…"
I rolled my eyes, "Okay, smartmouth, how do we get out of here?"
"Follow me." With that, he grabbed my hand and led me into dark corridors. After a few turns and sets of stairs, we had reached my room.
With a sigh, I opened my door, "Feels like I haven't been in here forever."
"Mmhmm…" I heard Kado say as he sat down on the couch.
I sat down next to him and rested my head back, "I'm sore."
"Same here."
"At least you didn't pass out on cold, stone ground."
"At least you didn't have to dance with really snobbish girls for eight hours…"
"Well, so…?"
"And compliment them every five minutes on their looks."
"…."
"…."
"So?"
Kado only sighed and put an arm around me, allowing me to rest on his chest.
I closed my eyes, "I give up. You win."
"Thought you would see it my way."
"If I wasn't so tired I'd- well, I don't know, I'm tired."
"Good thing you are tired, cause I am, too."
"You know what? I can't fall asleep. I need a bath."
"Mmhmm…" Kado mumbled as I got up and walked to the dresser, letting Kado use up the whole sofa.
Igrinned as I watched him slip down deeper into the couch and fall asleep.
XxxxXxxxX
After taking a shower, fixing up, I came out in my old jeans and a black shirt the servants had come up with like mine, and my white long-sleeved shirt underneath. I walked out of the bathroom as I slipped on the ring Kado had bought for me. Too engrossed with the ring, I accidentally bumped into one of the posters of the bed. At least I thought I did. Rubbing my nose, I looked up to see an angry-faced Link glaring down at me with those dark blue eyes. His arms were crossed as he was leaning against the one poster I thought I had bumped into.
"Hey!" I whispered aloud with a crooked smile, "When did you get in?"
"I already know, Jade." He said plainly, but whispering just as much as me.
"Know what?" I asked, trying to hide my worried look.
He sighed, "You already know. You can't just come into our world and act like this to everyone. It's different here, and you have to respect Royalty no matter what. I don't know how it is in your world, but it's not the same. The more you act this way the more you'll get in trouble, including the people around you."
"What about you and Zelda?" I hissed angrily, holding my ring absentmindedly.
His hard glare softened for a moment before returning, "That's different."
"How? It's exactly the same." I knew what I was talking about, but obviously he wasn't sure, but I knew from his expression he was hiding it all.
"No it is not. Zelda and I have known each other for five years, and I have already earned their trust." He practically seethed.
"Not how I see it." I retorted, backing off a little. I for some reason didn't want him to find out.
He stared at me than sighed, "Just…don't get in any more trouble."
"But-" before I could snap back, he already walked out of the room like nothing happened.
I sat down on the bed and sighed. Running a hand through my wet hair, I turned my head to stare on the couch Kado was sleeping on. I heard him sigh than rustling as I guessed he was changing his position. I switched my gaze to stare down at my bare feet. The paint on my toenails was chipped and half-colored now. I spread my toes out and wiggled them, trying to ignore all the unwanted thoughts beginning to run through my head. Feeling a warm hand on my shoulder, I looked up to see Kado gazing down on me. I quickly looked away; I wasn't in the mood to argue anymore. I just couldn't take any of this anymore.
"I'm so sorry, Jade." I heard him say to me.
"You heard everything, didn't you?"
He sighed and sat next to me, "I didn't mean things to get this way, and between you and Link."
"It's okay. I guess it'll always be like that. Ever since I met him…like…a week ago, we've fought about…three times… I think…No, four times…yeah, more like disagreements, though, but I don't know anymore…" Kado sat next to me and listened intently.
"I think things will work out. You just have to give it time."
"I know…"
"Listen, why don't you stick with me for the rest of the day. We'll go have breakfast, um, hang out, than go see where that piece of land is at three."
I turned and smiled over to Kado, "You mean that?"
"Yeah, not like I have anything else to do."
"Well, thank you, Your Highness." I said sarcastically, but still glad inside, "What an honor it is."
"Stop it."
A devious grin appeared on my face while Kado only stared at me confused.
XxxxXxxxX
"I can't believe I have to work here…" I whined, staring at the large land in front of me. The huge farm consisted of hills filled with crops and other things. The land was in a secluded area surrounded by tall, rock walls as far as the eye could see, well, kind of. I already spotted about five farms, the main one, which was probably as large as the castle. Next to it was a large house, and a few buildings. I could smell all different sorts of things that I didn't even want to know about.
Kado stood next to me, gazing at the surroundings. I quickly noticed a small forest on the far right corner filled with large oaks. I quickly jumped when a large creaking sound erupted from the woods as a large pine tree crashed down with a large thump. I heard Kado chuckle so I quickly punched him in the arm.
"What was that for?" he asked, rubbing his arm at the same time.
"For laughing at me."
"Sorry, Princess." He said sarcastically.
"Dead arm!" I began punching him in the arm continuously.
"Aaagh!" he 'protested', slowly falling to the ground.
"You asked for it!" I said playfully while the prince of some far off country was on the ground getting beaten up…by me.
I yelped as Kado took me by my shoulders and pushed me down to the ground so that he was on top of me.
"Hey!"
"You asked for it!" he mimicked my words with a playful grin.
"Not funny!" I said as he began tickling me, "Gah! Stop!"
"Once you two are finished, I would like to get back to work." A deep, yet slight French accented voice said near by.
I cleared my throat as Kado and I stood up, brushing the dirt off our clothes.
"Thank you. Now, please follow me." With that, Pierre Rayne turned around and began walking towards the house.
I used my luck to punch Kado in the arm again before walking off.
"I'll get you later, Princess." He whispered with a grin.
"Wanna bet?"
XxxxXxxxX
"Alright, Jade. Because of your bad luck, you will be serving in my father's land for a whole year…" The tenth time that day Pierre Rayne bragged. I got the point; I lost at the stupid game. Over with it! "You will be working here five days a week from one to seven. Your only break is at three. Lasts only thirty minutes. Your days off are Saturday and Sundays. Any questions?"
Okay, that was to the point, "Uh, no. No questions."
"Good, You will start on Monday. See you then."
I stood up from the chair I had been sitting on, shook hands with Pierre than walked off with Kado behind me.
"Well, he didn't seem too bad." I heard Kado say once we were back in Hyrule market since the trip to the land area took only about five minutes.
"I know. He's acting all different now. Not stupid like he was last night, but I still don't trust him."
"Ah, well. What do you want to do today?"
"Not sure. What time is it?"
"Four-thirty."
"Hmm. For the first time, I think there isn't anything to do."
"Let's just head back to the castle."
"Sure, I'm tired, though, so…my room!" I said happily while Kado just nodded, "What's the matter?"
"Nothing, just those soldiers guarding the entrance to the castle." I followed his gaze to see a dozen or so soldiers guarding the castle entrance.
"How do we get through if they're blocking it?"
"They're most likely looking for us."
"What for?"
"Might as well go find out."
We made our way through the crowd until we reached the guards. One of the guards grabbed my wrist to prevent me from going anywhere while two others just plain halted Kado.
"We have orders from the king of Meyenn to take you to him immediately." One of the soldiers stepped up with his sword unsheathed, "while your friend will stay put in her room."
He pointed the sword at me, and I jumped back only to have the guard holding my wrist tighten his grip. I narrowed my eyes angrily, "You can let go of me. I'm not going to run away."
"We don't take any chances, Jade." Chills ran up my spine as the guard whispered in my ear. I knew that voice too well. I just wanted to know why I had to always get stuck with him. He probably just loved to mess with me. Well, I already was beginning to form a plot in my head, but what should it be?
Eric dragged me through the castle while four other soldiers followed with weapons unsheathed and ready. Was I that much of a threat? They opened the door to my room and shoved me in. I fell to the floor with a thump as the door slammed shut. I quickly got up and tried to open the door, but they had locked it just in time from me. I banged on the door angrily, but there was no use, including banging my head on it a few times. Sliding to the ground with my back to the door, I banged my head against the door a few more times, until a headache formed.
Minutes passed until I decided to get up, and plop onto the sofa. Lying down, now, I stared up at the ceiling. I had no idea what was going on, but I felt as though it was my fault for getting Kado in trouble, but what did I do? Was it my fault that he was beginning to like me? I mean- that's one thing I never expected cause everyone knows I'm not the prettiest girl in class or here, for that matter, so why would the prince of this infamous country fall for me? What did I do to deserve this? Why me?
Of course, while I continued to worry and ask myself what I did to deserve this, I absentmindedly had closed my eyes and fallen asleep.
XxxxXxxxX
The sound of a door being opened brought me back to reality. Realizing I was still on the couch, I sat up only to be greeted with five soldiers. I ran a hand through my hair only half way as the solders grabbed my arms and dragged me off the couch. I yelped, feeling pain shoot through my arms. I finally gained my balance again in the hall, but tripped over my feet a few times. I sighed; it was no use arguing with the soldiers, but I was getting angrier by the minute.
Only minutes later, they had taken me to the throne room where the two royal families were seated. I glanced at the window to my right and realized it was dark outside. Could that really mean that I had been asleep for that long? The two soldiers let go of my arms and let me fall to the ground on my hands and knees. I winced when my knees made contact with the floor, but tried to keep it in. Everyone seemed to be there; all the servants, soldiers, Kado, and Zelda…but no Link. Well, I had to be thankful for that. I didn't want him to see me like this or what was going to happen to me.
I glanced up just to see how Kado and Zelda were taking this. Kado seemed to not even look at me; he was just staring ahead with a plain expression on his face. My gaze turned to Zelda; she was staring ahead just as Kado, but I knew something was bothering her. I slowly got to my feet, and luckily, no one pushed me down again. I soon heard King Oren's booming voice. I flinched from surprise as I slowly looked up.
"Jade, you have caused us a lot of trouble these past few days, and even gotten in the way of certain engagements to be wed. So, after talking to my son, future heir of Meyenn, Prince Kado, I have understood that he does not want to be wed, neither does Princess Zelda."
That's good news, right? So, why am I here?
"And from what we have seen and observed, we have realized how much Prince Kado has taken a liking to you." My eyes widened in fear and shock. I didn't like where this was going to at all. My gaze quickly turned to Kado; he seemed to have a worried expression on his face, "We have all agreed you should be wed."
I think I was going to have a nervous breakdown right now. I think I had seen a ghost from the expression on my face. Before I could speak up, I heard an unexpected voice from beside me.
"Your Highness, I think this has gone far enough."
Eric.
Sorry, it's shorter than usual but I thought this was a good place to end. So, hope you guys like this chapter! And reviews, here!
Tai Aurion: Thank you for reviewing all my chapters! Appreciate it a lot!
magusanubis: Thank you for reviwing!
AnimeDemonNayorin: Yup! Thanks for reviewing Ch.11!
mOOky: thanks for reviewing Ch.11!
yukidarkfan: And thank you, too for reviewing Ch.11! Yup!
ChipsDip: Thank you so much for reviewing my story! And Yay! You updated! Oh, Jade's a year younger. She turns fourteen later, I'll have to explain later since it's in the story and since I turned 14 a week ago. Anyway, Link turns fifteen in october. His b-day. And Kado's already fifteen, but he turns sixteen in, well, haven't decided yet. Heh, yeah, Jade's Christian, but I just said it mainly during the argument.
crazypirate17: Hahah, update more often? I think I'll go blind if I update more often! ANyway, thanks for updating!
zeldafreak123: Well, it's a secret if it's kadoxjade or linkxjade. Heheheh, anyway, thank you for reviewing!
Anna: wow, first flame. ANyway, let's see...
Firstly, why do you attack my character's personality? How is she unrealistic, and OVERLY perfect. I thought you read my story since you went up to Ch.12. No, she is not blatant, she's just more aggressive than any character you've read. You can't just have a goodie-two-shoes all the time that's always happy. She has her own personality. The reason why she seems so aggressive is because she just can't seem to trust everyone around her. If you read on, and I highly agree youdon't if you continue to diss my story because of how you feel about a character's personality. That's kind of the theme of this story. She has to learn to trust others, and begans to feel like she cares for them. it gets more difficult when she realizes that someone has played a ridiculous joke on her. It only scars her even more. Sarcasm isn't evil. It's just how it is sometimes. I can be sarcastic most of the time, but I'm more of the quiet type. I wanted to make someone who was more out there, that's why I can't say she's exactly me, more like what i think in my head, she says it out there. Oh, no, Jade has her soft side, too, that's what i'm getting at. She hides herself behind her aggressive nature and sarcasm, but she has something people fall for. No, she's not a nasty person just cause she's more out there; she's just confused more of the time, and it's hard for her to cope with all the sudden changes around her. Though, she becomes friends with Kado, Link, Malon, and Zelda, she acts normal with them, that's just how she is. And how can you say she is ungrateful? For what exactly? She doesn't seem ungrateful to me because she seems to be thankful for a lot of stuff.
Secondly: Sorry if I used 'well' a lot, but if it's in dialougue, it means like they're giving time to think or something, but if it's in the story, it's just part of it, but I don't think I used it too much.
Thirdly: When Jade mentions hazel green eyes, it's just something that catches her attention a lot. And I don't think I used golden blonde hair a lot, it's just part of how she describes it. Nothing wrong with that.
BTW, I think it was overly critical of you to attack my character's personality like that. You don't seem to understand her is what I think, but if you don't like my story than don't read it cause I'm not reconsidering to rewrite this story. So, oh, another thing. Who's Mary-Sue?
There we go, I'VE said it. You don't like it, too bad...
kitana5055