The morning sun spilled gently across the silken curtains, painting the chamber in hues of soft gold. Tessa stirred awake, her fingers instinctively closing around the dagger lying beside her pillow. Its crimson gem glimmered faintly in the light, like a silent guardian. For a fleeting moment, she felt a warmth as though Jasper's presence lingered there, watching over her even in sleep.
She stretched, slipping out of bed, and found herself smiling without reason. Perhaps it was the memory of his voice last night — steady, reassuring, promising to protect her.
"Jasper told me that today a teacher will be assigned. Let's make it a productive... OUCH ! Aishhhhh.... What's this pain and ache in my whole body ? It's feels like my joints are going to give up . " Tessa slowly stood up even slighest movements were difficult for her . "What's the f*cking reason of this . This wasn't here yesterday when I arrived. " She checked her wound but it was completely healed. "Is it a side effect? Did the knife contained any black magic? That jerk .....Arghhh! "
" Ms. Malven, I'm Elisa , if you are awake them I will be escorting you for breakfast...Or would you like it in your bed? "
Tessa heard Elisa 's voice from the outside.
" Has the breakfast started already? "
Tessa checked the clock and it was 8 : 15 a.m.
" Her majesty is in the table waiting for you . She ordered me to escort you but she also told me there is no force.."
" Fine Elisa . Can you come in and get a pair of clothes for me .. I'm going to the bathroom then . "
" Sure. Please take your time."
Tessa somehow managed to get fresh and ready within 15 mins. After a long time she slept and wake up so early in time as in her hectic student life , the sleeping patterns of hers solely depends on the mercy of the University schedule. Her body was still aching . She walked as fast as could as making the empress wait , didn't sound polite.
the dining hall was alive with quiet laughter. Jasper's mother was already seated, graceful and radiant despite her age, while his father exchanged cheerful remarks with the servants. The atmosphere felt… whole. Tessa couldn't remember the last time she had sat at a table where smiles outweighed silence.
" Good morning Tessa dear. Have you slept well? "
" Good morning to the Majesties. Yes , I have a pleasant rest and all thanks to your hospitality. "
" Hoho .. you don't have to be so formal . It feels like a knight academy exam. Anyways please enjoy the breakfast with my wife and excuse me . " The emperor left the dinning area with his aids .
" Sit, Tessa . Here is french toast and omlette. I heard those dishes are eaten in your world... I don't believe my son's suggestion but don't have any other choice as i know nothing about your world. "
" Thank you your majesty for such kindness. Bon appetite! " Tessa took a bite of the toast and munched it with joy .
" Bon appetite? What's that my dear? " The empress asked confusingly.
" Oho .. forgive me for such words suddenly... It actually means 'enjoy your meal' ... "
" Oho , the words of your world are quite fancy . Good to hear that you are liking it then bon appetite! 😁 " They both laughed and kept eating. Tessa was eating but her mind was not into breakfast. With every bite she was looking here and there like her eyes were searching for something desparately.
The empress noticed that behaviour and smiled.
"Tessa dear , are you finding something? Do you need anything else? Feel free to say . "
" Umm .. no no I'm fine your majesty. I don't need anyone .."
" Anyone? Hahahaha 😂.. It seems like my guess was correct indeed. Jasper went to training after breakfast. "
" Ohhh.. he must be very busy. Actually he told me that .... Umm... I will have a .. teacher...."
" Aha I remember, yes , I have contacted Duchess hun. She was my mentor as well and she is very trustworthy. Don't worry she will arrive in any minute."
" Thank you for everything your majesty. Then I will be going in my room . "
" Sure dear. "
Tessa smiled and left the dining area with Elisa. She was looking completely fine but she also felt little disappointed. Why? She didn't know herself. It was maximum 40 hours maybe or less she met and spent time with Jasper... But somehow he felt more familiar and comforting than any other Tessa had met before. He felt very similar yet different but Tessa's soul accepted him like a missing piece of puzzle. After sometimes Duchess hun came and gave Tessa and introductory session about the etiquettes and manners of a noble lady. She seemed fine and smiling but when it comes to practice she becomes the most strict one in the room . She is like coach training Tessa for olympics. Tessa's body still was in pain but somehow she endured everything as she knew this was nothing but just the beginning.
" Ahh... Finnallyyy... Ouch ! Aishh... Ufff... This pain ! Aik aik . ..... " Tessa lay down on the bed and looked at sky from the window. It was a beautiful evening sky . Birds were returning home.
" Elisa , can you bring me a glass of hot milk ? . "
" Sure , my lady will you prefer some biscuits too? "
" Anything will be fine . Leave the door open as you are going. "
Elisa left and Tessa was alone in the room
" I wonder what is he doing..... He went to practice in the morning and since yesterday I haven't seen them . Ahh..... The day .." her thoughts were interrupted with a knocking sound at the door .
" Wow Elisa you are very fa..."
" Seems like someone was missing me "
Tessa heard a known voice... The voice she was trying to hear ... She sprung out of bed and saw Jasper leaning on the door with his arms crossed while looking at Tessa.
" Why are you suddenly here? "
" I thought you were looking for me . Mom told me that in breakfast..."
" That was a longgggg ago. But I forgot that Mr. Busythorn can still have free time to visit his one and only friend from Seron ." Tessa tried to tease Jasper as somehow she really missed him . Meanwhile Elisa brought milk for Tessa and coffee for Jasper.
" Here goes your talent of giving me interesting surnames. I don't think anyone has ever said these much varieties of this surname before. " He smiled and sat on the sofa in front of the bed.
" Huh! Thanks for the compliment. Aish.. "
A sudden ache in Tessa's hand muscle made her said that.
" You ok? "
" Yup yup I'm super fine . See I can do 50 sit up right now . Ouch ! "
" *Pffft* " Jasper started laughing. " I can see that ms. Eiffel tower is pretty strong. Gimme your hand . "
" Huh? "
" Give me your hand Tessa. "
Tessa obeyed him. Jasper held her hands and closed his eyes . Tessa felt a sudden flow of pure energy inside of her body . She felt relaxed and comfortable. Jasper opened his eyes and asked , " Fine now? Ms. 50 sit up? "
Tessa realised the ache and pain of her body were completely vanished like it never existed. She felt like she can actually do 50 sit ups.
" Omg .... Is it also a ability of yours? "
" Yes it is . "
" But why I was having those aches. I didn't do anything."
" I told you yesterday that the teleportation and horse riding will be too much for your body . Those are muscle cramps. For someone who has never gone through this will experience this . It's normal. But someone said she is not weak etc etc ."
Jasper started laughing.
" Yeah yeah got it . You don't have to laugh 😒. You should have done this yesterday when you knew that it would happen. "
" You Big meaniethorn. " She thought.
" Enough.. if you have finished your drink ... Let me take you somewhere. "
The evening sky bled into shades of violet and indigo as the last rays of the sun faded behind the palace walls. Tiny lanterns flickered to life along the cobblestone paths, glowing like captured fireflies, guiding the way through the sprawling gardens.
"Come," Jasper said, his voice lower and gentler than usual. He extended his hand ever so slightly, not enough to command, but enough to invite. "There's something I want you to see."
Curiosity stirred within Tessa as she followed him. The moment they stepped past the archway, the world seemed to transform. The garden stretched endlessly, bathed in silver moonlight that fell like a soft veil over everything it touched. Tall ivory lilies swayed in the breeze, their petals shimmering faintly as though dusted with stars. Roses climbed the trellises, their blooms deep crimson against the pale glow, while rare blossoms of midnight blue pulsed faintly, almost as if they carried their own inner light.
The air smelled of jasmine and rain-kissed earth. Somewhere in the distance, a fountain trickled, its waters glowing faintly from enchanted crystals embedded at the base, casting rippling patterns across the marble.
Tessa stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide. "It's… breathtaking," she whispered and they both sat down on the grass.
" I use to come here whenever I feel tired or lonely. It's a very refreshing spot in the palace and one of my favourite. " Jasper said .
" It's truly worth the compliment. I have never seen such a huge garden. " Tessa saw Jasper . He was looking at the faint outline of the moon which was becoming visible as the night time approached.
" He likes moon ... I guess .. " she thought. There was a silence of some minutes. To break it Tessa asked , " well your high.. I mean Jasper, How do you know so much about my world? First i thought everyone does .. but as soon as I talked with Elisa , Duchess hun, and your parents specifically your mom ... I found out they actually know nothing about my world. "
" I knew you would have asked that but didn't expect this soon. Well ..... It's because I lived there for 2 years. "
" 2 years? Why? 😲 "
" I did a associate degree on International Relations.... "
" Are you kidding me ? Omg! But why? "
" Because I wanted to be a great ruler in future. The more new facts I will know... More better I will be . Making strategics , treaties , peace agreements and other factors within the empire and outside to build a strong relationship with other kingdom are necessary to balance the harmony. I don't know others ulterior motives so it's better to be prepared. "
" Then I guess many other people from here also does the same right? "
" I don't think so as creating portal is not in everyone's capability. Very few has this power to teleport from this world to another. Although they some can perform normal teleportation but within this world realm "
" Aha ... Now I got it . That's why you know many things and terms about my world. "
" Yup ... Kind of ... Thanks to my once old friend there... For him I was able to adapt faster. "
" But how did you enter in the University? It's not easy.."
" Umm .. creating fake documents and a little of my brainwashing power did everything. I won't say I liked your world too much but I learnt some new things that's it. "
" I agree .. I also don't like my world. Your world is far better . It's very close of becoming a euphoria if the hunters matter is resolved. I believe you will be a great ruler your highness. Well , what happened to your friend? "
" I don't know... "
" Don't you miss him ? "
" I do .. but I have never seen or felt his presence since the time I left that world. I just hope he is fine wherever he is . If someday luck works maybe.."
" Your highness a letter has arrived for you and it's urgent I guess."
Tessa saw a knight like figure came to Jasper with a letter. Jasper read the letter and his face turned serious. His jawline become more firm and visible. " Get the stamp of approval from dad. I will head right now. "
" What happened? " Tessa asked with a confused face.
" Hunters are active again. They targeted Seron .. that was a letter from brother. I need to go . Tessa head back in your room . I might not be around for somedays. So be careful. "
" Can I go with you ? "
" No you can't . It's risky. Don't worry... I will share if there is anything crucial. "
" Please dont hesitate to ask for if there is anything I can help with ... "
" Sure. Now go back . "
Tessa came back to her room after parting away from Jasper. " Please God or whoever Positive divinity is here ... Help him. And keep him safe. " She prayed hard as Jasper moved forward towards his mission.