The Kings Love

Back Into The Forest |25|

Jasmine

I just sat there, confused.
Jasmine: "King Larry, why did you say that? You and I both know we want nothing to do with each other in that way. Hell, we are hardly friends." King Larry leaned back on the chair, closing his eyes.

King Larry: "My twin looked upset didn't he? Funny way for someone to react if they didn't care like they claim. Anyways, you can drop the King part and just call me Larry."
He got out his chair saying he'd see me later in the forest. My God, how did things get this way? Not only have I been told that King Laurent didn't want me basically, but that King Larry would put me in his Chosen. There was no way I was going to try to go for King Larry's heart for two reasons. One, me and King Larry just did not match and two, I knew Kyanna's feelings for him. I sighed and pushed the chair back and left the dining room. I walked the halls, looking for Kyanna while wondering where Sophia was. I hadn't seen her in a few days. I found Kyanna sitting outside on a stone bench. Her eyes were distant and she seemed sad. I sat next to her, the sound catching her attention.

Jasmine: "Are you okay Kyanna?"

Kyanna: "Is something going on between you and King Larry?"
My eyebrows lifted comically and I couldn't stop the laughter that erupted from me. I was clutching my stomach and tears fell from how hard I was laughing.

Jasmine: "You're joking right? I know that you didn't think that because of that display during breakfast?" When she said nothing, I composed myself and tried to explain to her without revealing to much.

Jasmine: "Look, let's just say that right now King Larry's and mine goals are compatible. We are not lovers nor will we ever be, but we are trying to be friends. At least until he decides not to anymore." She accepted that answer. I knew that I kept a lot out but I had to be careful on what I said. You never know who could be listening. 

With Kyanna satisfied by my answers, we got up to prepare for the hopeless trek through the woods for Queen Jessica.
I made it back to my room and looked inside the dresser, hoping for clothes that wouldn't kill me while in the forest. I was shocked to see that not many dresses remained. In the spaces where most of the dresses were, now contained shorts and leggings and shirts. I wonder who had changed out all the clothes. I switched out my hoodie for a white and black striped crop top. I put my hair up in a ponytail and found some black timbaland boots to wear. Welp, here goes nothing.

I went outside and the guards were already there to escort me to the forest entrance. I waved to Curtis and he informed me that the others already left ahead. Figures. I was on edge the closer I got to the forest. Just as I could see everyone else in the distance,
the mantra
"not gone, not gone, not gone" starting playing in my head. I needed to remember what happened, it was the only way this would stop. I hope I can find some kind of answers today. I approached the group and could see them all dressed similarly with everyone in shorts and tank tops. Everyone but Candice, who was wearing a dress and slippers.
I sighed, my eyes rolling at her attire.

Candice: "Glad to see you could finally join us Jasmine, it's terrible to keep King Laurent waiting." My lip rose up in a sneer and I examined my nails like I wasn't at all interested in what she had to say.

Jasmine: "Why should I care? Since it's obvious I'm not wanted, why wait for me. No one is stopping any of you." I brushed past her, ignoring King Laurent's glare. I walked to King Larry and Kyanna sides. I gave them both a smile and King Larry slanted his head slightly.

King Larry: "Shall we start then? Of course it will be up to my brother to say since I'm not needed yes?" I swore King Larry was petty. King Laurent walked forward into the forest without saying a word.

We had been trekking in the forest thirty minutes and saw nothing. We kept going for another thirty minutes until Candice started whining about her feet hurting. I rolled my eyes.

Jasmine: "What kind of smart ass wears that on a trek through the woods? Especially a search trek."
Her sneer didn't faze me but of course King Laurent spoke up then.

King Laurent: "We will stop and rest for a few minutes to give Candice time to recover." I snorted without trying. King Laurent's eyes bore into mine but I didn't back down.

King Laurent: "You have something you wish to say Miss Jasmine?"

Jasmine: "Plenty but for the sake of my own sanity, I'll keep it to myself Your Highness." I walked away from him and sat besides King Larry and Kyanna. He was ignoring Melissa and giving Kyanna all his attention, making sure she was okay. At least that made me smile. Kyanna laid her hand on my shoulder and I just accepted the care she was giving. King Larry eyes roamed over me and he gave me a pleased smirk. King Laurent was watching our interaction with disguised interest.

Jasmine: "What? Why you looking at me like that King Larry?"

King Larry: "You look good in tights. Makes certain parts pop no? Hahaha and didn't I tell you to just call me Larry? You don't listen well huh?"
I couldn't stop the blush that brightened my cheeks. King Laurent eyes narrowed and King Larry saw. He tipped his head a little to his twin and smiled. Kyanna's face fell but King Larry took her hand and said they needed to speak. They left on their own to talk in peace. Melissa had this look on her face, something that seemed like a decision had been made.

Candice: "Hm, seems like King Larry likes to play all the fields huh? Even the ones that's not his. You should be ashamed Jasmine, carelessly flirting with your chosen Kings brother. I knew you were nothing like you portrayed to be." Candice smug face was irking me and I tried to keep my composure. King Laurent leaning over to brush hair from her face gently killed that though.

Jasmine: "You know, I never looked at King Larry that way. But why shouldn't I? It's obvious I had just been a little fun for King Laurent and now he was done with his new toy. I suppose I can't blame him. After all, he had a weathered and well tamed old one by his side anyways. I remember King Laurent you said yourself that I succeeded in making you not want me, well congratulations because you succeeded in the same."
I tried to make it believable, but my voice broke at the end and I felt tears prick my eyes. I hated everything about this place and everything I was feeling. Before the first tear fell, I ran from the group. I heard King Laurent say my name but that made me run faster.
I kept running, ignoring my need for air. I wanted to get away from the hurt and the bullshit.

It hurt seeing him and Candace so intimate and I wasn't handling it well. I silently prayed I would find Queen Jessica so I could leave, that seemed like the best solution. I was so lost in my mind that I didn't see the tree roots and while running, my foot got caught in them. I fell and hit the side of my head on a rock. This dizziness in my head was overwhelming and I felt weak. My vision was blurring out and all of a sudden, flames flowed through my veins.

( End Chapter )

Remembering sometimes mean taking a hit to the head...