Love and War

35: Jonah

Jonah's POV:
"Here. My mother said we owe this to you. Since you don't want to stay here with us then we could at least send you money so you could live comfortably." I told Anastasia.

My tone sounded more polite and cold than ever. It made me uncomfortable.

She nodded and her hands took the envelope of money I was handing her. I wished she wouldn't take it, that she'd stay here and...

I shook my head.

"Thank you." She said.

I remembered our deal. This is why she came with me whatever happened between us must've just been for fun. The thought made my blood boil but I couldn't blame her, I was the one reading the situation wrong.

"You know I am really glad that I came with you. Not for this..." she said holding up the envelope. "But because this month and a half meant more than you think to me. Thank you for being my friend and being there for me Jonah."

I nodded.

Friend. I mean we never did clarify if we were more than that. I guess this clarifies that.

"I agree. Thank you for your help, Anastasia. Your friendship also means a lot to me. Don't be afraid to reach out if you ever need anything."

We stayed there for a second just staring at each other. I was afraid to look away because it might be the last time I saw her. I walked around the desk not breaking eye contact and stopped in front of her.

Her breathing became heavy and I could see her nervously playing with the edge of her dress. I tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Come to the party with me. We are all celebrating our victory." I said my voice low enough so only we could hear.

The party was starting in a little while and I was already dressed. She wore a navy blue gown with short sleeves and a tight corset that pushed her breasts up giving her cleavage. The bottom had a few simple ruffles and her hair was up on her head showing off her neck. She looked beautiful.

She shook her head. "I can't. Only royalty will be there, I'll stick out like a sore thumb."

"Please."

She looked like she might agree and she bit her lip.

I want to bite that lip.

I ran my thumb across her bottom lip and she released it from between her teeth. I felt myself harden and started pushing her towards the desk and to my surprise she let me. My arm wrapped around her waist and she placed her hands on my chest.

A knock sounded at the door and we both froze. "Hello? It's Robin. Your mother told me to come get you." She said from behind the closed door.

"We'll continue this later," I whispered to Anastasia who turned red and lightly pushed me away.

I turned and opened the door. Robin smiled and looked behind me at Anastasia. She looked confused but just waved politely at Anastasia.

"Robin. What are you doing here?" I asked.

Anastasia interrupted and pushed past me. She bowed her head slightly at Robin and me. "Have fun at the party. I have to go now. Goodbye." She started walking away and I hoped she didn't think Robin and I had anything going on.

Robin glanced from me to her and cocked a brow but she didn't ask. "You look great Jonah. Shall we go?"

I nodded. "Thank you. Yes, let's go." I said and shut the door behind me.

I didn't grab her hand or her arm like I normally would. She didn't seem bothered by it and I remembered that she probably didn't want to marry me either. But unlike me, she didn't have a choice. I didn't have a choice either but I had more freedom, she is controlled by her father who could marry her off to anyone.

She smiled just as we walked through the doors to the ballroom. She squared her shoulders and walked in looking calm and collected. She wore a dark green satin gown with gold lace designs on the skirt. Her brown hair was tied at the nape of her neck in a twist and she wore light makeup.

We walked to our table. My mother wearing her crown looking like the picture-perfect queen she is. I kissed her cheek and sat down next to her. On the other side of me was Robin and her father King Rafael and mother Queen Elaine.

I'll never forget how it felt to be shaking her hand. It shook me to my core and to say I was afraid of her was an understatement. I wonder how it must've been being raised by her.

Robin didn't possess the cunning skills of her mother it was clear and she also didn't possess her beautiful looks. One thing they do have alike however is her manners and her confidence. That's all her mother.

After dinner and some conversation, the music started and everyone stood to dance. I stayed in my seat despite my mother saying I should take Robin out to dance.

I only have one person who I want to dance with.

Maddox didn't even come which is normal he hates parties like this with snobby kings and bratty daughters. Dimitri was sitting in his corner of the table alone drinking away his sorrows. Trojan was charming a few women with his jokes and even took one out to dance.

Serena came with her father to see Landon and they went out to dance too. They haven't let go of each other once. I know King Ian would've preferred a prince for his daughter but Landon is the best she could ever get and I think he's realizing it.

"Father. Let's dance." Robin said standing and taking her fathers hand.

It reminded me a lot of my father for some reason. My mother watched all the other queens dancing with envy. My parents weren't really into dancing but they'd always dance at least once or they'd sit and talk all night. I never knew what they'd talk so much about but you could tell they loved each other very much. I placed my hand on my mother's shoulder and she gave me a small smile.

I glanced at Robin dancing with her father with a smile on her face. She danced well and she looked great but I couldn't help but be reminded by Anastasia's dancing.

She was perfect. If she came here with me tonight everyone would've been admiring her all night.

I wish she came.

I wonder what she's doing right now. Probably asleep.

I came back from my thoughts to see King Nicholas take Robin from her father. They started dancing and they looked like a match made in heaven. For once all night Robin was genuinely laughing something she never did with me.

Not that I cared but perhaps that would've been a better match for her. Well if Nicholas could keep his eyes from wandering...

Nicholas was spinning her and he looked very happy. Maybe because he thinks they'll sleep together tonight.

His goal to sleep with a princess from each kingdom keeping me from believing that happiness is genuine. It's most likely lust.

I shook my head to myself and took a sip from my drink.

After this I will go see Anastasia. Hopefully it isn't too late.

***