Undiscovered Origins

Undiscovered Origins - Chapter 21

Chapter 21:

            Jade shivered as she walked through the creaky hallways of the ship. She wasn’t cold, in fact she felt quite nice with the cashmere jacket buttoned up with her quivet scarf wrapped around her neck. The hall finally ended and she paused in front of a large door staring regretfully. She didn’t want to open it or knock. In fact she thought she’d rather sleep outside the door all night than actually go inside.

            She nearly knocked when she heard the laughter of a girl inside of his room. Pausing with her hand only inches from making contact, she listened as best as she could through the door. The voices weren’t too clear but she could definitely distinguish the sound of Selaras’ voice. Heat welled up to her face and her fist clenched as she leaned in to better listen.

            “If there’s anything you ever need Drake, do not hesitate to ask.” Selaras spoke softly.

            “What if there’s something that I want?” Drake said smugly.

            Without listening for another word Jade stormed off not wanting to interrupt. It was clear what was going on… what was about to happen. She wanted no part of it and she seemed foolish to wish that something more could happen between them. It wasn’t like she wanted something solid or any sort of adultery, but she did wish the sparks were back. Just to be able to be in his arms, with him holding her close, it would be indescribable. Yet, it seemed that there was only one thing on his mind, and that was what he cared about getting. It was quite typical of men to behave as such, more animal than man really. Though Jade had really thought, no, she didn’t think, she hoped that he was different.

            The floor felt hard under her feet and she patted through roughly until tripping over something she did not see. When she fell to the floor she rolled forward and hit her head on a wall causing a sharp pain to form on her left eyebrow. Her teeth clenched in reaction and she crunched her eyes wishing she didn’t feel like such a klutz. She rubbed her eyebrow and when she opened her eyes she saw her crimson stained hand. Gasping she realized how hard she had hit the wall and blood crept down her face in a steady stream.

            The sound of a door opening and quickened footsteps almost didn’t catch her attention until she felt warmth beside her. She turned to look at the concerned face of Drake and smiled. It wasn’t a warm smile, nor embarrassing, but an ‘I am sorry I am clumsy’ kind of smile. His eyebrows pushed together as he studied her face.

            “Are you alright?” He asked.

            His voice was soft and she could feel his warm breath surround her face. He seemed concerned and gently held her arm studying the room. His breath smelt like cinnamon and her mouth began to water. He seemed to taste like cinnamon she remembered wishing her mouth was upon his; her tongue playing a game of tug of war with his for a never ending moment. She snapped her mind out of such thoughts and felt the bitterness of the situation grasp her back to reality.

            “I am perfectly fine thank you. “ Jade remarked.

            “You do not look fine. In fact you need some medical attention.” He gently pressed his hand against her temple causing her pain.

            She flinched at his touch and snapped, “I do not need any help from you Sir Drake. Feel free to tend back to Lady Selaras.”

            He seemed hurt by her snapping and his eyes seemed to well up some. It was interesting to her why he would look so concerned about her opinion of him, though surely she had to be right. She quickly glanced away from his gaze, feeling warmth on her cheeks. She hoped he didn’t see her cheeks turn rosy at the mention of Selaras’ name. After all she didn’t want to seem jealous of the attention Selaras was getting. It was quite the opposite attention that Jade wished she could get from him.