The Spoils of War (COMPLETED)

Two Weeks

Jasmine had noticed the weird glances that Alaric had passed her way. Yet every time she asked him what was wrong he always answered that it was nothing, or that she was imagining things. She had her own things on her mind though so she couldn't demand that he tell her everything on his. She was going to see her family in two weeks and she didn't know which emotion was stronger excitement or anxiety.

There had been a lot of misunderstandings and she was glad that she was not the last of her Pendegrass family, but the anxiety of seeing them while using herself as bait...was daunting. It was easy for her to say she would do it right then and there but what if they got hurt for being near her?

"Did you hear what I said?" Alaric's voice brought her out of her train of thought with a snap. She looked at his expectant gaze and felt a little embarrassed. Her cheeks were stained red as she tried to think of what the last thing she heard him say was. As if he could see her internal struggle Alaric threw her a lifeline. "I said that we need to get you fitted for your dress still, would you like me to go with you?"

Jasmine wasn't sure if she was reading too much into his tone, but he sounded almost hopeful. If she were to be honest with herself she knew she would feel better if he was there anyway, so she had no reason to refuse. "I would be happy to welcome your company, that is if it would not be too much trouble." She knew he gave up all of his free time to make sure she was comfortable and happy, and she hated that it made her so happy.

She wasn't scared like she used to be, no her confidence was slowly coming back, but there was a part of her that did not want to tell him this news. She already felt like her time with him was going to be snatched away from her and telling him that she didn't need him to be with her every step of the way would just hasten it. 

...
"I think with your blonde hair, blue is your color, but truly you could make any color outfit look amazing. They say that clothes make the person but you will make all women of the kingdom pale in comparison no matter the outfit. Only you are worthy of being my muse." Jasmine felt awkward as the bespeckled young designer circled her, poking and measuring as she went. "Your Highness is indeed lucky to have you by his side. You both are just the cutest couple." The woman's words made Jasmine's whole face flush such a deep red that for a moment she felt dizzy.

"Couple?!" When she could finally respond all she could do was stutter that one word. Is that what people thought they were? She looked at her reflection in the mirror and saw her reddened cheeks and wide eyes. The thought of standing next to Alaric as his other half was thrilling, but he had never said anything about her staying...That thought was enough to sober her wayward thoughts. Watching her cheeks return to their normal color she made a vow that at the end of the party she would tell him how she felt and no matter what his response she would take it in stride. She was done running and hiding, it was her life and it was time for her to take it into her own two hands.

Meanwhile, Alaric was sitting in the waiting room, none the wiser of the conversation taking place. He waited patiently for her to come out of the dressing room, not minding the hours that ticked by. Whatever she chose, in the end, would be perfect, of that he was sure.

30 minutes later he was graced with a vision that quite literally stole his breath away. Jasmine exited the dressing room draped in blue and gold. Her hair had been twisted into a half up half down hairdo inlaid with flowers made of gold and each petal a blue gem. The skirts just barely kissed the floor, but as she stepped he saw delicate shoes that looked like she was gliding on butterflies. He had the urge to drag her into his arms and hide her from the rest of the world. Surely if others saw her looking so gorgeous they would try to take her from him.

"How do I look?" Her bashful question, coupled with her reddened cheeks snapped him back to reality.

He coughed lightly behind his fist as he gave her one more once over. "Beautiful." He whispered under his breath. "Honestly you might be too good looking." He clamped his mouth shut at that addition. Hoping that she didn't catch it he coughed once more before continuing. "I think you should wear this one. If you would like to change I will settle the bill. Then we can go out to eat afterward if you are hungry." He turned briskly but that couldn't hide his reddened ears. Seeing him blush only made Jasmine's blush deepen.

As soon as he was out of earshot she released the breath she had been holding. Beautiful, he had called her beautiful and she was on the cusp of hyperventilating like a young maiden in love who had just been proposed to. Love, she could finally put a name to the feelings that had been wreaking havoc on her heart whenever she was near him.

"You both are the cutest, well how about I get you dressed up for your date today too? It shouldn't take too long since we have some premade outfits. I'll even put it on the house if you agree to be a model for me one day." The designer held up a finger with a cheeky grin on her face, but one word kept echoing through Jasmine's mind. Date. Was going out to eat with him considered a date? What if he did consider it a date... She looked at the designer's hopeful eyes and could only nod mutely.

...
Walking out of the shop Jasmine ran her hands down her new skirt to make sure there were no wrinkles. She felt nervous but still, she moved towards him with a purpose. They had eaten many meals together both inside and outside of the castle, so she needed to act like nothing was out of the ordinary.

When she was about 5 feet from him he turned and for the second time that day his breath caught in his throat. He recovered quicker this time as he offered his hand as if on instinct. "You changed your clothes, they look good on you." He pulled her closer and began to casually walk down the street. His heart was anything but casual though as it pounded against his ribs at a bruising speed.

Jasmine wanted to pull her fingers away, afraid that she was sweating with nervousness, but he held firm. Looking at his side profile she answered without thinking. "The designer gave them to me because she thought we were going on a date." The moment she said the word date her heart lurched. She hadn't meant to tell him that part.

She refused to even look at him almost afraid to know what his expression was. Sure they were close, but he had never said he liked her. What if she had just made him feel awkward? Her thoughts were a mess but Alaric was fairing no better. If anything the poor guy was about to have a heart attack. His already rapidly beating heart had kicked it into high gear at the word date. Now was not the time or place to act on his feelings, but he promised in his heart he would tell her his feelings and ask her to stay by the end of the party.

He did not know how she felt, but he knew that these two weeks were possibly going to be the death of him.

....

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Just some soft lovey-dovey stuff before the party. Both have strong feelings for the other but are holding it in. Just a couple of chapters left before the finale.  I am sorry it has taken me so long to write this short little story. My son had covid and then had to have surgery for his foot and i'm trying to go to college still. Hope you can hold on just a little bit longer!

Who should I write about next?