Jane: the Curse, the Lost, and the Lovers (draft 1)

~4~ Zane

Dixie shook my shoulder. "Jane, are you alright?" 

I stared at the horizon, not even paying attention to his urgent tug.

"Jane! Please, you're scaring me!" His soft hands turned my face towards him. I could see his eyes clouded with pain, but I couldn’t respond. It was as if I wasn’t able to control my own body. “Jane, what is wrong with you? I’ve never seen you like this, are you angry with me? Was it something I said to you the other night?”

I touched my stomach, “Im fine, Dixon.”

“Dixon? When have I ever allowed someone to call me that? Never! Please, what is the matter with you?”

“The prince comes today.” My words were slow, as if I had never spoken before.

“And?”

I shook my head. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Then let me try.”

“I knew him.”

“Knew him? What happened?”

“He was to be my husband.” I whispered, a tear running down my cheek. “He was my fiancé, but when my father went to fight in the war, I lost everything, and was forced to get a job here. We were thirteen. He said goodbye as if I would see him the next day. I cannot allow this. I will be “sick” until he leaves.”

Dixie studied me carefully, no doubt figuring out words to say.

“He is my past, you are my present, and most likely future. Don’t be bothered by this, it is simply my nerves getting to me. What if he remembers me? What if he doesn’t want to get married to the princess, but to me instead? I don’t want to be the subject of Bella’s anger!”

Dixie pulled me to his chest. “If he tries to get to you, then tell him about us. He will surely understand.”

I pulled away, “no, he is a prince. He gets what he wants, no matter if his mother says no. I need to leave!” I slipped out of his grasp, poised to run for the hills. As soon as I reached the bottom of the hill, I got tackled. I struggled underneath Dixie, crying for him to leave me alone. “Let me go!” I screamed.

“Calm down, Jane Argentum Garner! Dina[1]. There is no reason for this! He is of your past, you said it yourself. Be still!”

I froze. Why would he speak Elven to me? Even though it is the language of our people, everyone learns how to speak English when we are young, in order to communicate with those of another race. It is harder for me to speak, so I hardly say anything Elven.

“Amin mela lle[2]. You know that, and no could make me love anyone else.  I love you Jane, and just because you used to know the guy, it doesn’t mean that I wont fight for you, even if he wants you.” Dixie smiled, small, tentative. “And the Ear'quessir[3] will not get you. I guarantee it.” He stood, careful not to rip my dress.

“Why do you stay, Dixon-Keith?” I couldn’t meet his eyes.

“Why would you ask that of me? I am your husband-to-be. You will be my wife, my life-long companion. Don’t ever ask again why I stay. Its not becoming of a beautiful woman.” He lifted my chin, forcing me to look at him. Storms brew in his eyes, angry, yet sad. “I want you to think that I am not just a man for you to love, as well as a friend who will always listen to you. There isn’t a place for anyone but you able to plant your roots in my heart; you are a rose, harsh at times, but still sweet and beautiful. I will no longer allow you to think badly of yourself. Stand, be firm. Cormlle naa tanya tel'raa,[4]so please. Be that lion I know is within.”

“This, your highness, is Jane. She is your chambermaid and will attend to your every need until you decide what is best for your kingdom. Please enjoy your stay.” Lucifer bowed to the prince, his voice sounding the most sincere I have ever heard. What is going on with that man? Was he truly well spoken when it came to speaking publicly?

The prince nodded, a servent behind him scurried past me to put away the items in the prince’s suitcase. Usually suitors have several bags, often containing more than fifteen outfits. And that didn’t even contain his boots! Lucifer stood up straight and left.

I curtsied, my right hand over my wild heart.

“Jane, is it?” The prince’s voice was silk, deep and husky.

“Yes, Heru en amin[5].”

“Raise your head, and please don’t worry about my belongings. My valet, Huntyrn, will take care of it. You may go.” He waved his hand in dismissal. Thank the gods.

I scurried off, thankful to be gone.

“Jane?” The prince called.

“Yes, milord?” I turned.

“Are you associated with the Village of the Moon?”

“Yes, milord. I was raised there.” Surely he doesn’t remember me!”

His green eyes flashed. “Are you the daughter of the respected General?”

My voice caught. “Yes, milord.”

He smiled. “I remember you. Surely you remember me.”

“You are the prince of Glineth, prince Zane.” I played with the frill of my apron.

“Good night, Jane Garner. Sleep well.” His servant closed the door.

I ran for Dixie’s arms, tears streaming down my face.

[1] Be still

[2] I love you

[3] Sea Elf

[4] Your heart is that of a lion.

[5] My lord