Once Upon a Time

Chapter 43

Hope turned to her other side and looked at the sleeping Jace next to her. After the party was over they went upstairs and got ready for bed. Jace would stay with Hope for two days before going back home. Jace had fallen asleep quite quickly, but for Hope it wasn’t that easy unfortunately. Hope placed her hand on top of Jace’s and at her touch Jace moved closer to her.

‘Can’t sleep?’ he asked with a raspy voice, not opening his eyes.

‘No.’ Hope whispered.

Jace wrapped his arm around Hope’s waist and pulled her closer to him.

‘Something keeping you awake?’ Jace asked.

Hope placed her forehead against his.

‘I don’t know, I’m just not tired enough I guess.’ Hope said placing her hand on his cheek.

Jace smiled faintly.

‘Just go back to sleep, I’ll be fine.’ Hope said softly.

Jace opened his eyes slowly and looked at her through the dark. Hope gave him a small smile and kissed him on the lips. Jace smiled and closed his eyes again.

‘Just try to get some rest.’ Jace said softly.

‘I’ll try.’ Hope said softly stroking his hair.

Hope felt Jace’s arm go limp again after a few minutes and she closed her eyes.

‘I hate to leave tomorrow.’ Jace sighed.

Hope and Jace had spent the day together, going around Arendelle, getting some pastries in a little bakery and now it was already getting dark.

‘I hate you to leave.’ Hope said letting her head rest on Jace’s shoulder.

They were seated on the edge of the harbour, their legs dangling over the edge.

‘It’s beautiful here.’ Jace said.

Hope nodded looking out over the water, the reflection of the moon showing clearly.

‘I could see us live together in our own castle, two children running around.’ Jace said.

Hope looked up.

‘Not now, in the future.’ Jace chuckled.

‘Thank God.’ Hope smiled.

‘No worries.’ Jace said softly kissing the top of her head.

‘But just the thought of us growing old together.’ Jace said softly.

‘You know somewhere even more beautiful than this.’ Jace said.

Hope smiled.

‘Is that even possible?’ Hope chuckled.

‘For you everything.’ Jace said.

Hope looked up and gave him a kiss.

‘Shall we go back to the castle? I’m actually pretty tired.’ Jace said.

‘Yeah sure, of course.’ Hope said with a small smile.

Jace got up and then offered Hope his hand, which she took gratefully.

Hope sighed and turned to her other side again, she couldn’t sleep and it was already 3 AM. Jace and she had gone to bed around 12 and Jace had fallen asleep almost immediately, but Hope didn’t. Hope looked at Jace, the curtains weren’t fully closed and a streak of moonlight fell into the room. Hope saw Jace’s restful face in the moonlight and she smiled to herself.