The Rebel (#Wattys2016)

28. Asleep People Don't Groan

Also dedicated to jessabelle11993! Sorry I couldn't fit your name up there!

Huuuge thank you and shoutout to sincerelyemilie and jessabelle11993! You guys are amazing thank you for voting and commenting you guys! Like, you guys basically made me write some long chapter and dedicate it just for you two! Much love girls!

Adeen first heard the steady drip of a machine besides her, followed by the hum of a plane, then the white lights made it through her eyelids. She groaned, a headache making its home right between her eyes.

"Don't bother acting asleep, princess." Jasper said. "Asleep people don't groan."

"Asleep people don't feel like hell." Adeen said, her eyes still closed.

"Pilot," Jasper spoke into what Adeen guessed was an intercom, "lower the intensity of the lights, please."

"Yes, your Majesty." The pilot's voice came through the plane's speakers and immediately the lights dimmed down.

Adeen finally opened her eyes. She saw the ceiling of the plane, curved and white, and slowly turned to Jasper, who was reading a book beside her. She was strapped to a stretcher. The plane vibrated violently and Adeen instinctively grasped to the metal poles beside her. Pain roamed both her arms and she remembered scratching the time into the stone with the nail. Adeen flinched and looked at her bandaged hands.

"They'll get better." Jasper said, still not looking up at her. He sat cross legged, his legs forming a four and his book balanced on his legs. "They tried not to leave scars but," he shrugged, "I guess it won't make a difference. One or two more scars won't stand out on your hands."

Adeen scanned the rest of the seats, tensing when she saw them empty.

"He couldn't come. Father didn't allow him, said he had to stay with the rest." Adeen blushed slightly and Jasper looked up. "What do you remember? Any clues as to who kidnapped you?"

"You didn't catch him?"

Jasper shook his head. "Unfortunately for Skander's sanity, not. But we will. We just need to know everything you can tell us."

Adeen looked at the ceiling, shrugged. Again the plane shuddered and she gasped. To distract herself, she began speaking.

"He was working for someone."

Jasper nodded and leaned in. "Him?"

Adeen bit her lip but nodded and Jasper leaned back, again looking at his book.

"I knew he'd try something like that. I just thought he'd do it in a more private matter."

"Thanks for warning me, Prince." Adeen said sarcastically.

Jasper playfully bowed down and winked at her.

"No problem, princess." He passed a page and ran a hand through his hair.

The plane shuddered again and Adeen gritted her teeth.

"It's alright, princess. The plane going through turbulence is like a car going through a bumpy road. It's completely normal and in no way compromises the well being of the machine or its occupants."

"Still doesn't change the fact we're thousands of feet above the earth and that if an engine fails we plummet to the ground and our imminent deaths."

"It's alright Adeen." Jasper's eyes were amused. "This is the royal family's private jet, and probably the most secure plane in the entire country." He shrugged and passed another page. "Plus, we're only an hour away from Angeles. Unless you want to arrive with a terrible tense and aching body, I suggest you relax."