Only the Heart of A Queen (discontinued )

Chapter 14

"Chessian Blackberry Bread Knots, fresh out of the oven!"

"Golden Apples, Checkered Apples, we got all types of Apples here!"

"Two for one special on slow cooked Chessian lamb!"

The Market was full of tall tents and booths, the booths were full of vast arrays of different fruits, vegetables, meats, and other foods. Some were familiar— such as corn, bread. But what always caught Cathrine's attention were the black potatoes, white strawberries—normal foods, but black or white. Inside some tents were racks of clothing, minerals, even fortune tellers.

Chessian people were very good looking; they looked young, and they all had perfect complexion. Cathrine saw a mixture of many different skin tones in the crowd— it was obvious to Cathrine that Jest was Chessian, he was very much handsome. Cath caught many people walking by starring at her, like they have never seen an outsider. It started to make her uncomfortable, all eyes were on her. She saw people whispering among themselves, and even some children were pointing at her. She grew uncomfortable and tugged on Jest arm.

"I feel ugly surrounded by such beautiful people," Cathrine mumbled. Jest eyes widened, put his arm around her waist and drew her closer as they walked. "Cathrine, you may not be Chessian, but that doesn't make you any less beautiful then anyone here. You are the most stunning woman I have ever seen, more stunning then the White Queen herself. I knew it from the moment I saw you in that red dress. Don't you ever doubt it for a second," Jest said looking at her, his yellow eyes glistening in the light.  Cathrine stood on her toes of a second to reach Jest's face and kissed his cheek; both their faces growing pink. "Thanks, Jest. But why is everyone looking at me?"

"Its because you're breathtaking to look at, Lady Cathrine." Jest bowed slightly as Cathrine giggled and nudged him on the shoulder.

Mrs. Kingsley went off a while ago to get her food supply for the week, and Hatta and Raven went to watch a street performer who was playing with fire, so it was just Jest and Cathrine exploring for themselves. As Cath wandered into the crowd, she spotted a velvet red tent— a little larger than the other tents in the markets.

As she walked closer to the tent, a sweet aroma filled the air, and the scent growing stronger by the second. Getting lost into the crowd, she lost Jest's grip and got pushed towards the tent.

Cathrine walked inside the tent, still unconscious of losing Jest. There were wooden tables set around the tent, they each contained many small and large cakes, all of them decorated with different color roses. On one of the tables was a young woman, she looked about the same age as Cathrine; her short dirty blonde hair flowed down to her shoulders as some hair stuck to her from her sweat. She was decorating small white cake with red roses. Cathrine watched as she carefully placed each rose onto the cake. She wore a white dress that was embroidered with light purple crowns on the edge of the dress, that fell to her ankles. "Hello, how can I—" she looked up at Cathrine, and her glimmering magenta colored eyes widened. Does everyone have unusual colored eyes here?

"My goodness, who are you?" That lady asked. "Er, Lady Cathrine Pinkerton," Cath responded. "I have never seen anything like you...you're so beautiful. It looks like a Chessian beauty mixed with something else. Are you from...Hearts?"

"How did you know?" Cathrine said astonished. "You look like your from Hearts. But your beauty looks Chessian as well." The woman circled around Cathrine, inspecting her. Cathrine did a nervous chuckle, "oh, I'm not Chessian."

"Hm, are you sure?" She inquired. Cath opened her mouth to speak, but she was cut off by Jest speeding through the tent. "Cathrine! Oh thank goodness your here, I was looking everywhere for you. I was so worried.. I thought you were hurt." Jest encircled her in his arms and squeezed her tight. "We need to go, now." Jest took her hand and headed out the tent, Cath yanked her hand out of his grasp, leaving him in shock. "What the heck is going on?"

"Can't you hear anything outside?" Jest said, a worried look on his face.

Cathrine realized she was unconscious of the screaming outside.  Jest started again,"Cathrine, it's here. The—"

"J-J-JABBERWOCK!" The woman from the tent, that was suddenly outside screamed as she fell to the ground.

Of course it's here.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Jest and Cathrine went outside the tent, finding the Jabberwock prowling towards the baker, destroying everything in its path. Jest helped the girl up, and she limped as fast as she could. Hatta, Raven and Mrs. Kingsley were helping others get there way to safety. Jest suddenly took off his Joker hat, and took out his black scepter. He then handed his hat to Cathrine, and she immediately knew why.

"Jest, I don't know how," Cathrine said as her voice cracked.

"Yes you do, I know you do. Please, believe me," Jest pushed the hat further towards her.

"But I can't—"

Jest took her face in his hands and crashed his lips against Cathrine's, silencing her and leaving her stunned for a moment, but quickly returned the kiss. He put his hands on her waist and pulled her closer, and closer, not wanting it to ever end. They both hoped that this would not be there last. The two slowly broke apart, and gazed at each other.

"Do it," Jest said softly to her, and he stepped back, gripping his scepter harder. "I'll distract him as much as I can."

And with that he took off; but before he disappeared into the darkness of an alley, he looked back at Cathrine and mouthed, "I love you," and entered the darkness. He may not be visible, but he could still see Cath and the Jabberwock, who prowled closer to her.

Cathrine took in a deep breath as she dug her hand into the hat. She closed her eyes and focused. When it felt right, she pulled her hand out, revealing a sword.

The Vorpal Sword.

Jest chuckled slightly at the sight of her small triumphant smile as she held the Vorpal Sword in her hands. He always knew she could. She got into a stance and walked forward slowly towards the beast.  They both halted as they stood only a few feet apart, the beast very much larger, she felt like an ant compared to it.
"Why have you come to Chess? Isn't destroying Hearts enough?" Cathrine said hoarsely.
"No, it will never be enough," the Jabberwock responded in a low, rough voice. Cathrine was a little shocked that she received a response from the beast, but not as much as she thought she would be. "Is Sir Peter's wife still somewhere in there?" Cathrine said, sounding almost worried.

The Jabberwock chuckled lowly, "No, I have taken over her and her soul. She is gone." The Jabberwock stepped closer, and Cathrine lifted the sword higher, causing it to growl. "I will tear you limb from limb, you and your friends."

Cathrine gave a wicked grin, and adjusted her hold in the sword, "Too bad you'll be dead before you get to."

The Jabberwock pounced toward her as Cathrine ran, sword up, towards the beast.