The heavy doors creaked open, and Tessa rushed past Alex without a second thought. Her feet carried her across the chamber as though her heart had taken control of her body.
Jasper sat propped against the carved headboard, his dark brown eyes dim but alive. A white robe draped over his tall frame, his posture composed like a patient but he looked better , almost fine .
The moment his gaze fell on her, Jasper raised his hand. "Leave us alone except Alex." His voice was calm, steady—yet sharp.
The healers , maids and knights hesitated. Even Claude looked uncertain, " your highness , the king has ordered...."but Jasper's narrowed eyes left no room for argument. One by one, they left until only Alex remained in the corner.
Tessa slowed as she neared the bed, her chest tightening. She pulled a chair closer and sat, her fingers curling together nervously. "Jas... " she remembered Alex's existence " your highness, Are you… alright?" Her voice cracked despite her efforts to sound composed. "You scared me to death, Jasper. When you collapsed, I—"
" Miss Malven ... What are you doing in Seron... And more than that You shouldn't have been there." Jasper's voice, though not loud, cut across her words like cold steel. His gaze bore into her. "You acted recklessly. Do you know what danger you put yourself in? If Alex hadn't—"
"My lord," Alex started, stepping forward.
But Jasper's glare turned to him. "And you, Alex. I trusted with a very important job . I told you to keep her safe in Velmor . You know she is not from here and You even took her here. You allowed it."
Alex bowed his head, his jaw tight.
" I made the decision myself." Tessa's words came fast, almost desperate, as her hand pressed against her chest. "Don't blame him. It was me. Sir Alex tried to stop me from the very beginning. He was against my idea but I pressured him. I knew I shouldn't, but I couldn't just stand back. Not when children were crying, not when you were fighting alone. If you must punish someone, punish me."
Jasper's lips pressed into a hard line. For a moment, silence filled the chamber, heavy enough that Tessa's heart pounded in her ears. His eyes, cold and sharp, lingered on her face—a strange feeling flowed. The Jasper she knew, the teasing voice, the faint smile… none of it was here. Only a Cold person showed up , angry that his orders had been ignored.
Her chest ached, but she forced herself to lower her gaze. She thought, "Of course. He is the incharge of this case before he is anything else. I shouldn't expect otherwise... But he shouldn't scole like that infront of Sir Alex..."
Finally, Jasper let out a long breath, the steel in his tone softening just a fraction. "Tessa Malven."
Her eyes lifted to his.
"Don't ever do that again. If you disobey my words once more… you will face punishment, not as a friend, but as a person disobeying the orders of the Crown prince."
Tessa swallowed. The words stung—but beneath them, she recognized the fear, the worry he tried so hard to bury. She was somehow happy too. She nodded. "Understood. I'll remember."
Something shifted in his eyes then—just a flicker, quickly hidden. He leaned back against the headboard, closing his eyes as if exhausted. "Good."
__
The next day, Jasper, Alex, and Tessa returned to Velmor.
" What's the hurry ? I don't get it . " James tried to stop Jasper thinking about his health.
"I'm completely fine. Also have other duties to do. Moreover, not interested to hinder your peace .."
" Huh what a quick realisation after almost bringing my heart to my throat. Go, go . I hope mom gives you a good smack on head. "
Jasper's teleportation was swift, but the toll on his body showed in the faint pallor of his skin.The palace gates opened, and the Empress herself rushed forward. Her regal composure broke after seeing Jasper standing.
"Son..!" Her voice trembled with relief and worry. "You shouldn't have risked your life like this. What were you thinking? Have you never thought of me and your father before taking this risky step. When James contacted me telling you fainted..... I ... I thought you would not be able to recover. "
Jasper's expression softened faintly. "Mom—"
"No. Enough. You are not just my son, dear. You are the Crown Prince. If anything happens to you… Your brother told me to scold you but I am letting it go as you look alright." Her voice cracked before she steadied herself again. Then her gaze turned to Tessa, and her tone gentled. "I heard what you did. If not for your timing, Jasper may not be standing here now. You have my gratitude, Tessa Dear."
Tessa blinked, startled. "I—I only did what anyone would…and I apologise to her majesty for going just by leaving a letter behind." Tessa bowed down.
" I'm happy you both are safe . Alex Thank you too. " The Empress smiled faintly, brushing her hand over Jasper's shoulder. "And Jasper—don't you dare scold her for this. She was genuinely worried for you."
Jasper's jaw tightened, but he gave a small nod, saying nothing.
"Go and fresh up. Tessa dear , please join us on the dinner table. " She left with Jasper.
"Sure , your majesty, I will."
Inside, Elisa ran straight to Tessa, tears spilling down her cheeks. "My lady! Do you know how worried I was? You vanished without a word—!"
"Elisa, I'm sorry," Tessa whispered, hugging her tightly. "I'll explain later. I promise. And thanks for worrying about me." Tessa remembered Rishe as she would have done the same with some glares and scolding ... But she was happy knowing that she was no more a stranger to this royal palace . She had people caring for her.
That night, the Emperor himself welcomed Jasper and Tessa to dinner. His voice carried the weight of authority, but also warmth.
"James told me everything. My Son, you must be more cautious. We cannot afford such risks. Please sometimes listen to your older brother and think about us too. We can't afford to lose a precious family member like that..And Ms. Malven," his gaze softened, "your bravery in the face of hunters has reached my ears. For that, you have my gratitude."
Tessa bowed her head, flustered.
"Son, irrespective of everything, you did a great job .. without your interruption.. many innocent children would be the prey of those ruthless hunters. To honor this victory—partial though it may be—I'm planning host a ball tomorrow. "
" Dad, that was unnecessary..."
" Don't ruin the mood son. "
" Look who is saying , he is indeed your son in this case.. your Dna is strong dear. " The empress said mockingly.
" Dear , you shouldn't mock me in front of everyone... Hehe ... Oho , Ms. Malven.. I'm telling sorry if my son told you anything rude.. please don't take it on your.."
" No your majesty. He didn't. I apologise for my sudden departure and the reckless act. "
" How polite you are ...hoho... Please enjoy the meal."
The declaration of the ball filled the hall, and servants hurried to prepare at once. Later that night, as Tessa walked back to her chamber, the corridor lamps flickering against the walls, she heard a voice behind her.
"Tessa."
She turned. Jasper approached, his steps slower than usual but steady, his dark brown eyes calm this time.
"I...I came to apologize," he said quietly. "For earlier. I was… harsher than I intended.... I'm sor.."
Tessa shook her head. "No need. I understand. You carry too much responsibility, Jasper. More than I can imagine. And… I came to this world under your protection. Of course you'd be strict. I don't blame you. I'm sorry for making you worry."
For the first time, something unguarded flickered in his eyes. Relief, almost disbelief. As though he wasn't used to being understood in a way like this. "She... Understood... My thoughts and feelings.." he thought. "Tessa Malven," he said slowly, a faint smile tugging his lips. "Would you do me the honor of being my partner at the ball tomorrow?"
Her eyes widened. "M-me? But… Jasper, you could have anyone...." Tessa thought ,"A handsome, talented, skilled and amazing Crown Prince like you ..—surely noble ladies are already dreaming of that chance." She saw Jasper was looking at the ground, she continued, " You should share such a victory ball with someone you admire. Or… someone you love."
" Tessa.."
" Ah , don't worry about me . I will be fine on my own . You know, I have read so many romantic novels where the prince does the ball dance with his beloved in the room while everyone stares at them envying how perfect they are for each other... Ufff .. I get goosebumps thinking about that..."
" Tessa."
" Ehh? "
His expression stilled. "I have neither. The women who approach me…" Jasper became silent for a moment and thought,"they only see my title, my looks, my wealth. Not me."
"Jasper? Anything wrong? "
" Uh, no I mean.. I am not sure of what you said . "
Tessa saw Jasper's face and it's like she read the thoughts from his heart..She took a breath and met his gaze. "Then… if your highness truly has no one who wants you for who you are, I'll be your partner. Because to me, you're not just the Crown Prince. You're Jasper Blackthorn, My dearest friend." she smiled.
For a heartbeat, silence stretched. Jasper's eyes widened slightly, as though her words struck deeper than she realized. No one had ever said such a thing to him. "Can you read my mind ? " He thought. Then, slowly, his lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. "Very well. Rest for tonight, Tessa. Tomorrow evening, I'll come as your escort. Thank you for this honour."
Her cheeks warmed, but she nodded, smiling back. "Mention not , hehe. I'll be ready."
They bid each other goodnight, parting with smiles.. " Oho , I forgot to ask Jasper about his recovery process and most of all why he suddenly collapsed, even though he is strongest.. never mind ..*yawn* ... I will ask him tomorrow or later. " She went to sleep like Jasper without realising that two hearts unknowingly stepping closer beneath the silence.