Chapter 299 - Mending a Broken Kingdom (1/2)

”Have you seen the prince? Someone is here to pick up papers or something.” April said as she stepped into the dining room.

Jaden let out a heavy sigh as she pushed away from the table. ”Can you take over?” She asked handing a bowl and spoon to one of the other girls.

April giggled as the toddler Jaden had been feeding began to whɨnė. ”Who knew the prince was serious about moving orphans and the homeless into the palace.” She watched as the other girl did her best to distract and coddle the child.

Jaden studied the others gathered around the table. ”It was a bit surprising... but I'm glad he did...” She placed a hand lightly on April's elbow as the girl moved to follow her from the room. ”Have you eaten?”

April looked away guiltily. ”I was going to after everyone here finished up...”

A frown settled over Jaden's features. ”There is enough food now for everyone, there's no reason to starve yourself ever again.”

April fought against the tears that burned her eyes as she nodded. ”Thank you...”

”There's no reason to thank me, just promise you'll not go without again.” She was about to step away when the slighter girl threw her arms around Jaden's waist.

”No, you are to thank! If it weren't for you none of us would have survived... and I doubt the prince would be as inclined to help without you. You've sacrificed so much for us... we'll never be able to pay off such a debt.”

Jaden cautiously patted the girl's back. ”I would never ask that you pay it back.” She held the girl out at arm's length and cupped one sunken in cheek. ”Your health and wellbeing are enough... now go eat.”

April nodded. ”Very well...” She watched as Jaden turned and made her way from the room, no sign of the personal hells that lingered just below that tough, stoic exterior.

Jaden stepped into the library quietly, not wanting to disturb the young prince just yet. It had been a strange few weeks. She'd spent many long hours trying to understand the man that she'd soon be bound to indefinitely. She hung to the shadows of the library pretending to be searching the old spines of the numerous books that filled the many shelves as she watched him.

Not only had he opened the palace to her and the other girls, but he'd also opened up the palace to anyone who was in need. Many of the older villagers had been skeptical but of those who had come, Russ had welcomed them openly making sure their stomachs were full and a warm bed was provided. Out of the 80 rooms of the second and third floors, nearly all were now filled. Between all the work he'd been loaded down with over the past weeks, he'd still made time to join her visiting the three girls still in the hospital as well as personally handing out supplies as often as possible.

”Are you just going to continue pretending to read book covers or are you going to ask me whatever it is that's on your mind?” Russ said with a huff as he set his father's journal he'd been reading on his ŀȧp. It was becoming harder for him to hide the frustration her presence was causing him.

Jaden's hand froze on the book she'd been about to pluck from the shelf. ”I...” She let out a sigh as she pushed to book back into place and turned to face him. ”The truth is, I came to inform you that a councilman is here to retrieve documents... You seemed to be enjoying your read... I thought I'd give you a bit more time before forcing you to return to such contemptuous tasks.”

Russ snickered. ”I'm going to have to invest in a dictionary or something just to carry on a conversation with you...” He turned in the window seat settling his feet on the floor as he patted the seat beside him. ”How are things going?” He asked as she sat at the far end of the window seat, turning to face him.

”I must thank you, Sir-Russ. By taking in the orphaned children, most of the girls have been too busy helping with the children to focus on their own trauma. I believe it will be a wonderful form of therapy for them.”

Russ sent her a crooked smile. ”I'm glad to hear it... but you don't have to be so formal with me, you know...” He gripped the edges of the chair as he fought against the urge to touch her, even if it were just to hold her hand...

She bowed her head slightly. ”I will work on my formality, S-Russ.”

”Humph, I'll take you saying my name without hesitation first...” He stood and held his hand out to her. ”Would you come with me to deal with the council? I feel like the more we can show a united front where they are involved, the easier it will be all around.”

She hesitated as her attention moved from his extended hand up to his icy blue eyes. ”Pardon me for asking... but why did you choose me for this position?”

Russ let out a heavy sigh as he flopped back down beside her. He ran his hands over his hair. ”I figured you'd ask this at some point... I was just hoping it would come... later... I guess...”

”You need not answer me now if you're uncomfortable doing so. I owe you not only my own life but that of the others as well, so I'll do as you request regardless of whether you answer or not.” Jaden replied flatly.

Russ let out another sigh as his hand fall away from his hair. ”You don't owe me... I have my own motives in doing everything that I have...”

”I can't see a single benefit that could come from taking us in... or the orphans... or the homeless...” Jaden murmured as she searched his features.

Russ met her gaze. ”You really what to know the truth?”

”I do.”

He tugged his hair free of the bun and ran his fingers through it. ”Alright... Most of what I do is out of guilt... a few months ago I was perfectly content with the idea of living my life with the person I loved more than anything else in the world and to hell with this island and my crown... That thought changed the second I saw what devastation he'd caused after my parents' death.” Russ hung his head in despair. ”I can't stop thinking of what would have happened had I stayed away three more years let alone if I hadn't come back at all...” He tapped the journal still sitting on the seat. ”The more I read my parents' journals the more I understand what this place meant to them... what these people meant to them. I can't help but feel like they would be disappointed if they knew how I felt for the longest time... I know they would be crushed to see this place as it is now.” He glanced over at her. ”As for why I asked you to stay by my side... You're obviously more knowledgeable of werewolf affairs than I am, you're a born leader... you're strong... stronger than I'll ever be...”

She stood up. It wasn't exactly what she'd been asking, but his words were comforting. ”We should be going before whoever awaits us becomes angry.”

”Fuck them... I really don't care what they think at this point. I've lost enough in the name of those bastards.” Russ huffed as he lifted away from the window. ”But I would rather go ahead and get it over with.”