His Best Intentions chapter 2
Summary: Prince Jensen tries to make Jared happy but Jared's past looms over him coloring their every interaction and breaking Jensen's heart.
Oops I need to read chapter 1
Jared had become accustomed to his active city life and his lengthy hours at Mr. Beaver’s store. He had never experienced the type of boredom his life in the castle gave him. He read a few books and explored his wing of the castle but rarely went outdoors. The servants were polite, but none really talked with him for more than a minute or two. And the Prince was true to his word. Since the party, Jared hadn’t seen him.
Jared wanted to explore the gardens today, but he woke up to rain, so he changed his plans.
At the end of a corridor, he never ventured down before, he found a library. It was a cozy space to spend the day. There was a fire burning in the fireplace and more books than Jared had ever seen. A chess set, awaiting a game, was on a table near the fireplace.
He picked up the white queen and smiled at the artistic carving and detail of the piece. As he returned the queen to the board, a movement in the corner startled him. Jensen was standing there, collecting some books.
“Sorry, I was just leaving,” the Prince mumbled, though it was obvious by the cup of tea and the number of papers and books that he was lying.
“You don’t have to leave. I was just looking around,” Jared assured him.
“Don’t you like the books in your room?” Jensen asked, then answered himself under his breath. “Naturally, you don’t. I chose them.”
“I like them just fine. I’ve read some before, and I finished one last night. I’m just bored. I’m tired of being in my room all the time.”
“You’re not a prisoner here. You can come and go as you please.”
A quiet rumble of thunder interrupted them. “Not in this weather,” Jared replied. “I’m not used to not working and having no one to talk to. Your staff is polite, but they don’t talk to me more than to ask where I want my meals.”
“I apologize. I’ll speak to the staff. They’re disappointed in me, but that’s no reason to take it out on you.” Jensen organized his books and papers into a neat pile and picked them up. “I’ll leave you to enjoy the library.”
“Don’t talk to the servants. They are being loyal. I don’t want you to force them to talk to me.”
“Whatever you wish,” Jensen replied with a bow of his head as he walked to the door.
“Wait. Do you play?” Jared asked, holding up the chess queen.
Jensen paused and looked from the piece to the board. “If you’d like to play, I can find Rob. He’s quite good.”
Jared huffed in annoyance. “But do you play? Would you like to play right now?”
Jensen swallowed. “I play, but wouldn’t you rather challenge... anyone else?”
“No. Come sit down, your Highness. Let’s see if you’re any good.”
Jensen set down his books. “Please don’t call me that. I’d rather you just called me Jensen.” He sat across from Jared with his eyes on the board.
Jared picked up a pawn of each color, but Jensen interrupted him. “Please, you’re the guest. You should go first.”
Jared thought for a moment, then returned the pawns to the board. “Very well.” He moved his pawn two spaces.
When Jensen moved his king on his second turn, Jared reached for his queen but stopped and leaned back in his chair. “Do you honestly not know how to play, or do you just want the game over?”
Jensen colored at being caught in his suicide king move. “I thought you’d enjoy the game more if I -”
“If you let me win? No. I want to beat you fair and square, and I will if you play correctly.”
“Are you certain you don’t want me to get Rob? He’s a capable opponent.”
“Do you think I can’t beat you, Jensen? Do you think you’re that good?”
The sharpness of Jared’s tone made Jensen draw a breath. “No. But you prefer anyone’s company to mine. Therefore, I thought I’d lose quickly so you wouldn’t be burdened with me for longer than necessary.”
Jared slumped back in his chair, frustrated but not angry. “What would we be doing if I was your Intended?”
The subject change confused Jensen. A day like today, he would have said, kissing and cuddling in front of the fire. But now, knowing Jared’s hatred of him, he replied, “I don’t know.”
“Certainly for this past week, I wouldn’t have been sitting alone in my room. What would we have done?”
Jensen shrugged. “Well, I would have shown you around the castle and the gardens. If you wanted to go riding, and the weather was nice, I would have taken you swimming at one of our beaches. Eventually, your university classes would begin, and I know my mom wanted to teach you etiquette before the dinner with the court.”
Intrigued, Jared sat up. “University classes? What kind of classes?”
“A professor would come and teach you about our country and our allies so you would understand the motives of the court. That way, when you rule by my side, you would make informed decisions.” Jensen shrugged. “There’s also festivals and tournaments this year in which I’m supposed to prove myself.” He was surprised Jared seemed interested. “On a day like this,” he looked out the window at the rain, “we’d probably be doing this,” he gestured to the chessboard. “Unless you wanted to teach the cooking staff how to make those candies you made. We could do that, too.”
Jared smiled at Jensen’s enthusiasm for his candy. “I think I’ll save the candy making for when I need a favor from the future king.” Jensen opened his mouth to say something, but Jared continued. “Would it still be possible to get the classes? I didn’t get much formal schooling after my parents died. Mr. Beaver only taught me what I needed for running his store.”
“Yes, Jared. I can make the arrangements immediately.”
“Thank you.” Jared glanced at the books Jensen had set down earlier. “So, what do you do all day?”
Jensen shrugged. “After my chores -”
“Chores?!” Jared choked. “What chores does a Prince have?”
Jensen sighed, tired of defending himself, but resigned to doing it, anyway. “I’m sure I’ve never worked as hard as you, Jared, but my parents insist that my sister and I do chores. I have to take care of my horse and my dog. Then there are archery and fencing lessons every day. Followed by studies in languages, history, and economics.”
“What kind of dog do you have?”
“She’s a foxhound,” Jensen replied with a fond smile. “She just had pups a few weeks ago.”
“Can I see them?” Jared asked, not masking his excitement.
“Of course. She’s in the barn right now so we could go when the rain lets up.”
Jared grinned, then bit his lip nervously. “Can I ask one more favor?”
“By all means.”
“Can we try to be friends? Just because I’m in love with someone else doesn’t mean we can’t be polite to each other. I wish I knew about this custom so I could have saved you the time and effort, and you could have chosen someone more fitting.”
Jensen nodded slightly. “You’re quite fitting for an Intended, Jared, except for being in love with someone else. And, yes, I’d like very much to be friends.”
Jared beamed. “Well, friend, ready to lose your crown on the chessboard?”
Jensen’s eyes widened, but Jared’s smile lifted the crushing weight of a week’s worth of disappointment. “Strong words for a guest in my house.” Jensen made a show of pushing up his sleeves and resetting the pieces.
They played until Richard entered the room. He looked from one man to the other, not sure if his eyes were deceiving him. “Sir, will you be taking your lunch in your room again, or will you be joining your family?”
Jared met Jensen’s eyes over the game and whispered. “Can we eat in here?”
Jensen smiled. “Richard, please tell the others that Jared and I will take our lunch in here today.”
“Very well, sir.”
Jensen watched him go then said under his breath, “The entire castle will be gossiping about us in five minutes.”
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Jensen didn’t see Jared the next day. He didn’t see him the day after either. As the third day turned to evening, Jensen wanted to ask Rob about him, but since he promised to leave Jared alone, he didn’t. It surprised him to feel more depressed. That fraction of time with Jared made not having him feel worse.
Jensen needed to shake off his melancholy. With dusk approaching, it was too late to go riding, so he decided to check on his dog. Lady always cheered him up.
She’d been staying in the barn in a stall next to his horse. He missed her being in his room and by his side, but new puppies are demanding, and her place was with them.
She must have missed him, too, for she stood at the stall door with her tail wagging. “Hey baby,” he cooed as he knelt down on the straw-covered floor. “I miss you, girl.” She nuzzled against him, allowing him to hug and pet her.
“Master Jensen, don’t be bothering those pups too much. That man Jared was with ‘em all day. Yesterday too. They need time to rest,” The stable hand said as he set a fresh bowl of water in the stall.
“I was just checking on Lady. We haven’t been apart this long since my trip last year.”
“Looks like she misses you, too.”
“They’ll be all right if I take her out for a bit, won’t they?”
“Sure. They’ll probably sleep for a good long time,” the man replied, nodding at the pups.
Jensen grabbed a rag ball. “Come on, girl. Let’s go.”
Lady bounded out as soon as Jensen opened the door.
The sound of a dog barking brought Jared to his window. The sun had nearly set, coloring the sky in shades of pink and purple. No one was in the garden below his window, but when he looked towards the barns, he could see Jensen playing with Lady.
The Prince would throw something, and Lady would chase after it and bring it back to him with a pounce and a joyful bark.
Jared hadn’t seen the Prince since the day they played chess. He kept his promise, however, and sent a professor to teach Jared history. The man mostly gave Jared books to read, saying they would discuss them once Jared had a base of knowledge.
When he wasn’t reading history books, Jared was playing with the puppies. They were too young to do much, but they were so adorable he couldn’t stop holding them.
Outside, the dog broke away from the game and ran at top speed into the Queen’s flower garden. Jared heard Jensen call after her, and when Lady returned to him, she had a rabbit in her jaws.
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Jared watched for a few more minutes. Chad was wrong about Jensen; the Prince wasn’t a bad person. If they had met before he knew Travis, things would have been different. More activity outside drew Jared from his thoughts. A boy dismounted from a horse and ran to Jensen, giving him something. Jared watched as Jensen read whatever it was and called the boy back. Then he pointed to Jared’s window, and the boy ran off. Jensen whistled for Lady and disappeared with her into the barn.
A few minutes later, there was a knocking at Jared’s door.
“Come in.”
Richard and Rob burst through the door. “We have news,” Rob exclaimed, holding a piece of paper.
Jared realized it must have been the same one he saw Jensen read. “Did you find Travis?”
“No. But we’re closer to finding him. General Dering has no one with that name in his ranks,” Rob began.
“We didn’t think he did,” Richard interrupted, “since he and his troops are in the south.”
Rob shot him a disapproving look for the disruption. “Prince Jensen wanted all the armies looking for Travis. Obviously, we would hear from the south first since they’re closer.”
“That’s not the important thing,” Richard chimed in again, earning an irritated huff from Rob. “Fine, you tell him the important part.”
“The primary payroll officer of the entire army is with General Dering. According to him, there is no Travis Wade serving in the army.”
“What? What does that mean?” Jared fell into a chair. Travis had to be in the army; where else could he be?
“May I come in?” Jensen stood at Jared’s open door, and at Jared’s nod, he entered. “It means nothing, Jared.” Richard opened his mouth to argue, but a sharp look from the Prince silenced him. “Not all soldiers are paid directly from our coffers. Travis may not have enlisted directly and therefore was not paid in the usual manner. It’s a common practice in times of war.”
Again Richard wanted to butt in, but this time Rob stepped on his foot to shut him up. “If he’s working for the reconstruction effort, any number of parties could pay him.”
“Rob’s right. All this tells us is that our task won’t be an easy one. If Travis was on the payroll, we could contact his commanding officer and have him sent here immediately. Unfortunately, we will have to keep looking,” Jensen explained.
Jared looked from one man to the other. “So really, we don’t know more than we did yesterday.”
Jensen shrugged and then nodded. “I guess that’s true.”
Jared sighed. “Well, thanks for telling me this, anyway. At least I know you’ve kept your word and are looking for him.”
“The Prince always keeps his word.” Richard would not be silenced this time.
Jensen patted his man on the shoulder. “Thank you, Richard.” Turning to Jared, he added, “We’ll take our leave now. Have a good night, Jared.”
At the end of the hall, Richard could no longer keep quiet. “Come on, Sir. You know this means his man was lying. He ran away. He didn’t join the army because there was no war for him to fight.”
“Richard,” Jensen hissed, looking back at Jared’s door to make sure it was shut. “Let Jared draw his own conclusions. We know nothing except that Travis isn’t in the capital. I would put a bounty on him except I don’t want him mistreated when he’s found.”
Richard shook his head. “You’re too kind, Sir, and I’m afraid it will cost you everything.”
“Yes, so you’ve told me.”
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Jared looked in his wardrobe and his small chest of drawers, but his clothes were no longer there. The clothes from the Prince were the only ones he could find. Jared went to the door and pulled the cord to summon a footman. He hated having to do that. He didn’t want the servants waiting on him, but he had no choice.
“Yes, milord?” A young man Jared hadn’t met yet appeared at this door.
“Uh, not ‘milord’, just call me Jared.”
“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. How can I help you, Jared?”
“Where are my clothes?”
The young man crossed the room and opened the wardrobe. “In here, sir.”
“Yes. I see that, but I mean my own clothes.”
“Oh, those are being cleaned and mended, sir. Miss Julie will have them back to you soon.”
Jared sighed. He wanted to go to the barn again, but these clothes were far too lovely for sitting in hay. “Thank you.”
Jared looked through the trousers until he found a pair that didn’t look like it’d take a year’s salary to buy. The shirts were another story. All of them were silk. “Well, Miss Julie, I hope you won’t get angry if I ruin these fine clothes.”
xxxxx
In the barn, Jared found the Prince brushing one of the horses. “Good morning, Jensen.”
The Prince paused as he returned the greeting. “Miss Julie took your clothes, didn’t she.”
“Yes! I’m sure she’ll find it more difficult to get stains out of this finery.”
Jensen shrugged. “Honestly, I think she enjoys throwing away clothes just as they become comfortable because then she can make new ones. I swear one of the rag balls Lady plays with is a pair of Richard’s old trousers.”
Jared approached him and the enormous animal cautiously. “That’s a beautiful horse. Is she yours?”
“Thank you, but no. This is Starla, and she’s my mother’s horse. Mine is the brown next to Lady.” Jared turned to look. “Then comes my sister’s and my father’s is at the far end.” He patted Starla’s shoulder and led her to her stall. “Would you like to go riding, Jared? It’s the best way to see the grounds and explore the area.”
“No, that’s okay.” Jared’s reply was slow, suggesting there was more to it.
The Prince swallowed his disappointment and nodded. “If you change your mind, we--”
“I’ve never ridden before,” Jared confessed quickly. “I’m afraid I won’t know what to do.”
“Oh,” Jensen looked relieved. “I could teach you. It’s not difficult, and we have plenty of well-trained horses that would suit you.”
“Really? You wouldn’t mind?”
If possible, Jensen’s smile grew bigger. “I’d love to, Jared.”
By noon, Jared was comfortable riding around the paddock. When they stopped for lunch, Jensen asked if Jared felt confident enough to go for a longer ride.
“We won’t go far, Jared, and I promise we’ll keep the horses to a gentle gait. Nothing faster than a trot.” Jensen noticed that Jared was unsure and didn’t want to pressure him. “It’s hot, and I thought you might like to go for a swim. We’ll go for a ride, then have a swim and be back in time for dinner.”
Jared used his sleeve to wipe sweat from his brow. “Swimming would be nice.”
“Excellent.” Jensen beamed at him. “While you finish up, I’ll have the horses readied.”
The Prince’s smile reminded Jared of a child getting a candy treat at Beaver’s store. Knowing that he was the reason Jensen was smiling made Jared happy in a way he hadn’t been for a long time.
They rode through grassy plains for what seemed like an hour. When Jared looked behind him, only the highest towers of the castle were visible. Ahead was a dense forest, and Jensen turned to him. “It’s not far now. The path ahead will split, and instead of heading deeper into the forest, we’ll head to the right, which will take us to the cliffs.”
The forest was so thick that Jared was glad he could trust Jensen to lead the way. Soon he heard waves crashing, and the trees thinned out. The path opened up to a small clearing at the edge of a cliff, and Jensen stopped. “Trust your horse here, Jared. It will look impossible, but it’s not. Just lean back and let her have control. You can do this, trust me.”
“Okay,” he replied tentatively. He had no idea what Jensen was referring to until he watched the man and his horse step off the cliff. Jared panicked and held tight to the reins, stopping his horse.
Then he heard, “Trust me, Jared, she’ll make it, just relax and trust her.”
Jared took a deep breath and gave the horse a nudge with his boots. When he took his next breath, he was safely on a beach. He looked back at the steep path barely wide enough for a man, let alone a horse. “That was terrifying.”
“You did great. I told you you could do it.” Jensen had dismounted and was next to him, steadying the horse. “Now dismount, and we can swim.”
While Jensen tied up the horses, Jared looked around the tiny cove. The white sand beach led to aqua blue water. The only sound was the water lapping at the shore and the wind in the trees. It was the most peaceful and beautiful place Jared had ever seen.
Jared turned in time to see the Prince setting a small pack on top of a blanket. “This place is incredible. I’ve never seen a beach like this,” Jared said as he joined Jensen.
Jensen blushed. “I’m glad you like it. The water is shallow here. But if you go over to those rocks,” he points to the end of the clearing, “it’s deep enough to dive.”
Jensen pulled his shirt over his head, then worked on his boots.
“How did you ever find this place? That path is ridiculous.”
Jensen shrugged a shoulder. “I came here to swim.” He stripped out of the rest of his clothes and walked into the water until it was waist-deep. Then he disappeared under the waves. He popped to the surface a second later. “Come on, the water’s great!”
Not one to be left behind, Jared stripped down and joined the Prince in the water.
They swam and dove and raced each other until they tired. “I packed some food. Let’s rest a bit and eat something before we head home,” Jensen suggested.
They walked to the blanket dried off with a flannel cloth Jensen packed. Then he unwrapped some bread, cheese, and fruit and set it between them.
“Thanks, Jensen,” Jared said with a dreamy lilt to his voice.
“It’s just a snack. We’ll have dinner when we get back.”
“I meant for teaching me to ride and for taking me to this beach.”
Jensen blushed. “You’re welcome.” He pulled on his pants and picked at some bread. “I ran away,” he mumbled. “That’s how I found this place.”
Jared sat up and stared at the Prince, interest piqued. “Really? You ran away?”
Jensen nodded. “I had a fight with my father. He lost his temper and turned over a table, smashing everything on it. I was so scared, I ran. I got my horse and rode as far and as fast as I could, took every path in the forest. I found this place by listening to the water. I thought if I died going down that path, it would punish my father. I was twelve and stubborn, but I didn’t die. Instead, I found this beach.”
Jared could only blink, taking in the story. “Then what happened?”
“I knew my father would be furious if I stayed out overnight. My mother would be hysterical. Furious with both of us, but her anger I could deal with. My father’s men searched the woods with dogs, but since I had been all over those paths, they couldn’t find me before dark.” He turned and pointed to the far end of the beach, “I slept under those trees.”
“Seriously?”
Jensen nodded. “In the morning, my horse and I climbed back to the top and made a small camp by some trees. I wanted to keep this place a secret.” Jensen could feel Jared staring at him, so he busied himself with picking up the scraps from the snack.
“Am I the only person you’ve brought here?”
“Yeah.” Jensen shrugged again. “You said we’re friends, and I thought you’d like it.”
“Hm.” Jared nodded; friends always wanted something. Chad and Gen wanted special treatment at Mr. Beaver’s store. Travis wanted...well, Travis wanted sex. Jared wondered what the Prince wanted. Was he finally going to force himself on Jared? There was no one around; no one to see or hear Jared if he yelled for help.
“I would only share it with my, well, whatever.” Jensen caught himself. “I know you’re not my Intended, and I’m not trying to…”
“Then, why did you bring me here?” Jared barely masked his accusatory tone.
“Friends do nice things for each other, don’t they?” Jensen asked with a twinge of uncertainty.
“Sure, but usually they want something.”
“Oh. I don’t have many friends.” Jensen’s brows knit in confusion, and he was quiet for a moment. “I guess I wish you returned my feelings, but I know that’s impossible because your heart belongs to someone else.” He paused again then sighed. “Did I do something wrong? I simply wanted to share this place with someone, and I thought you would like it.”
Jared took a beat to gather his thoughts before answering. “You didn’t do anything wrong,” he finally assured him. “I’ve just never met anyone like you before.”
With a sense of relief, Jensen exhaled. “I can say the same thing about you.”
“Why did you choose me? How did you even know who I was?”
A fond smile formed on Jensen’s face, but he ducked his head slightly to hide the blush growing there. “I saw you on the street and I followed you to Beaver’s store.” The Prince sighed and picked at invisible lint on his pant leg. “What I said the night of the party is true. You impressed me with how smart you are, how capable. But then, even more, you were kind.” He risked a glance at Jared and found himself being scrutinized. “Every time we went into town, I’d go to Beaver’s store to see you. Once, I watched you help a young mother with two unruly children. You calmed them by making silly faces and making them laugh. Then you helped her load her purchases.”
“How many times did you go to our store?”
“Dozens. You never noticed me.” With a self-deprecating smile, he continued, “Once, just to get you to talk to me, I asked about the price of something, and you told me and pointed that the shelf was clearly marked. I felt so foolish, I couldn’t say another word.”
“I’m sorry, that was rude of me to make you feel bad.”
“You didn’t!” Jensen quickly assured him. “I was an idiot for not being able to think of something witty to say.” Jensen shrugged. “You already know I’m not too clever.”
“Jensen, I would never-”
“It’s okay. My father tells me all the time,” he added with a dismissive shake of his head. “If I was brighter, I would have chosen someone who would be impressed with being a prince, someone with less honor.”
“You think I’m honorable?” Jared asked, sounding surprised at the idea. He thought honorable men came from nobility, and they didn’t sleep with anyone before marriage.
“Absolutely. You would rather die than betray yourself or your beloved. That’s the most honorable behavior there is,” Jensen explained.
Jared turned back to the sea and watched the waves rolling over the sand. He held the Prince’s kind words close to his heart. “This is a beautiful place, Jensen. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“Thanks for coming with me.”
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The setting sun cast a golden hue over the castle grounds when Jared and Jensen left their horses to the stable hands. Jensen smiled to himself. The day had some tense moments, but Jared seemed to enjoy his company. The Prince had surprised himself by sharing things he’d never shared before. Aside from family and a few staff members, no one knew Jensen once ran away. The beach was a secret he had kept close to his heart. As far as he knew, he was the only person to know of it.
The place comforted him in times of doubt. He had gone there to think before choosing and announcing Jared as his Intended. He went there the day after Jared refused him. If, when, he’s banished, he hoped to find a place like it.
With a grin, Jared nudged Jensen’s arm. “What are you thinking about? You seem lost in thought.”
The Prince nearly blushed. “Nothing.” Jared raised his eyebrows in doubt, making Jensen continue. “Just that it was a good day. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.”
Jared smiled. “I did. I hope we can go riding again soon.”
Jensen wanted to live in that moment. Jared’s smile had him enchanted and off-balance. “Jared, would you like to have dinner with me?”
“Sir, we have news!” Richard and Rob ran up to them.
“What is it?” Jensen didn’t like their solemn expressions.
“It’s about Travis,” Rob began.
“You found him?!” Jared’s eagerness crushed Jensen’s spirit, but he hid it behind a concerned face.
“Yes, it seems he was arrested,” Richard replied.
“Arrested for what?” Jensen demanded.
“Rape and attempted murder,” Richard said, handing the paper to the Prince.
“What? Let me see that.” Jared took the paper from Jensen’s hand and read it. “No, it can’t be true. Travis wouldn’t do that.” He paled, and his hand fell when he learned that Travis Wade was sentenced to death.
Needing to stop the heartbreak Jared was feeling, Jensen said, “Don’t worry, my father can stay the execution until we find out what really happened.” He took the paper from Jared and read it. After a moment, he said, “Jared, it’s okay. It’s not Travis.”
“What do you mean? His name is right there,” Jared argued, pointing at the paper.
“Yes, but this Travis is forty-seven years old and from Darville. That’s not your Travis!” Jensen exclaimed.
Jared snatched the paper from Jensen’s hand and reread it. “Travis Wade, black hair, brown eyes, age forty-seven! It’s not him!” He wrapped his arms around Jensen. “It’s not him!”
The thrill of Jared’s arms around him didn’t silence the renewal of Jensen’s jealousy. Jared pulled back, still beaming. “Let’s go have dinner and celebrate.”
Oops I need to read chapter 1
Jared had become accustomed to his active city life and his lengthy hours at Mr. Beaver’s store. He had never experienced the type of boredom his life in the castle gave him. He read a few books and explored his wing of the castle but rarely went outdoors. The servants were polite, but none really talked with him for more than a minute or two. And the Prince was true to his word. Since the party, Jared hadn’t seen him.
Jared wanted to explore the gardens today, but he woke up to rain, so he changed his plans.
At the end of a corridor, he never ventured down before, he found a library. It was a cozy space to spend the day. There was a fire burning in the fireplace and more books than Jared had ever seen. A chess set, awaiting a game, was on a table near the fireplace.
He picked up the white queen and smiled at the artistic carving and detail of the piece. As he returned the queen to the board, a movement in the corner startled him. Jensen was standing there, collecting some books.
“Sorry, I was just leaving,” the Prince mumbled, though it was obvious by the cup of tea and the number of papers and books that he was lying.
“You don’t have to leave. I was just looking around,” Jared assured him.
“Don’t you like the books in your room?” Jensen asked, then answered himself under his breath. “Naturally, you don’t. I chose them.”
“I like them just fine. I’ve read some before, and I finished one last night. I’m just bored. I’m tired of being in my room all the time.”
“You’re not a prisoner here. You can come and go as you please.”
A quiet rumble of thunder interrupted them. “Not in this weather,” Jared replied. “I’m not used to not working and having no one to talk to. Your staff is polite, but they don’t talk to me more than to ask where I want my meals.”
“I apologize. I’ll speak to the staff. They’re disappointed in me, but that’s no reason to take it out on you.” Jensen organized his books and papers into a neat pile and picked them up. “I’ll leave you to enjoy the library.”
“Don’t talk to the servants. They are being loyal. I don’t want you to force them to talk to me.”
“Whatever you wish,” Jensen replied with a bow of his head as he walked to the door.
“Wait. Do you play?” Jared asked, holding up the chess queen.
Jensen paused and looked from the piece to the board. “If you’d like to play, I can find Rob. He’s quite good.”
Jared huffed in annoyance. “But do you play? Would you like to play right now?”
Jensen swallowed. “I play, but wouldn’t you rather challenge... anyone else?”
“No. Come sit down, your Highness. Let’s see if you’re any good.”
Jensen set down his books. “Please don’t call me that. I’d rather you just called me Jensen.” He sat across from Jared with his eyes on the board.
Jared picked up a pawn of each color, but Jensen interrupted him. “Please, you’re the guest. You should go first.”
Jared thought for a moment, then returned the pawns to the board. “Very well.” He moved his pawn two spaces.
When Jensen moved his king on his second turn, Jared reached for his queen but stopped and leaned back in his chair. “Do you honestly not know how to play, or do you just want the game over?”
Jensen colored at being caught in his suicide king move. “I thought you’d enjoy the game more if I -”
“If you let me win? No. I want to beat you fair and square, and I will if you play correctly.”
“Are you certain you don’t want me to get Rob? He’s a capable opponent.”
“Do you think I can’t beat you, Jensen? Do you think you’re that good?”
The sharpness of Jared’s tone made Jensen draw a breath. “No. But you prefer anyone’s company to mine. Therefore, I thought I’d lose quickly so you wouldn’t be burdened with me for longer than necessary.”
Jared slumped back in his chair, frustrated but not angry. “What would we be doing if I was your Intended?”
The subject change confused Jensen. A day like today, he would have said, kissing and cuddling in front of the fire. But now, knowing Jared’s hatred of him, he replied, “I don’t know.”
“Certainly for this past week, I wouldn’t have been sitting alone in my room. What would we have done?”
Jensen shrugged. “Well, I would have shown you around the castle and the gardens. If you wanted to go riding, and the weather was nice, I would have taken you swimming at one of our beaches. Eventually, your university classes would begin, and I know my mom wanted to teach you etiquette before the dinner with the court.”
Intrigued, Jared sat up. “University classes? What kind of classes?”
“A professor would come and teach you about our country and our allies so you would understand the motives of the court. That way, when you rule by my side, you would make informed decisions.” Jensen shrugged. “There’s also festivals and tournaments this year in which I’m supposed to prove myself.” He was surprised Jared seemed interested. “On a day like this,” he looked out the window at the rain, “we’d probably be doing this,” he gestured to the chessboard. “Unless you wanted to teach the cooking staff how to make those candies you made. We could do that, too.”
Jared smiled at Jensen’s enthusiasm for his candy. “I think I’ll save the candy making for when I need a favor from the future king.” Jensen opened his mouth to say something, but Jared continued. “Would it still be possible to get the classes? I didn’t get much formal schooling after my parents died. Mr. Beaver only taught me what I needed for running his store.”
“Yes, Jared. I can make the arrangements immediately.”
“Thank you.” Jared glanced at the books Jensen had set down earlier. “So, what do you do all day?”
Jensen shrugged. “After my chores -”
“Chores?!” Jared choked. “What chores does a Prince have?”
Jensen sighed, tired of defending himself, but resigned to doing it, anyway. “I’m sure I’ve never worked as hard as you, Jared, but my parents insist that my sister and I do chores. I have to take care of my horse and my dog. Then there are archery and fencing lessons every day. Followed by studies in languages, history, and economics.”
“What kind of dog do you have?”
“She’s a foxhound,” Jensen replied with a fond smile. “She just had pups a few weeks ago.”
“Can I see them?” Jared asked, not masking his excitement.
“Of course. She’s in the barn right now so we could go when the rain lets up.”
Jared grinned, then bit his lip nervously. “Can I ask one more favor?”
“By all means.”
“Can we try to be friends? Just because I’m in love with someone else doesn’t mean we can’t be polite to each other. I wish I knew about this custom so I could have saved you the time and effort, and you could have chosen someone more fitting.”
Jensen nodded slightly. “You’re quite fitting for an Intended, Jared, except for being in love with someone else. And, yes, I’d like very much to be friends.”
Jared beamed. “Well, friend, ready to lose your crown on the chessboard?”
Jensen’s eyes widened, but Jared’s smile lifted the crushing weight of a week’s worth of disappointment. “Strong words for a guest in my house.” Jensen made a show of pushing up his sleeves and resetting the pieces.
They played until Richard entered the room. He looked from one man to the other, not sure if his eyes were deceiving him. “Sir, will you be taking your lunch in your room again, or will you be joining your family?”
Jared met Jensen’s eyes over the game and whispered. “Can we eat in here?”
Jensen smiled. “Richard, please tell the others that Jared and I will take our lunch in here today.”
“Very well, sir.”
Jensen watched him go then said under his breath, “The entire castle will be gossiping about us in five minutes.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jensen didn’t see Jared the next day. He didn’t see him the day after either. As the third day turned to evening, Jensen wanted to ask Rob about him, but since he promised to leave Jared alone, he didn’t. It surprised him to feel more depressed. That fraction of time with Jared made not having him feel worse.
Jensen needed to shake off his melancholy. With dusk approaching, it was too late to go riding, so he decided to check on his dog. Lady always cheered him up.
She’d been staying in the barn in a stall next to his horse. He missed her being in his room and by his side, but new puppies are demanding, and her place was with them.
She must have missed him, too, for she stood at the stall door with her tail wagging. “Hey baby,” he cooed as he knelt down on the straw-covered floor. “I miss you, girl.” She nuzzled against him, allowing him to hug and pet her.
“Master Jensen, don’t be bothering those pups too much. That man Jared was with ‘em all day. Yesterday too. They need time to rest,” The stable hand said as he set a fresh bowl of water in the stall.
“I was just checking on Lady. We haven’t been apart this long since my trip last year.”
“Looks like she misses you, too.”
“They’ll be all right if I take her out for a bit, won’t they?”
“Sure. They’ll probably sleep for a good long time,” the man replied, nodding at the pups.
Jensen grabbed a rag ball. “Come on, girl. Let’s go.”
Lady bounded out as soon as Jensen opened the door.
The sound of a dog barking brought Jared to his window. The sun had nearly set, coloring the sky in shades of pink and purple. No one was in the garden below his window, but when he looked towards the barns, he could see Jensen playing with Lady.
The Prince would throw something, and Lady would chase after it and bring it back to him with a pounce and a joyful bark.
Jared hadn’t seen the Prince since the day they played chess. He kept his promise, however, and sent a professor to teach Jared history. The man mostly gave Jared books to read, saying they would discuss them once Jared had a base of knowledge.
When he wasn’t reading history books, Jared was playing with the puppies. They were too young to do much, but they were so adorable he couldn’t stop holding them.
Outside, the dog broke away from the game and ran at top speed into the Queen’s flower garden. Jared heard Jensen call after her, and when Lady returned to him, she had a rabbit in her jaws.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jared watched for a few more minutes. Chad was wrong about Jensen; the Prince wasn’t a bad person. If they had met before he knew Travis, things would have been different. More activity outside drew Jared from his thoughts. A boy dismounted from a horse and ran to Jensen, giving him something. Jared watched as Jensen read whatever it was and called the boy back. Then he pointed to Jared’s window, and the boy ran off. Jensen whistled for Lady and disappeared with her into the barn.
A few minutes later, there was a knocking at Jared’s door.
“Come in.”
Richard and Rob burst through the door. “We have news,” Rob exclaimed, holding a piece of paper.
Jared realized it must have been the same one he saw Jensen read. “Did you find Travis?”
“No. But we’re closer to finding him. General Dering has no one with that name in his ranks,” Rob began.
“We didn’t think he did,” Richard interrupted, “since he and his troops are in the south.”
Rob shot him a disapproving look for the disruption. “Prince Jensen wanted all the armies looking for Travis. Obviously, we would hear from the south first since they’re closer.”
“That’s not the important thing,” Richard chimed in again, earning an irritated huff from Rob. “Fine, you tell him the important part.”
“The primary payroll officer of the entire army is with General Dering. According to him, there is no Travis Wade serving in the army.”
“What? What does that mean?” Jared fell into a chair. Travis had to be in the army; where else could he be?
“May I come in?” Jensen stood at Jared’s open door, and at Jared’s nod, he entered. “It means nothing, Jared.” Richard opened his mouth to argue, but a sharp look from the Prince silenced him. “Not all soldiers are paid directly from our coffers. Travis may not have enlisted directly and therefore was not paid in the usual manner. It’s a common practice in times of war.”
Again Richard wanted to butt in, but this time Rob stepped on his foot to shut him up. “If he’s working for the reconstruction effort, any number of parties could pay him.”
“Rob’s right. All this tells us is that our task won’t be an easy one. If Travis was on the payroll, we could contact his commanding officer and have him sent here immediately. Unfortunately, we will have to keep looking,” Jensen explained.
Jared looked from one man to the other. “So really, we don’t know more than we did yesterday.”
Jensen shrugged and then nodded. “I guess that’s true.”
Jared sighed. “Well, thanks for telling me this, anyway. At least I know you’ve kept your word and are looking for him.”
“The Prince always keeps his word.” Richard would not be silenced this time.
Jensen patted his man on the shoulder. “Thank you, Richard.” Turning to Jared, he added, “We’ll take our leave now. Have a good night, Jared.”
At the end of the hall, Richard could no longer keep quiet. “Come on, Sir. You know this means his man was lying. He ran away. He didn’t join the army because there was no war for him to fight.”
“Richard,” Jensen hissed, looking back at Jared’s door to make sure it was shut. “Let Jared draw his own conclusions. We know nothing except that Travis isn’t in the capital. I would put a bounty on him except I don’t want him mistreated when he’s found.”
Richard shook his head. “You’re too kind, Sir, and I’m afraid it will cost you everything.”
“Yes, so you’ve told me.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jared looked in his wardrobe and his small chest of drawers, but his clothes were no longer there. The clothes from the Prince were the only ones he could find. Jared went to the door and pulled the cord to summon a footman. He hated having to do that. He didn’t want the servants waiting on him, but he had no choice.
“Yes, milord?” A young man Jared hadn’t met yet appeared at this door.
“Uh, not ‘milord’, just call me Jared.”
“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. How can I help you, Jared?”
“Where are my clothes?”
The young man crossed the room and opened the wardrobe. “In here, sir.”
“Yes. I see that, but I mean my own clothes.”
“Oh, those are being cleaned and mended, sir. Miss Julie will have them back to you soon.”
Jared sighed. He wanted to go to the barn again, but these clothes were far too lovely for sitting in hay. “Thank you.”
Jared looked through the trousers until he found a pair that didn’t look like it’d take a year’s salary to buy. The shirts were another story. All of them were silk. “Well, Miss Julie, I hope you won’t get angry if I ruin these fine clothes.”
xxxxx
In the barn, Jared found the Prince brushing one of the horses. “Good morning, Jensen.”
The Prince paused as he returned the greeting. “Miss Julie took your clothes, didn’t she.”
“Yes! I’m sure she’ll find it more difficult to get stains out of this finery.”
Jensen shrugged. “Honestly, I think she enjoys throwing away clothes just as they become comfortable because then she can make new ones. I swear one of the rag balls Lady plays with is a pair of Richard’s old trousers.”
Jared approached him and the enormous animal cautiously. “That’s a beautiful horse. Is she yours?”
“Thank you, but no. This is Starla, and she’s my mother’s horse. Mine is the brown next to Lady.” Jared turned to look. “Then comes my sister’s and my father’s is at the far end.” He patted Starla’s shoulder and led her to her stall. “Would you like to go riding, Jared? It’s the best way to see the grounds and explore the area.”
“No, that’s okay.” Jared’s reply was slow, suggesting there was more to it.
The Prince swallowed his disappointment and nodded. “If you change your mind, we--”
“I’ve never ridden before,” Jared confessed quickly. “I’m afraid I won’t know what to do.”
“Oh,” Jensen looked relieved. “I could teach you. It’s not difficult, and we have plenty of well-trained horses that would suit you.”
“Really? You wouldn’t mind?”
If possible, Jensen’s smile grew bigger. “I’d love to, Jared.”
By noon, Jared was comfortable riding around the paddock. When they stopped for lunch, Jensen asked if Jared felt confident enough to go for a longer ride.
“We won’t go far, Jared, and I promise we’ll keep the horses to a gentle gait. Nothing faster than a trot.” Jensen noticed that Jared was unsure and didn’t want to pressure him. “It’s hot, and I thought you might like to go for a swim. We’ll go for a ride, then have a swim and be back in time for dinner.”
Jared used his sleeve to wipe sweat from his brow. “Swimming would be nice.”
“Excellent.” Jensen beamed at him. “While you finish up, I’ll have the horses readied.”
The Prince’s smile reminded Jared of a child getting a candy treat at Beaver’s store. Knowing that he was the reason Jensen was smiling made Jared happy in a way he hadn’t been for a long time.
They rode through grassy plains for what seemed like an hour. When Jared looked behind him, only the highest towers of the castle were visible. Ahead was a dense forest, and Jensen turned to him. “It’s not far now. The path ahead will split, and instead of heading deeper into the forest, we’ll head to the right, which will take us to the cliffs.”
The forest was so thick that Jared was glad he could trust Jensen to lead the way. Soon he heard waves crashing, and the trees thinned out. The path opened up to a small clearing at the edge of a cliff, and Jensen stopped. “Trust your horse here, Jared. It will look impossible, but it’s not. Just lean back and let her have control. You can do this, trust me.”
“Okay,” he replied tentatively. He had no idea what Jensen was referring to until he watched the man and his horse step off the cliff. Jared panicked and held tight to the reins, stopping his horse.
Then he heard, “Trust me, Jared, she’ll make it, just relax and trust her.”
Jared took a deep breath and gave the horse a nudge with his boots. When he took his next breath, he was safely on a beach. He looked back at the steep path barely wide enough for a man, let alone a horse. “That was terrifying.”
“You did great. I told you you could do it.” Jensen had dismounted and was next to him, steadying the horse. “Now dismount, and we can swim.”
While Jensen tied up the horses, Jared looked around the tiny cove. The white sand beach led to aqua blue water. The only sound was the water lapping at the shore and the wind in the trees. It was the most peaceful and beautiful place Jared had ever seen.
Jared turned in time to see the Prince setting a small pack on top of a blanket. “This place is incredible. I’ve never seen a beach like this,” Jared said as he joined Jensen.
Jensen blushed. “I’m glad you like it. The water is shallow here. But if you go over to those rocks,” he points to the end of the clearing, “it’s deep enough to dive.”
Jensen pulled his shirt over his head, then worked on his boots.
“How did you ever find this place? That path is ridiculous.”
Jensen shrugged a shoulder. “I came here to swim.” He stripped out of the rest of his clothes and walked into the water until it was waist-deep. Then he disappeared under the waves. He popped to the surface a second later. “Come on, the water’s great!”
Not one to be left behind, Jared stripped down and joined the Prince in the water.
They swam and dove and raced each other until they tired. “I packed some food. Let’s rest a bit and eat something before we head home,” Jensen suggested.
They walked to the blanket dried off with a flannel cloth Jensen packed. Then he unwrapped some bread, cheese, and fruit and set it between them.
“Thanks, Jensen,” Jared said with a dreamy lilt to his voice.
“It’s just a snack. We’ll have dinner when we get back.”
“I meant for teaching me to ride and for taking me to this beach.”
Jensen blushed. “You’re welcome.” He pulled on his pants and picked at some bread. “I ran away,” he mumbled. “That’s how I found this place.”
Jared sat up and stared at the Prince, interest piqued. “Really? You ran away?”
Jensen nodded. “I had a fight with my father. He lost his temper and turned over a table, smashing everything on it. I was so scared, I ran. I got my horse and rode as far and as fast as I could, took every path in the forest. I found this place by listening to the water. I thought if I died going down that path, it would punish my father. I was twelve and stubborn, but I didn’t die. Instead, I found this beach.”
Jared could only blink, taking in the story. “Then what happened?”
“I knew my father would be furious if I stayed out overnight. My mother would be hysterical. Furious with both of us, but her anger I could deal with. My father’s men searched the woods with dogs, but since I had been all over those paths, they couldn’t find me before dark.” He turned and pointed to the far end of the beach, “I slept under those trees.”
“Seriously?”
Jensen nodded. “In the morning, my horse and I climbed back to the top and made a small camp by some trees. I wanted to keep this place a secret.” Jensen could feel Jared staring at him, so he busied himself with picking up the scraps from the snack.
“Am I the only person you’ve brought here?”
“Yeah.” Jensen shrugged again. “You said we’re friends, and I thought you’d like it.”
“Hm.” Jared nodded; friends always wanted something. Chad and Gen wanted special treatment at Mr. Beaver’s store. Travis wanted...well, Travis wanted sex. Jared wondered what the Prince wanted. Was he finally going to force himself on Jared? There was no one around; no one to see or hear Jared if he yelled for help.
“I would only share it with my, well, whatever.” Jensen caught himself. “I know you’re not my Intended, and I’m not trying to…”
“Then, why did you bring me here?” Jared barely masked his accusatory tone.
“Friends do nice things for each other, don’t they?” Jensen asked with a twinge of uncertainty.
“Sure, but usually they want something.”
“Oh. I don’t have many friends.” Jensen’s brows knit in confusion, and he was quiet for a moment. “I guess I wish you returned my feelings, but I know that’s impossible because your heart belongs to someone else.” He paused again then sighed. “Did I do something wrong? I simply wanted to share this place with someone, and I thought you would like it.”
Jared took a beat to gather his thoughts before answering. “You didn’t do anything wrong,” he finally assured him. “I’ve just never met anyone like you before.”
With a sense of relief, Jensen exhaled. “I can say the same thing about you.”
“Why did you choose me? How did you even know who I was?”
A fond smile formed on Jensen’s face, but he ducked his head slightly to hide the blush growing there. “I saw you on the street and I followed you to Beaver’s store.” The Prince sighed and picked at invisible lint on his pant leg. “What I said the night of the party is true. You impressed me with how smart you are, how capable. But then, even more, you were kind.” He risked a glance at Jared and found himself being scrutinized. “Every time we went into town, I’d go to Beaver’s store to see you. Once, I watched you help a young mother with two unruly children. You calmed them by making silly faces and making them laugh. Then you helped her load her purchases.”
“How many times did you go to our store?”
“Dozens. You never noticed me.” With a self-deprecating smile, he continued, “Once, just to get you to talk to me, I asked about the price of something, and you told me and pointed that the shelf was clearly marked. I felt so foolish, I couldn’t say another word.”
“I’m sorry, that was rude of me to make you feel bad.”
“You didn’t!” Jensen quickly assured him. “I was an idiot for not being able to think of something witty to say.” Jensen shrugged. “You already know I’m not too clever.”
“Jensen, I would never-”
“It’s okay. My father tells me all the time,” he added with a dismissive shake of his head. “If I was brighter, I would have chosen someone who would be impressed with being a prince, someone with less honor.”
“You think I’m honorable?” Jared asked, sounding surprised at the idea. He thought honorable men came from nobility, and they didn’t sleep with anyone before marriage.
“Absolutely. You would rather die than betray yourself or your beloved. That’s the most honorable behavior there is,” Jensen explained.
Jared turned back to the sea and watched the waves rolling over the sand. He held the Prince’s kind words close to his heart. “This is a beautiful place, Jensen. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“Thanks for coming with me.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The setting sun cast a golden hue over the castle grounds when Jared and Jensen left their horses to the stable hands. Jensen smiled to himself. The day had some tense moments, but Jared seemed to enjoy his company. The Prince had surprised himself by sharing things he’d never shared before. Aside from family and a few staff members, no one knew Jensen once ran away. The beach was a secret he had kept close to his heart. As far as he knew, he was the only person to know of it.
The place comforted him in times of doubt. He had gone there to think before choosing and announcing Jared as his Intended. He went there the day after Jared refused him. If, when, he’s banished, he hoped to find a place like it.
With a grin, Jared nudged Jensen’s arm. “What are you thinking about? You seem lost in thought.”
The Prince nearly blushed. “Nothing.” Jared raised his eyebrows in doubt, making Jensen continue. “Just that it was a good day. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.”
Jared smiled. “I did. I hope we can go riding again soon.”
Jensen wanted to live in that moment. Jared’s smile had him enchanted and off-balance. “Jared, would you like to have dinner with me?”
“Sir, we have news!” Richard and Rob ran up to them.
“What is it?” Jensen didn’t like their solemn expressions.
“It’s about Travis,” Rob began.
“You found him?!” Jared’s eagerness crushed Jensen’s spirit, but he hid it behind a concerned face.
“Yes, it seems he was arrested,” Richard replied.
“Arrested for what?” Jensen demanded.
“Rape and attempted murder,” Richard said, handing the paper to the Prince.
“What? Let me see that.” Jared took the paper from Jensen’s hand and read it. “No, it can’t be true. Travis wouldn’t do that.” He paled, and his hand fell when he learned that Travis Wade was sentenced to death.
Needing to stop the heartbreak Jared was feeling, Jensen said, “Don’t worry, my father can stay the execution until we find out what really happened.” He took the paper from Jared and read it. After a moment, he said, “Jared, it’s okay. It’s not Travis.”
“What do you mean? His name is right there,” Jared argued, pointing at the paper.
“Yes, but this Travis is forty-seven years old and from Darville. That’s not your Travis!” Jensen exclaimed.
Jared snatched the paper from Jensen’s hand and reread it. “Travis Wade, black hair, brown eyes, age forty-seven! It’s not him!” He wrapped his arms around Jensen. “It’s not him!”
The thrill of Jared’s arms around him didn’t silence the renewal of Jensen’s jealousy. Jared pulled back, still beaming. “Let’s go have dinner and celebrate.”