Chapter 26

“No, just you.” I smirked at Jasper, and he laughed.

I stared at him, thinking about how easy and pleasant our conversation had gotten compared to that morning. Or every other time since we went to the orphanage. We spent so much time being annoyed with each other. It was exhausting. Playful bantering like this was a breath of fresh air....

Wait... Why was I getting soft?

“Take a picture. It’ll last longer.”

I blushed furiously. The Jasper that I first met was back. I was going to retort something smart when the heavy doors opened and Henry ambled in. Every commoner in the great hall got up from their seats as a sign of respect. They all greeted the king as he passed by them.

“Look who decided to join the land of the living,” Jasper joked as soon as Henry was within earshot. My fiancé smiled and took a seat beside me.

“You still look exhausted,” I said, concerned. “What time did your meetings end?”

“I don’t know... early hours of the morning,” Henry yawned. “I’m still sleepy...”

I gue