Chapter 2: chapter one
Jasper hadn't given her a ring when he proposed, but a week later he had given her the most beautiful ring she ever saw, it was a golden band with an onyx stone at the center, with little diamonds around the precious gem. Her breath still caught everytime she looked at it, not necessarily because of its elegance and splendor, but what it stood for, the man it stood for. Jasper. Her Jasper . How crazy just a few months ago a threat raged upon her life, upon her kingdom. What was more crazy was that, said threat had brought to her, her beloved. She smiled as she grew warm and sighed in pure joy and contentment. Soon she would be married to her beloved, soon she would be one with the man she loved the most, she could all but feel her heart leap for Joy.
A soft tap on the door broke her away from her reverie and she turned her head to the direction of the sound and answered softly, "come in."
A fair headed maid opened the door a little and put her head through it, giving a shy smile she opened the door a bit wider and walked in.
"Hello milady, Ha-happy birthday." She said in a small shy voice. The girl couldn't have been more than twelve, but she was a true beauty, with a radiance that shone from within, it all made the princess smile.
"Thank you so much." The girl stood there with her head turned down before looking up again, her eyes shining.
"I was asked to come prepare you for your ball tonight, may I?"
Argh! The girl was a rare gem, Hannah thought, but only smiled and nodded her head.
"Yes, of course" She said, "let's get right to it."
The girl's face lit up as she walked towards Hannah and stood behind where she sat, their gazes on the mirror before them.
"I'll make you the most beautiful princess ever! Not that you aren't already beautiful."
"Why, thank you." Hannah said, laughing softly.
"My name's Madeline by the way, but you can call me Maddy, everyone does."
"Oh, I see, Maddy." Hannah said, trying her best to be as somber as the girl was, but failing dearly.
"Yes, Maddy. And I'm going to make that handsome warrior of yours run for his money, or maybe his sword." And Hannah reared her head back and laughed -she couldn't help it- while Maddy gave her a toothy grin.
****
"Clink clink!" was the sound made, when the king hit a spoon gently against his golden goblet.
The hall quieted and all raised their heads, their gaze fixed on the king as he awaited the attention of everyone.
"My warmest welcome to all gathered here today. to all who celebrate with my daughter on her twentieth birthday-" the king was interrupted as the sound of people clapping erupted and the king beamed in Hannah's direction, who returned a smile.
"But that is not all we celebrate today. Today we celebrate her coming of age, we also celebrate her engagement to Jasper of Moline, valiant warrior and knight!"
This time people didn't just clap, but fellow warriors of the king's guard roared and whistled. And when the king had completed his announcement, everyone took the time to wish Hannah a happy birthday, and also to congratulate both Hannah and Jasper on their engagement.
Perhaps some already knew of their engagement, but something about that official announcement made the warriors of the king's guard want to place both Hannah and Jasper on their shoulders and run around in the courtyard - or maybe it was just too much booze in their systems- who knew. However, they had more sense than to try such a thing. For one thing, such an act would be dearly inappropriate.
And two, well, let's just say, you didn't want to mess with Jasper of Moline the valiant, and especially not Jasper's princess.
But it was certainly a happy thought, at least to some of the warriors.
****
She rested her head on his shoulder and leaned into his embrace. His arms around her was like heaven. It was home.
"Happy birthday, Hannah." She relished the sound of her name on his lips, and raised her head to kiss those lips.
"Do you know when we first met I wanted you so bad to say my name, just Hannah?"
Jasper chuckled and drew her closer to him, if that was even physically possible.
"Did you now? Why didn't you say something?"
"I thought it would be inappropriate."
"Like inappropriate has ever stopped me." She laughed, he was right. For here they both were lying on a blanket amongst an array of sunflowers and lilies while they watched the stars that shone up up high in God's beautiful heavens. And it was all his idea, he literally stole her away from their party and carried her out here. No, inappropriate didn't stop Jasper. And she loved it.
"Any wishes milady?" She screwed up her face in mock agitation and pinched him lightly.
"Ouch!" He yelped, "what was that for?"
"For not calling me Hannah." He let out a mock grave sigh
"Alright, Alright. But you'll always be milady to me." He said it so sweetly, she couldn't argue. He made it sound like an endearment, not a title with many responsibilities and felt her heart love him all over again.
"Well, I've always wished for a love I have right here with you. I think God's already taken care of all my wishes."
Jasper felt his heart contract. The woman had a way of filling his heart, and just when he thought it couldn't get anymore full, here she was, proving him wrong.
He kissed her temple, before speaking, "so no new wishes?"
"Naw."
Hannah, his heart sighed.
****
Somewhere not far away, outside the castle. Darkness loomed, prowled, it planned... Waiting, just waiting for a time when it could pounce.
And it laughed. It was mad and it laughed as such.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone