Love & Thieves (Book 2) ✓

𝓒𝓱.16 ~ 𝓛𝓪𝓭𝔂 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓸𝓵𝓭

Jezamine was wandering the castle, secretly planning an escape route from the Tower of Light. Counting Guards and exits until she stumbled upon a brooding Prince heading her way. Jez was trying her best to avoid the man but he made it difficult to do so when they kept running into each other like this. Alexander didn't see her straight away, stopping in his tracks when he finally does notice her. His frown turned into an instant smile as he bowed to her.

"Lady Jezamine...you look beautiful this evening." Alexander looked her up and down.

She wore a simple blue gown, not wanting to wear frills or ribbons or glitter. Royals had a strange taste in fashion. If Jezamine was a Royal, she would request for the tailors to make her unique gowns that were comfortable and more to her taste. The simple blue silk gown was the only dress that didn't make Jez want to set it on fire.

"And you look like something is troubling you?" Jezamine raised a brow. She shouldn't get involved in the Prince's business but she couldn't help her curiosity.

"I'd rather not talk about it." Alexander said abruptly.

Instead the Prince grabbed her hand, heading towards the turret in a hurry. Jezamine wondered what he was running away from?

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Marigold has loved Alexander since she was six years old and never had the courage to tell him how she really felt about him. She always thought the Prince and her would be young lovers and naturally become King and Queen. She never thought she would have to fight for Alexander's attention or have her father, Lord Darius, ordering her to marry the Prince. Marigold would not have a home at the Portland Manor if she failed, and she didn't want to live on the streets of Arondale. She has to marry the Prince and bring her family name wealth again for her father's sake.

Since the Redelle Rubies were the majority of their wealth and were no longer in their possession, the Redelle's were beginning to struggle. Lord Darius began to sell their belongings to keep the manor as their own.

King Vincent and Lord Darius have been friends since they were teenagers, and naturally their friendship led to Darius serving the King as a Knight. After losing his legs during an attack by the wild men, her father lost his title as the King's Knight and was given the Portland Manor as a sign of gratitude for his service.

Now they couldn't afford to pay the bills, keep food on the table or pay the servants to keep working for them. The only thing that could save them from becoming broke was Marigold marrying the Prince. This is why she could not let Lady Jezamine ruin her plans, she couldn't disappoint her father and mother. She would lose her place under their roof and be disowned as a Redelle. Her life and family depended on this marriage arrangement.

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In the turret, Jezamine and the Prince sat together in silence, enjoying the cloudy view of the kingdom. The snowy mountains weren't visible in the distance and neither was the mill factory. Jezamine wondered if her father has completely lost his mind yet or if he was still keeping himself together.

Alexander didn't speak for a long while, finally turning towards her. "Is your father a hard man to please?"

The question was unexpected and unprepared for, Jezamine recovered her surprise and answered. "He is a hard man to make proud. May I ask why you ask, my Prince?"

"My mother is a hard woman to please unless she is her getting her own way." He replied and added. "I also prefer it when you call me Alexander. All I hear is 'my Prince' all day, every day."

Jezamine didn't know how to respond to that, taking the moment to admire the moon rising from behind the clouds.

"Would you care to join me for dinner?" The Prince asked sincerely, his golden eyes begged her. "Your company would keep me sane at least."

As much as she wanted to decline Alexander, she found herself agreeing to join him for dinner which made him smile. She noticed he smiled more being around her than anyone else. Even before Jez came into the castle, the Prince always looked sad behind his smiles and waves as he rode through the Town Square.

Jezamine only has a few days left to enjoy and savour the Royal life before she would steal the crown and hopefully return to the Guild alive and in one piece. That's if she wasn't caught and hung for her crimes against the Royal Family.

But if she did succeed and the Jewels of Arondale finally being in her father's possession didn't please the man or make Caine proud of her, Jez swore she would ram the crown somewhere the sun didn't shine...

Alexander stood, helping her up before he left with the promise to see her at dinner and for her to wear something formal for the occasion. Jezamine didn't know what gowns were classed as formal, deciding to ask Mags for help with picking out her outfit for the evening.

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Lady Jezamine entered the room wearing a red and gold silk gown, looking regal and like a Queen. Alexander's breath was taken away by the sight of her, trying his best not to stare. Shortly afterwards the King joined them, his face was full of colour as he sat next to the Queen, the woman only glared towards her son and Lady Jezamine not approving of the pair.

King Vincent kissed his mother on the forehead and whispered something in her ear, Alexander assumed his father was talking to her about the wedding arrangement. It was good to see the old man looking well compared to a week ago. Ari and the other Royal Healers really are miracle workers.

After talking to his mother and spending time with Lady Jezamine, the Prince left to reconcile with his father about marrying Lady Marigold. The King wasn't very fond of Marigold or how she flaunted her wealth without a care in the world. King Vincent only had one condition for his son and that was to choose a Queen who made him happy.

Although Lord Darius was Vincent's long time friend, the King never spoke to his friend about wedding arrangements between Alexander and Marigold nor agreed. This was his mother's decision, not his father's.

Speaking of, Lady Marigold entered the room in a gold gown, her hair braided with golden flowers and beads. Lord Darius walked in behind her, giving the Prince a slight nod, Jezamine moved uncomfortably beside him trying to rearrange her gown. Alexander didn't know the Lord was invited to dine with them.

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Marigold didn't want her father to join her and the Royal Family for dinner but after hearing what she said about the Prince not wanting to marry her, of course the man invited himself to try and change Alexander's mind. He also wanted to catch up with his old friend, hoping to sway the King to agree to the marriage arrangement.

Queen Margery was easy, she wanted the pair to be wedded and unite their two families - Aronhall and Redelle. The Queen adored Marigold unlike the King, who never spoke to her or acknowledged her presence when they were in the same room.

Her father hoped to persuade the King, and so did Marigold. Her reputation depended on it. She did not want to end up living on the streets of Arondale, having to beg for gold and scraps of food...