Mean Seasons 62 Return
Jack opened his eyes and gasped.
"What...are the weeks over already? Nice. I hope I didn't create too many casualties...I only got half this place sealed so I'm pretty sure I ran amuck anyway..."
"Jack! You're awake finally!"
"Oh hi Jamie." His blood froze.
"JAMIE?!"
The boy looked at him oddly, then noticed that his eyes and expression had changed back to his normal...Jack-ness. He quickly explained everything, knowing that he must be the voice of reason, and showed him the frost brand on his back.
Jack's reaction to the brand shocked him.
The Guardian was absolutely mortified.
"I...did this to you?" He asked, running his fingers over the mark, pain and shame and sorrow lacing his soft tone heavily. His ice-blue eyes widened in recognition and realization, and his voice was a self-berating hiss. "I did this..I hurt you...I scarred you..."
The child hugged him tightly. "You gave me a gift, Jack!"
"GIFT?! Jamie I marked you! I marked you like an animal and now you're mine! I know what I've given you and it's no gift. It's a curse!"
"Look at us." The boy said pointedly. "We're the same. The cold doesn't bother me, Jack. I can't feel the bite anymore. I can command creatures you create! I'm...I'm your prince, Jack. I wouldn't trade this...for anything. So.." he looked deep in the scared, shamed eyes and grinned brightly "don't you dare wish to take it back. Because like it or not, I'm not going to give it up."
Jack smiled and scooped him up.
"Let's get you home then, Prince Convincing. Boy, your mom is gonna tan my hide. Or would, if she could actually see me."
"I'll MAKE her see you. Otherwise this will look awkward."
Jack laughed, heading to Burgess, with a slight lighter heart than was normal. He had finally chosen a Prince. Jamie was right. He wouldn't even try wishing that decision away. He couldn't imagine anyone more deserving than Jamie Bennet to receive the title.