“What can I say, I try.”
“Did you learn all on your own?”
“I kind of had to. It's not easy to survive on your own and raise a child unless you know how to cook.”
Alex felt silly for even asking, of course, Jay had to learn how to cook, he was considered as nothing more than a commoner in Manevia. The pure-bloods were the only ones who did not have to rely on such skills to live, feeling it was beneath them to ever get their hands dirty. Fortunately, Alex learned how to cook ages ago. Isabel taught her over the years Richard brought her over to the house, insisting it was an invaluable skill. It was something Alexandra had been very proud of. Although, she did wish she could have practice more, and perhaps now she could.
“I will need to pay you back for this delicious meal. So you will have to let me cook for you on your birthday next week.”
“Really princess? You can cook?” Jay looked at Alex with a raised brow “I didn't think pure-blooded women concerned themselves with trivial skill they can pawn off on someone else.”
“They don't. But may I remind you, I'm not one of them. I have spent so much time sneaking out beyond the castle walls that I have picked up a useful skill or two. I'm actually a decent cook if I dare say so myself.”
“Now that is interesting. Okay, princess, you're on. I shall allow you to cook for me on my birthday, and I'll be the judge of your skills.”
Alex swatted playfully at Jay's shoulder. He really was a jerk, but he was her jerk, and that made her happy. Looking out into the night Alex frowned. She was getting tired of living her life in the shadows. Instead, she wished to be with Jay in the daytime as well. She would have loved to vanish into the veil and come out in a different time or place, with a new face, and a new identity. Alex wished to go somewhere new, somewhere her pure-blood status did not matter.
Staring out wistfully into the distance, Alex barely noticed Andy hop off his stool. Running into the kitchen, he returned holding a plate with a small cake on it. It was just big enough for three people and one fat pigrie who was honking happily on the table, eager to get a slice. Lighting a single candle, Jay slid the pastry in front of Alex.
“Happy birthday sweetheart.”
“Blow out the candle, but don't forget to make a wish first!”
A wish thought Alex. How long had it even been since she made a wish? Rupert stopped lighting candles for her years ago. She made a comment of how pointless it was to wish for something one can never have, and the old man sadly complied. It wasn’t until recently that she regretted what she said because now, she really had something to wish for.
Sitting at the table, Alex wondered if she could wish for what she wanted. Glancing from Jay to Andy, to Cosmo, she decided there was no harm of giving it a try. Shutting her eyes tight, Alexandra made her wish. She wished she could live like this forever. To be with the people she loved, not just at night, but during the day too, far away from the oppressing rules of her blood status. Blowing out her candle, Alex sent her wish out into the world, hoping beyond hope this one would come to true.
Finishing the cake, the three of them sat down to play a game as Cosmo went down for a nap in his favorite spot. Paying no attention to the time, they played on until the clock struck eleven. Realizing how late it was, Alex and Jay looked at Andy who was sitting on the floor rubbing his eyes.
“It's late bud, looks like it's time for bed.”
“Aww daddy, do I have to?”
“Yes, I'm afraid so. And you look sleepy anyway.”
“Okay.”
“You mind putting him to bed while I clean up?”
“I don't mind at all.” Alex picked up the sleepy child off the floor “Come on Andy, off we go to bed.”
Carrying the boy upstairs, Alex tucked him into bed and waited for him to journey to the land of dreams. It did not take long for Andy to fall asleep and Alex was on her way downstairs in no time at all. Jay had just finished picking up as she walked into the cozy living room. Sneaking up behind him, Alex wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his back, listening to the soothing sound of his heart beating.
“Thank you, for tonight. This was the best birthday I've had in years.”
“I'm not done, sweetheart. Not yet. I still got one more gift for you.”
Puzzled, Alexandra let go and glanced up at Jay who turned to gaze at her with a soft smile reserved only for her. She wondered what else could Jay possibly have to give her. Studying the curious glint in Alexandra’s eyes, Jay shook his head at how it always made him feel. Taking her by the hand, he led Alex out to the bar and lifted her up to sit down on the counter. Picking up the black guitar resting against the bar, Jay sat down on the bar stool across from her, his heart pounding in his chest from anticipation.
“Now, it's nothing special princess, but I wrote a song. Just for you.”
“You play guitar Jay? Why have you never told me?”
“I haven't played in ages. Not since Andy was born. But I decided I would make one exception, and only for you.”
Feeling herself blushing, Alex ducked her head down to look at the floor. Jay wrote a song for her. She was special to him after all. If Alexandra's heart could sing, it would have bellowed out the happiest tune she knew, but she could barely look up at the man sitting across from her. Biting her fingernail, she looked him in the eyes. Jay looked so serene sitting there, lit only by dim candlelight. His fine features suddenly became even more prominent, and Alex grasped the top of her dress as the air drained out of her lungs.
As Jay strummed at the strings, the room filled with a sad, gentle melody. Then, he began to sing, and Alex almost melted at the sound of his deep voice. Despite being somber, the song he sang was not sad. It was actually rather romantic. Never ceasing to amaze Alex, Jay conveyed to her how he felt, and even though it was just a song, she felt a slight sense of happiness.
Listening carefully, Alex hung on his every word, waiting for the song to be over before standing up and clapping joyfully. Putting his guitar down, Jay sauntered over to where Alex stood. Placing an arm around her waist, he brought their bodies closer. Peering down at the woman of his dreams, his blue eyes glistened in the dim light as desire crept up inside him.
“What did you think love?”
“I think it was beautiful.” Alex exhaled from the tension building at her core. “Can you play it again for me sometime?”
“Anytime you want it, sweetheart. This one is just for you.”
Still holding Alex tight in his arms, Jay leaned in closer, yearning to kiss her. Almost surrendering to his desire for her, Jay remembered his restraint. Stopping himself with a sigh, he rested his forehead against hers while trying to still the raging fire burning in his soul. Not willing to let the moment slip away, Alex wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself tighter against him. Lifting his head, Jay peered at her with an intensity she had not yet seen as his breathing grew heavy.
“Dance with me, Alex.”
“But,” Alex looked around the empty tavern, “we don't have any music.”
“Don't we? Close your eyes and listen.”
Closing her eyes, Alex listened closely to what it was Jay heard. But, no matter how hard she tried, all she could hear were a few lone crickets outside and the sound of the wind blowing through the trees.
“I'm sorry. I’m afraid I don't hear anything.”
“That's because you're not listening. Clear your mind and actually listen, not with just your ears, but with your heart.”
Having no idea what Jay was going on about, Alex closed her eyes again, wishing to entertain his request. Nothing seemed to be happening, so with a deep breath, she cleared her head the best she could. Standing there in silence, she was ready to throw in the towel when she suddenly heard it. Out of nowhere flowed a sinful, sensual melody, causing Alex to sway her hips with its sultry rhythm.
She opened her eyes, and she could see Jay standing there, holdi
ng his hand out to her, ready to dance. Taking his offer, she brought her body close to his, and they began to dance the passionate dance around the room. Jay was a surprisingly good dancer, and Alex had no trouble following his lead as they got closer to each other with each move. Their bodies intertwined with one another as they dance on, to a song only they could hear.
With their eyes locked on one another, Alex felt an electrifying tingle of the surrounding air which was filled with sweet, seductive energy. Something about the way he looked at her and the way their bodies moved in sync with each other made Alexandra want to surrender all of herself to him yet again. Allowing herself to play with Jay's hair, she desperately tried to hang on to what little control she had left even as she longed to feel him inside her.
When the melody wound down, Jay gave Alex one last dip, and they were left standing, melted in each other’s arms. They were both breathing heavily as they tried to pull away from the other’s embrace, with little success coming from either of them. Finally, regaining their composure, they parted ways, and Alex was left wondering what this strange feeling was that kept coming over her when she was with him. At her side, Jay was giving her a sheepish look while rubbing the back of his head, still trying to calm himself down.
“I would have never guessed you were so good at dancing, princess.”
“It's a lady's duty to know how to dance.”
“Perhaps, but only court style dances. What we did was the forbidden dance of lust and love. I doubt pure-bloods are allowed to know it as it can lead to things they don’t approve of.”
“I'm afraid you are right. Dances of passion are strictly forbidden in our society. But lucky for you, I learned to dance the same place I learned to cook.”
“Richard…”
The unmistakable bitterness in Jay’s voice left Alex slightly surprised. Earlier, she only entertained the idea, but this has left her without a doubt. Giggling, Alex glanced at Jay who appeared dejected by her reaction, and she couldn’t help but blush, just a little.
“Why, Jay, could you possibly be... dare I say... jealous?”
“And what if I am?” Jay crossed his arms frowning “You got a problem with that sweetheart?”
“No... but, what are you going to do about it?”
“Oh, that's it, princess.” Jay picked up Alex and flung her over his shoulder “Now I will have to punish you for being such a sassy pain in my ass.”
Squealing, Alex playfully hit Jay on the back as he carried her through the tavern door. Telling her to watch her head, Jay brought her out through the back door into his modest garden. The night air was warm and filled with the sweet scent of marigold. Laying Alex on the grass, Jay straddled over her, putting his body on top of hers. With their noses touching, Alex felt a surge of energy jolting her body closer to his.
With Jay's body weight on top of her, the tingling sensation overpowered Alex one more time. Moaning from the pleasure, she wiggled as she tried to get out from under him before she lost all control. Paying no attention to her struggle, Jay moved his face down to nuzzle her neck. He stopped at her hair, inhaling its seductive aroma, and causing Alex to tremble with delight.
“You smell as beautiful as a summer garden.” He whispered breathlessly, unable to control his erection. Jay felt her body quiver as he kissed her neck, and he felt himself get even harder. “I would smell you all night long while I caress your body if you'd let me.”
“You have no idea how bad I want that.”
With every inch of Jay pressing against her, Alex struggled to contain the desires which bubbled over inside of her. Using every ounce of her strength, she pushed up against him and rolled them over, with her straddling over him. Jay reached up to caress her hips with his large hands. Between his touch and his stiffness pressing itself between her legs, Alex could barely contain her urge for him. Leaning over, she contemplated kissing him, but Jay effortlessly rolled them over on their side before she had the chance.
Moving his hand up her side and to her face, Jay stroked Alex's cheek before cupping her chin. Moving it closer to his face, Jay brushed his thumb across her lips, making her shudder. Stopping his hand, Alex shifted her weight, pressing her hips against him, begging him to take her. With a deep breath, Jay gave her a serious look before he allowed them to go too far.
“Careful sweetheart, you don't want to fall for me.”
“Too late, I fell for you a while ago.”
“No. You have just lost your mind.”
“Maybe I have. All I know is that I'm crazy about you. I want you in ways I never wanted anybody.”
“I'm just an old man with a kid, Alex. You don't want that burden in your life.”
“Can’t you see, it's not a burden, not to me. I love Andy as if he were my own child. And I love you, Jay. Is... is that why you have been holding back from me? Did you think that was how I felt about the two of you?”
Leaning forward, Jay kissed her on the forehead. He felt the same way Alex did, but he was not yet ready to admit it. A part of Jay still feared losing her, and he knew he’d be putting her in danger if he allowed himself to get much closer. Rolling over onto his back, he brought Alex closer to him, letting her rest her head on his chest. He wrapped his hands around her slender frame and sighed at his inability to be honest about his feelings.
“You are too good to me woman, you know that? I don't think I can resist your charms very much longer.”
“I don't want you to resist me, Jay.” Alex stole a glance his way “I want you to surrender to me the same way I have surrendered to you. Completely.”
Laying on his back, Jay stroked Alexandra's hair. He was trying to purge himself of the desires he had for her, but she made it almost impossible as she wrapped her arm and leg around him, bring them even closer together. Once again Jay felt his pants get tighter, and he wondered if Alex knew what she was doing to him. Close to surrender, he sighed and lifted her chin to meet his eyes.
“Would you settle for just watching the stars in my arms tonight? I just need a little more time Alex.”
“I think I can learn to live with that. But don’t take too long, time is not on our side.”
While this was not what she wanted, Alex was willing to wait for Jay however long it took. She only feared their time restraints. If they were going to make something work between them, it needed to happen before they shipped her off to Rexham as Philip’s bride. Snuggling up to Jay, Alex looked up at the night sky. It was a clear summer night, and the streak which appeared during the warmer month could easily be seen from their vantage point.
“The Path of Warriors looks fantastic tonight.” Jay whispered.
“Path of Warriors?”
“Don't they teach you anything over in that palace, princess?”
“Nothing to do with astronomy I'm afraid. The pure-blood’s fascination with the stars died with the ships which sailed amongst them.”
“Well, listen and learn. The Path of Warriors is a road which takes the immortal soul over to the planet of the gods.”
“Sirius?”
“So, you do know some things. Yes, when a soul ascends from the veil, the stars form a path and the spirit walks it all the way to Sirius.”
“How many mages do you think get to travel the path?”
“Hard to say. Probably not many. Sirius is reserved for the Gods and anyone who was exceptional in life. Some say, the only way a non-god can enter Sirius is to render a great service to the divine.”
Alex nodded her head in agreement and continued to look at the so-called path. If the legends were true, what would it take to walk it? She doubted even the most informed knew the answer to that, for Gods never asked for favors. It would probably take some extraordinary act for the heavenly parents to dream their souls worthy enough. Even still, it was a beautiful story, and Alex tried to invasion what the home of the Gods would look like. Whatever it was she thought, it must be beautiful.
En
twined in Jay's arms, Alex lay and watched the stars twinkle brightly in the sky. Maybe it was the company, or maybe it was how she felt when she was with Jay, but Sirius appeared to shine brighter than usual. Actually, it seemed to be twinkling in a strange pattern, as if telling her everything would be all right. If only space travel was still feasible, thought Alex. If even one such ship remained, she would have asked Jay to whisk them away, someplace far away, to one of those distant stars where they could be together in peace.
As the two of them lay on the grass, talking and observing the starts, they did not notice a raven who landed on the roof of the cottage. The black bird sat in its place, watching the two of them with a keen eye. Ruffling its feathers, the raven had a nefarious glint in its eyes. It had been keeping its eyes on them for a while now, and tonight it had seen what it wished to see.
The master was right about the girl and the barkeep all along. The raven would need to take care of them soon, before they had the chance to ruin everything he worked for. So, when Alex finally got up to return home, the bird followed, keeping an ever-watchful eye on her, plotting its next move.
Chapter 21
Conspiracy Revealed
Stretching out in bed after a long night, Alex suddenly remembered what day it was. It was August 3rd, the day of Jay's birthday. Covering her face with the duvet, she let out a soft, happy squeal as she kicked her feet in excitement. The loud commotion startled Cosmo, who moments earlier was sleeping peacefully on the pillow. Barking angrily, he worriedly glanced around the room, but no enemy was to be found.
“Sorry, buddy. Did I wake you?”
“Gruff.”
“My apologies.” Alex gave Cosmo a gentle poke with her finger. “But do you know what day it is?”
“Hoink?”
“Well, yes, it is Friday. But it also happens to be Jay’s birthday.”
“Roink.” Cosmo narrowed his eyes, unamused such a trivial matter ruined a perfectly good nap.
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