The Spaniard's Bride

Fifteen

Jason had made a grave mistake. A life threatening mistake that could cost him more than one mistake.

For years, Jason had kept his feelings to himself when it came to Roseanne. He had loved her since they were children but he knew they could never been together.

He invested the majority of his time with Edward, her older brother, as a way to distract himself. Overtime, both he and Edward became close friends and by the time Edward left for the war, Jason was given the privilege of watching over both Mary and Roseanne.

He took his job seriously, making sure Roseanne never ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time and Mary stay away from the King.

Everything had gone well, until the Spanish Bastard came to town.

Jason couldn't stand the star-struck look Roseanne gave Alvaro. He wished to be Alvaro— the one to have and hold her, but instead, Jason was the one watching her.

He watched as she fell in love and married. He watched as her child grew and the couple grew apart. He watched the life inside of her die.

He had meant to cheer her up. He had meant to confront her about the child. He had not, however, mean to kiss her.

But he could not resist. Her sparkling eyes ate into his soul. Her plump lips beckoned his for a small taste. He wanted so desperately to hold her in his arms— to wake up next to her.

He wanted to love her.

She was a Queen, though, someone held way above him. He would be lucky to even get a Lady, let alone a queen. Roseanne would never be his.

"What's up, buttercup?" Florencia, the kitchen maid, asked as she slid next to him at the dinning tables.

Ever since he had arrived, Jason had spent more time in the kitchen than anywhere else. He had made friends with the King's staff, especially is favorite kitchen maid, Florencia.

The girl was young, not much older than sixteen years old, and adorably happy. Her long curly hair never seem to leave the tight bondage to her head and her green eyes glistened like a field of summer grass.

"Nothing." He grumbled, looking down at his ale.

"Awww, what's got you all down in the dumps, cariño?" She asked, resting her head on his shoulder.

He shrugged, "Nothing at all. Maybe it's the fact that your mama made a horrible soup." 

Florencia gasped and shoved his arm, "Mi mama, does not make a horrible soup! She is the best cook in all of España!"

Jason grinned sheepishly at her, "I know, it is just fun to mess with you."

Florencia shook her head and placed her hands in her hips, "Now, Jason, you disrespect mama, you disrespect mi familia. To reprimand this mistake, you must tell me what is bothering you or else I shall curse your whole line!"

Jason gave her a half smile, "Now, don't get all witchy on me, niña. It's just... I loved someone back where I came from and I lost her. I lost her to a powerful man and... I realized today what that love can do to someone."

Florencia's smile faded, "Oh, I see, señor." She patted his arm awkwardly, "Well, there is not much I can tell you about love for I am but a small girl but mama would know. You should ask her!"

Jason smiled at her. He was grateful that she had even attempted to help him, but he knew that he and Roseanne could never be.

A Queen would never be with a knight.