Chapter 2
It was an early winter morning. It would still be a few hours till the sun rises. Under the soft quilt, Moon was fidgeting in her sleep. Suddenly, she woke up, sweating and heavily breathing. Same nightmare. Same fear which haunted her. She quickly looked on to the other side of the bed. She sighed in relief, seeing her love sleeping peacefully. She laid down again and snuggled closer to him.
The Sun had just risen. The soft rays sketched their way into the palace. Jake rubbed his eyes open and was greeted by his wife's sleeping figure, which was snuggled close to him. He smiled at her and removed a few strands of hair away from her face. The smile turned into a sad frown as he recalled last night's discussion. ***************
He picked her up and laid her onto the soft mattress and covered her with a quilt.A voice of a man in his fifties called him from behind.
" Is she still weak Jake?"
The man asked with an air of concern in his voice.
"She should take better care of herself. "
His voice held a tinge of anger.
"She is still in pain, Nicholas. The loss she has experienced is unbearable and huge for her. Scars of those events are deeply embedded in her heart. We can only try to lessen that pain to heal her." Jake answered.
Nicholas nodded his head in affirmation. He said," But she needs to know the truth, Jake, if she wants to avenge their death."
Jake answered him," I know Nick, but now is not the time. She is already hurt and weak. The truth would break her completely. I can't see her shattered." His voice quavered at the end.
" You're right Jake but don't hide it from her for too long."
" I will tell her myself when the right time comes. For now we need to protect Moon from her. She must be planning her next step and I am afraid that might involve hurting Moon."
Nicholas said," I understand you. We should discuss the plan. Take care of her and yourself."
" You too, Nick. And thank you for everything you have done for us." Jake said smiling.
They wished each other good night.
Nicholas stepped out into the dark corridor and disappeared. Jake turned around and slept next to Moon. ****************
His trance was soon broken, when he saw Moon moving in his arms. Smiling, he kissed her and wished her good morning.Moon opened her eyes and found herself staring at her Jake. She smiled a bit, and hugged him. Seeing her smile in months, he was elated.
Jake asked her," What would my Moon like for breakfast?"
Moon answered him softly, " Anything would be fine, Jake."
Nodding his head, he got out of the bed and made his way to the royal kitchen. He dismissed the chefs and set to prepare the breakfast.
Meanwhile, Moon got ready herself. She went to the bath, which had been prepared for her. The crystal, exquisite bathtub shone in the winter sunlight.She soaked slowly and let the steam cover her body, relaxing her aching muscles. She enjoyed a long time in the tub, enjoying the warmth of the water, the relaxation of her muscles and the soothing bubbles tickling her. The scent of the essential oils mellowed her and made her forget all the worries and sadness.She climbed out of the bathtub, wrapping herself in the towel.
Dressing herself she went to their favorite spot in the palace, a secluded balcony with an incredible view of snow-capped mountains and green valleys. As she reached there, she heard Jake singing and laying the breakfast on the table. He turned on the sound of footsteps and saw Moon standing behind him. Still singing, he made her sit and served her a breakfast of bacon, toast and coffee.Finishing the song he sat beside her.
Smiling, he said," You look beautiful."
She blushed a bit at his compliment and said nothing. Grinning, he fed her with love and affection.
She asked him," Did you prepare it?"
He said," Only for you. Do you like it?"
" It is really good. Hard to believe that you made it."
He pouted at her comment but smiled when she giggled.
" Always smile like this. I can't see you hurt my love."
She stared lovingly into his grey orbs which always had a soft spot for her. Smiling, she pecked him. He took her into his arms and fed her affectionately. It was peaceful. Moon was experiencing this peace for the first time in six months. She felt at peace. With Jake by her side, she felt that she could fight anything, anyone. She was safe with him.
Looking up at him, she said," Jake promised me something."
"Anything, my sweet. Just command."
" Promise me you will stay safe and you will never leave me" She said with a concerned voice.
Staring in her hazel orbs, he could see her concern and love for him. Nodding his head he said," I promise to stay safe and never leave you, my Moon. You are the light of my life. How can I even think of leaving such a sweet rose?"
At the same time lightning flashed as if manifesting the promise and securing their love for eternity.
She smiled at him and felt a bit relieved. She looked over the green lush valleys and the river flowing. She was reminded of how she met Jake. Smiling at those memories, she felt happy. Last few months she had felt a storm of emotions inside her. That storm was calming down due to Jake's love for her.
Jake was elated seeing her smile. He started singing softly for her.
If I had to live my life without you near me
The days would all be empty
The nights would seem so long
With you I see forever, oh, so clearly
I might have been in love before
But it never felt this strong
Our dreams are young and we both know
They'll take us where we want to go
Hold me now, touch me now
I don't want to live without you
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
She joined him.
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you
If the road ahead is not so easy
Our love will lead the way for us
Like a guiding star
I'll be there for you if you should need me
You don't have to change a thing
I love you just the way you are
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too
Hold me now, touch me now
I don't want to live without you
Finishing the song with smiles on their faces, both felt at peace. Their moment was suddenly disrupted by Nicholas barging in through. He was panting and looked terrified and concerned.
He said," Jake, we need to go now."