Kingdoms

rown small builing that resembled a barn, which stood only a small distance away. "I don't think the caretakers are in there right now. In fact, I think they should be done for

I see." It struck him, the urge he had to reach out and caress her black curls, instead he turned away from her and look instead to the chair before turning to her once more. He found her, seething, like leopard ready to pounce. there you Jasper, you've angered the small woman. "Thank you, milady." He proffered, hoping to abate her anger. she quirked her brow, her anger dissipating, and it's place was confusion over his sudden change of demeanor. Arrogant one minute, somber and humble the next. This man was something. New. That was the word that came to her. And she found herself wondered where it came from, but didn't question it. "you're welcome." she said finally. No, dwelling on anger would really lead them nowhwere. He nodded once, and stood watching her, as she watched him. She was astounded by his audacity. shaken by his humility. humbled by his gratitude. "How soon do you need to speak to my father?" She said when her anger finally dimmed, faded, a way to keep in check the warring emotions the man so easily caused to happen simply by being. And although he was rude, she wanted to understand his need to see the king, what was so important he couldn't await an appointment? And in spite of the fact that he tended to showcase the traits of a complete arse, she wanted to help him, and it had nothing to do with how handsome he was. "Before sundown if you can manage it." She weighed his words, before nodding slowly. "We will need Ànemos." She said, looking at him. "And what do you have in mind, princess?" He drawled the last word, but she took no care. She just smirked at him. "You'll see." And she took great pleasure when she saw the hesitation in his expression. ***** "Please, Ànemos, this is important." The elderly guard stood in the old supply room, eying Jasper cautiously. "But he tells not what he has to say to the king. for all we know, he could be a threat." She looked at Jasper for just a moment and their eyes locked, and as quickly she looked away. The only threat she sensed was the one that came from the ripples in her belly whenever he looked at her the way he did. "He is not a threat, if he were I would not be here right now." She remembered how he had met her asleep in the woods. If he meant any harm, couldn't he have done it right there, when she was asleep? Defenseless and vulnerable? He had a sword, he could have used it, or threatened her with it. So far all he'd done was annoy her and gotten her stomach in knots. "What do you mean by that?" He looked away from Jasper, and turned to his side to look down at her. "Leave that for now, Ànemos. Please." She added, when he looked like he would argue. "I will help." She looked up at him and have him a toothy grin. "Thank you." His eyes grew compassionate, then he looked towards Jasper, and a good chunk of that compassion fell away. "Follow me." He said curtly. And they did, with Hannah at his side and Jasper right behind them. **** "So let's go over the plan again." They stood before the doors of the throne room, and Hannah looke