Chasing Forever: Jacob's Story

One Year Later.

 "Jake!" I turn to see George running up to me as I walk towards my quarters after supper. "Hold on a moment!"

 I look back towards my door longingly, hearing Ezekiel laugh from inside, before I stop and turn to George. His hair falls into his face and I remind myself to talk to his mother about cutting it before training tomorrow afternoon.

 It's been a year since Ezekiel and I were brought into the castle to serve as the trainers for the King's children. And ever since that day George and Michael have been following me around the castle relentlessly, no matter what time of day it is. Their sister Elizabeth, although she's extremely gifted and strong, tries to avoid us beside the mandatory training's every afternoon and evening.

 "What is it George?" I ask when he reaches me.

 "You leave in August right?" He asks. "Michael said you leave in May but you joined the Legion only a year ago August, right?"

 I nod. "Yes, George." I say. "I leave in August."

 He nods. "Okay."

 I stare at him for a few seconds more, wondering why he hasn't bade me goodnight and gone off to his quarters yet. "Is there something else you'd like to ask me, George?" I say, quietly.

 He glances around us, as if he's scared somebody is going to hear. "Yes."

 "What is it then?" I say, no longer exasperated but mildly curious. George never tries to be silent around me, except when we were discussing Count Anthony's daughter, Rebecca, whom he fancies. "Need more advice about Rebecca?"

 His cheeks grow red but he shakes his head. "No, sir." He whispers. "I just.. well I was wondering.. If you'd stay.. Here, in the castle, I mean."

 I sigh. I'd had a feeling that one of them would in fact ask that question of me. "I can't George," I say, kneeling in front of him. "I have a family back home. A mate. I can't stay away from her."

 "Well than bring her here with you!" He says, grasping my shoulders. "She can live in the quarters with you. I'm sure father would allow it."

 "George.."

 "No!" He cuts me off, tears streaming down his face. "I don't want you to go, Jake.."

 I hug him to me, my heart beating painfully in my chest. Despite the warnings from Ezekiel not to, I've grown attached to George and Michael in the past year. I've been the one patching them up when they get hurt, the one who's been giving George advice on how to win Rebecca's heart. I've been having dinners with them, and even once or twice I've let them fall asleep in the quarters overnight, after training. They've become like family to me.

 "I know, George." I say, keeping my voice steady. "But I have to."

 "Please don't.."

 I sigh, pulling back to look into his eyes. "George what is this about..?"

 He sniffs, wiping his tears away. "You care more than he does," He whispers. "You take care of us more.."

 "I'm sorry?"

 "Father." He says, his voice cracking. "He's never around anymore.. You are.."

 "Yes but i'm not your father George." I say. "The King is."

 "Well I wish you were!"

 "Now, now George." I look up to see Iridisia, the King's mistress, leaning against the wall in the shadows. "You wouldn't want your father to hear you say that would you?"

 George stiffens and looks at me, genuine fear in his eyes. "N-n-no"

 Iridisia steps out. "Run along then, I'm sure Jacob would like to get his rest." She says. "Come all walk you."

 I stand. "He can walk himself." I say. George looks up at me and I nod him towards his room. "Go on, George. I'll be there to settle you in in a moment."

 He nods and after a frightened look at Iridisia, takes off running towards his room.

 Iridisia takes a step towards me, smiling. "Well aren't you just the prize daddy."

 I shake my head at her. "Shouldn't you be pleasing his royal majesty just about now?" I say. "Considering you can't do anything else with your.. abilities."

 She stiffens. "You don't want to make an enemy of me Jacob." She says.

 I grin at her, turning and walking towards George and Michael's room. "I'm pretty sure you have more to lose than I do." I sneer. "You are the witch here."

 She gasps and I hear her turn on her heel and walk quickly back to her room around the corner.

 I don't trust her. I think to myself. There's something off about her.