Escaping Her Curse—Completed

Chapter Thirteen

Wandering the halls, Jessie let her mind dip in and out of memories from her childhood. She recalled when she and Oliver would run from staff, laughing their heads off and thinking they were so sneaky because they hid in one of the unused offices. They would play tag through the hallways and fill every room they were in with their giggles. Jessie had fond memories of her childhood with the boy she cared for so deeply.

As she made it into the garden, she remembered when Oliver fell into a thorn bush and started crying. They were only 6 or so at the time. Once she had fished him out, she had cut up her dress in order to make bandages for his arms and legs. The maids were horrified at her actions, but she couldn’t forget the way the king had smiled at her so tenderly for taking care of his son. It was one of few memories that Jessie cherished close to her heart.

Jessie drifted from rose bush to patch of flowers here to patch of flowers there. She smelled the different florals and basked in the peace that the garden brought her. She then turned a corner in order to be on the back side of the castle and went to the far tower. Looking up, she saw how it rose high up into the sky with greenery and ivy climbing the stonework to hide it away from the rest of the world. There was a hedge that separated the garden from the palace wall, but Jessie knew something that almost everyone else didn’t. After dipping to the ground to smell the flowers, she climbed into the hedge, where there was a small opening, though her memory told her that it used to be much bigger, and emerged on the other side where someone had cut out a crude ladder in the stone. Using the ladder, she ascended until she reached an enclave. Situating herself, she looked out at the vast city sprawling before her. The view was just as beautiful as always. The ivy and hedges hid her from their view, but she was able to look out to her heart's content. The smell of the peonies from down below wafted up on the light breeze that blew into her, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the moment of serenity.

“I dare say that no one really knows about this place,” Simon’s voice broke into her reverie.

Jessie’s eyes popped open and she stared, with mouth agape, at the duke, who was climbing into the little space with her.

She was rendered speechless. How could she explain that she knew about this place? What could she say?

In response, she shrugged with a smile.

“How did you find this little nook?”

“Why did you follow me?” she countered.

“I am not shy about stating that you intrigue me, Jessie Montgomery. Everything about you draws me nearer to you, and I want to get to know you. So, yes, I followed you because you had such a serene expression on your face. It was beautiful, and I couldn’t help but be caught up in the moment.”

Jessie raised a suspicious eyebrow at him but kept her smile. “I happened to stumble upon this place when I bent down to smell the peonies. I saw the opening and the make-shift ladder, so I decided to sate my curiosity and see what it was. And, I’m glad I did. This place is unique and the view is breathtaking.”

Simon grinned at her. “No need to feel defensive. I was just, uh, surprised. That’s all.”

“Why?”

“Well, like I mentioned before, not many people know of this spot.”

Jessie tried to laugh some of the building tension away. “What do you mean, though?”

“Only three people know of this spot. Me, Oliver, and a girl who carved this spot out with him.”

Feigning ignorance, she replied, “So. Why does it matter that I stumbled upon it?”

Simon sighed and leaned back until his back was resting against the stonework. “All I’m saying is that you shouldn’t get caught here by Oliver.”

“What’s the big deal? I don’t understand.”

“She’s no longer here. She meant a lot to him. This place is special to him. I only found out about it in a rare moment when Oliver broke down.”

Jessie felt a pang of guilt. “Broke down?”

“Yup. He had a mental breakdown years ago. It was the anniversary of her death, I guess. And he just couldn’t handle the pain or memories. He brought me here and told me everything. I never knew her, but I feel like I do after hearing his confession. He loved that girl. Hell, he thought he was going to marry her. But, when they thought they found what was left of her remains, he was a complete mess. He almost made a rash decision to end his life.”

“Oh my goodness.”

“It was pretty bad. He was totally destroyed by the news.”

Swallowing nervously, Jessie asked quietly, “Why are you telling me this?”

“I just think you ought to know all the facts. There’s a lot of history in the palace, and I don’t want you to get caught up in something you don’t know the facts of. I just…” Simon paused for a moment before continuing. “Oliver selfishly brought you to the palace for who knows why, so I think it would just be best if you had a friend looking out for you. The palace is not friendly, and it will try to tear you down, especially since your background is not ideal. I’m someone you can trust, Jessie, and I wanted to prove that to you. I’m on your side in all of this.”

Jessie nodded slowly. “Why have you taken an interest in me? I’m a nobody from a nothing family with no prospects.”

Simon shrugged. “Honestly? I don’t really know. There’s just a pull towards you that I cannot resist. You’re real in a way I haven’t experienced with the noble women.”

“Maybe because I’m not one?”

He laughed and nodded. “Sure. That’s true. And I like that. I like your honesty. I like that you turned down my advances. I like that you’re not seeking a title or power or wealth. You’re simply you. And it’s refreshing.”

“What happens when the novelty wears off?”

“I think you’re far too interesting to let that happen,” Simon grinned.

“What about if I turn you down? Get married to a lowly commoner?”

He tilted his head in an agreeing way. “Then I’ll be jealous of him forever. Hopefully you’ll at least let me be your friend, eh?”

Jessie couldn’t help but chuckle. If anything, she had learned just how persistent this fellow was.

“You know you cannot marry me, right? I have no family, no prospects, nothing to offer you. Noble marriages are strategic. You do not take without first receiving something.”

“Are you saying you’ve thought about us getting married?” Simon asked mischievously.

Jessie blushed. “No! Of course not! I’m just, ugh. If that was your end goal, you can forget it.”

Simon laughed. “You sure are adorable when you’re flustered. My father passed, leaving me in charge of our little duchy. I’d like to think I’ve done a fairly good job at it. If I wanted to marry someone for love over power, he cannot stop me.”

“But the king can. All noble marriages must be approved by the royal family before they’re allowed.”

“So, you have thought about it,” Simon smirked gleefully.

Jessie shook her head. “No, I’m just pointing out the barriers. There are far too many in the way if you tried to pursue such an option.”

Simon seemed totally at ease, which only made her wonder what he was thinking. He didn’t seem rattled by her counter arguments at all. It was almost like he had thought about it.

“The king sees me as a son, so I’m sure he’d let me be the exception.”

“The nobles would be in an uproar.”

“Let them.”

Exasperated, Jessie threw her hands up into the air in defeat. “Fine,” she conceded. “Seems like you have everything figured out. You’re only missing one thing, though.”

“And what’s that?” he asked.

“I’d have to say ‘yes’,” Jessie said, attempting one final time to dissuade him from the idea.

“If I asked, and there were no barriers standing in our way, would you agree?” Simon asked, suddenly becoming serious.

The playfulness left his face, leaving only a genuine earnestness. Jessie was astounded to see such an expression on the usual cheerful face.

She thought for several moments before answering. What would her life look like if she became a duchess instead of a maid turned prince’s assistant? Would society accept her? Would they root for her or want to see her fail? Would she even make for an acceptable duchess? At one point in time, she believed she would become queen. Yet, now, things had changed so much. Her life was no longer one of nobility. She lived to serve others. Her duty was to remain as Jessie Montgomary.

“I’d say,” she began carefully, “That I would need more time spent with you before I could make a reasonable, well-thought-through decision.”

Simon gave her a half smile. “I’m impressed. That is the exact answer a duchess would give.”

Jessie rolled her eyes at him and playfully shoved his shoulder. Simon then proceeded to change the subject, informing her about palace life and what to expect. They spent the rest of the dimming rays of the sun talking and admiring the view. Though, once the bell rang out six times, Jessie informed Simon that she had to go to dinner with the prince. The two made their way back to the castle where Simon dropped her off in the formal dining room, where the prince and the king awaited her.