His Best Intentions chapter 3
The Beginning or Chapter 2
Summary: Jared learns the consequences of his actions and that Travis may have been lying. Jensen plans for the future.
Jared enjoyed his history lessons; the professor was quite engaging. When Jared finished the books covering the last century, they spent hours in lively discussion of the events. It was during one of these discussions that Jared finally asked about the custom that brought him to the castle.
“Oh the Year of Promise and the Intended goes back to the beginning of the kingdom,” the professor began. “It’s a very wise tradition.”
“Is it?” Jared asked. “Choosing some random commoner to join the Royal family seems almost dangerous.”
The professor accepted Jared’s argument with an indulgent nod but then said, “The Intended is never a random citizen but rather a partner the prince or princess chooses after much diligence.”
“Are you saying I was studied?”
“Yes, of course you were. The Prince made a case for you to his father to earn his approval. However, it’s much more than choosing a companion. During his year of promise the Prince must prove he would be a good and fair leader. The choice of Intended is the first step. This person will help rule the country after all. The tradition keeps the Royal family closely tied to those they govern. It strengthens the bloodline--the more ingredients the better the stew. No one wants another Charles the Second of Spain.”
“What happens if it doesn’t work out? What if the Intended says ‘no’?” Jared asked hoping he wasn’t giving away too much.
“The responsibility would fall to the sibling or if there wasn’t one, the sibling of the king or queen whichever was in the Royal line.”
“Not having an ‘Intended’ is not a failure.”
“You make a valid point, Jared, but the law ensures that the kingdom sees itself in their ruler and that the Royal family remains strong. A person fit to rule would have chosen a proper partner.” He noted Jared’s somber expression and tried to lighten his mood. “Not to worry! That has never happened and I’m sure it never will.”
Jared nodded but still looked concerned.
The professor patted Jared’s hand. “Jared, the Prince has a whole year to prove himself. Don’t worry about it. Now to take your mind off of all of that, here’s a new book for you. It’s modern history and I’m sure you’ll find it enthralling.”
The Treaty of Porthcawl…
Jared rubbed his eyes. He had to get through this last chapter but it was so dull. The author even made the battles sound boring. It was all written matter of fact with no drama or suspense. Jared would never write the story this way. No, in his story when the King’s men were outnumbered on the snowy cliffs of Porthcawl the reader would wonder how the men could survive the conditions let alone win the war. In his mind he began to fantasize the scene. Snow and wind howling, biting the faces of the scouts as they crept closer to the enemy
He turned the page in the book to double check the time of the battle when a date stood out.
“How can that be?” he asked the empty room. “That’s nearly four years ago.”
He rushed into the hall and called for Rob.
The man, unaccustomed to Jared ever needing him, nearly fell from his chair in his haste to Jared’s room. “Yes, sir?”
“When was the Treaty of Porthcawl signed?”
Rob thought for a moment. “That was three years ago, sir, almost four actually.”
“If Travis left just a year ago, what war is he fighting?” Jared mumbled to himself.
“I don't know, sir. The Prince believes that once Travis learned the war was over he continued home to check on his family and help with the reconstruction efforts. Perhaps his family's properties suffered much damage and they needed him to rebuild."
"Hmm, I suppose. What do you think happened?"
Rob stared with wide eyes before finding his voice and stuttering, “Uh, well, um, maybe what happened is that when he got home he realized how homesick he was and decided to stay and help his family. It’s a long dangerous journey from the capital to Porthcawl so he figured why would a man from the capital want to move all the way to the edge of the kingdom when the city is the only home he has ever known.” He shrugged with a worried smile. “I mean I’m sure nothing awful happened to him.”
Their conversation was halted by a knock at the open door. “Jared? May I come in?” Jensen stood at the door with a nervous smile.
“Of course.”
“Sorry to interrupt, but I am planning to go into town tomorrow and I thought you’d like to join me. You can visit with your friends while I attend to some business.”
Jared instantly brightened. “That would be great!”
Jensen breathed, grateful to have made Jared happy. “We’ll leave in the morning so you can spend the whole day with your friends. We’ll have dinner at that inn Richard likes so much-” he turned to Rob.
“The Twin Oak Pub,” Rob offered.
“Yes, and return home at nightfall.”
“Thanks, Jensen. I’m looking forward to it.”
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When they arrived in town, Jensen apologized to Jared. “Please understand, two of my men must join you.”
Jared huffed. “Why? No one will hurt me and if someone tries, I can take care of myself.”
“I know, I know you can, but I can’t take any chances. My men won’t bother you, you won’t even know they are there. I’ll instruct them to give you a wide berth and not to step in unless your life is in mortal danger,” promised Jensen.
“Fine,” Jared agreed with a roll of his eyes. At least the entire party, including Jensen, were dressed as common citizens. No one looked like the king’s guard.
“Thank you. I’ll see you at the inn for dinner,” Jensen said before riding off with three of his men.
Jared entered the shop that had been his home, feeling nostalgic and excited.There were a few customers milling about and Colin Ford was waiting on the doddering Mrs. Fitzwell. Mr. Beaver, his former boss and father figure, was perched behind the counter writing in his ledger.
“Don't forget to carry the one,” Jared reminded him playfully.
“Jared!” Mr. Beaver dropped his pencil on the page and circled the counter to pull his former apprentice into a hug. “It's so good to see you. Come on let's go to the office so we can catch up properly. Colin, man the counter. I'm going in the back to talk to Jared.”
Mr. Beaver took two mugs from a shelf and filled them with cider while Jared sat in an old worn chair.
“Here you go, boy. I'm sure it’s not as good as the stuff you’ve been getting at the palace.”
“It's better,” Jared assured him.
“So what's it like in the castle? How are they treating you? What do you think of the Prince?”
“Uh, well, the castle is larger than it looks and my rooms are really nice and the Prince, well he's nicer than I thought. He even taught me how to ride.”
“That’s great, Jared. I told you the Royals were good people. You know he came by to talk to me when he was deciding to choose you.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“I couldn't. I swore to keep it secret.”
“I didn’t even know what being an Intended meant.”
“It means being with the Prince who is a decent young man. Someday you’ll rule beside him. Of course that’s something I would want for my boy.”
Jared smiled to himself. He loved when Mr. Beaver made him feel like family. “Jensen is decent. He's even helping me find Travis.”
“What? Why are you looking for Travis? You have the Prince!” Mr. Beaver sat back in astonishment.
“Travis and I love each other. We made promises to each other.” Jared explained.
“That was before he up and left.” Mr. Beaver sighed in frustration. “Jared, all things being equal, would Travis put aside his future to help you find an old boyfriend?”
Jared shook his head. Mr. Beaver couldn't understand true love.
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When Jensen knocked on the weathered wooden door, he was besieged with memories. He had loved coming here as a child with his mother. He would climb trees and run barefoot through the field. Afterward, his mother would gently scold him for being dirty, meaning she would smile and laugh and not truly be angry at all. And then came the best part.
“Jensen!” The woman who opened the door had his mother’s eyes but her hair was gray instead of blonde. “Could you smell the pies all the way from the castle?” she laughed and pulled him into a hug.
“Maybe.” Jensen chuckled and took all the comfort he could in her embrace.
“Come in, come in, boy. Let me take a look at you!” she held his hands and pulled him into the small house. “Oh, you’re just as handsome as ever,” she said looking him over from head to toe. “Come sit down. I literally just set a pie to cool. Let me cut you a slice.”
“Grandma, you don’t have to.”
“Nonsense. Your grandfather was just sniffing around for some. You are the perfect excuse to have pie for lunch.” She was still holding his hand when she turned to a young woman in the kitchen. “Millie, dear, go fetch my husband from the yard. Tell him Jensen is here.”
Once the girl left, Jensen’s grandmother faced him and asked, “How are you, dear? You look a bit stressed. Anything I can do?”
Jensen sighed. It seemed that no matter how well he hid his feelings, the women in his life could read him like a book. “Fergus McCloud went back on his deal for the use of his land. He more than doubled the price. I’m here to ask if I can use your land to host a tournament and a small festival.”
“McCloud’s an asshole,” boomed a voice from the other room.
“Thomas! Such language!”
Jensen’s grandfather entered the room. “You’re right, dear, I will never say that man’s name in this house again.”
Jensen grinned and stood to hug his grandfather. “Hi, Grandpa.”
“Hi yourself. Thanks for coming. I’d have to wait all day for pie if you hadn’t.”
Jensen’s grandmother popped out of her chair. “That’s right. Sit down at the table boys and I’ll bring a slice of fresh apple out to you.”
Jensen’s grandfather clapped him on the shoulder. “Of course you can use our land. You should have asked us in the first place.”
Jensen shrugged. “I didn’t want to disrupt your harvest.”
His grandfather nodded. “That’s a good boy, but don’t worry, by the end of the week we’ll have the fields cleared."
His grandmother and Millie returned with plates of fresh, warm apple pie.
"I'll still pay for the use of the land,” Jensen offered as he dug into his treat.
“Nonsense. There’s no need for payment,” his grandmother argued.
Jensen shook his head. “No, I insist. If I was paying McCloud I'm going to pay you.”
“Doesn't feel right taking money from you,” his grandfather countered.
Jensen paused as he considered something. “Think of it as taking money from the government, like a refund on your taxes,” he suggested.
His grandfather laughed. “In that case I’ll do it.” He took a bite of pie. “Delicious pie, dear.”
“Thank you, Thomas. How are things going with your year of promise, Jensen?” his grandmother asked.
Jensen sighed and ducked his head. “I failed.”
“Jensen you're only a couple months in,” his grandfather reminded him.
“Yes, but I failed the first and most important step: my Intended. Everyone is so disappointed in me. Father is furious, mother always looks at me with pity, Elizabeth is both furious and sad. Even the housemaids shake their heads when I walk by. This was supposed to be a happy time and instead, I’ve ruined everything.”
His grandparents exchanged concerned looks.
"How is Jared?" his grandfather asked.
"He's in town visiting Mr. Beaver and some of his friends," Jensen replied.
"Well, that's nice. But I didn’t ask what he’s doing, I asked how he is," his grandfather retorted.
"I don’t know. I guess he’s fine. I don’t spend much time with him. I promised to leave him alone and I have."
"You haven’t spent any time with him?" his grandmother asked in surprise.
"No, I have. We played chess one day and I taught him how to ride and we went swimming but he doesn’t seek me out. He takes his meals in his room. Though I don’t blame him for that. I don’t eat with the others, either. Honestly he doesn't like me any more than the day he came to the castle. He sees me as the man who ruined his life."
His grandmother patted his hand. "I'm sorry sweetheart. He did seem like a good match."
"Yeah. Do you know any others? Because I don’t want to be banished," Jensen said.
His grandfather looked sorry. “No, I don’t. But I’m sure it won’t come to that, Jensen. If Jared doesn’t change his mind, I doubt your mother will allow your banishment.”
“Yes, don’t give up hope, Jensen. Maybe with time Jared will come around,” his grandmother added with another reassuring squeeze to his hand.
Jensen nodded and squeezed her hand in return. “Please don’t let this be the last time we see each other.”
“Don’t be silly. We’ll be at the festival to cheer you on,” his grandmother said with a brave smile which hid her worried heart.
“Speaking of the festival, let’s go take a look at the fields and get some planning done. There’s a lot to do and not much time to do it,” his grandfather said, standing up.
“Yes, sir,” Jensen replied, kissing his grandmother’s cheek before following his grandfather out the door.
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Genevieve smoothed her dress and put a hand to her hair. “This is so exciting. I can’t wait to meet the Prince. I heard he’s very handsome.”
Chad rolled his eyes at her. “Yeah. Tell us, Jared, is the Prince handsome? Does he make your loins quiver with excitement?”
Jared laughed. “Yes, Jensen is very handsome but no one’s loins are ‘quivering’. What does that even mean?”
“You know what it means,” Chad said, wagging his brows absurdly.
Jared shook his head. “Jensen is very respectful, Chad. Nothing untoward is happening between us.”
“Right. Sure. You’ve been living with him for months. You’re telling me he hasn’t once tried to fuck you?” Chad asked, earning a slap on the arm from Genevieve.
“Chad, don’t be such a pig!” she scolded. “I’m sure everything is very proper.”
“It is,” Jared assured them. “Once I told the Prince about Travis, he and I came to an understanding. And now he has men out looking for him.”
“Travis?!” his friends exclaimed in unison.
“Why are you looking for Travis?” Chad demanded. “That asshole ran out on you.”
Jared gaped at his friend’s lack of understanding. “He and I love each other and we made promises to one another.”
Genevieve groaned. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but I agree with Chad. Do you think you can do better than a prince?”
“It’s about love,” Jared argued.
“Does the Prince love you? Because Travis isn’t here to love you. The Prince is. No one forced Travis to leave, he chose to go. The Prince chose you,” Genevieve countered.
“Yeah. Travis isn’t even kind of handsome,” Chad joked. “Look, you know we’re right if the two of us are agreeing about anything.”
Jared made a comical gasp. “You’re right! Hell must be freezing over and the world ending so it doesn’t matter who I’m with.”
Chad and Genevieve groaned and threw rolls of bread at him making him laugh.
From the window Jensen watched Jared laugh with his friends. He pulled aside one of his men and said, “I need to make one more stop. Why don’t you go in and have supper. I’ll meet you back at home.”
“Sire, one of the guard must be with you at all times.”
Jensen rolled his eyes and pointed at the youngest and smallest of them. “I’ll keep him with me. You and the men go enjoy yourselves.”
The guard captain bowed his head. “Yes sir.”
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“May I have a word?”
Jim Beaver looked up from his ledger and barely concealed his gasp. “Yes, sir, of course, sir.” He left his stool and led the way to his office. “Colin, watch the store. I have a meeting!” He opened the door and followed the Prince inside.
Once in the office, Mr. Beaver genuflected. “Your Majesty.”
Jensen shook his head and offered a hand to help him stand. “Please, don’t do that, just sit down. I promise I won’t take much of your time. I only need,” he paused searching for the word, “a favor, I guess.”
“Anything, sir. What can I do?”
“It’s about Jared and Mr. Wade,” Jensen began.
“I swear I didn’t think Jared still had feelings for the man. Travis left the capital over a year ago.”
Jensen waved that off. “There’s nothing I can do about that now. Do you know anything about Mr. Wade that might help us find him?”
Jim shook his head. “No, sir. Nothing that I haven’t already told your men.”
“I see.” Jensen nodded. “My concern is that once we find Mr. Wade he might not want Jared back. Whether he thinks he’s ‘soiled’ from being with me or if he just no longer loves him, Jared needs to be taken care of.”
“I don’t understand. Wouldn’t he stay with you and become your Intended?”
“No. Jared doesn’t care for me. I’m not going to force him into a loveless arrangement. I’ve already done enough damage.” Jim looked confused, but Jensen continued. “When we find Travis if they get back together, great. If they don’t, Jared will need a place to live and a job.” He paused. “Obviously you’ve hired a new apprentice but would you be willing to help Jared get in someplace? Put in a good word for him? Help him find a place to live? I’ll support him monetarily until he gets settled it’s just I …” he trailed off. Talking about losing Jared was bothering him more than he thought it would. “He won’t need much. He has a whole suite of furnishings.”
Jim nodded. “I will do everything I can for the boy. You have my word.”
“Thank you.” Jensen shook his hand and left.
chapter 4
Summary: Jared learns the consequences of his actions and that Travis may have been lying. Jensen plans for the future.
Jared enjoyed his history lessons; the professor was quite engaging. When Jared finished the books covering the last century, they spent hours in lively discussion of the events. It was during one of these discussions that Jared finally asked about the custom that brought him to the castle.
“Oh the Year of Promise and the Intended goes back to the beginning of the kingdom,” the professor began. “It’s a very wise tradition.”
“Is it?” Jared asked. “Choosing some random commoner to join the Royal family seems almost dangerous.”
The professor accepted Jared’s argument with an indulgent nod but then said, “The Intended is never a random citizen but rather a partner the prince or princess chooses after much diligence.”
“Are you saying I was studied?”
“Yes, of course you were. The Prince made a case for you to his father to earn his approval. However, it’s much more than choosing a companion. During his year of promise the Prince must prove he would be a good and fair leader. The choice of Intended is the first step. This person will help rule the country after all. The tradition keeps the Royal family closely tied to those they govern. It strengthens the bloodline--the more ingredients the better the stew. No one wants another Charles the Second of Spain.”
“What happens if it doesn’t work out? What if the Intended says ‘no’?” Jared asked hoping he wasn’t giving away too much.
“The responsibility would fall to the sibling or if there wasn’t one, the sibling of the king or queen whichever was in the Royal line.”
“Not having an ‘Intended’ is not a failure.”
“You make a valid point, Jared, but the law ensures that the kingdom sees itself in their ruler and that the Royal family remains strong. A person fit to rule would have chosen a proper partner.” He noted Jared’s somber expression and tried to lighten his mood. “Not to worry! That has never happened and I’m sure it never will.”
Jared nodded but still looked concerned.
The professor patted Jared’s hand. “Jared, the Prince has a whole year to prove himself. Don’t worry about it. Now to take your mind off of all of that, here’s a new book for you. It’s modern history and I’m sure you’ll find it enthralling.”
The Treaty of Porthcawl…
Jared rubbed his eyes. He had to get through this last chapter but it was so dull. The author even made the battles sound boring. It was all written matter of fact with no drama or suspense. Jared would never write the story this way. No, in his story when the King’s men were outnumbered on the snowy cliffs of Porthcawl the reader would wonder how the men could survive the conditions let alone win the war. In his mind he began to fantasize the scene. Snow and wind howling, biting the faces of the scouts as they crept closer to the enemy
He turned the page in the book to double check the time of the battle when a date stood out.
“How can that be?” he asked the empty room. “That’s nearly four years ago.”
He rushed into the hall and called for Rob.
The man, unaccustomed to Jared ever needing him, nearly fell from his chair in his haste to Jared’s room. “Yes, sir?”
“When was the Treaty of Porthcawl signed?”
Rob thought for a moment. “That was three years ago, sir, almost four actually.”
“If Travis left just a year ago, what war is he fighting?” Jared mumbled to himself.
“I don't know, sir. The Prince believes that once Travis learned the war was over he continued home to check on his family and help with the reconstruction efforts. Perhaps his family's properties suffered much damage and they needed him to rebuild."
"Hmm, I suppose. What do you think happened?"
Rob stared with wide eyes before finding his voice and stuttering, “Uh, well, um, maybe what happened is that when he got home he realized how homesick he was and decided to stay and help his family. It’s a long dangerous journey from the capital to Porthcawl so he figured why would a man from the capital want to move all the way to the edge of the kingdom when the city is the only home he has ever known.” He shrugged with a worried smile. “I mean I’m sure nothing awful happened to him.”
Their conversation was halted by a knock at the open door. “Jared? May I come in?” Jensen stood at the door with a nervous smile.
“Of course.”
“Sorry to interrupt, but I am planning to go into town tomorrow and I thought you’d like to join me. You can visit with your friends while I attend to some business.”
Jared instantly brightened. “That would be great!”
Jensen breathed, grateful to have made Jared happy. “We’ll leave in the morning so you can spend the whole day with your friends. We’ll have dinner at that inn Richard likes so much-” he turned to Rob.
“The Twin Oak Pub,” Rob offered.
“Yes, and return home at nightfall.”
“Thanks, Jensen. I’m looking forward to it.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
When they arrived in town, Jensen apologized to Jared. “Please understand, two of my men must join you.”
Jared huffed. “Why? No one will hurt me and if someone tries, I can take care of myself.”
“I know, I know you can, but I can’t take any chances. My men won’t bother you, you won’t even know they are there. I’ll instruct them to give you a wide berth and not to step in unless your life is in mortal danger,” promised Jensen.
“Fine,” Jared agreed with a roll of his eyes. At least the entire party, including Jensen, were dressed as common citizens. No one looked like the king’s guard.
“Thank you. I’ll see you at the inn for dinner,” Jensen said before riding off with three of his men.
Jared entered the shop that had been his home, feeling nostalgic and excited.There were a few customers milling about and Colin Ford was waiting on the doddering Mrs. Fitzwell. Mr. Beaver, his former boss and father figure, was perched behind the counter writing in his ledger.
“Don't forget to carry the one,” Jared reminded him playfully.
“Jared!” Mr. Beaver dropped his pencil on the page and circled the counter to pull his former apprentice into a hug. “It's so good to see you. Come on let's go to the office so we can catch up properly. Colin, man the counter. I'm going in the back to talk to Jared.”
Mr. Beaver took two mugs from a shelf and filled them with cider while Jared sat in an old worn chair.
“Here you go, boy. I'm sure it’s not as good as the stuff you’ve been getting at the palace.”
“It's better,” Jared assured him.
“So what's it like in the castle? How are they treating you? What do you think of the Prince?”
“Uh, well, the castle is larger than it looks and my rooms are really nice and the Prince, well he's nicer than I thought. He even taught me how to ride.”
“That’s great, Jared. I told you the Royals were good people. You know he came by to talk to me when he was deciding to choose you.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“I couldn't. I swore to keep it secret.”
“I didn’t even know what being an Intended meant.”
“It means being with the Prince who is a decent young man. Someday you’ll rule beside him. Of course that’s something I would want for my boy.”
Jared smiled to himself. He loved when Mr. Beaver made him feel like family. “Jensen is decent. He's even helping me find Travis.”
“What? Why are you looking for Travis? You have the Prince!” Mr. Beaver sat back in astonishment.
“Travis and I love each other. We made promises to each other.” Jared explained.
“That was before he up and left.” Mr. Beaver sighed in frustration. “Jared, all things being equal, would Travis put aside his future to help you find an old boyfriend?”
Jared shook his head. Mr. Beaver couldn't understand true love.
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When Jensen knocked on the weathered wooden door, he was besieged with memories. He had loved coming here as a child with his mother. He would climb trees and run barefoot through the field. Afterward, his mother would gently scold him for being dirty, meaning she would smile and laugh and not truly be angry at all. And then came the best part.
“Jensen!” The woman who opened the door had his mother’s eyes but her hair was gray instead of blonde. “Could you smell the pies all the way from the castle?” she laughed and pulled him into a hug.
“Maybe.” Jensen chuckled and took all the comfort he could in her embrace.
“Come in, come in, boy. Let me take a look at you!” she held his hands and pulled him into the small house. “Oh, you’re just as handsome as ever,” she said looking him over from head to toe. “Come sit down. I literally just set a pie to cool. Let me cut you a slice.”
“Grandma, you don’t have to.”
“Nonsense. Your grandfather was just sniffing around for some. You are the perfect excuse to have pie for lunch.” She was still holding his hand when she turned to a young woman in the kitchen. “Millie, dear, go fetch my husband from the yard. Tell him Jensen is here.”
Once the girl left, Jensen’s grandmother faced him and asked, “How are you, dear? You look a bit stressed. Anything I can do?”
Jensen sighed. It seemed that no matter how well he hid his feelings, the women in his life could read him like a book. “Fergus McCloud went back on his deal for the use of his land. He more than doubled the price. I’m here to ask if I can use your land to host a tournament and a small festival.”
“McCloud’s an asshole,” boomed a voice from the other room.
“Thomas! Such language!”
Jensen’s grandfather entered the room. “You’re right, dear, I will never say that man’s name in this house again.”
Jensen grinned and stood to hug his grandfather. “Hi, Grandpa.”
“Hi yourself. Thanks for coming. I’d have to wait all day for pie if you hadn’t.”
Jensen’s grandmother popped out of her chair. “That’s right. Sit down at the table boys and I’ll bring a slice of fresh apple out to you.”
Jensen’s grandfather clapped him on the shoulder. “Of course you can use our land. You should have asked us in the first place.”
Jensen shrugged. “I didn’t want to disrupt your harvest.”
His grandfather nodded. “That’s a good boy, but don’t worry, by the end of the week we’ll have the fields cleared."
His grandmother and Millie returned with plates of fresh, warm apple pie.
"I'll still pay for the use of the land,” Jensen offered as he dug into his treat.
“Nonsense. There’s no need for payment,” his grandmother argued.
Jensen shook his head. “No, I insist. If I was paying McCloud I'm going to pay you.”
“Doesn't feel right taking money from you,” his grandfather countered.
Jensen paused as he considered something. “Think of it as taking money from the government, like a refund on your taxes,” he suggested.
His grandfather laughed. “In that case I’ll do it.” He took a bite of pie. “Delicious pie, dear.”
“Thank you, Thomas. How are things going with your year of promise, Jensen?” his grandmother asked.
Jensen sighed and ducked his head. “I failed.”
“Jensen you're only a couple months in,” his grandfather reminded him.
“Yes, but I failed the first and most important step: my Intended. Everyone is so disappointed in me. Father is furious, mother always looks at me with pity, Elizabeth is both furious and sad. Even the housemaids shake their heads when I walk by. This was supposed to be a happy time and instead, I’ve ruined everything.”
His grandparents exchanged concerned looks.
"How is Jared?" his grandfather asked.
"He's in town visiting Mr. Beaver and some of his friends," Jensen replied.
"Well, that's nice. But I didn’t ask what he’s doing, I asked how he is," his grandfather retorted.
"I don’t know. I guess he’s fine. I don’t spend much time with him. I promised to leave him alone and I have."
"You haven’t spent any time with him?" his grandmother asked in surprise.
"No, I have. We played chess one day and I taught him how to ride and we went swimming but he doesn’t seek me out. He takes his meals in his room. Though I don’t blame him for that. I don’t eat with the others, either. Honestly he doesn't like me any more than the day he came to the castle. He sees me as the man who ruined his life."
His grandmother patted his hand. "I'm sorry sweetheart. He did seem like a good match."
"Yeah. Do you know any others? Because I don’t want to be banished," Jensen said.
His grandfather looked sorry. “No, I don’t. But I’m sure it won’t come to that, Jensen. If Jared doesn’t change his mind, I doubt your mother will allow your banishment.”
“Yes, don’t give up hope, Jensen. Maybe with time Jared will come around,” his grandmother added with another reassuring squeeze to his hand.
Jensen nodded and squeezed her hand in return. “Please don’t let this be the last time we see each other.”
“Don’t be silly. We’ll be at the festival to cheer you on,” his grandmother said with a brave smile which hid her worried heart.
“Speaking of the festival, let’s go take a look at the fields and get some planning done. There’s a lot to do and not much time to do it,” his grandfather said, standing up.
“Yes, sir,” Jensen replied, kissing his grandmother’s cheek before following his grandfather out the door.
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Genevieve smoothed her dress and put a hand to her hair. “This is so exciting. I can’t wait to meet the Prince. I heard he’s very handsome.”
Chad rolled his eyes at her. “Yeah. Tell us, Jared, is the Prince handsome? Does he make your loins quiver with excitement?”
Jared laughed. “Yes, Jensen is very handsome but no one’s loins are ‘quivering’. What does that even mean?”
“You know what it means,” Chad said, wagging his brows absurdly.
Jared shook his head. “Jensen is very respectful, Chad. Nothing untoward is happening between us.”
“Right. Sure. You’ve been living with him for months. You’re telling me he hasn’t once tried to fuck you?” Chad asked, earning a slap on the arm from Genevieve.
“Chad, don’t be such a pig!” she scolded. “I’m sure everything is very proper.”
“It is,” Jared assured them. “Once I told the Prince about Travis, he and I came to an understanding. And now he has men out looking for him.”
“Travis?!” his friends exclaimed in unison.
“Why are you looking for Travis?” Chad demanded. “That asshole ran out on you.”
Jared gaped at his friend’s lack of understanding. “He and I love each other and we made promises to one another.”
Genevieve groaned. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but I agree with Chad. Do you think you can do better than a prince?”
“It’s about love,” Jared argued.
“Does the Prince love you? Because Travis isn’t here to love you. The Prince is. No one forced Travis to leave, he chose to go. The Prince chose you,” Genevieve countered.
“Yeah. Travis isn’t even kind of handsome,” Chad joked. “Look, you know we’re right if the two of us are agreeing about anything.”
Jared made a comical gasp. “You’re right! Hell must be freezing over and the world ending so it doesn’t matter who I’m with.”
Chad and Genevieve groaned and threw rolls of bread at him making him laugh.
From the window Jensen watched Jared laugh with his friends. He pulled aside one of his men and said, “I need to make one more stop. Why don’t you go in and have supper. I’ll meet you back at home.”
“Sire, one of the guard must be with you at all times.”
Jensen rolled his eyes and pointed at the youngest and smallest of them. “I’ll keep him with me. You and the men go enjoy yourselves.”
The guard captain bowed his head. “Yes sir.”
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“May I have a word?”
Jim Beaver looked up from his ledger and barely concealed his gasp. “Yes, sir, of course, sir.” He left his stool and led the way to his office. “Colin, watch the store. I have a meeting!” He opened the door and followed the Prince inside.
Once in the office, Mr. Beaver genuflected. “Your Majesty.”
Jensen shook his head and offered a hand to help him stand. “Please, don’t do that, just sit down. I promise I won’t take much of your time. I only need,” he paused searching for the word, “a favor, I guess.”
“Anything, sir. What can I do?”
“It’s about Jared and Mr. Wade,” Jensen began.
“I swear I didn’t think Jared still had feelings for the man. Travis left the capital over a year ago.”
Jensen waved that off. “There’s nothing I can do about that now. Do you know anything about Mr. Wade that might help us find him?”
Jim shook his head. “No, sir. Nothing that I haven’t already told your men.”
“I see.” Jensen nodded. “My concern is that once we find Mr. Wade he might not want Jared back. Whether he thinks he’s ‘soiled’ from being with me or if he just no longer loves him, Jared needs to be taken care of.”
“I don’t understand. Wouldn’t he stay with you and become your Intended?”
“No. Jared doesn’t care for me. I’m not going to force him into a loveless arrangement. I’ve already done enough damage.” Jim looked confused, but Jensen continued. “When we find Travis if they get back together, great. If they don’t, Jared will need a place to live and a job.” He paused. “Obviously you’ve hired a new apprentice but would you be willing to help Jared get in someplace? Put in a good word for him? Help him find a place to live? I’ll support him monetarily until he gets settled it’s just I …” he trailed off. Talking about losing Jared was bothering him more than he thought it would. “He won’t need much. He has a whole suite of furnishings.”
Jim nodded. “I will do everything I can for the boy. You have my word.”
“Thank you.” Jensen shook his hand and left.
chapter 4