Running Thorns

Chapter 4: Jasper and Kyle

Jasper:
Of course he was all over the news, the man goes to a club and it's all over everything. The latest gossip. Look he was spotted with a female. Could she be the next empress? God I was so sick of it. Everything was always about him, even with father. It was like didn't exist. The twins were well twins and mischievous everybody knew who they were. But no not me, the second eldest and most of my country didn't even know my name. Even Misk got his own kingdom to rule over and I was just nobody. I was the second eldest prince to Weminash, the largest empire in the world. Did that mean nothing?

I had been in my thoughts on my way to my room on the fifth floor when I turned a corner and practically demolished a poor maid like a bulldozer. Just great I thought add this to the list of reasons everybody hates me. She had almost fallen when I caught her by her waist, her dirty old sunglasses had fallen off her face and when I caught her, her eyes practically froze me. "I'm sorry I was paying attention young maiden... I-I didn't mean to hurt you... are you okay?" I said sincerely.

"Y-yes I'm fine, thank you for catching me" she said nervously. I wonder if she's nervous because I'm still holding her. I should probably let her go. I steadied her on her feet and she started to practically run off. I picked up her sunglasses.

"Wait!" I shouted and she turned around dead in tracks startled, she was practically shaking. I walked up to her handing her sunglasses to her "I think you forgot something, wouldn't want anyone to see you're beautiful eyes, my lady," she took them into her grasps. "Do you know who I am? Just curious is all, I'm feeling a bit insecure." I said curious if this lovely violet eyed maid knew my name.

"You're the second eldest prince, prince Jasper, you're highness." She curtsied low for me out of respect. Her shaking and nervousness had stopped. Maybe she was nervous because of all the rumors ladies give about me. But most of them have a reason to I guess. I do tend to break their hearts. I smiled, an honest smile I was pretending with this young maiden. I was charmed she knew who I was and glad that she showed me respect.

"What is you're name young maiden, if I might acquire?" I asked her. She bit her lip making me stare at them before returning to her violet eyes. She seemed to be contemplating something.

"Isn't it wrong for me to be talking to a prince, you're highness? I'm just a lowly maid..." she said nervous again. I see. She thinks that because of my status that she is burdening me. I shook my head.

"No, do not do that. Just because you're job title is a maid does not mean you are not as important as I. You work hard for your living taking care of the palace I live in. In return we pay you, I am nothing more than you're boss. I don't even have much command over the empire, I hav met duties but you are my subject none the less and equal as a human being." I practically started giving her a long speech but stopped myself short she probably had to get on with her duties too. "If I might ask you again, what is you're name young maiden."

She looked taken aback. Stunned by my words. Her cheeks flushed red and for a moment her beauty made me forget she was a maid. "Rylie, you're highness," she spoke softly confident in her name. I liked it enough. Rylie... what an odd maid, too pretty to be cleaning and running around the palace doing chores.

"Well Rylie, you may call me Jasper, but I'm sure you are busy I'll let you get to it then," I started to turn around.

"Wait, I'm afraid I'm rather new here and I'm not entirely sure where the staircase is... I got a bit lost, I had just been dropping off some tea and was pointed to the stairs," she giggled, "It took me a while just to find the right room. I normally stay downstairs." I chuckled a bit at her.

"Well it's a good thing I literally bumped into you, if you go down the hall that way," I pointed the way she had started going, "then go down the hall all the way and turn right you'll see the stairs after a minute or two." I said amused.