In Between

Chapter 3 - The Letter

Jasper was at Mr. Hill's desk when Sarah Alice entered the room.

"What are you doing?" She asked, tilting her head to the side and putting her hands on her hips. She spoke with her usual bossy, inquiring but sweet childish tone and Jasper could not resist smirking at her when she spoke like this. "I'm writing a letter missy!"

She came closer to him wanting him to pick her up. "Is it for the Princess?" He could not smile again. "Yes, it is for the Princess! Do you think it's a good idea?"

"Yes, it is! I asked my father to text her, telling her I want her to send pictures from the places where she is working!" Jasper felt his heart race a bit. "And did she answer back?" He asks in anticipation.

"Yes, she did and showed me the place she is at these days. It has a beautiful garden with sea side view! She is very happy! But I think she misses you, so it's a good thing that you're doing, writing her letters." Sarah Alice informed him like she was an expert on the matter.

Jasper kissed the top of her head. "You're very wise my little friend! Very wise! And can you show me that picture that she sent to you?" Jasper was dying to know where she was, how she was and what was she doing. Letting her go was hard and keep it together here without her was even harder.

"I will ask my father!" She said already leaving the office. Leaving Jasper daydreaming about the possibility of seeing Eleanor's face again. Jasper was tired. Liam was hard work to handle, Robert was getting on his nerves and Eleanor was keeping him awake most of the nights, simply because he couldn't fall asleep without picturing her turning her back on him over and over again. But today he wanted to write this letter, he was determined to do it, even knowing that she won't read it, if she read it, for a long time. He wanted to tell her about his days and how he was not liking King Robert's ways to keep the Palace going and working. He wanted to tell her that he missed her and that he wanted to have her close to him, and that he was an asshole but he will fix this and he will show her that, like he said, he was the one for her. Well maybe he should not tell her all this in just one letter but he wanted to do right by her. And he couldn't deny he felt closer to her when he wrote for her.

These days in Sebastian's company had been good. He really was simple and easy going like she had said to Jasper, but she was not completely relaxed. When she was busy she felt good and worthy but when they had some quiet moments she couldn't stop herself from thinking what Jasper may be doing or if Jasper was thinking of her or not. She got mad at herself mostly because she was supposed to be mad at Jasper, disappointed and hurt, but all she could feel was how much she miss him, his goofy smile, his clumsy ways around her, his morning kiss, his hug that made her feel safe. One thing she missed the most was how affectionate he was with her. In the beginning, when they were just sex and blackmail, she never felt the need to have him close to her. There was no urge to enlace her fingers with his and hug him, but then when they briefly became a thing, one of the best parts, was how touchy he was with her. It felt like he needed to touch her, to feel her, to be sure she was real. He'd confessed as much once when she mention his behavior. The spark she always felt when he intertwined his fingers with hers and gazed in her eyes made her feel like an amazing woman that only he knew.

She felt very loved when they were together that's for sure. And that feeling, that you are so loved, that give you strength to face all the trash and damage that the Monarchy can bring to your life, that feeling was something that only Jasper had the ability to make her feel. She missed the strength that his love gives her. It was the hardest part to handle when he turned his back on her. She felt lost and vulnerable again. But in the end, she could not hate him. Here far away from the palace and the madness of the royal family she could breath again and this work was very fulfilling but she didn't know how long was she could stay away when thoughts of him had floated in her head most of the day.

Before he could start his letter he was called by King Robert. As always some crazy situation about another employee from the Palace that was not approved by the King. The Queen was in the room but silent in the wake of the King's attitude.

She approached Jasper. "How is Liam?"

Jasper was surprised by the simplicity used by the Queen, showing she was getting tired of her older son and fearing for her younger. "Well, your majesty I believe he is in his room!"

Queen Helena scowled and using a more serious tone now she demanded a proper answer. "You know what I mean Mister Frost!"

Jasper thought about what to say. He didn't want to expose his friend but he knew the Queen had already notice Liam's absence of late. "It's all under control your highness."

She shrugged knowing that Jasper was hiding something important but these days she trust Jasper more than anyone else. Well, really, she didn't know who to trust anymore. Her eldest son was acting like a tyrant now that he wore the crown and she didn't recognize him anymore. Her girl was away and although she understood her reasons, she was not happy about the situation. And her younger son was missing most of the time. Jasper was her only trusty resource in the palace because she knew Mr. Hill had orders to follow if he wanted to keep his job. Jasper bent, excusing himself from her presence and went to check on Liam.

Jasper returned from Liam's fight, Liam dragging himself behind his bodyguard. Jasper was pissed.

"You need to stop this! This is insane!" Liam only answer was silence. When they get to his room Liam dropped himself on the bed and waved his hand silently dismissing Jasper. Jasper took his leave but was annoyed and decided to get back to his writing. He picked up the paper and read the letter to himself.

Dear Eleanor,

When I was little, one of the first things my father taught me was how to pick pockets! At the age of ten, I was a professional and spend my life all over casino floor's, around old lady's, picking their pockets.

My father was very proud of me at that time. I grew up like that, in that universe. My parents never showed me what love was, they seemed to be only two partners that worked together and party together every time one of their cons went well. I seemed to be some kind of accident because I always felt like I was a burden for them. The concepts of family, love, self-respect, trust and care for each other was something I never was taught. I basically raise myself.

When I entered the security business my father thought I was the smartest man alive, because that was the perfect way to rob, from the inside. But when I told him that that wasn't my intention he basically disowned me, not that he had a big bequest to give me but it was like I ceased to exist for him.

I ended up being pretty good at it to spite him. Imagine that "Jasper Frost actually being really good at something that is not illegal! Who new!" I ended up deciding that I already put up with them too much and decided to come here and start fresh. But bad habits die hard and a few months after I settled here I already had found one or two pals to enter the con business again.

You know I came here to rob you! You know that the first time that we slept together was just sex and maybe the second too, I may confess. You're hot and messy and I enjoyed the task but somewhere between the first days I fell in love with you. Before I admitted it to myself, before I admitted it to someone else, too soon and too quick, you stole my heart and you never give it back to me! I miss you and I won't ever give up on you!

Jasper fold the paper in a square put it in an envelope and checked the security cameras. With no one at the site he went to the princess's room and left his letter in the top draw of her night stand.

"Let's hope no one will steel this from us here!" He mumbled to himself.