Rose

Chapter 4 : Jasper

" We need to start moving your majesty, it's not safe here." Pepper states as we rush out of the library. "Who is it and how do they know that I'm here?" I ask confusing and anxiety clouding my mind. This place is in the middle of nowhere for Christ's sake !. "I'm not sure but it must've been someone from the palace, it has to be. That's the only plausible explanation. The real question is, how did they make it past the patrols this place is like a fortress- quick over here !" Pepper motions to a pillar, we hide practically holding our breaths suddenly a figure rushes past us in the direction in which we came, "jasper!" I call out for him as we come out of our hiding spot. He turns to our direction , letting out a sigh of relief as he approaches us. " I was actually on my way to your quarters to get you I'm glad you're okay. "

"Any idea who it is?", Pepper finally speaks up her overall demeanor changing, she seemed to stand a little taller articulating herself perfectly, nothing like the shy and timid Pepper I was used to, it kind of shocked me really. Mercenaries, swords for hire, we tried to fight most of them but they were too many. They took out the patrols Branford let them inside that snake BASTARD!!!" he seethes punching the pillar in front of us. "We have to get to the stables as fast as we can. The manor has fallen" Pepper states. " it's obvious we can't take her back to the palace they've had an eye out for her since she first stepped foot there" Jasper states casually like it's an obvious fact that's when it finally dawns on me. Was I really brought here so they could kill me off while silently avoiding a scandal ? My heart drops... Does Raymond really despise me that much. Has it really come to that? I fight back the tears as I snap back to reality, trying not to let that get the best of me." We'll take her to Tarnoe it's two days out but they won't dare come looking talk less of waging war, she'll be safe there for a while till we can figure something out." " You're right... here you might need it " he says as he hands her a dagger, why would he hand a dagger ? Pepper's the most helpless person I've ever met ! But then again one can never be too sure her overall attitude so far was something I wasn't used to." wait!.... This all makes no sense, why did you hand her a knife, why are we going to Tarnoe and who's trying to kill me !" I yell frantically but before I could get a response, an arrow rips through the air and hits the wall next to me, merely missing my head by a few inches. I freeze at the realization of what could've taken place, fear has me glued to the spot.

Before the archer has a chance to reach into his quiver for another arrow, Pepper throws her dagger and surprisingly it lands right between his eyes killing him instantly. I guess she does have a few tricks up her sleeve. We break off into a run now aware of the gravity of the situation; we don't have time to waste. We make it outside and head for the stables there were two more mercenaries waiting outside but at this point I was no longer worried as Jasper and Pepper were able to kill them in seconds, if I'm being honest they didn't stand a chance against these two especially Jasper he's the best swordsman in the kingdom. Once we reach the stables with no further interference or surprise attacks we start to ready the horses. Just as we are about to mount the horses, a voice breaks the already tense silence. " what do we have here, queenie , her maidservant and little henchman... " a big burly man with scars all over his face says as he steps out of the shadows and to say he was terrifying to look at was an understatement, he has scars running along his arms and and a third degree burn on half of his face, his nose is disfigured probably from being broken multiple times. " I must say I thought you were gonna make it a little harder for me to find you but low and behold you just came to me yourself, I guess I have you to thank henchman."

" Pepper, get on the horse and take the Queen somewhere safe ." Jasper says slowly raising his sword. At first I'm confused as to why he is saying this but then the realization finally hits." No we can't leave you here !! You have to come with us !" I say to him frantically hoping to change his mind. " I'm sorry my queen, but I swore to protect you and that is what I intend on doing, you don't have to worry about me. Pepper will keep you safe. I know she will." He says a solemn expression taking over his beautiful features. " My queen we have to go !" Pepper yells before I can say anything to him, dragging me with her. We quickly mount the horses as Jasper begins to fight the scarred man, we manage to ride past them out of the stables and into the night as he was able to knock him out of the way and give us leeway to escape. "No! " the man screams as we ride past them, Jasper looks up smiling at us in victory as he sees we were able to get past but this happy moment is short-lived as the man pulls out a dagger from behind him and drives it straight through jasper's chest. Using this as an opportunity to knock him out of the way and come after us.

My world stops and for a second I forget how to breathe , as I see him struggle to get up the struggle continues as the two men continue to fight but soon it's all a blur as we further away from the scene and ride off into the forest. Tears begin to fall down my face, knowing what the outcome will be for Jasper. I mourn the loss of a friend, a protector and one of the few people I actually trusted. He gave his life to save mine and because of that I will never forget him. "It was for the best."Pepper finally speaks up breaking my train of thought. " there are those of us who appreciate what you have done for us as our queen, your character and the opportunities that you have given us, one's that no queen has ever dared to give us and because of that we are willing to lay down our lives for you, Jasper understood the gravity of the situation and he did what he needed to do... he will be missed " . I don't say anything as I am both saddened and lost for words. People were not supposed to die in order to keep me safe. If those at the palace wanted me dead they should have killed me when I was at my weakest point, when I was ready to give up and felt I had nothing to live for, but instead send me away to the middle of nowhere and have mercenaries do their dirty work like cowards! Underestimating me was their first mistake they should've killed me when they had a proper chance . I will be back, I will avenge those who lost their lives tonight, I'm taking the fight to their doorstep and this time... I spare no one.