Only the Heart of A Queen (discontinued )

Chapter 16

"Can we stop here for a moment?" Cathrine whispered to Adam as she pointed to the corner, where a bakery stood. "Of course, I'll escort you in," Adam reached for her hand, but was quickly shoved away by Jest who pushed himself in between them, then claiming her hand. He cleared his throat, "I'll escort her in, thank you." Adam glanced over at Cathrine, who smiled awkwardly and shrugged. He only nodded as they began to walk in. Adam followed behind them, fists clenched.

As Jest opened the door for Cathrine, the bell on the door shook, catching the attention of the baker inside. "Welcome to my bakery! I have many different pastries, desserts and breads to choose from," the old man in the white apron stepped down a stool and walked from behind the large wooden counter, and surprisingly, he was very short.

"I have biscuits, fluffy cream-filled croissants, or perhaps some bread? It's freshly baked from a recipe I got a place very far from here.." the baker seemed lost in thought, leaving the bakery in silence. He then turned his attention to Jest and Cathrine again. "Ah, a young couple I supposed? I have just the thing for you two!" He scurried behind the counter again and began to search for something. This made her chuckle silently to herself before the man returned from behind the counter.

He unraveled a piece of thin brown paper, revealing a red, large heart shaped cookie, with what looked like tiny chocolate chips. "A heart shaped cookie for the lovely young couple, who I hope are deeply in love!" Jest smirked as he nudged Cathrine, as light pink sprinkled over her cheeks. He received the cookie from the old baker, feeling the cookie's warmth through the thin paper, which was slightly greased from the almost oozing buttery cookie. "Wow, this smells like heaven," Jest whispered, inhaling the delicious scent. He took a bite out of it as the baker watched for a reaction, a smile spreading across his wrinkled face.

Jest moaned as he handed the cookie to Cathrine. "This is one of the best cookies I've ever had!" Cathrine inched the cookie near her face, taking in the aroma. "Well see about that-" Cathrine closed her eyes as her teeth sunk into a chunk of the cookie.

The cookie practically melted in her mouth, the heat of the chocolate chips made her taste buds tingle. She tried to interpret the different flavors it contained. "Hm...definitely a Red Velvet cookie..." she then took another bite. "Ah, and a hint of espresso in the chocolate chips, definitely enhances the flavors," she licked the chocolate off her fingers, and then handing the cookie to Adam for him to try. He received it with a grunt. "What an amazing cookie! Maybe even better than the ones I make.."

Jest took his hat off and pulled out a few silver coins. "How much would you like for it?" He moved his hand towards the him, but the baker shook his head and moved his hand away. "No need, this one is on me. You two remind me of me when I was younger, so in love. I would do anything to love again," The old baker smile, and it disappeared when he saw Adam behind them. "And, who is your friend?" He asked. "Adam, Sir. My name is Adam. I am.... I guess you can say I'm their guide," he said as a cold smile cam across his face. Adam gave Cathrine the bitten heart shaped cookie, and she took it with delight. "Now will you excuse us, we have somewhere to go, and not a lot of time. Good day." He practically shoved the two out as they waved to the old baker goodbye.

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

"Bring them in."

The pearly dressed Guards escorted the three into the throne room. The White Queen was sitting on her crystal throne staring blankly at the wall behind them. She was indeed one of the most beautiful Chessians Cathrine had ever seen. Her white wavy hair rippled down to her waist, and her small silver crown fit perfectly on her head. Her white puffy gown shined in the light that came through the large windows; and her blood red lips formed a wide smile as Adam, Jest, and Cathrine were escorted harshly inside the Throne room.

The Queen clapped her hands in joy. "Guards, guards, no need to treat our guests so harshly," Her voice was soft yet powerful. "Yes, Queen Bianca," The guards released the three and walked near the entrance. The Queen stood up from her throne and walked towards Jest.

"Jest, How I've missed you! It gets really lonely here you know."  Jest bowed before her, "It's a pleasure to be back, my Queen," he smiled as the Queen turned to Adam. "And, you are?" Adam bowed as well, "Adam Rory, your majesty." She smiled again as she finally walked slowly in front of Cathrine."You're Cathrine Pinkerton... I assume?" She said curiously. "You assume correctly, your majesty," Cathrine curtsied, only to be stopped by her. "No need, darling. I should be the one," The Queen Herself curtsied before Cathrine.

Queen Bianca smirked at Jest, and he grew uncomfortable. "My Queen, if you let me explain—"

"Jest, you are brilliant! Why steal the heart of a Queen...when you can steal the Queen herself?"  She giggled as she patted Jest's hat. "Well, she isn't exactly Queen yet," Adam piped in, and Jest glared at him for a moment. "No problem. We shall make her Queen!" They all laughed, except for Adam. "I have a few spare rooms for you three, I shall escort you there." They followed the Queen through the pearly white maze that was the castle, until they reached a hall with a few massive doors on each side. "Alright, these are not ordinary rooms, they are magical. Each room magically transforms into your desired room. Quite magnificent isn't it?" The three nodded.

The Queen looked at a large clock on the wall, "oh, would you look at the time! I must be on my way, a girl needs her beauty sleep," she chuckled to herself, "I shall see you in the morning for breakfast, goodnight!" She waved goodbye and practically skipped her way down the hall as she hummed beautifully. Once she was out of sight, Adam bowed before Cathrine, "Goodnight, your Majesty." He hesitated, but then rapidly placed a kiss on her cheek. He then walked towards a pair of massive doors, and entered them.

Cathrine stood still, stunned, and surprisingly blushed. Jest felt his body boil inside.
He was jealous.
He was jealous from the start.
He didn't trust Adam, especially not now.
He as pulled on Cathrine's arm forcefully and kissed her aggressively. After a moment she pulled away, shocked. "Jest, I thought you were joking when you said you were jealous... I thought you didn't mean it. I didn't know you were the jealous type."

Jest sighed, "I saw you blush, and don't try to deny it." Cathrine was stiff, he continued, "Please tell me you're not falling for him..." he whispered, sadness clear as day in his eyes. "Of course I'm not. I love you Jest, remember?" She pecked his lips and smiled.
"My Heart is yours..." she whispered, and and walked towards her room.