Fire and Ice

CHAPTER 10

The next morning Joselyn smiled as she dressed in her queenly attire. She didn’t realize the happy grin on her face until she saw her face in the mirror. She admitted to herself she was looking forward to breakfast with Marcus. Joselyn noticed his protest to her dinner with the King of Arcadia. She wasn’t sure what to make of it. She did however love being around Marcus; the thought of him seemed to drift into her every thought. Joselyn already told Rowan she would be having breakfast with Marcus in the event he needed her. Joselyn took another look at herself before she headed to Marcus’s chambers.

Joselyn stood outside Marcus’s chamber door and knocked gently. Marcus smiled as he yelled enter. He knew it was Joselyn coming to join him for breakfast. He had been looking forward to it since the night before. Joselyn walked into the room and both she and Marcus immediately smiled at one another. “Good morning” Joselyn said to Marcus. Marcus was beaming as he reciprocated the good morning. “They haven’t brought breakfast yet, but it should be here anytime.” Marcus said. Joselyn walked over to a chair near the bed and took a seat. “What are you doing over there? You always sit right here on the bed. Come over here.” Marcus said. Joselyn didn’t like the feeling she got when he said that. She almost felt as if he was trying to tell her where to sit, an order almost. “I will sit where I please.” Joselyn flatly stated. “Please don’t think I was trying to give you an order. I just like having you as close to me as possible.” Marcus said as he sensed her underlying tone. Joselyn felt a small sense of relief and flattery at his comment, but she chose to stay put to make her point clear. “As I said, I will sit here for breakfast.” Joselyn said to Marcus. He knew she chose to sit where she did to show strength. He didn’t care, as long as she was with him. There was a knock at the door and Joselyn yelled enter. Marcus knew better than to yell enter over Joselyn. This was her Kingdom, and she wouldn’t have anyone trying to go above her. The maids brought their breakfast plates in and sat one with Joselyn and one with Marcus and left the room silently. “You know I have been looking forward to this all night.” Marcus told Joselyn. “For some reason I can’t stop thinking about you.” Marcus didn’t want to seem presumptuous so he continued “It must be the fact I am used to seeing you every morning when you are taking care of me. Now you don’t have to feed me broth, I can actually eat on my own. It doesn’t make me feel like such an invalid.” Joselyn took a bite of her eggs and watched him for a moment. She swallowed then said, “I never thought of you that way, and I am happy to tend to you.” Joselyn told Marcus. Marcus tried to have small talk with Joselyn over breakfast, but it wasn’t working out well. She had her guard up since he “told” her where to sit. After they ate, Marcus wanted to sit and talk more. Before he could ask, she stood and walked toward the door. She turned to Marcus and said, “I have things that require my attention. I will check on you later this evening. Good day.” With that she walked out of his chamber.

Marcus watched Joselyn walk out of his chamber and scolded himself for sounding demanding toward her. He was used to giving orders toward his own servants and his words came out in that form. Marcus knew Joselyn had a wall up and was suspicious of men trying to take her Kingdom; then he made the stupid mistake of sounding demanding. It wasn’t as though he gave her a direct order and any other person wouldn’t have thought anything of it, but she was completely different. Marcus knew he needed to tread carefully. He wanted to get to know Joselyn and he wanted her to get to know him. He had a sarcastic sense of humor, but he couldn’t let his full personality show until she understood him better. When Joselyn came back to see him in the evening, he would try to smooth things over with her.

Joselyn walked down the hallway to see the seamstress. There was only two days until the ball and the Kings would be arriving tomorrow, the day before as requested. Joselyn always made sure to make at least two additional outfits for the King of Leon as he was so clumsy with his food and drink. As she walked, Joselyn continued to think about Marcus’s words. “Come sit over here.” Joselyn repeated his words in her head. She knew he wasn’t trying to give her an order, but she didn’t like that it sounded as one. She enjoyed his company, even though he was stubborn. She still didn’t even know his last name. Joselyn also enjoyed the way Marcus could easily make her blush, and he knew it. However, she wondered if he had made many women blush, and he was just well rehearsed. The thought bothered her, and she didn’t know why. Jealousy. Jealousy is what she felt at that thought. This had gotten out of control. Joselyn decided she wouldn’t visit Marcus this evening. Instead, she would see to the preparations for the King’s arrivals. That was the most important thing right now. She needed to keep her mind on ensuring her allies for the war to come, not spending her days laughing and talking to Marcus. She made her way into the seamstress’s work room and made the decision to keep her distance from Marcus until after the ball.

Joselyn picked up the extra outfits made for King Leon. She rubbed her hands across the green and gold colors and smiled. King Leon was just like her. He did everything he could to ensure his people were safe and he protected his Kingdom at all costs. Three outfits were made. One for his original size, and two that were made to fit if King Leon gained or lost weight. Joselyn couldn’t wait for he and the other King’s to arrive. Not only were they her allies, but they all had a fun time when they were together. Her allies also knew of her dagger throwing and they had friendly competitions throwing at targets. Henry, the King of Mohan, and Aaron, the King of Trast, were her closest friends other than Rowan and Leon. These four men knew her for who she was, and they accepted her. They didn’t judge her, they respected her as they would a King. Even though they were coming to discuss war, Joselyn was excited for their arrival.

Joselyn spent the day ensuring each Kings chambers were to the upmost standards. She continued to the kitchen and the large ball room. Her maids had done a wonderful job with decorations and her chefs had ensured the very best food to be set up in the dining hall. The only thing left to check was security. Joselyn walked toward the training grounds where she knew Rowan would be. It was evening and he would be finishing training newer guards. The realization hit her that she had told Marcus she would see him in the evening. She wanted to see him, but Joselyn felt she was getting feelings for a man she didn’t even know. She reminded herself that her Kingdom came first. “Rowan” Joselyn yelled when she seen him. Rowan had just dismissed the guards and walked over to her. “Yes?” “Rowan, we need to go over security details for the night of the ball.” Joselyn stated. “I agree. I already have a plan for security in place for you to approve.” Rowan said. “Rowan, you are the Commander of my Guards, I trust my security with you. The plan you have will be perfect as long as you are by my side during the ball.” Joselyn said. Rowan replied, “You know I am always by your side during these events.” Joselyn smiled and said, “I will make you a bet I can out throw you.” Rowan smiled and knew she was talking about the dagger throwing games which he also participated in, “I wouldn’t be stupid enough to take that bet” Rowan laughed. They walked along making small talk when Rowan said, “You have spent a lot of time with Marcus, how is his recovery coming along?” Joselyn sighed and said, “He seems to be fine, but he still isn’t able to get out of bed.” “I thought he would be healed by now.” “Did you ever find out who he is?” Joselyn sighed again and said “No, he never did tell me his last name.” Rowan spoke slowly, “Joselyn, I want you to be careful. He still hasn’t revealed his name. We don’t know who he is or what his motives are.” “You’re right Rowan. After the ball we will figure out who he is and why he was in my Kingdom. For now, get your security plan in place. The Kings will be here tomorrow. I’m going to my chambers for the night.” “Yes, my Queen, goodnight.” Rowan replied.