A Place Beyond All Kingdoms

Nicholas

Chapter 8

Jasmine:

The room, I'm in is huge. Guards guide me to my assigned room. My roommate's name is Nick, he's from the Fire Kingdom. And from the looks of it, he seams to be more annoying than an itch.

My skirt swings loosely. The shirt clings to stomach from water. It's pouring rain outside. I carry my bag under my arm. Following them to my room.

"This is it,"the guard says.

"Thank you."

I walk into the room. Nick follows me. I throw my bag on one of the beds. "This is mine, you can have the other one."

"Why do you get first pick?"

I give him a look. "Because, I do. Why do I have to share a room with the idiot?"

"Why do I have to share the room with the idiot?" He mimics me.

I glare at him. His yellow, fire like hair shines in the light of the room. Red eyes gleaming.

I try hard to ignore how utterly attractive he is, and focus on the task at hand... leaving the kingdoms.

How should I do this? Is it possible I can do it alone? No, I think that I may need another associate. May need.

It's a possibility I don't need anyone to help me with this. Maybe I can do it alone. I know, there's NO possible way I can switch with my grandma.

A couple days ago, Rosemary showed up at my neighbor's house. Taking away Mrs.King, Mr.King died a year before. But, they hadn't even knocked, they just went in grabbed her. And practically through her into their truck.

Ugh, how will I do this? If I get caught, they surely won't let me go. They'll probably just kill me. I need other people. People who can fight.

I smile to myself, well I guess it's a good thing I'm in the Kingdom of Darkness-

"Well?"

I look up. "What?" My voice softening. Maybe if I'm nice to him, I could get him to go.

"You wanna go to the Ball with me?"

"We just met."

"Yeah, bit, we're supposed to go aren't we?"

"Whatever..." NICE!!!!! "I mean, yeah, I'll go with you. Of course."

"Good, well, I should get ready, shouldn't I?"

"Oh, well, actually, you look good like that. But, if you feelmthe need to get ready. Then go right ahead."

He looks at me up and down. As if looking for a lie. Deciding to put it aside, he shrugs and goes into the bathroom.

I smile, one down six more people to find.

~ ~ ~

"Wake up!" I open my eyes.

Nick's standing over me. "What?"

"Shouldn't you get ready?"

I yawn. "I guess you're right."

I get up. Open my bag, and pull out a pair of panties, a strapless bra, and am emerald green dress. With no straps.

I walk into the bathroom, shower. And get dressed in my chosen clothing. I blow dry my hair, and brush it down my back. I rub, healing, scented lotion into my face, arms, legs.

A single slit in the bottom of the dress. Revealing my left leg. I rub lotion into that too. Once I've finished that, I go back into the room, and put on a pair of emerald green heels.

"Okay, I'm ready. Let's go-" suddenly I start feeling guilty. Like I'm only using him and being nose to him so he'll protect me.

I turn to him, standing speechless in the corner. "I want to apologize."

"For what?"

I look back at the door. "I've, um, been using you."

"Using me?"

"Yeah, you see? My grandma is about to be sent to the Forbidden Land. And I'll be all alone. I want to-"

"Find a way to sneak out so you can be with her?"

"Yeah. How did you-"

"I just, assumed, I can understand."

"Oh. Well, I thought maybe if I was nice with you you'd maybe, help me. Or come with me."

"Yeah, I'll go, with you. But under one condition."

"What?" I say flatly.

"Kiss me."

"What? Why- why- is that your condition!?"

He smiles sheepishly. "'Cause if we're sneaking out, and I'm helping you. We're gonna do it as a couple."

The message is clear, if he helps me. I have to be with him.

I groan. "Do you want me to help you or not?"

"Fine," I say.

In a sudden motion. I grab him by the waist, pull him close. And smash our lips together.

Another promise kept. Now, I just need to find the others.