Hollow Grounds

Sorrow

Jasper rides his horse through the palace gates, his body bruised and battered from the beating Philip gave him. He winces in pain as he dismounts, his movements slow.

Mrs Harcourt , his caretaker's eyes widen in horror as Jasper approaches her, his face battered and bruised. "Oh, young master ! What in the world...?" she trails off, her voice trembling with rage.

Jasper tries to smile, but it's more of a wince. "It's okay, Mrs Harcourt I'm fine."

Mrs Harcourt is having none of it. "Fine?! You're not fine! You're a mess! And on today of all days...your mother's anniversary..."

She rushes to his side, helping him walk as he winces in pain. "Who did this to you? I'll have their head on a platter!"

Jasper chuckles, despite the pain. "It's not that simple, Mrs Harcourt.It's...complicated."

Miss Jenkins' expression turns stern. "Complicated or not, I won't stand for this. You're the son of the king, and you deserve better than to be treated like a common criminal."

As she helps Jasper to his room, she continues to fuss over him, her outrage and concern evident in every gesture. Jasper smiles, grateful for her care and loyalty.

When his mother passed away years ago, Little Jasper was entrusted in the hands of Mrs Harcourt.
Mrs. Harcourt, a widow in her late 50s, dedicated her life to caring for others. Her husband, a brave military officer, fell in battle when she was just a young woman. The loss was devastating, but she found solace in her work as a caretaker to the young lords in the palace.

Jasper, in particular, held a special place in her heart since he was a boy. She had watched him grow, nursed him through illnesses, and soothed his childhood fears. Over time, a deep bond formed between them, similar to that of a mother and son.

Mrs. Harcourt's maternal instincts, denied by her husband's untimely death, have found a new focus in Jasper's care. She has been his rock, his confidante, and his guiding light. In return, Jasper has brought joy and purpose to her life.

As Jasper grew older, their bond remained strong. Mrs. Harcourt continued to offer guidance and support, even as he faced the challenges of adulthood.

Mrs. Harcourt gently guides Jasper to his room, helping him sit on the bed as she begins to clean his wounds.

"This is unacceptable," she mutters, her hands moving with a gentle yet firm touch. "You deserve so much better than to be treated like this."

Jasper closes his eyes, wincing slightly as she cleans his cuts but he feels a sense of comfort in her care, a sense of safety he hasn't felt in a long time.

As she works, Mrs. Harcourt talks softly to him, her voice soothing his battered soul. "You're a good boy, Young master. You deserve love and respect. Don't let anyone ever make you feel otherwise. You're a prince too!"

Once she's finished cleaning his wounds, Mrs. Harcourt helps Jasper into a warm bath, the water easing his aching muscles. She then dresses him in somber, dignified attire, suitable for the funeral anniversary.

As she finishes, Jasper looks in the mirror, his eyes red-rimmed but his face set in determination. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the day ahead.

Miss Jenkins hands him a small, delicate box. "Your mother's locket," she says, her voice trembling. "I think it's time you wore it again."

Jasper's eyes well up as he takes the locket, his heart heavy with emotion. Mrs. Harcourt gently taps his shoulder and departs from the room to make arrangements.

Andre, appears, his appearance looking shabby and his eyes, sleep deprived almost as though he was awake throughout the night.
" Sire," he speaks , " They're waiting for you."

He walks out into one of the rooms in the palace where the ceremony was taking place. The weight of his grief and pain crashes down on him like a wave. He feels like he's reliving the day she died all over again.

Jasper's eyes scan the nearly empty hall, his heart heavy with sorrow. He had expected a larger turnout to honor his mother's memory, but it seems he is to be disappointed.

Only a handful of people are present: the two court officials who support him, their faces somber and expressionless; the military commander, his half brother Prince Edward the palace guards, standing stiffly at attention; Mrs. Harcourt, her eyes red-rimmed from crying; and Andre, his face a mask of sympathy.

The most notable absence is that of his father, the King. Jasper feels a pang of sadness and betrayal. How could his father not be here to honor his mother's memory? After all was he not the one who agreed that a memorial should be held? And prefers that preparations be made?

Jasper takes his place at the front of the hall, his somber attire a reflection of his mood. He gazes down at the floor, trying to compose himself, but his eyes well up with tears.

Mrs. Harcourt notices his distress and moves to his side, her hand on his arm a gentle comfort. "You are not alone, my lord" she whispers. "Your mother's memory lives on in our hearts."

Andre steps forward, his voice low and soothing. "Let us begin the ceremony. We are here to honor your mother's life and legacy."

Jasper nods, taking a deep breath as the ceremony begins, his eyes keep drifting to the empty chair beside him, where his father should be. Jasper's heart aches with sorrow.

As the ceremony progresses, Jasper's emotions swirl within him. He feels a mix of sadness, anger, and disappointment. He can't help but wonder why his father chose not to attend.

Mrs. Harcourt's hand on his arm tightens, as if sensing his turmoil. Andre's voice rises and falls, speaking words of praise and remembrance for Jasper's mother.

Jasper's mind wanders, consumed by thoughts of his father's absence.

The ceremony ends, and Jasper follows the others out of the hall. Mrs. Harcourt and Andre offer condolences. Prince Edward offers his condolences and walks out.

As they depart, Jasper catches sight of a figure watching from the shadows. A very familiar figure... the queen.

Yes.. I'm still editing the other chapters . I'll release them as soon as I can.
Thanks for following jasper all the way. This chapter is quite a sad one. I took a lot of emotion to write this so sit back and enjoy 😉