Whispers of the Sea (The Compulsion Bride Series) Book II (Unedited)

Chapter Fifty Five

His attempt to move his hands several times were hindered, it felt like someone was standing on them, a few moments passed before they were free and on a painful groan he rub at his forehead. Jake finally open his eyes and sighed, against the comfortable duvet and feathered pillow, it's been so long since he felt such luxury and for a moment he thought about drifting off back to sleep.

"The beard does little to aid your disguise." Jake pivot his head to stare at the stranger, his back was too him as he took in the view out the window, his broad shoulders filled out the grey tailored waistcoat attire, that covered his long linen shirt, with ruffles at the end of his wrist that lay upon each other at his back. Jake realized that he was in the presence of a noble man but...who? And why?

Those questions were answered when the stranger turned around to smile at him, except he was no stranger. "In fact, it makes you look like your father." He continued.

Jake sat upright immediately. "Your Majesty." He looked around the bedchamber, shocked that he should be awaking to such lavishness and not the cold interior of the castle's dungeon.

"I know that look, you are wondering why you aren't being treated like a person that commit treason? I assure you Grayson, I have every desire to solve this problem and when I listen to the tales you have to tell, I would decide your faith, in the mean time I must apologise for my men harsh treatment upon bringing you here, there's a glass of water beside you or if you prefer something...stronger."

Jake eyes narrowed at the knowledge that he insisted on still calling him by that name. A name he had preferred not to use years ago, send him seething with rage. "Don't call me that! And I don't want any of your goddam charity!"

King Stephano lifted an eyebrow. Jake was aware of the dark circles around his eyes and the white streaks in his still dark hair. Tiredness was not befitting the King who always has everything organised and sleep peacefully at nights even during an uprising war. Jake had known him to always be optimistic and his snarky remarks during wars were 'the war isn't going anywhere, it's better to always get a good night sleep for no good would come to a tired solider on the battlefield.' Something else has got the King up at nights and he hate to think it was him.

"It is your name. I remembered how fond of it William was. He named you himself, always proud of it."

"My name is Jake, haven't use that name for years." He sighed, throwing his legs over the bed. "I don't need any favours, if you must, let one of your men escort me to the dungeon or whatever. I am a traitor to the crown after all." He sneered.

"You have not been listening—I need to know the truth!" The King Exclaimed. "I don't believe you... you are a good man, would never betray me."

Jake stood to his feet "You have already made your decision."

King Stephano looked appalled. "I did no such thing!"

"The posters all over London! Sending men across the ocean to fetch me! Confiscating my ship! Killing half of my crew! Causing some of my closest friends to be held captive! " Jake eyes glow with rage, rage he had built up since that day.

"Captive! Crew members killed!" The King's teeth gritted. "I have no idea what you are speaking of. The Commander was only to bring you back here discreetly instead you escape and start running like a dam convict! The posters I had no control over. I wanted you here, to talk – for you to tell me everything."

"Talk? Is that how you summoned all your friends? Family? By drafting up a warrant for their arrest? How did you expect me to think? To behave?" Jake eyes searched his, and what he found there was hurt and anger. He looked away, sweeping his fingers through his hair.