After that day , time flowed without any disturbance. As per Jasper's instructions, Alex helped Tessa with admission procedure and the dress requirements handled by the Empress herself.
" Umm .... Your majesty..I think it's already enough for me ..." Tessa tried to intervene.
" Oh dear . It's ok . You don't know how much I wanted a daughter for myself but God gifted me two sons . When I first saw you , i already knew you could fill that long perished wish of mine . " The Empress said while selecting dresses from the boutique.
Tessa couldn't stop her after seeing the happiness glistening through her eyes. She quietly nodded and smiled.
" Tessa dear.. you left your mother and came here with Jasper...so it's my duty and pleasure to help you out . Please don't feel burdened." The Empress reassured her . Tessa was shocked as she didn't expect this type of comment from her. Yes , before somedays, she was missing her mother's presence, who solely support her in that cruel dysfunctional family she belongs. The turmoil she was feeling each time Jasper mention of her return to her own world , was truly suffocating. She is not a part of this world but she wants to be so badly. But she also doesn't understand that the uneasiness she feels , was only because of that or is there something else she still couldn't recognise.
" I thank whole heartedly to her Majesty for this benevolence. " She somehow holded her emotions back.
" Here you go . Your back pack is ready and I already ordered to prepare your additional clothes and necessities. Books will be provided from the academy itself so don't worry. Are we forgetting anything? "
" You know your majesty, in my world.. there is a thing called 'Suitcase' .... It's just a hug bag with small wheels.. whenever we go somewhere far for a long time, we usually use that to carry out necessities. "
" A suitcase? Oh holy spirit 😮that's fascinating. Jas never told me about that even after visiting.. or maybe he did i don't remember 😅. " They both laughed it off . Tessa always enjoyed the company of the Empress. She is such a sweetheart to be a politically important lady but she does handle everything well without losing that side of her .
" See it's mostly a month, you came here but it feels like you are living with us for decades. Don't forget to write me if anything needed. Tomorrow there is a important cabinet meeting so maybe I can't be there to see you off.. i hope you don't mind dear.."
" Ofc not . You have already done enough for me through your busy schedule. I extend my humble gratitude to you. "
" Enough of formality. I see you learnt the etiquettes very well from the Duchess. Go back have rest . "
" Then I bid my farewell to the moon of the empire. " Tessa bowed down and walked back to her chambers. " Let's sleep. " She was about to go to bed but from her window she saw a known figure sitting on the grass floor of the royal garden. It was Jasper. The moonlight fell onto his face and he was glowing like a fairy . A real prince straight out of the fantasy book. Tessa was admiring him. Her mind echoed , " beautifully handsome." Jasper on the other side already sensed someone's gaze and when he looked up his eyes met Tessa's with her realising. Unknowingly hearing her thoughts always surprises him . He smiled hearing that known compliment which Tessa always gives him . He stood up . Seeing him up Tessa hid in the side wall .." Oh shit . I almost got caught. Is he not ok again? He told me last time whenever he feels clouded he .."
" Seems like you are still awake Ms. Malven." The voice startled her. She looked on the side and saw Jasper leaning on the window ledge outside.
" Wtf !? How did you.. omg .. urgghh you can fly too? "
" It's levitation for us ... But you can say that. Anyways nice hiding spot. I was wondering where you vanished."
" 😒 Can you stop teasing me ? Please come inside atleast. I feel like I'm conversing with some floating creature. "
" Well madam , I'm a vampire. "
" Still can you atleast come inside? "
" No , I don't have the intention of entering in a maidan's room in late night. It's inappropriate. "
" Waah so what about you floating outside my room ? "
" I was checking on the person who was secretly gazing on me while giving me compliments and also worrying. "
Tessa's eyes widened and her face flushed . " You read my thoughts again? I told you not to "
" Well I didn't have any intention but it accidentally happened. Anyways, are you fully prepared. I suppose mom helped you right? "
" Yes . I'm and all credit goes to her and Sir Alex. "
" Good , well I would have asked you tomorrow before leaving but have you taken the dagger with you? "
" The one you gave me? Yes I did. You told me to have it everytime, everywhere. "
" Good to know that you are listening to me . I went to the academy today for inspection. It's out of danger as I detect no suspicious activity there but it's better to be careful."
" Thanks for your worry but I am fine huh. "
" Pfft. Yes yes I know after all every hunter should fear the Eiffel tower. "
" ☺️I'm glad to hear this nice compliment from his highness ( 😒 you floating dog..) "
" Your compliments sometimes surprise me more than the hunters . Anyways Tessa if you even need to contact me ... Hold the dagger tightly and think of me , I will get and find you. The academy rules can be little different from your world so it can be new for you . After I successfully end the hunters , you can go back to your normal life . I hope you will adjust till then and if you ..."
Tessa's eyes stopped Jasper. She looked at him with a saddened emotion in her eyes and said , " I know I have to go back but can you stop mentioning it again and again. I love this place , this world , it's people, culture..... I know I'm nobody here but can you refrain yourself from continuously reminding me that I belong somewhere else."
Jasper was not expecting this from her. He thoughtlessly said those to reassure Tessa .. but he hurted her feelings. " You love this world? "
" Yes I do ! More than you can imagine. I have met so many nice people here who care about me without any external motive . It's totally opposite from my world..."
" Tessa .. there are bad people here too ..."
" I don't care because I got the good ones to .. in my world it always the selfish and greedy , jealous people... It's very hard to find kindness there when here it's visible and a perfect balance of both... "
" I'm sorry.. if my words have hurt you .."
" No need . Anyways it is the last one for sometimes as from tomorrow onwards I would be staying in the academy. So practice it until I come back. "
Jasper was silent. He was about to say something but again stopped by a question Tessa suddenly asked out of blue.
" I guess you keep repeating it because you also forget it or you will be super happy the day I leave you forever. Isn't it? "
Jasper was dumbstuck..this thought never appeared in his mind even for once. Tessa leaving him ... forever.... He realised his pounding heart skipping a beat . A flow of sudden ache.. a unknown pain in his chest.
" If Tessa leave this world.. are we never going to meet again? " She is the sole person who understands him better or the most .. she accept him as him rather than anyone else ... Someone who saved him without thinking about herself first... Her laugh , her care .. their emotionally light moments which give Jasper a break from his reality and burden... Her compliments, her warm regards...her worry..she knew he is a vampire with sacred power still she worries about him like he is no different than her . Like a normal person.... Like a normal living being... After she entered in his life .. everything remained same but with more liveliness... He always knew at every step that Tessa might be worrying about him which is often true ... If she goes back.. who will fill up this huge void which he carried out for so long alone... Unable to share because of his social status and political duty... He shared or talked with her without judging the intensity or implications... Jasper's whole mind turned upside down.
" Seems like you are lost in some thoughts. Must be calculating the peace you gonna get after I go to academy. "
Jasper snapped out of his thoughts.
" Tessa....I ... "
" Yeah yeah enough. Well I'm really...*yawn* ... Sleepy so goodnight your highness."
" Yeah .. goodnight. " Jasper his turned back
to go down but heard a voice. " You please take some rest too. I hope to see your idithorn face before leaving. Don't overwork yourself please. "
" You are still caring about me? "
" Sorry to disappoint you but that can't be changed. You have to attend a cabinet meeting tomorrow, isn't? "
Jasper looked at Tessa with a questioning expression.
"Don't worry I am not spying on you , Your mother told me today . Anyways goodnight. Try to sleep with a light blanket. It's chilly today. " Tessa shut the window behind him . Jasper sighed and looked at the moon.
" Who are you exactly Tessa Malven....and why you hold so much power to make my thoughts topsy-turvy with just a simple statement.."
The moon and his heart both maybe whispered the answer without him listening.