Nightfall dropped over Ashvale, and the pair stood in each other's warm embrace in the garden, as snow drifted from the sky once more in a light, feather-like way. Jack had his chin resting on the Prince's head, simply holding him close, swaying, in a sense, under the white light of the moon. Prince Alexander moved his head away from Jack's chest, looking back at the outline of the wooden door and sighing, taking hold of the tall boy's hands and removing them from his waist.
"Goodnight, Jack. I'll see you again tomorrow?" his voice was gentle, something that seemed to happen in the night with Jack.
The other nodded. "As always, Princess."
Prince Alexander mumbled out a 'don't call me that' and stepped away from Jack, retreating to the door, where he turned back to wave, before entering the castle, plunging the garden into darkness after the stripe of light emitted from the crack in the door.
Jack felt his smile fall. A huge weight seemed to have been planted on his shoulders, fighting with his own mind to make the right choice. Everything seemed to spin, at this moment, and it was becoming too much to handle. Prince Alexander's voice that said he didn't care for how much trouble they were in collided with the dark voice that had hissed 'two more nights, Jack' and it was hurting him, slowly. It was a dreadfully guilty feeling - as if he was lying to both sides of the argument at hand. But no, he technically was not, in his overly-active train of thoughts. It was his fault, he knew, that he hadn't slept for days, keeping himself awake, tossing and turning over all the different outcomes of the possible scenarios in his head, the choices he would have to decide, and what would be right or wrong.
Because, in a similar fashion to the Prince, Jack had poor sense of what was right or wrong, now.
One half of him said no, he should choose to be good, in the eyes of anyone else, and he could stay with the kingdom's youngest royal, no secrets having to be held. Or, his own sick, twisted version of good, which was doing what he had been sent here for; yes, he was sent rather than returning to Ashvale after years on his own accord.
Another sigh evaporated into the night, and the skinny, confused, and thoughtful young man made his way back over that wall, once more. He found himself sneaking away from the castle, away from the houses, and into the woods, where he knew they would be. It took a short while of walking along the cool path, over the frozen lake of where he had heard the soft and beautiful voice of the Prince sing, and further; further, until he had come face-to-face with the jet black figure on the horse. The person atop it said nothing, only leading the animal around to set off at a gallop in the direction of which he had come. Jack knew he must follow, which meant running to catch up to the person.
*
"You did arrive, Jack, I see," said the thickly different accent of the dark figure. Jack had just entered the small hut, almost a shack, of wood, which held no light aside from the dusty streak of moonlight that glinted so perfectly through the murky glass in the wood. They were still as dark as the night sky in the minimal light, but their outline was noticeable. "Take a seat."
The tall boy closed the door to the shack, stepping on the creaky floorboards to take a seat at the old wooden chair that was pulled up at the desk of which the dark figure was stood behind. "You did tell me to."
"I did, but I have come to realise your disobedience overshines your sincerity."
The young man almost looked down, because it was true, to his unfortunate self. "I am afraid."
The dark figure stared at him, as if considering the words, which meant little to them, but nonetheless letting out a short laugh. "Since when have you, the Jack, agreed that you have done wrong?"
"It is my job, and you know so."
"Oh, I know, all right. Well, we both know that what you do is right, isn't it, Jack? However, upon recent times, you have failed to do such tasks, am I correct?" to Jack, they were only stating facts, adding a question as if they had no idea. And all he was allowed to do was answer them.
"I have been busy."
They let out another chuckle, dark and mysterious yet cruel. "Ah, yes. That I do know. The Prince, isn't it, Jack? You have been busy with him, I believe. I must say, it is quite a smart act you have put up. Of course, this is one of our first times working together. I mean, I did hear you were good, but never did I imagine such a believable performance. It is quite an honour to experience this in person. You are very skilled in what you do."
Jack swallowed, blinking even if he need not. "Of course."
"Tomorrow," they said, dreamily, their heeled boots clicking loudly against the wooden floor as they stopped at the window, gazing out of it, and running a gloved finger over the surface of the sill. "Oh, tomorrow. It will be good, I presume. Do be sure that you get it all, won't you?" Before Jack could utter an answer, they were correcting themselves; "I should not doubt you. Good things have been said, very good things."
"I am well known for my performances of the sort." Jack hesitated to say.
"Yet so secret. Start at the castle, yes?"
When Jack said nothing, they turned around, demanding his swear to it.
"No."
//ooo cliff hangers. this was quite short, and it focused on jack and how bloody mysterious he is. i hope you liked it. maybe a few more updates today, depends. what did you think? ily, and thank you so much for the votes and reads and just wow i didnt think this piece of crap would get anywhere.
also, wattpad updated on my phone and it's so difficult to navigate ugh. -jaime.
