Damn those Cillians! Jenkins thought angrily, carefully adjusting his arm that was underneath Cassandra so as not to wake her. He also had some harsh words for himself, as well. Why did I let her talk me into this in the first place? I knew it was a bad idea, I knew she would end up being hurt by the them again! I should've put my foot down, I should've protected her!
Cassandra had talked him into going to New York for a short visit with her parents before Christmas. Jenkins had been reluctant; Mr. and Mrs. Cillian were still not comfortable with their daughter's choice for a husband, they thought he was far too old for her, yet another source of embarrassment their rebellious daughter had brought to the family, really. But Cassandra still held out hope that she could win her parents' affection. He had relented, against his better judgement. And as he had feared, the visit had gone very badly. It wasn't more than a few hours before his wife was in tears. Jenkins immediately gathered their things and brought her back to Portland. The rest of the day had been spent in comforting Cassandra and trying to undo the damage those insufferable people had done to her.
They were now stretched out on the huge bed in their room, the dim light of the setting sun gradually dying. Cassandra was curled up against her husband's body, his arms holding her protectively. She had cried herself to sleep an hour ago, worn out and emotionally drained. Jenkins continued to cuddle her, holding her close and gently kissing her head as she slept, whispering to her how much he loved her. Through the bond they shared with their Sealing, he could feel her misery and bewilderment, and it sliced into his heart. All she wanted was for her parents to love her, to be proud of her—and they refused. It made the immortal furious. How could they be so hard-hearted? How could they not love their daughter? She was kind, smart, beautiful, generous to a fault. She had her whole life in front of her now, a life that was sure to be full of adventure and discovery and achievement—how could they not want to be a part of it? Why did they keep pushing her away?
Cassandra stirred in his arms and whimpered softly in her sleep. Jenkins instantly ceased his angry thoughts. She could sense them through their bond, and the last thing she needed right now was all of his anger issues with his in-laws piled on top what she already had to deal with.
The immortal cleared his mind of all thought, utilizing some old meditation techniques he had picked up in Tibet a few centuries ago. He then began to allow only pleasant thoughts and memories to come to mind, especially ones that pertained to his relationship with Cassandra. He visualized the day they were Sealed, calling to mind as much detail as possible, letting the sensations of sheer, overwhelming joy and love that he'd felt on that day well up within himself. They were powerful memories, and they generated equally powerful feelings, and he used their bond to share everything with her in the hopes of counter-acting the negative emotions and beliefs her parents had instilled in his beloved Librarian.
Cassandra stirred again in his arms. Looking down, Jenkins was pleased to see a small smile on her face as she, too, was now reliving in her dreams that wonderful day of their Sealing. She snuggled against him, and he could feel her body relax at last. He placed his lips as close to her ear as he could without risk of waking her and whispered to her.
"Don't ever forget, Cassandra: You are a Librarian—a member of a very elite, very special group of people, and just because your parents can't point to a plaque or a ribbon or a degree that you've won and somehow claim the responsibility for it doesn't negate that fact one iota!" He paused for a moment, then continued, his low voice now, more commanding and unflinching.
"You are a brilliant scientist, Cassandra Cillian Jenkins, incredibly gifted with all things magical!" He raised his head slightly, proudly, as he continued loftily.
"You are a queen, figuratively and literally; never forget that! You are a knight's lady—no mean position by any stretch of the imagination! You are my wife, my beloved, beautiful Cassandra; I would die for you, my love! Don't let anyone take any of these things away from you!" He paused again for a moment.
"And while perhaps your parents are correct in that I'm not the youngest or most handsome stallion in the meadow anymore," he murmured in a slightly affronted tone. "I daresay that there's still plenty about me that at least some fillies find desirable—else I would never have caught the eye of this leggy little chestnut right here!" Jenkins kissed his wife's head tenderly.
Cassandra giggled softly in her sleep and snuggled into his chest, then went on to dream of riding fine, strong horses through the Heart of the Library with her knight in shining armor..