A week and a half had passed, the incident that occurred at the party was now the object of people's discussion and Emerald was still furious and refusing to speak to Jasmine, everyone was busy preparing for the pre-wedding ceremony of Alexa. The lieutenant would certainly make sure that the ceremony of his first and only daughter would be a grand one all the women of the Madradon and Heinzen families were doing the cooking and decorations everyone was being assigned a task Jasmine and Ana were to help with the decorations and when the time comes help Alexa dress.
"Father I..." Jasmine said entering his room she was to ask him what he would have, her mother was with Mariya helping with the preparations so she was to do lunch. the room was empty she sat on the available chair fondling with her dress to pass the time she had searched the house but he was nowhere and Tatiana knew nothing of his whereabouts she stood pacing around for a moment before sitting on the chair which her father would sit whenever he was working on a scroll, a scroll fell to the ground as she picked it out of curiosity she unrolled it to see what was written on it.
'This is a message from Tar to the chief of this village
you are to inform the inhabitants of this land to migrate
because this land doesn't belong to them but to us the
pennopians and we have come to take our land back
this is a warning that refusal to comply peacefully will
cause the village of Haran to mourn her children '
TAR.
Jasmine was shocked at this message her hands trembling not sure what to make out of this what is tar and who are the Pennopians
"Jasmine....do you need something," behek said brought her back to reality as his eyes shot to the scroll she was holding
" what are you doing with that," he said snatching it
" I came to ask if you would like tea...the scroll fell, I was picking it" she said looking straight into his eyes as he adverted his
"Father, are you still angry with me ?"
"Just milk ...I would like just milk" he said walking further into the room hanging his cloak
"Father I am sorry" she sniffed biting her lower lips
"I am not angry....just disappointed" he said sitting
" so disappointed that you wouldn't share your problems with me?" he looked at her confused for a moment before attaining a blank expression
"you read the scroll... you do not have to worry Jasmine, issues like these don't concern you"
"How can you say that, this is my village and I will not stand back and let some people take it away"
"Jasmine !...."
"Father who are the Pennopians?.... why do they claim this land to be theirs" she said curiosity written all over her face
"Your sister Tatiana should be hunger make lunch"
"These people that sent the message are responsible for the disappearance of the villagers right?.... do the people know about this message? "
"whatever is wrong I will solve it ...."
"How?...by keeping it a secret Father this seems serious and I do not think you can solve this issue all by yourself" she said cutting him off
"Jasmine that is enough"
"But father...."
"Jasmine! I said that is enough when you're done with lunch go over to the Heinzen house and make yourself useful" he said as Jasmine bowed her head leaving his room.
The day of Alexa's pre-wedding ceremony was here and everyone was in celebration mode only friends and family members were invited since it wasn't the wedding itself all the materials required for the ritual were available, and Avery had made everyone dress a certain colour in accordance to the customs of his family the females were to dress in yellow and the males amber except for the bride and groom who were to dress in white for the ritual.
The day of the pre-wedding the hall already bumming with music, Jasmine had arrived earlier than her parents so she and Ana would help with Alexa's preparation her eyes roamed the party hall searching if she would take notice of Jayden she hasn't seen him since the incident with Arnold he was either avoiding her pretending to be busy or with his friends drinking somewhere she saw his mother Mariya hopefully she would be of help she greeted her with a bright smile
"Aunty!" she walked up to her hugging her and Mariya returned the hug
"Ah...the decorations are gorgeous and I could say you look radiant in that beautiful yellow dress" Jasmine complimented smiling
" thank you dear and you look gorgeous as well....ah excuse me I have to get back to something " she said about leaving Jasmine holding her arm
" wait...uh...do you know where I can find Alexa?" Mariya narrowed her eyes before speaking
"Alexa should be in her room since she is getting prepared for the ceremony but Jayden is in the stable" she said smirking jasmine blushed in return she already knew what Jasmine wanted to ask
"you should speak to him after what had transpired in the party"
"Am sorry it wasn't my intention to behave like that I..."
"It's okay you are so young and the young are bound to make mistakes and anyway am glad you don't have to marry Arnold....now go to Jayden before his attention is taken by Rose "she said smiling as the smile on Jasmine's face disappeared into a frown
"ro..rose?....who is she " she stuttered
" she is what has taken Jayden's attention these days," she said jasmine looked sad
"Oh ...then I wouldn't like to interrupt them" she said causing Mariya to frown for a second before bursting into laughter
"you mean you do not want to interrupt Jayden and his horse rose..." she said as Jasmine gasped shocked before laughing nervously her cheek turning red
"hahaha!.... I meant his horse...I mean yes Rose his horse" she smiled widely Mariya laughed shaking her head
" you are so adorable "she said caressing her cheeks before leaving.
She went straight to the stable her face lit up at the sight of Jayden she smiled as she watched him feed Rose.
" oh Rose eat a lot alright you need to get better "he said patting her
"Rose do you think I have a chance with her after that kiss ....."
"a chance with who "Jasmine echoed from behind causing him to scream frightened by her sudden presence as he fell on the ground
Jasmine bursted into laughter tears visible in her eyes.
" I wasn't startled " he cleared his throat, stood up and dusted his cloth
" I didn't say anything " she chuckled cleaning her tears. everywhere fell to an uncomfortable silence
" you are here," he said
" well it is Alexa's pre-wedding ceremony so " she replied
" yes it is " he agreed laughing nervously
" about what happened the last time, " they both said in unison
" hmm proceed," he said to her
" about the kiss ....am so sorry I ...am " he burst into laughter as she frowned totally confused
" I am not angry "
" your not? "
"am impressed how did you learn to kiss like that ....tell me who is the man you have been practicing with hmmm" he said wiggling his brows as her cheeks turned red out of embarrassment it was her first kiss.
" I feel offended " he rolled his eyes as he kept feeding rose
" Can I ask a question?" he said as his gaze deviated from the horse to her
" Proceed "
"Why did you kiss me...I mean was it because of what I told you or som..something else" he said with a hint of curiosity obvious in his eyes
" I...I...l.." she stuttered
" right, it was because of the suggestion I gave wasn't it ?"
"y...yes I followed your bad advice foolish me" she said hitting her temple slightly, licked her lower lips as her gaze fell to the ground he laughed nervously before raising her chin
" by the way you look ravishing today" he said with a smirk, Jasmine responding with a little nod as she began to leave tripping on her gown. Jayden caught her his hand wrapped around her waist as she gasped in shock
" Are you alright?" he said looking into her intriguing sapphire eyes, she nodded looking into his hazel ones
" Both of you ...." Ana walked in on them their attention still not deviating from each other
" uh ehem!...." she said clearing her throat, Jayden gaze shifting to her and then returned to Jasmine
" your eyes are beautiful " he complimented, jasmine blushed making Ana roll her eyes
" excuse me...sorry to spoil your little romance but we have to get Alexa ready"
"o don't tell me you are jealous " he said smirking
"In your dreams " she replied as she left just as quickly as his smirk disappeared, he removed his hands from her waist after being assured she wasn't going trip again, and they both left the stable.
everyone had arrived, the whole environment filled with blissful laughter people singing and dancing while the groom sat beside the priest waiting impatiently for his bride.
"I didn't see you at the party" Jasmine said oiling her hair
"I came but wasn't feeling quite well, I left early" Alexa replied
"you are quite courageous Jasmine am impressed" Ana said smirking as Jasmine gave a confused look
" yes Jasmine kissing Jayden like that in public...o...so romantic "Alexa teased a tint of pink painting Jasmine's cheeks
" that is one way to confess to him"Ana added the smile that Jasmine once held disappeared
"haven't you spoken to him ?"
"I have but he thinks I did it because of what he suggested at the party...it is confusing Alexa" she sighed shrugging
" wow you are in love with an oblivious fool" Ana said rolling her eyes.
"Can we stop talking about me what about you do you like the groom hmmmm?"
"well we only spoke once, he is a nice man " she stated the rest nodding
"And you Ana when is someone going ask for your hand hmmm you got a proposal right?" Ana sighed giving a bored expression
"Yes but Mother refused the proposal he is a loafer, I am only getting married to a prince " she stated with determination Ana had been under the impression that one day a prince of some kingdom would get married to her, it had been her dream since she was a little girl her mother would advise her to go to balls and ceremonies where royalties were present to get their attention but mostly came back home disappointed.
"A loafer?"Alexa and Jasmine pronounced in unison
"Hmmm, yes....he is a Potter though he owns a house but no servants nor assets my mother refused the proposal and I agree with her I won't marry a poor man " she narrated with disgust on her
"Ana!" Alexa scolded as she shrugged in reply
"But even we don't have servants at home" Jasmine answered with a frown
"And rad? Who is he?... Jasmine, I don't have a problem with poor people....am no different from them but am I callous for wanting a better life?" Ana replied her eyes holding emotions Jasmine couldn't read
"By the way you look radiant," Ana said trying to change their conversation and caressing Alexa's face with her hand as she smiled in return, jasmine and Ana had helped her get into her white gown, they pulled at her straps trying to make sure it fits firmly
"tight?" jasmine asked pulling as she nodded they finally tied it and soon proceeded to design her hair using pins while her neck, hands and ears were designed with jewellery.
"Ah....do any of you know who the Pennopians are" she said as others pondered for a while
"I have heard of that name before" Alexa frowned trying to remember
"pennopians, they were once under the chamdragon empire but they broke out...why?" Ana answered she was accustomed to history she would often read about the history of the Chamdragon empire and how it came about
"oh ....am just curious I heard Father mention the name " she lied
"and we are done" Jasmine said smiling widely as Alexa got up fondling with her dress it was something she did when she felt nervous
"Alexa?...can I ask a question "
" Sure Jasmine what are you curious about"
"Are you happy?...." she said looking at her, her lips parted in a thin line before a little smile found its way to her lips
"Mother and father are happy so am happy" Ana frowned
"Why won't she be happy today is her pre-wedding ceremony and tomorrow is her wedding Jasmine.....we should go down am sure everyone is waiting for us" Ana said leading Alexa as she stopped turning to Jasmine
"not everyone gets to experience true love but if you ever get the chance you should never let it slip away .....I hope you both will be happy on the day you are to be married. now little sisters let go they should be worried we are taking so long " Their arrival brought relief to everyone's faces they had taken forever.
the priest started the ritual and soon it was done as everyone congratulated Avery and his wife.
they all began to find their way home the hall was almost empty remaining the youths who were drinking and dancing. meanwhile, since there was no place for the old in this little group the youths had formed Behek had gathered his family and was about to leave.
" wait jasmine !" Ana called stopping them
"bless me, Aunty, uncle," Ana said bowing her head as both Emerald and Behek touched it
"Ah...can Jasmine stay with us for some time we want to still enjoy the party," Ana said holding Jasmine as she urged her to talk whispering 'Jayden will be there ' as jasmine smiled
"Mother, father can I stay I mean the day is still young?"
"since when have you needed our permission to do anything....you do what you like right? you do not care about anyone" Emerald said with a frown as Jasmine smiled this had been the most Emerald had said to her since the incident
" stay but be back before it gets too late " Behek said as Jasmine hugged him whispering thank you in his ears Tatiana frowned
" what about me I also want to stay " she shouted as she walked to Jasmine standing by her side
" it is no place for little children " Ana said as Tatiana glared at her "Anastasia is right dear " Behek said pulling Tatiana as she struggled finally giving in when she saw a ray of anger in her father's face. they danced, sang and played different games while the men sat together and drank.
Jayden stared at Ana and Jasmine who were dancing and laughing the whole time his friends pushing him to go talk instead of staring mysteriously at them like that he obeyed walking up to them with a smug smile
"I didn't know you could dance so well," he said smiling at Ana as she blushed
" thank you "
" oh I wasn't talking to you Ana, all I could see was an ugly duckling fighting for breath," he said as she glared at him Jasmine chuckled
"thank you " Jasmine blushed as Jayden grabbed her hands the both of them swaying to the music
"it is getting late Jasmine don't you think we should go everyone has started departing" Ana said interrupting them
"Why do I have the feeling it hurts you to see me with other women," Jayden said smirking as Ana scowled glaring
"She is right Jayden I am sorry I have to go I promised Father I won't stay up too late we will inform Uncle of our departure" Jasmine said giving a sad smile as Jayden nodded letting go of her hands, they greeted Avery and Mariya and told them they would be leaving.
" it is quite late, lovely ladies shouldn't walk on their own jayden escort them," Avery said with a small smile
"no am tired and besides they are strong girls what could happen to them their house isn't too far from ours " he nagged as his father slapped him on the back of his head he grimaced rubbing the area that hurt
"Father I will escort them "Alexa spoke standing up
" no tomorrow is your wedding and it is bad luck to go out at night " Mariya said frowning
"Mother they are just myths and besides Ana and Jasmine can't walk on their own but if we are much nothing can happen to us "
"three is not much "Jayden rolled his eyes
" then why don't you shut up and follow us fool," Ana said glaring at him
"Uncle you don't have to worry nothing will happen to us " Jasmine said as Alexa nodded in agreement she escorted them leaving them a foot stroll to their house
"goodbye" Alexa said biding the two girls and they went their separate ways.