JPOV

I felt a pair of arms circle around my waist and a hard but warm body press behind me and lips pressed against my ear, "Do you want anything, my beauty?" my King asked, releasing me from his possessive hold and standing beside me with a genuinely happy smile.

I felt guilty as I asked him, "Uh, yes. I would like to buy that gold ring and silver arm cuff, my Lord," I felt my cheeks flush with color. I hated asking people for things; I prefered to get things on my own.

He chuckled, reaching into his white robes and pulling out some money, setting it in the merchant's hands. "Of course."

"Thank you," I told him, gratefully taking the ring and armband from the merchant and thanked him as well.

"Come on, we should get going. It's almost time to eat," Edward said, grabbing my hand and towing me toward Isabella who was still gawking at the silks like a vulture at a dying prey.

Once again, I glared at her, wishing my eyes were capable of flying daggers at her.

"Have you found anything you like, Bella?" Edward asked her, grinning at her when she turned around and smiled back at him, holding up a bright blue piece of silk.

I felt the ugly face of jealousy course through my veins as I watched the way they looked at each other. My instincts told me to get down on my knees and make Edward understand why I was so much better than her.

"Just the scarf, my Lord," she said, holding out her hand for Edward's money with a playful smile. I wanted to ram the heel of my foot in the side of her head.

"My greedy little Princess," he chuckled, handing over the pieces of gold to her.

Oh, that's right. She's a Princess.

I slouched as I stood beside him, remembering that Isabella was a roman Princess who was brought here specifically to marry Edward and unite the Kingdoms. An important detail that I completely forgot about.

I stood no chance at winning this.

"Oh, Jasper, we have to get your new bedding linens!" my King reminded me, snapping me from my inner loathing and pity.

I nodded, trying to smile through the eating heart break and walked with him towards another stand that was covered with brilliant shades of cottons. I noticed Edward give me a scrutinizing look but turned my face away, walking over to the linens and looking over the sheets that would probably fit to my bed.

I internally shook my head at myself for many reasons, including how I could possibly think that a King would break tradition and marry a man instead of a woman and the fact that the damn concubine to the Prince of Cyprus was a Roman Princess.

"Pick whatever you like, my beauty," Edward told me, running his hands over my ass and leaning towards me, his mouth in my ear, "I can't wait to christen the new sheets with you, Eros."

I squeezed my eyes shut, swallowing down the lust and desire that swelled under my skin. I felt like I couldn't breathe right.

Inhaling, I tried to re-focus and pick out a set of linens and just get back to the palace so I could sulk.

I quickly snatched up white sheets and Edward paid for them, still watching me like a hawk. I'd give him one thing; he wasn't stupid.

A/N : Just wanted to say again, this is a Battle of the Sexes. Jasper and Bella are competing for the King's hand. If you think one is getting more attention than the other ... well, suck it up. All in good time.

Remember to review and recommend to others!

If you get the chance, 'Like' my Facebook page as watch the journey as I take the baby steps to publication!

/MBMassinAuthor