Jasper's POV
I couldn't stop thinking of her even as I played the piano. The dark head beauty... It was like I was a moth and she the flame. I was enchanted by her by some form of scorcery...
Jake barged in without knocking. As usual.
His green eyes were shinning. I knew what that meant.
"You had a jab at Lady Hera I presume?" I looked away and kept playing.
He jumped onto the piano's top and laid to face me.
My eyes narrowed. "Jake...."
He waved me off with a grin. "It wouldn't even dent, and yes I saw Her today..."
I tried to tune him out and enjoy my soft music. "I do not care to know of your chat with Her..."
He however, kept speaking.
"She was having a walk..."
I shut my eyes and softly hummed Beethoven.
"—with that blonde, what's her name again?"
I shrugged and kept humming. The piano was a beautiful instrument. Just pressing the right keys produced unearthly beautiful music...
He went on. "She the blonde and that new Lady we're having a walk down her garden–"
My eyes flew open. "What?! The new Lady?!"
He nodded. "I know right? What would make someone like her friends with–"
"Aurora was with them?"
He frowned at my look. "Yes?? I know it is surprising but you're really overreacting. She probably doesn't know them for who they are yet."
My mind was gone though. All I saw were those ice blue eyes that sent shivers down my spine...good shivers....
That pale skin.....
Her in her silk nightdress...
I swallowed and blinked.
Jake was staring at me with a look on his face. "Is there a particular reason why you are blazing red?"
I swallowed and looked down at the piano keys. "I am NOT red... just surprised."
He stayed silent for a while before jumping off the piano. "Don't worry, she seems smart. One week and she'll cut them off like scissors through a ribbon."
Before I could speak, someone lightly tapped on the door. "Yes?"
Christopher stepped in. He looked perfectly dressed as usual. Crisp clothes and all. "My prince, the King wishes to see you."
I frowned. "Do you know What for?"
"I have no knowledge whatsoever."
Jake grinned at him. "Well hello Chris, long time no see."
Christopher looked disdained... appalled even. "My name is Christopher sir."
I stood quickly to prevent the argument I knew was coming up. "Take me to him."
*************
Emilia's POV
I pushed the glasses up my nose and flipped the page.
Who knew William Shakespeare was so boring after all?
"Emilia...."
I looked up. Duke was walking to me. His dark hair was combed but wild strands flowered his face. His eyes... those of molten gold took my breadth away. It always had.
He sat beside me on the grass. "What are you reading?" He peered over my shoulder.
His scent, that of orchards and rain cocooned me. I took a deep breadth. "I thought you were busy in the study and it's Shakespeare. Othello."
His hot breadth fanned my neck. "I needed to see you. Shakespeare? I thought you loved modern mystery?"
I tried to concentrate on the conversation not his hot breadth and how close we were but found it extremely hard.
"Uh– yes, but I found this in–"
He aburntly lifted me and placed me between his legs a gasp left my lips. My back was to his chest. His strong arms encircled me and gently pulled me against him. His chest was solid and hard.
"You always were the hot smart one." He buried his face in the crook of my shoulder and inhaled.
I let out a soft gasp. "You flatter me."
Hs softly imprinted his lips on my skin. It sent a thousand of electricity bolts through me. I almost melted.
"Never."
He used one hand to slowly pull away the clips that held my hair up. It fell in a heap behind me and I felt him sniff it. "You always smell perfect....."
My mind was fogging up. "Duke...."
Suddenly, he lifted me and swung me around to face him. His eyes were dark pools. My breadth caught in my throat.
"Emilia...." It sounded like a prayer from his lips.
His fingers ran over my face.. over my lips.
I shut my eyes. My heart, it beat faster than light itself.
"You are so beautiful..." He placed a feather like kiss on my forehead. "So goddamed beautiful..." He kissed each cheek.
My throat was dry. I was going mad with the anticipation.
"Duke....."
His fingers slowly ran through my hair.
"Duke.... Kis–"
"Sir? A call for you..." Ziplah the maid.
My eyes flew open. Duke glanced at her behind us.
"I'm busy." Then his lips took mine.