The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 8 The Files

As predicted, Ranen never did guess the reason behind Jasper's nickname for me, to my great relief. It seemed to take ages for the other competitors to find their way out, but when finally everyone was present, the royal family reappeared. Much to Cymber's delight, Jasper and Poison Ivy were given a small token by the King for their successful escape. Afterward, we all made our way back to the North Terrace where the birthday cake was served and eaten before we were allowed to leave.

"Well thank you for an entertaining evening, Astrid. I thoroughly enjoyed myself."
Ranen told me with a gentlemanly bow as I prepared to follow Kyle and the other two back to the limo.

"I'm half surprised I still have my head."
I told him, considering my various uncouth comments.

He chuckled.

"I'm not so petty as that. In fact, I look forward to the next occasion we can spend time together. I could rather use someone who isn't cowed by my social status in my life."

I wasn't sure how I felt about that just yet. He wasn't so awful to be around if I were being honest, but he was still the Prince and that meant I could never trust him, never let my guard down.

"Well anytime you need someone to insult you, I'll be there."
I replied back snarkily.

"I'll hold you to that."
He smiled at me, and kissed my hand.

"Good evening Astrid."

"Good evening Princeling."

He gave me a reprimanding look but I only smirked.

"I think you'll have to earn me calling you by your first name."
I told him, spinning on my heel and marching away before he could reply.

****

I awoke late the next morning, the sun was nearly at its peak. I rolled over in the silk sheets, enjoying the luxury and replaying the previous night in my head. I supposed it had gone rather well, all things considered. I was just relieved my own little sister was nothing like the Princess. I never could have handled that amount of brattiness on a daily basis.

I heard a knock at the door downstairs and with a lazy groan, I dragged myself out of bed and threw on the fuzzy slippers Nina had so kindly left out for me. I descended the spiral staircase, squinting in the bright sunlight. Upon opening the door I came face to face with Jasper, who was fully dressed and presentable, holding a large file folder and a laptop computer.

"We have a lot of work to do."
He informed me, pushing past me into the suite.

"Good morning to you too."
I grumbled, rubbing my eyes.

"Astrid, it's nearly noon."
He said pointedly, setting down the file folder on the counter.

"Yeah, yeah, but we didn't go to bed til after midnight!"

"How you can sleep with this amount of sunlight, is unfathomable."
Jasper told me with a shake of his head.

He began setting up the laptop and I wandered over to the fridge in search of something for breakfast.

"Have you eaten?"
I queried.

"Yes, several hours ago."

"Several hours? Good gracious you're crazy."

"I thought you were a morning person."

"I am when I go to bed at a decent hour."

Jasper pulled two of the kitchen stools closer together, hopped on one and began to type into the laptop. I pulled a yogurt out of the fridge and grabbed a spoon for it.