The King’s Prisoner

Chapter 21

Jasper

They say with success, there will be failures, obstacles that will get in the way to stop you from achieving your goals. All my life I wondered why I wasn’t good enough to become king. What was so special about Adrian? Then I found out my mother’s secret and that changed everything. When I confronted her about it, she had no choice but to tell me the truth as I threatened to tell my father. So we made a deal. I get the crown and her secret is safe. She had to betray one son for the other. I looked down at my phone, expecting the call to come. I smiled with satisfaction as I saw the familiar number light up my screen.

“Yeah?”

“It’s done,” Meyrick said on the other end.

“Is he alive?” I twirled the pen on my desk.

“He won’t be for long. I did exactly what you told me to do.” Meyrick has been my right hand man for a long time. He always knew how to not leave a trail.

“Good, put him where David is.”

“Yes sir.” I disconnected the call and tossed the phone on my desk. After so many obstacles, things are finally falling in line. In no time, that crown will be mine. I just have to do one other thing. I poured myself a drink to celebrate outsmarting my brother. Downing the fluids quickly, I slam the small shot glass and went to see if my other plan is starting to work.

I met up with the doctor who is performing Tori’s pregnancy exam.

“What’s her status?” I asked.

“Well, her lab results indicates that she is pregnant.” Not the answer I was hoping for, but now that I got Adrian out of the way, I can take his bride and heir as my own.

“Okay, so here’s what’s going to happen, you are going to give her this.” I pulled the small bottle and waved it in his hands.

“It’s a formula that was created by a good friend of mine. It won’t be harmful to the baby, however, the queen’s memory will be a little hazy. With my brother out of the picture, she’s going feel alone. Do you see where I’m going with this?” At least for the time being. My plan is to marry her and then “give her an heir”.

“With all due respect, your highness, I can lose my license if this gets out that I’m involved. Her parents are well respected doctors and I’m sure she knows what this will be.”

“I don’t think so, doc. Even if she does, by that time, she wouldn’t have any control. She would to be too disoriented to do anything about it.” Once I have everything I worked to get, I will be sitting at top with my beloved royal family. Oh, what a pleasing feeling. All of the hidden scandals and scheming the people of this kingdom will finally fall into my hands. It can be used to my advantage and for once, I won’t feel so powerless.

“Okay, but if this gets out, I don’t want my name in it,” the doctor hesitated. I gave him the bottle.

“You secret is safe with me. I’ll send the payment as soon as you let me when it’s done.” I turned to walked off, but stopped within a few steps.

“Oh, and the Emperor, he shouldn’t know about this.”

“Yes sir.” I heard him say as I walked away. Now it’s time to wait for the Queen to confront me.

Tori

“Am I pregnant, doctor?” I asked. He let out a deeper breath and sighed.

“I’m sorry, my queen, but you are not pregnant. Your results came back negative.” I felt my heart drop in my chest. I didn’t want to believe. I refused to believe that I didn’t this for nothing. The doctor stood there with an expression of pity. “I’m so sorry, my queen,” he said. The Emperor stood silent and I was afraid to see his reaction to this. A tear slipped from my eye. I didn’t want to accept defeat. Where the hell was Adrian?! He still wasn’t here. No call or anything. I cried, not caring that the Emperor saw me in this state. He walked closer to me.

“Your majesty, I’m truly sorry for the way things turned out, but the rules are rules and with that being said, we have to start the annulment process.”

“Please don’t this. There has to be another way.”

He looked at me with pity. The Emperor, the man everyone feared. “I’m afraid there is no other way. I will meet with you tomorrow afternoon and then we can get started.”

He turned to walk away, but stopped. “I know you love Adrian, but he doesn’t deserve your love if he was okay with leaving you all alone on a very important day.”

That only made me feel more stupid. I questioned if it was a game for Adrian. Was my feelings for him taken for granted? The Emperor left along with the doctor. Once the door closed, I collapsed onto the floor. They say a queen is suppose to be strong, fearless, and inspiring. Right now, I feel like s**t. I can’t turn to my parents with this. I don’t want them involved in any kind of scandal with this kingdom. I don’t want them to be strung along like me. I’m caged, trapped, and locked with this kingdom and the sad part is apart of me love what came with it. Adrian. I stayed for him because I thought I meant something to him. Then there is Jasper. He has been quiet for a while now. There’s no telling what his plans were. Maybe this was one of them. Maybe something happened to Adrian. If he done anything...Wait a minute! I stood on both feet, filled with rage. I left the room, heading toward Jasper’s study. When I made it, I burst right through the door. “Jasper! Where is my husband?”

He turned from the windows. “What do you mean? I thought he was with you for your test. Was he not there?”

“Don’t play games with me? I know you had something to do with him not showing up.”

“Sorry, my queen. I don’t I’ve been in my study, staying out of the way.”

“Your lying,” I hissed. I moved towards his desk to see if I can find anything. I began to open his drawers but he caught my wrist and pulled me close to him. I tried to pull away. “Jasper, why are you so cruel? I just want my husband back.” Tears began to flow and I was mad that he was able to see me so weak.

“My brother should’ve been there for you. You deserve so much more than him.” Is he serious right now? I tried to step back from him but he gripped my wrist tighter. “How did your test go?”

“Umph, like I would tell you. We’re not friends.”

“I’m genuinely asking. You said my brother wasn’t there right? I’m sure it was awkward being there all alone with no support. No family, no friends. I just want to know what happened.”

“It’s none of your business, now let me the f**k go!” I snatched away or he loosened his grip, but I ended up rubbing where his hand was. “I need a damn drink.” I needed to not feel anything especially the anger. I strolled towards Jasper’s cabinets, looking for something to knock the edge off. I wasn’t a heavy drinker but tonight, I’m going to drink until I pass out. I found a bottle and snatched it before Jasper could get. I popped the bottle open and was getting ready to take a drink when he slapped it out of my hand. The contents spilled and the glass shattered all over the floor.

“Why did you do that?”

“Because, Victoria, you can’t drink.”

“And why not? It’s not like I’m pregnant!” I shouted. I didn’t even mean to, it just came out.

“Tor-“ he started.

“No. I don’t want your pity. I hate you, Jasper. This is all of your fault. You just have to have the crown. Your obsession or jealousy or whatever the hell you call it, has turned everything you touch into poison.” He strolled closer, with clenched fists. My heart dropped and I prepared myself for him to hit me. I closed my eyes, but nothing happened. I opened them shortly afterwards were pretty much nose to nose.

“You don’t know a damn thing about what I’ve been through. You don’t know what it’s like to not be noticed.”

“Bullshit, all of this is just because you couldn’t get daddy’s attention. You’re an adult now. I think it’s time to grow up.” We both were angry for different reasons. I don’t know where Adrian could’ve went but I was so pissed off. “What? Nothing to say nothing. The great Jasper, has noth-“ I was cut off when his lips met mine. The kiss was rough and unexpected. I pushed him off, staring in complete shock. I went to hit him but he caught my hand. I tried to pull away.

“Let go of me,” I grunted between my teeth.

“Not a chance in hell.”

I squinted my eyes at him. “I hate you.”

“My brother doesn’t deserve you. But you will soon realize that.” With that, he released my wrist and walked away. I couldn’t understand him. It’s like he hates and wants me at the same time. It was toxic, just like that kiss. Poisonous, forbidden, and almost consuming. Being mad at Adrian didn’t help. I could’ve lost control and who knows where that kiss would have landed us. What the hell, Tori? Your husband’s brother just kissed you.