Prison of Tides

Chapter 15 - Vows

Jasmine's Point of View 

     Geoff's hands carefully styled my hair, pinning half of my wavy locks back. The silk robe covered me while he applied my makeup. I was glowing and shimmering by the time he was done.

     "Thank you, Geoff. As always, you are absolutely fantastic."

     He chuckled, his long blond hair falling over his green eyes. "Anytime, Jasmine."

     The ceremony started in thirty minutes. I hadn't seen Caspian all day. 

     My heart fluttered, my stomach tied in knots. What if he changed his mind? What if I messed up my vows? What if I didn't satisfy him tonight, the way he was so sure I would?

     The night before, discussing my fears with him, he told me I was still a virgin. I'd never had intercourse willingly. That tonight would be the first time for both of us. Despite his comforting words, my mind raced, thinking that perhaps he would decide differently once he was inside of me. Perhaps I wouldn't live up to his expectations, was too damaged to give him what he needed.

     Time was up. Elenor's hands squeezed my shoulders, and I stood up, stepping into the wedding gown. She buttoned the back and I held my breath, looking at my reflection. Geoff really was a miracle worker. I felt as radiant as a goddess.

     Elenor headed to her seat, leaving me and Cherry in the dressing room.

     "You ready, Jazz?"

     I nodded.

     "Nervous?"

     I nodded again.

     "Cold feet?"

     I shook my head. "Never."

     She laughed.  "You're going to be fine. Caspian loves you. You look amazing. Tonight, you become the Princess of Lutna. The world is at your fingertips. Remember what the moon said - the future is bright, and she is guiding our steps."

     A sense of calm washed over me. "Yes, she is. Thank you, Cherry. I believe it's time for us to go, yes?"

     She nodded, squeezing my hand.

     Her dress was emerald green. The plunging V neck accentuated her long, lean form, and the skirt flowed around her. I'd let her choose her own dress, so long as it was the right color, and she had asked Geoff to design one for her. I couldn't have been more pleased with her decision to do so. It appeared that she and the introverted Geoff had developed a friendship, and I was grateful for it. She wouldn’t be as lonely while Caspian and I were on our ever elusive honeymoon.

     We walked hand in hand to the beginning of the path, where she let go of my hand and began to walk as the sound of the violin indicated it was time to go.

     I took a breath before beginning my own journey down the aisle. I walked, pacing my steps. The crowd stood in my presence, but I didn't see them. All I saw was Caspian, standing under the flowered archway, candlelight causing his tan skin to glow. The sun was almost set, casting orange light onto the ivy and flowers overhead. As I walked towards him, I felt the water behind him, magnifying the emotions radiating from him. They flowed through me - his elation, his love, his joy. The smile in his eyes was all I saw as his hand held mine. I stood before him.

     “You’re beautiful, my love.” His voice was a whisper.

     I smiled. One look at him and all of my perceived inadequacies fell away. I couldn't believe that of all the women, this wonderful man had asked me to marry him.

     The dark haired priestess began to speak of the blessing that would be bestowed upon our kingdom through this union of souls. I could focus on nothing but Caspian, his blue-green eyes gazing back into my own. I couldn’t believe we were finally here, standing before one another, about to say our vows.

     He spoke first. “Jasmine Belden, I vow to always love you. To always put your needs before my own. To always cherish you, always protect you. I’ve loved you from the moment I laid my eyes on you, and I will love you until I take my final breath. I promise to rule equally by your side, to govern the land and sea with you.”

     “Jasmine Belden of Lutna, Prince Caspian Gale of Lunta has offered you his hand in marriage with these vows. Do you accept these vows?” The priestess’s eyes were on me.

     “By the tides, I accept his hand.”

     “Very well.” She smiled. The moon had risen, close to full on the horizon of the sea.

     “Prince Caspian Gale of Lutna, I vow to honor, protect, and look to you always. I vow to govern by your side with fairness, to always bring you joy, and to love and cherish you until the end of days.”

     “Prince Caspian of Lutna, Jasmine Belden of Lunta has offered you her hand in marriage with these vows. Do you accept these vows?”

     “By the tides, I accept her hand.” He smiled down at me, his eyes dewy with joy. His thumb came to my face as he wiped a tear of my own away, brushing my cheek as he did.

     “With the blessings of the sea, I bind these two together in holy matrimony. Prince Caspian, you may now kiss your bride.”

     His lips met mine, his hands on the small of my back as he dipped me just slightly. My arms were around his neck.

     “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Rise for the Prince and Princess!"

     He took my hand as we walked down the aisle, the guests clapping around us.

*

     Photos were finally finished, and we slipped away for a private moment by the water. He said nothing, just looked down at me. My heart beat a little faster as I met his gaze. He looked so good in that tuxedo. He put his hands on my waist and leaned down, his tender kiss sending electricity through me.

     “My handsome, sweet husband,” I murmured into his kiss. “I love you.”

     “I love you too, princess. You are so perfect.” I felt so much love rushing through my veins, so safe in his arms.

     His lips lingered on mine, and I felt something on my feet. We both looked down, seeing the water come in. We quickly stepped away, trying to avoid ruining our clothes.

     "Jasmine?"

     "Yes, my dear?"

     "Do you think that perhaps your emotions are a little strong at the moment?"

     I watched as the waves crashed by our side, coming in even stronger. "You make me happier than I ever imagined possible, Caspian. I'm overwhelmed with the feelings inside of me."

     "What is it that's overwhelming you, my love?"

     "How much I love you. And how much you love me. I can't explain it, but the water… I can feel you through the water."

     "What am I feeling right now?" His voice was playful.

     "Hungry?"

     He laughed. "Spot on, Princess Jasmine. I think it's high time we made an appearance at our own affair, wouldn't you say?"

     I nodded, and we made our way back to the palace, where friends, family, nobles and rulers of surrounding kingdoms had gathered. We sat at our table, enjoying the feast the chefs had prepared.

     Afterwards, we made our rounds, accepting congratulations, and it came time for our dance. The orchestra began to play. Caspian held out his hand for mine, and I eagerly obliged as we made our way to the center of the ballroom. With one hand on the small of my back and the other holding mine, he led the dance and I followed. I would follow my beloved prince anywhere.

     The world around us faded as we moved together, our focus only on each other. He always smelled so intoxicating, like aged leather and the sea breeze. Like heaven.

     While our voices said nothing, our eyes conversed endlessly. About the future. About the past. About the honeymoon. About his mom, who had cried dramatically during the ceremony, dabbing her tears with her ever present handkerchief. Who was doing the same now as she watched us dance. About Jacob, who was flirting shamelessly with all the unaccompanied women. About Cherry, who was sipping her martini alone while Aiden got sloshed at the open bar.

     The dance came to a close. The guests applauded and cheered before the King, Queen, Cherry and Jacob entered the dance floor. The second dance began, and we all had a grand time, switching between partners. Caspian shook his head playfully at Jacob as I danced with him, twirling under his arm.

     I found myself looking up at my husband as the music came to a close. I stood on my toes to kiss his smooth cheek, his scent washing over me once again. I began to feel something else coming from him, a sense of excitement.

     "Are you ready to go, my love?"

     "Yes, Prince. I think I am."

     We all headed towards the dock, where a yacht was waiting for us. Everyone held sparklers that we ran through. Taking me into his arms, Caspian carried me into the boat, and we waved as the boat began to take us north.

     Taking me below deck, he carried me to the bedroom, a luxurious suite with a large bed. There was no headboard, only a window that took up the entire wall with white curtains pulled to the side. We had the perfect view of the sea.

     He sat me on the bed and bent down, lifting my dress to take off my heels. As he did, he rubbed my ankles, my calves, just barely touching my thighs. His hands felt amazing after all of the dancing in those heels. He slipped off his own shoes before sitting down beside me.

     He took my hand in his and brought it to his lips. "I love you, Jasmine." He kissed the inside of my wrist. "My love." He kissed the inside of my elbow. "My wife." He kissed my neck. "My princess."

     "I love you, too, Caspian. I'm yours."

      His mouth was on mine then, one of his hands on my hip while the other traced the outline of my face. My own hands were on his chest, feeling his muscles through the fabric of his suit. Slowly, I pushed the jacket off his shoulders. I felt his need, the open water around us amplifying every thought that swam through our minds. I untucked his shirt from his pants and took it off him, admiring the living sculpture that was now my husband.

     "Stand up, Jasmine," He said. I immediately did as he desired. He sat behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my ear, my neck, my collarbone through the gown.

     "Did I tell you what a perfect bride you are?"

      "Only because I have a perfect husband."

     On my back, his fingers took their time unbuttoning my dress. He kissed every bit of skin as it was revealed, leaving me shaking by the time the small of my back was exposed.

     The dress fell on the ground, leaving me in only my panties.

     "Turn around, my love. Let me see you." I turned, and after a moment of looking into each other's eyes, he pulled me onto his lap, my legs around him. His mouth took mine slowly, gently. I felt his desire, his need, begin to rise as my body rubbed against his bare chest.

     Caspian lay back and rolled so that he was on top of me. Oh, how I loved being underneath him, being gazed at by him. His hand cupped my breast as his kisses got more fervent, more urgent. Kneeling between my legs, he kissed my stomach, my inner thighs, before pushing my panties to the side. His tongue was so warm, so soft on me, every breath sending waves of pleasure crashing down on me.

      He pulled my underwear off before discarding the rest of his own clothing. I sat up, wanting to taste him, to show him the same generosity he always showed me.

      Shaking his head, Caspian got on top of me once more, spreading my thighs and touching me while he kissed me. I felt his member rubbing against me, teasing my entrance, and I whimpered at the strength of the passion radiating from us both.

     My arms found their way around him, one hand pulling his hair. His hands travelled my body again, setting fire to my skin, and finally, I heard him pant into my neck.

     "Are you ready, Jasmine? Ready to be mine?"

     "Take me. Take me now, Caspian. I need-"

      He pressed inside of me, so gentle. I cried out. He felt better than anything I'd ever experienced. He stayed for a moment before pulling out, then pushing in again, a little further this time. He did this over and over until he was all the way inside of me. My moans filled the chamber as he stayed there, enjoying how he filled me so completely, how his body seemed to mesh so perfectly with mine.

     "Oh, Caspian…"

      With that, he was taking me, claiming me in the way I so needed him to. His hands were tangled in my hair, his mouth on my skin. Every thrust brought me to a new level of elation, and I found my nails were digging into his back.

      His hand caressed the bottom of my thigh before bringing it around his waist, driving himself deeper into me. He was moaning, crying my name.

     "Oh, Jasmine. Oh gods."

     "Caspian, don't stop, that feels so… oh…"

     I was cumming on him, and I felt him twitching, both of our sighs echoing throughout the room as he spilled his seed inside of me.

     He brought his forehead down to rest on mine, panting. "Jasmine, you… you are heaven."

     I ran my fingers through his hair. "You felt… so good…"

     He rolled off of me, pulling me onto his chest, kissing me so tenderly as he turned off the lamp, leaving us to sleep with the light of the moon and stars upon us.

Caspian's Point of View 

     Jasmine's dress hugged her curves perfectly, the keyhole on her chest just enough to drive my thoughts to what was beneath the sheer lace fabric. When I held her in my arms, carrying her to the room, she looked so innocent. So precious, my beautiful wife.

     I wanted her to feel good. Needed all thoughts of the past eradicated from her mind before I was finally inside of her. I massaged her legs, planted tender kisses with love in each one down her back.

     Tasting her, I resolved to take it slow, to show her the care she so deserved. When she orgasmed at the touch of my mouth, it finally dawned on me that I would get to experience her tightening around me. Not my tongue, not my fingers. Me.

     She sat up, and I knew she wanted to please me as I had pleased her, but there was only one source of pleasure I wanted.

     I touched her, making sure she was ready.

     I asked her, "Are you ready, Jasmine? Ready to be mine?"

     "Take me. Take me now, Caspian. I need-"

     I cut her off, my mouth coming over hers as I slipped into her. There are no words to describe how good she felt. So tight, so soft and wet. Her face, her whimper when I was in her.

     Slow. I needed to be slow. Needed to make sure she knew she was safe, knew she was loved.

      I inched in, and when I was finally there - finally, after so long, all the way inside her - her body was arching underneath me, her mouth calling my name.

     It was all over. I gave in to primal desire, taking her, claiming her. She was mine. Her sighs rang in my ears, that sweet sound that let me know she loved everything I was doing. That she needed this as much as I did. That my lust was matched only by hers.

     When her nails bit into my skin, I found myself pushing into her faster, and instinctively pulled her leg around my waist.

     I didn't think I could get any deeper inside of her, but suddenly, I was.

     "Oh, Jasmine," I breathed. "Jasmine, oh gods." I was about to explode.

     She cried my name, begging me not to stop. I tried to hold out, but f**k, she was cumming. I held her body tight as she squirmed underneath me, tightening around me. I couldn't keep going. Not with her around me like this, not with her practically screaming my name in pleasure.

     I came as well, filling her up. I'd never experienced anything close to how intoxicating she was in my entire life. It felt so good to empty myself into her.

     I touched my forehead to hers, hoping she could feel my overwhelming love for her, my admiration, how sated she had made me.

     "Jasmine, you - you are heaven."

     She looked up at me, her eyes saying everything I needed to know. I had met her needs. I had satisfied her.

     She stroked my hair, her voice breathy. "You felt so good, Caspian." 

     I held her tightly and turned off the lamp. There was no way she could know the things she had done to me.

     Her body was mine. She was mine. And I was hers.

Jacob’s Point of View

     After the ceremony, pictures were taken, and once I played my part, I found myself in the ballroom, mingling with a curvy blonde who batted her lashes at me over her drink. Her name was Katya, and her pale blue eyes matched the dress she was wearing, accentuating her large bust. I got her another drink when hers ran out, picking up a whiskey for myself, ready to have a good time with whichever one of the lovely ladies I would be taking upstairs with me that night.

     I noticed Cherry sitting at a table, sipping her martini while assessing the other guests with her sharp blue eyes. I remembered my conversation with Caspian, and took the seat next to her. I had enjoyed her company in the water the day beforehand, had found myself laughing a lot at her sharp wit. Spending time with her wouldn’t be a chore.

     “Quite the shindig, yeah?”

     She jumped, giggling when she saw it was me. “Jake! Has no one ever taught you that you shouldn’t sneak up on a lady like that?” No one called me Jake, but for some reason, it didn’t bother me coming from her.

     I shrugged my shoulders. “I figured you may want some company.”

     She nodded. “I don’t really know anyone here but you guys. And Aiden, who is at the bar. Just like he always is. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great wedding, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little out of place.”

     “Yeah, I get that. You’ll get used to it in no time, I promise.” I looked around the room. “Who’s Aiden?”

     She pointed to a thin, pale man with shaggy dark hair who sat at the bar, drinking shots of vodka. “My boyfriend.” I nodded, sizing him up. She could do better.

     “Does he treat you well?”

     She blinked those perfectly mascaraed eyelashes of hers, as though taken back by the question. “What do you mean?”

     If she had to think about it, then he didn’t. “Eh, don’t worry about it.”

     “Want to know a secret?” Her red lips curled into a smile as she leaned towards me.

     “What’s that?” Behave yourself, Jacob. Stop staring at her lips before Caspian and Aiden skin you alive.

     “You know how we’re supposed to dance?”

     “Mhm.” Stop thinking about dancing with her. Go look at any other woman in the room. Take any other woman home but her.

     “I don’t actually know how to dance. Formally, I mean. I was too…” She lifted her drink. “Embarrassed to let anyone know. Everyone here is so well-mannered, versed in these types of things. I’m just here by chance.”

     “Don’t worry about it. Just follow me. I’ll take it easy on you, I promise.” I grinned at her, noticing her glass was empty and her shoulders tense. “Did you want another drink?”

     She nodded. “If you don’t mind.”

     “It’s no trouble. I’ll be right back.”

     Trying to distract myself from the feisty redhead who had been declared off limits, I laid on the charm with a brunette at the bar while I waited on the drinks. I cast Aiden a glance as I stood beside him. He seemed to have completely forgotten Cherry’s existence.

     “Hey man, you here with anyone?” I asked him, wanting to get a feel for the guy.

     “Yeah.” He threw back his drink, his words slurred.

     “You just seemed kind of lonely sitting here, is all. I was wondering if your date might be lonely, too.” I don’t know why I was butting in, but it seemed wrong for him to be getting hammered while Cherry was anxious and alone.

     “She’s fine on her own.” How could he not care?

     I turned my attention to the brunette before Caspian and Jasmine started dancing. I bid my farewells to the brunette when she slipped her number into the pocket of my jacket.

     I returned to the table and handed Cherry her drink, watching the newlyweds dance as I sat beside her. She sipped on the martini, leaving her olive in the glass when it was our turn. I took her arm as we walked to the dance floor, ready to help her not make a fool of herself.

     To my surprise, she was agile on her feet, and had no trouble keeping up with the dance. When I took her elegant hand in mine, her other resting on my shoulder, I looked into her eyes for the first time. Deep blue, surrounded by rich red hair that swirled around her face when I spun her under my arm. The emerald dress, which dipped temptingly low, didn’t even draw my attention anymore. I was enchanted with the way she moved, the way she bit her lip nervously when she let me take the lead.

     “You know,” I whispered. “You’re a natural at this. I never would have known otherwise if you hadn’t told me.”

     Cherry looked up at me, beaming. “Really?”

     I couldn’t take my eyes off of her, seeing those eyes turn soft for that moment. Watching her walls break down. What was happening?

     Before I could think about it more, Jasmine was in my arms, and Cherry with Talun.

     “Well congratulations, Princess Jasmine,” I smiled, twirling her. The dress of her skirt flew around her legs and we both laughed, earning a playful shake of the head from her husband.

     “Thanks, Jacob. I’m so glad you could be here. I was beginning to think we’d never see you again!”

     “You know I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Besides, Alca was boring. I plan on sticking around for a long time. Someone has to keep things interesting around here.”

     She threw her head back and laughed before moving to dance with Talun, leaving me with Elenor.

     “Jacob! I’m so happy you’re back home, so much has happened while you’ve been gone. Don’t get me wrong, you did a wonderful job abroad, but this is where you belong, son, this will always be your home. Oh, we have missed you so much, the castle just hasn’t been the same without you…”

     I tuned her out, glancing around the room, smiling politely. While I loved Elenor dearly, if you listened to everything she said at once, you would wind up with vertigo trying to keep up. I learned that the hard way when I first came to stay with them, and had quickly mastered the art of tuning her out. My assessment of the room revealed that Aiden didn’t even notice that Cherry was dancing. What a sight he was missing.

     She was back in front of me then, and when I took her hand again, everything slowed down for a moment. “Welcome back, babygirl.”

     Had those words just left my mouth? Who says that?

     A light blush coated her cheeks, and my heart skipped a beat, ignoring everything my mind was screaming at me. Her body pressed against mine as we moved to the music, and her scent wafted into my nose, faint strawberries and sunshine. The king’s words replayed in my head.

     When it’s right, you know.

     We didn’t speak the rest of the dance. I just watched her, looking down into her eyes. They held something unfamiliar to me. I didn’t want to take her upstairs to my room, I wanted to hold her closer to me, to kiss her, to make her walls disappear and know her. I needed to know her mind, her soul. How could I feel this way when I barely knew her?

      As the music came to a close, I got her another drink before telling her I was tired and heading to bed. I needed to get away from her. Leave it to me to fall for the one person who’s the very definition of unavailable. I had to take my mind off of her, or else I would go crazy.

     Calling the brunette, I tidied my room a bit before she arrived. For the first time in my life, I couldn’t get hard, no matter what we tried. After holding Cherry in my arms while we danced, no other woman could compare. Finally, I gave up trying and asked her to leave. I heard noises coming from the hallway after she exited. The only other person in this wing was Cherry. Why did I hear doors slamming and people yelling?

     I walked outside, only to see a barefoot Aiden running off, tripping in his drunken stupor. I walked to Cherry’s door, knocking lightly.

     “You made yourself perfectly clear, Aiden. We get it, we all get it, okay? It’s disgusting, you don’t want me, nobody wants me. Thank you for the reminder, like I don’t see it every day of my f*****g life since it happened. Go away!” I heard her hit the door in between us.

     “It’s Jacob.” What the hell had he done?

Cherry’s Point of View

     I’d tried to spend time with Aiden at the wedding, but he was more interested in looking into the bottom of a shot glass than looking at me. I was grateful when Jacob kept me company. He was an excellent dancer, and I couldn’t explain why, but I felt safe with him. I knew he was a womanizer, a player, and I knew that I had Aiden. Despite those things, my heart fluttered when he called me babygirl, when he told me I was a natural and that I fit in perfectly.

     When I saw him leave with another woman, I decided to drag Aiden upstairs. For so long, my only attention had been s****l. Now, I was getting no type of attention from him, and if there was one thing I’d learned from Raymond, it was how to change that.

     On my red comforter, he climbed on top of me and kissed me. I tried to push memories from my mind when I accepted his kiss, when I let him slip his hands under my dress and start to push it up. He clumsily nipped at my thighs before unzipping my dress and pulling it off of me. The only thing between me and him were my panties.

     I leaned over and turned off the light, not wanting him to see me. He pulled my underwear down and pushed my legs apart, attempting to position himself at my entrance.

     “Wait, Aiden, I’m not ready for you yet.”

     “Ah, I apologize, darling. I was rushing” His words were slurred, and I nodded. He started to lower himself between my thighs, his lips kissing me directly on my c******s.

     “Oh!” He sucked that little nerve-filled spot until I felt myself becoming wet. He hovered over me then, and reached across me, turning on the lamp.

     “What are you doing, Aiden?” My heart pounded. I’d turned it off for a reason. I didn’t want him to see me. Why would he turn it back on?

     “I want to see my gorgeous girlfriend while I taste you for the first time.” He knelt between my legs again. “Oh my gods! What the f**k, Cherry?” He backed away, looking up at my face for a moment before looking at the remnants of the nightmare I’d lived through. He’d gone soft within seconds.

      I should never have done this. This was a bad idea. Never should have brought him up here. I slammed my legs shut, sitting up and pulling a sheet over me so that he couldn’t see me anymore. My worst fears, rejection over the damage Raymond had done, were coming true. A man looking at me and deeming me unlovable because of it.

     “Get out.” My voice shook, but I kept my words quiet as I pointed to the door. He got up, too drunk to remember how to put on his shoes. “Get the f**k out! I don’t ever want to f*****g see you again!” I lost my cool, and I started hitting his chest in a feeble attempt to push him out the door faster, slamming it after I threw his shoes into the corridor.

     I sank to the ground, back to the wall, still naked as I covered my crotch with my hand. I wanted to make it all go away, but it wasn’t that easy. I felt the door vibrate against my back when someone knocked on it.

     “You made yourself perfectly clear, Aiden. We get it, we all get it, okay? It’s disgusting, you don’t want me, nobody wants me. Thank you for the reminder, like I don’t see it every day of my f*****g life since it happened. Go away!” I hit the door, trying to change the pain into rage.

      “It’s Jacob.” His voice floated through the doorway. Great. Just what I needed. A meltdown in front of Lutna’s most eligible bachelor.

     I grabbed my robe off of the ground from where I’d thrown it earlier that day. Wiping my face with the base of my palm, I reached up and twisted the doorknob, letting the door swing open beside me.

     Jacob sat on the floor beside me. “What just happened?”

     “It isn’t important.” I shook my head and tried to smile at him, tried to seem okay. “Go have fun with your date, Jake.”

     His brow furrowed. “What date?”

     “The girl you left the wedding with?”

     “I wasn’t feeling it and asked her to leave.” His eyes found mine. “That stuff you were saying. You know that’s not true, right?”

     I didn’t say anything, just looked at the ceiling to avoid his gaze.

     “Fine. You don’t have to tell me. But you aren’t going to stay here and cry because he’s too drunk to appreciate you.” He stood up and grabbed my hand, pulling me up with him. I clutched at the bottom my silk red robe with white flowers on it, not caring if he saw my chest, just caring about the scars. “Get dressed. We’re going out.”

     I didn’t have the energy to argue. I washed my smeared makeup off my face and put on fresh eyeliner, not bothering with anything else. Jacob was still in his suit, and while I didn’t want to put on that dress that Aiden had taken off of me, I did still want to look nice. I grabbed a short maroon dress from my closet and threw it on, meeting him in the hallway when I was done.

     He smiled and held out his arm, linking elbows with me.

     “So where are we going?”

     “We are going to my secret spot.”

     I raised an eyebrow at him. “Only as long as you promise to be a gentleman.”

     He chuckled. “I promise.”

     He took me past the grand staircase, into another wing of the second floor. At the end of the hall, he opened a small door, leading to a spiraling staircase. I followed him up, onto the roof, where there was a perfect view of the sea and the stars. I looked behind me, only to see him opening a storage drawer and grabbing some chairs and a bottle.

     We sat when he unfolded the chairs, and he opened the bottle of whiskey, taking a swig before passing it to me.

     “I’m normally not a whiskey girl, but tonight I’ll make an exception.” I brought the bottle to my mouth, making a face as the liquor went down. “Blech.”

     Jacob laughed, his dark eyes twinkling under the light of the full moon. I passed the bottle back to him. “So, I have a proposition.”

     “Oh?” I accepted it as he handed it to me, taking another sip. “What might that be?”

     “Drunk truth or dare. Like I said, I promise to be a gentleman.”

     I giggled. “Truth or dare? What are we, twelve?”

     He shrugged his shoulders. “If you’re too chicken to play…”

     I squinted my eyes at him and took a giant gulp of whiskey. “What’ll it be, Jake? Truth, or dare?”

     He looked satisfied with himself. “Dare.”

     I thought for a moment, setting the bottle on the ground. “I dare you to go back down to the wedding and steal food for us. And a martini for me, because I hate whiskey.” I’d been too busy trying to corale Aiden to have had time to eat.

     “Hm, a difficult task, but one I accept. Be right back.”

     He left me alone on the roof, and I pulled my knees to my chest, crossing my ankles while I looked over the darkened sea. In the distance, I saw the lighthouse, a guiding force for those trying to navigate the waters in the darkness. Thinking about it, maybe the moon was my lighthouse. She showed me what I needed to see. So close to the water, she whispered to me that I was worth more than what I’d received that night.

     Jacob returned, arms full. “Gods, Jake. Did you take the whole damn table?”

     He winked and set the food down in front of our chairs. “Just about. A martini for you -” He handed me the glass. “And some hot chocolate for when we inevitably get cold.” He pulled a thermos out of his pocket and put it down beside the loaded paper plates. I grabbed one of them and started eating the vanilla cake, craving the sweetness.

     “Have I met the requirements of your dare?”

     I laughed, nodding. “Yes sir, you definitely have.”

     “Alright, your turn. Truth, or dare?”

     I thought for a moment. If I chose truth, he could find out whatever he wanted about me. If I chose dare, I would most likely have to get up, and I was far too comfortable in my tipsy state of mind to move. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to know him better. “Truth.”

     “A bold choice. Let me think.” He scratched his chin, and I started to get nervous as he thought. “Alright, babygirl. Let’s start off easy. What’s your favorite hobby?”

     In the darkness, he couldn’t see the heat spreading across my cheeks. “Drawing. It’s been a while since I’ve done it, so I need some practice.”

     He looked over at me and grinned. “I have the day off tomorrow. I’ll be your practice subject.”

     Laughing, I grabbed the plate with shrimp on it, popping one into my mouth. “Just don’t hate me if the drawing is trash. Now it’s your turn. Truth, or dare?”

     He stole one of the shrimp off of my lap. “If it is, I will become a hoarder and cherish trash forever.” I took it back and threw it at him, him ducking to avoid my wrath. “Although I’m sure it won’t be trash! Truth. Hit me with it.”

     “Hmm. Why did you come to my room tonight?”

     “Generally, when you hear screaming, it means that something is wrong. I didn’t like the look of your boyfriend.”

     “Ex-boyfriend,” I corrected.

     “I’m glad you added that prefix to his title. Seems like you could do better.” He thought so?

     “I’m glad, too. It’s sad. Aiden used to be so sweet. He started drinking heavily about five months ago, and now he can’t just seem to kick it.”

     Jacob nodded, taking another sip from the bottle. “What happened five months ago?”

     I stared at him for a minute. He didn’t know how long I’d been there. No wonder he thought I could do better. “That’s when I went missing.”

     “He had you for five months?” His voice was quiet.

     I reached down into my bag, grabbing my cigarettes. I pulled one into my mouth and lit it. “Mhm.”

     “You smoke?”

     “Only during times of extreme stress.”

     “Mind if I bum one?”

     I passed him the pack and the lighter. “You smoke too?”

     “Only when I am drunk and with company such as yourself. Truth or dare?”

     I blew out my smoke. “Truth.”

      “A secret you’ve never told anyone.”

     “I’m so bisexual that it isn’t even funny.”

     “You’ve never told anyone?”

     I shook my head. “Nope. Only you.”

     “My lips are sealed. Truth.”

     “Since you want to pry into my closet, what’s a secret you’ve never told anyone?”

     He laughed and looked upwards, blowing his smoke. “So Elenor and Talun had this super expensive vase, imported from Cathre or someplace like that. I ran into it staring at a tutor’s ass and broke it.”

     I choked on my smoke from laughing. “Which part of that is the secret? That you were ogling her or that you broke it?”

     He leaned back and grinned at me. “That I broke it because I was too busy being a teenage perv.”

     “Quite the secret there, Jake. I was hoping for something a little more intense, but I’ll take what I can get.”

     “Truth or dare?”

     “Truth.”

     “First kiss?”

     It was my turn to laugh. “His name was Franco. Junior high dance. Super awkward, way too much tongue, he left slobber all over my face.”

     He groaned. “Not a drooler.”

     I nodded, chuckling. “Yep. It was everywhere. Like, had drenched the top half of my dress.” I paused for a minute, the alcohol heavy in my system. “Something tells me you aren’t a drooler, Jake.”

     He shook his head. “I’m definitely not. But I promised to be a gentleman, and you’re too drunk for me to show you. Last round?”

     “Sure. Truth, or dare?” I asked, avoiding the topic of kissing.

     “Truth.”

     “What really happened tonight, with your date?”

     “She wasn’t my type.” I sensed there was more to his story, and that he wasn’t going to share it. “Your turn.”

     “You already know I’m going to say truth because I’m too comfortable to move. So hit me with the best one you’ve got.”

     “Okay.” He looked me in the eyes, turning serious for a moment. “What really happened tonight to get you so upset?”

     I sighed and took out two more cigarettes, one for each of us, and passed him the one I didn’t bring to my lips.

     “Bad enough that we need more smokes?”

     I nodded, and he lit my cigarette before his. “It’s really f****d up, and I’m only gonna talk about it because I am absolutely f*****g wasted right now, okay?”

     “I won’t judge you, babygirl. Your secrets are safe with me. I promise.” I looked into those captivating eyes of his, and I believed him.

     “So, you may have noticed that Aiden was basically ignoring me the whole wedding.”

     “I noticed.” He grumbled under his breath, ashing his smoke.

     “I just wanted his attention, you know? I was tired of being the last person anyone wants to take home, tired of him not seeing me. So I decided I’d have s*x with him.”

     He nodded, eyes focused on me with intensity.

     “We’d never done it before. I’d never.. You know, before Raymond. I just wanted to feel beautiful and sexy and loved. Anyways, to make a long story short, there’s some s**t that happened to me before he took Jasmine, and it’s visible. Some of it I tattooed over, but other stuff isn’t in a place you can do that.” I peeled down the collar of my dress, showing him the tattoo. Taking a long drag, I let the smoke fall out of my mouth as I spoke. “I turned off the light. I didn’t want him to see. He decided to turn on the light so he could see me while he.. You know.”

     Jacob didn’t interrupt, just kept listening. “So I called him out on it, and he started going on about how he wants to see me, and how gorgeous I am. Then he actually saw it. Let’s just say that he stopped complimenting me at that point, hence the yelling that you heard, and me telling him to never come back.”

     I wasn’t looking at Jacob anymore. I knew he was watching me, but I was too busy watching the smoke leave my mouth and float between me and the stars. “I knew it would be noticed, no matter who I was with. I at least hoped he would be polite about it. It was my biggest fear, you know? Being rejected because of it. Just another something that should have been special, ruined by Raymond. I hope he rots in f*****g hell.” I rolled my cigarette until the cherry fell out and placed the butt back in my cigarette pack, avoiding his eyes.

     I felt his hand on mine. “I’m so sorry, Cherry. I had no idea.”

     I stared out at the water, wishing it could wash my scars away. “I never should have taken him upstairs to begin with.”

     “It isn’t your fault. You know that, right?”

     I nodded. “Yeah. I know. It is what it is, though.”

     He was quiet for a moment, brushing his thumb over my palm. “You deserve a lot better than that. Don’t settle for someone who only wants to pay attention to you when you’re having s*x with them.”

     I held tightly to his hand, in need of touch. “Thanks, Jake. At least it happened before he got it in. I appreciate you dragging me out here tonight. And for being a gentleman. I needed it.”

     We sat in silence for a while, the air heavy with my confession. “I think I’m going to go for a swim.”

     “Would you like some company?”

     I shook my head. “I think I need to be alone. I’ll see you tomorrow to draw your picture, though.”

     With that, we cleaned up our mess and made our way back into the palace, parting ways outside of the staircase.