The Clash, Book One

Chapter 29: Pretty in Blue, Part E

New Enchanted Forest, 4 Years Ago

Alena took in the sights of the palace as Jack led her to the garden around back.

As they were walking, she commented, "It's so beautiful," with a smile.

While she had traveled to the New Enchanted Forest before, it was purely by accident, and she had been very young and very lost.

Just then, she heard Jack's voice: "Yeah, we like it," turning to smile at her.

Alena smiled back at him in response. She them said, "I can see why. Maybe you can show me around?"

Jack looked as though he had to think about it before he teased, "I'd have to think about it. I'm not sure I could handle your sarcastic remarks."

With a head shake and a giggle, Alena teased back, "I hate to know that I damaged your pride so badly."

Jack couldn't help but chuckle before he replied, "Enough to make you go easy on me?" offering her a grin.

"Hmm. I'd have to think about it. I don't know that my pride could take it," Alena responded, giving him a grin as well.

The pair of them then began laughing. When they had sobered, Jack said, "In all honesty, I would like to spend more time talking to you, if you want to, that is."

For a moment, Alena considered teasing him about his lack of nervousness. But, with the sincere way he spoke - matched by the genuine look in those brown eyes - Alena found that she couldn't quite do it.

She instead offered a bright smile as she told him, "I'd really like that."

He smiled back at her just as they reached the edge of the garden.

He then took her bags off his shoulder and handed it to her as he spoke, "I should give these back to you."

As she took them, she told him, "Oh, yeah. Thank you, by the way, for carrying them for me."

"Sure thing, Alena," Jack replied, giving her another smile. The blonde tried - and failed - not to blush.

She quickly cleared her throat and told him, "Let's, uh, head over. I'm sure they're waiting on us."

Jack hummed in reply. He then said, "You're right - but know that there's plenty of time for me to tease you about that blush."

A smirk spread across Alena's face as she teasingly threw back, "And for me to return the favor about your fumbling after you said I was cute."

It was Jack's face that reddened that time. He ducked his head to hide it.

When he looked back up, his confidence had grown as he spoke, "Only the first time - and then we're back to you blushing."

"Yeah, well, it's your fault," Alena pointed out, crossing her arms in an attempt to seem annoyed.

With a grin, Jack said, "I'm not sure that actually helps your case, Alena."

The blonde couldn't help but giggle as she conceded, "I guess it you're right. It really doesn't."

They both chuckled at that before Alena spoke, "And we really should get over there. I am really excited to meet everyone."

Jack nodded before he joked, "At this point, I'm pretty sure that "excited" is just part of your personality."

Alena rolled her eyes and shook her head at him in response. He only shrugged before he walked into the garden, leaving Alena to trail after him.