The Reluctant Queen

Chapter 18

A/N: Hey guys!!! I'm sorry for being gone so long, but I'm back! Don't forget about me please, I'm doing as much as I can until I go back to my regular schedule. The good news is that In about a month I should be back on track. The bad news is you might not hear from me much until then.

However, because you guys had to wait SO long for this chapter, I tired to make it a little longer for you all :)

I hope you enjoy.

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Sophia's POV:

Just moments after I was dressed and Milly had left, there was a knock at the door. To my surprise and distaste, Jared was on the other side. My heart had a jolt of worry. What if he realized what Milly and I had discussed? Every time I saw him I had a bad feeling and I certainly didn't trust him. His grey eyes met mine and he said nothing for a moment. Unsettling to say the least.

"Your Highness."

"High Wizard." I returned the greeting. "What brings you down to this part of the castle?"

He gestured to my ankle. "The spell. The king has asked I remove it and escort you to the garden."

I inwardly groaned. Thank the Gods that he wasn't here to bust Milly and I. I gave a lame attempt at a smile. "Well I am ready whenever you are."

He didn't say much, just summoned his spell. With his hand held out, the invisible chain that was attached to the bed appeared around his hand with a glow before disappearing. I watched Jared with fascination. Even though I had witnessed spells and magic from both Jared and Adrian, there was a difference when observing the two of them. Adrian's eyes would burn, almost as though he had coals beneath the surface. Whereas Jared's eyes shined like stars.

His eyes like that, well it reminded me of something, something I couldn't quite put my finger on.

That thought was interrupted as he coughed to get my attention. "Shall we go now, Miss?" I nodded, still distracted. I suddenly felt a little sick, having to be escorted like this. It reminded me what I was to Jared, as well as Adrian.

Nothing more than a prisoner, even if I was a spoiled one.

We walked down the corridor in silence, Jared slightly ahead of me. I couldn't get his glowing eyes out of my head. Jared and I hadn't spent that much time together, and for that I was grateful. It occurred to me that I wasn't paying attention to a very large opportunity. He must have known me before the accident, and if not, he must know where my family is. But how was I supposed to ask him of a memory that I had yet to realize?

I picked at my nails trying to think of what to say.

"Jar-High Wizard...I was wondering...Did you know me before I lost my memory?"

He paused, stopping right in the middle of the hallway to look at me. His gaze was was filled with annoyance but also a sense of alarm. As though he was not fond of where this type of question would lead. "Of course I knew you before your memory loss, Your Highness. I have been at His Majesty's side for a very long time."

"Well I was wondering if you knew anything of my family? Maybe where I am from?"

He started walking again. "The King knows more than I. You might want to ask him."

I took big steps to keep up with him."You must at least know of my parents. Do you not?"

"I do not."

I rolled my eyes. What a useful conversation this was becoming. Jared was never one to be warm and fuzzy. But he made me feel like there was something more than he was letting on. He was too close to the king to not know more of my past.