It had been half a week since the four started their journey to Grumor. They were halfway there. The trip was mostly through a forest, but this forest was a lot less dense than the one leading towards the mountains. So far it had been a relatively peaceful, easy trip.
They had stopped to rest and Jesika found herself venturing around a little by herself. The area was gorgeous. It was quite a bit warmer here than it was in Querencia, though still relatively chilly. Yet, here the grass covered the ground and the trees were evergreen, standing tall and strong. She walked along a flowing brook, filled with crystal water that moved swiftly down the hills. She kneeled beside the water, touching it, letting it roll through her fingers.
She felt someone coming up behind her and she quickly jumped to her feet, turning to see who it was. It was only Rowan though. For some reason, that didn't make her heart slow down any. He smiled kindly at her, tilting his head.
"Hey. Thought I would join you. Try and give Darryn and Aquila some alone time. I think they need it. Sorry if I startled you."
Jesika rolled her eyes, kneeling by the water yet again. "Yeah, well, queens who have lots of enemies aren't exactly fond of people coming up on them from behind. Especially unannounced."
Rowan chuckled, kneeling next to her, lowering his own hand into the water. "I didn't want to interrupt you. You seemed... at peace. I didn't want to intrude on that," he paused, looking at her, his tone lowering: "I get the feeling you don't get to feel that way often."
Jesika squirmed where she was sitting, uncomfortable with how intimate his voice had become. "I haven't felt peace for years, Rowan. Nothing has changed." She sighed at the words, turning over and laying down in the grass.
He looked down at her, his expression not quite one of pity. Just sadness and... something else she didn't quite understand. "I don't know how you can live like you do, Jes," he said, his voice filled with a weird sort of pained awe.
Jesika closed her eyes, letting the cool breeze blow the strands of hair off her face. "It's not a job for everyone, I will say that," she acquiesced. Her breath hitched as she felt his fingers brush across her skin as he slowly tucked some hair behind her ears. She resisted the temptation to lean into his touch. She opened her eyes and looked at him to see a panicked expression on his face as he quickly withdrew his hand. He backed up a little, crossing his arms over his chest and averting his gaze.
She frowned, feeling annoyed for some reason at his actions. She sat upright, her eyes narrowing. "Why are you like that?!" she bit out harshly.
He jumped and looked at her in surprise at her sudden question. "Like what?!" he asked, confused.
"You're all soft and affectionate to me one second, then the next you're pulling your hand away like you're disgusted by me! Why is it that you're so averse to touching me?!"
His eyes widened slowly at her words and he was silent a long moment, seeming to process to her words. Finally, it sunk in and he spoke, his tone incredulous:
"What kind of question is that?!"
Jesika rolled her eyes, huffing. "All I'm trying to say is it's really confusing for you to show me affection, then yank your hand away. I'd rather you not be affectionate at all."
His eyes dimmed slowly at her words, making her feel regretful for saying them. The regret she felt was mirrored in his own expression.
"I'm sorry, Jes. You're right. I shouldn't do that. It's not fair to you. I'll stop."
Jesika sighed, closing her eyes and biting her lip, frustrated with herself. That wasn't exactly what she was hoping to hear... What was I hoping to hear? she asked herself. She felt Rowan lying down next to her. She opened her eyes and looked at him to see him lying on his back, close to her.
