He stopped just short of me, his gaze intense as if seeing me for the first time. “There are so many versions of you,” he whispered. “Kalina, Daisy, the muddy maiden, all of them make up the most extraordinary girl.” His hand brushed mine as he picked it up gently and held it in his own. A small gasp escaped my lips as he pressed a light kiss onto the top of my hand. “There’s one other talent that I neglected to mention, one that has me enraptured more than any other.” He lowered my hand, still holding it gingerly. “The ability to capture the hearts of those around you.” My heart went wild as he looked at me with the most tender eyes. He was looking at the real me, and his gaze wasn’t an ounce different than the one he gave me at the ball.
All the fear, stress, and tension melted away as I looked back at him. “I apologize for confusing you with so many faces,” I whispered. “Allow me to try again.” I dipped into a deep curtsey, still holding his hand. “My name is Kalina Aristi; I’m the daughter of a deceased merchant and a lover of flowers. I never meant to get involved with a band of murderers. I also never intended to wear a magical dress to the ball, nor did I mean to be framed for your father’s murder.” I stopped, worried that I was rambling.
I looked to Jasper with nervous eyes, wondering if I had struck a soft spot by bringing up his father’s death, but he only laughed lightly at my babbling. “I understand. I had theprivilegeof meeting your stepfamily, and I can see how they would drive someone to desperate actions.”
I let out a calming breath. “I’m sorry you had to go through that,” I said with exaggerated sincerity.
He laughed once more, and I felt the comfort of his presence wash over me. I had done it. I was safe, and Jasper never had to be deceived by…
I gasped, recalling my desperate need to speak with Jasper in the first place. “Your Highness, I have something urgent to tell you.” I tightened my grip on his hand, and he raised an eyebrow at me.
“Well, it must be important if you’re using my title.” He chuckled. “Jasper, will do just fine.”
I ignored his witty reply and tightened my eyes on his. “Jasper, the men who killed your father had kidnapped me.” I watched as the jest in his face disappeared and his hand gripped mine. “They wanted me to die in the forest so I couldn’t tell you what I learned.” I steadied myself, gripping Jasper’s serious expression with my own. “It was Prince Conan from Ashbourne. He killed your father and wanted to blame it on me. Well, first he wanted to blame it on a barmaid, then on me, and now on a random Draconian. Also, there’s an injured barmaid located somewhere in the west who can tell you more.”
Jasper’s face distorted between severity and confusion. “Pardon?”
Wordlessly, I led him to the bench. Once we were seated, I explained the entire story in full detail. He only stopped me a few times to ask the occasional question, but mostly waited patiently until I finished.
His face grew grim. “So King Darius thinks he can dispose of my father without anyone being the wiser?” he said coldly. “That’s repulsive.”
I placed a soothing hand on his. “I’m so sorry, Jasper. I wish I could have done more to stop them, but they were too clever.” My heart sank at the memories of the collective group.
Jasper took my hand into his. “Don’t apologize. I would have been in the dark if you hadn’t escaped. You protected the entire kingdom. Now I can get justice for my father. He deserved that much…” His tone grew solemn.
“What will you do now? Are you going to confront Ashbourne?”
He paused for a moment in deep thought. “No, not yet,” he said firmly, standing from the bench. “Right now, Ashbourne doesn’t think we’re onto them. I want them to relax and think they’ve won, and I intend to keep it that way until we have a proper plan.”
“That makes sense,” I agreed, looking up at him. “How do you intend on convincing Ashbourne that you’re unsuspecting?”
A mischievous smile flicked at the corner of Jasper’s mouth as he turned to the patch of flowers. I watched him curiously as he retrieved what appeared to be a small package and an unseen bloom from the flowers, meticulously keeping it out of my sight. I attempted to peek behind him, but he swayed so I couldn’t see.
He grinned, still holding the package behind him. “I’m going to throw a party.”
I crossed my arms, still flustered at what he was hiding from me. “A party? How will that help anything?”
He stepped forward, his grin softening. “It will showcase the strength of our kingdom and put Prince Conan on high alert. He believes you perished in the forest, so how do you think he’ll react when you’re flaunted in front of the entire kingdom?”
My mouth fell open at his implication. “You want me to attend a royal party? Do you remember what happened the last time I came to a ball? It wasn’t very enjoyable for anyone.”
“Oh, I remember.” His smile brightened as he stepped forward, moving closer to where I sat on the bench. “You stole every eye in the room with your beautiful entrance, and I can only imagine that you would steal the heart of the entire kingdom at an even grander celebration. Although this time, I think you’ll need a little something extra to complete your ensemble.” He moved the hidden package in front of him, still keeping the mystery flower he plucked out of sight. I watched with perplexed thoughts as Jasper opened the package and removed its contents.
I sucked in an awestruck breath as he produced the most beautiful leather boots I had ever seen. The soft brown leather only moved up to the height of an ankle, allowing the shoe to be practical for both interior and exterior use, and the design… My mouth fell agape as I looked upon the beautiful ivy pattern that trimmed the shoes, with a perfect daisy bloomed at the top of the toe.
Jasper smiled brightly as he watched my astonished expression unfold. “Your gardener friends knew a rather remarkable cobbler who already had your measurements,” he explained. “I figured it was the least I could do for you, after everything you’ve been through… May I?” He gestured to my uncovered feet.
I nodded mutely. My heart was still racing with joy from his sweet gesture, so much so that I was glad I had remained seated. Jasper knelt onto the ground and slid the boot onto my bandaged foot with ease.
“It’s a perfect fit,” he acknowledged, his smile reflecting my own.
“They’re incredible. I don’t know how to thank you.” I stood from the bench to test the new boots, and instantly relished in their comfort and warmth. My eyes misted with heartfelt tears as I stared into the eyes of the man who had known just what I needed.
“You’re almost ready for the party now,” he said with a light tease to his tone. “There’s only one more thing I wanted to address… You see, we’ll need to hire a few extra hands for a celebration as grand as this. But the issue is, I believe you applied for a position at this specific event. Although, I can’t give you the job… I think your opinions and designs should be given the highest priority.” His words were tender as he slowly pulled the flower he’d been hiding into view.
A blood red rose.
My heart fluttered at the sight of the vibrant red. My head tried to consider any alternate meanings for the flower, but there were only two that I had ever known. Is this real? Is he really telling me…