His Best Intentions chapter 5
Jensen throws a festival in Jared's honor
“Jared, are you sure about this?” Genevieve’s voice was barely discernible above the crowd. She had asked variations of this question multiple times since Jared told her they’d be sitting in the Royal box.
“Yes,” he sighed, tired of answering the same question so many times.
“Do I look all right? Is my dress okay?” Her deep brown eyes darted from Jared to her skirts and back.
“You look beautiful. Chad, tell her she looks beautiful.”
Chad was taking in the surrounding grandeur. “Beautiful’s a stretch, but you look better than normal and at least as good most of the girls around here.”
Jared rolled his eyes but knew that was probably the best compliment Chad could give.
“But the Royal box, Jared,” she whined with worry.
“Will be empty ‘cept for us,” he reminded her. He put a hand at the small of her back and guided her to the small set of steps.
Jared nodded to the footman, who pulled back a curtain to allow them into the box. There were three rows of four cushioned chairs, much more elegant than what the general public would sit on. Next to each seat was a small linen-covered table. To Jared’s surprise, an elderly couple sat in the center of the last row.
Jared gasped, Genevieve fell into a curtsey, and Chad crashed into Jared’s back.
“Oh, hello, you must be Jared and his friends. There’s no need to do that, miss,” the gentleman said. “We’re Jensen’s grandparents. Not the Royals, just the folks that own these fields.”
Genevieve gripped Jared’s arm tightly, unsure what to say or do. Chad mixed a wave with a salute and then stuck out his hand. “Hi, I’m Chad. I’m with Jared. Nice to meet you.”
The man stepped over and shook Chad’s hand. “You too, young man. Please, all of you, sit down. You don’t want to miss the beginning.”
“I’m sorry,” Jared began. “Jensen said the box would be empty. We didn’t mean to intrude. We can leave if you want.”
“Don’t be silly. These are the best seats. We wouldn’t normally sit here, but Jensen invited us,” his grandmother explained. “Please join us.”
At the repeated invitation, the three friends sat and watched a group of young men enter the field. Each of them came from the prominent families of the country and the surrounding kingdoms. They wore their family’s colors, so Jensen stood out in the red of the Royal family.
Jared was positive the Prince smiled when he looked toward the Royal box.
The sword fighting was first. Jensen easily defeated his competitors. Chad commented that they were probably letting the Prince win. Jared, however, defended Jensen, telling Chad that the Prince practiced every morning. Then his grandmother pointed out that Jensen was right-handed and had been fighting with his left.
Archery was next, and once again, Jensen was easily defeating his competitors except for a man in green. “Who is that?” Genevieve asked as the man hit another bullseye, and they moved the targets back.
“He’s from the Amell family,” Jensen’s grandfather replied. “Comes from a long line of archers. If he doesn’t best Jensen, they’ll tie for sure. It won’t matter how much Jensen practiced for this one.”
Loud cheers went up from the crowd with each of Jensen’s arrows, but quieter applause would follow when Amell would hit the same target. Eventually, Jensen’s opponent missed the bullseye by a hair and Jensen won.
When Jensen was no longer competing, he sent a page to tell his grandparents he was changing and would meet them later.
“Can we meet the Prince?” Genevieve whispered to Jared.
Jared shrugged. “Sure, I guess. I’ll go ask him to join us. We’ll meet you by the first vendor booths.”
Each competitor had a private tent, and Jared knew Jensen’s from the flag flying above it. He stepped inside and heard voices from behind a wall of canvas.
“He doesn’t love me, and I love him too much to force him into a loveless arrangement,” Jensen said.
“Loveless doesn’t mean disagreeable. Choose someone else. Choose a friend and still be King.” the other voice said. Jared didn’t recognize it, but it had a slight accent. “What about Danny?”
“I’m pretty sure I’ve burned that bridge,” Jensen chuckled. “It doesn’t matter. My father has already decided.”
Who’s Danny? Jared wondered.
“It’s a stupid law. It may have made sense a hundred years ago, but not any longer.” The other man’s voice rose as he argued. “He’s the King, why won’t he change it?”
“He’s a man of honor and tradition. Changing the practice now would look like nepotism,” Jensen replied. “The custom is a test for weakness. I’m weak.”
“You’re not weak, Jensen!”
“You’re an excellent friend, Stephan.” He paused. “Why don’t you go enjoy the festival? Drink some ale, chase some maidens, have a good time before your father sends you to lead the army.”
“What about you? Are you going to drink ale and enjoy the festival? Or are you going to mope about by yourself?”
Jensen sighed. “I have no reason to celebrate. I only want Jared to have fun with his friends. He doesn’t need me for that.”
The other man scoffed. “Jensen, you’re looking at this all wrong. This can be the best going away party of all time. Your father isn’t here to stop the fun. Don’t be a wet blanket. Enjoy yourself. You may never have a chance like this again.”
Jared could hear rustling and realized he was about to get caught eavesdropping. He called out for Jensen so they would think he just entered the tent.
“Back here, Jared,” Jensen replied.
Jared moved the bulky canvas panel and found Jensen, half-dressed and sitting on a tall bench with the other man standing very close to him. Too close, Jared thought.
Jensen stood and put his hand on the other man’s shoulder. “Stephan, this is Jared. Jared, this is my dear friend, Stephan.”
Jared blinked in recognition. “Oh, you’re the man from the archery competition.” He held out his hand to shake Stephan’s. “You were brilliant.”
Accepting Jared’s offered hand, Stephan said, “Thank you, a competition I should have won, but this one has been practicing.” He nodded at the Prince.
“I won’t make a fool of myself in front of my home crowd,” Jensen admitted with a shrug.
Stephan chuckled. “Well, I’m off to make merry at your festival, Jensen. Jared, it was nice to meet you after hearing so much about you.” He leaned close to whisper, “Get the Prince to take part in the festivities. It will do him a world of good.” As he opened the canvas panel he added, “Don’t worry, I’ll send in your man.”
“What did he mean?” Jared asked. “Why wouldn’t you be at the festival?”
Richard rushed in and dusted Jensen’s coat, and Jensen busied himself with getting dressed to avoid the question.
“Jensen?” Jared asked.
The Prince mumbled. “I don’t want to intrude on your time with your friends.”
Jared narrowed his eyes at Jensen’s avoidance. “You are one of my friends. You did all this work, and I want to see the festival with you. Besides, Chad and Gen are waiting to meet you.”
Jensen froze and stared at Jared with wide eyes.
“Sir, if I may,” Richard began, “I brought along a different set of clothes.” He withdrew the clothes Jensen frequently wore to town from a small satchel.
The prince sighed in relief. “Thank you.” He turned to Jared. “Are you sure you want me to tag along? You’re stuck with me for the next few weeks. This is the last time you’ll see your friends for a while.”
Jared smiled. “Yes. Now hurry, I’ve kept them waiting long enough.”
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
“There they are,” Jared said as he and Jensen joined the festive crowd that was milling about the grounds.
Jensen touched Jared’s arm. “Jared, what if they don’t-” he didn’t finish his thought because Chad saw them.
“Took you long enough. I thought you’d forgotten about us,” Chad teased.
“Sorry,” Jared and Jensen said in unison.
“It was my fault. I needed to change clothes,” Jensen explained before holding out his hand to shake Chad’s. “You must be Chad. It’s nice to finally meet you and put a face to all of Jared’s stories.” Then he turned to Genevieve, who was staring open-mouthed at him. He stopped her mid curtsey and kissed her hand. “And the fair Genevieve. Jared never told me what an exquisite beauty you are. It’s an honor to meet both of you.”
Genevieve giggled and blushed and began to speak when Chad interrupted her.
“You don’t look like a Prince,” Chad said, taking in Jensen’s casual clothes. “Where’s your crown and your house colors?”
Jensen chuckled. “I’ve never worn a crown. In fact, I’ve only seen my father wear one for formal occasions.” He looked down at his clothes. “I didn’t think I needed to wear any more red today.”
“I thought you looked very handsome in your family’s colors,” Genevieve gushed. “And you were wonderful at the competitions. I can’t believe you fought everyone left-handed.”
It was Jensen’s turn to hide a blush. He scratched the back of his bowed head. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you. I wanted everyone to have fun and feel capable. It wasn’t a life or death battle.” He turned and found Jared smiling at him. “Are you hungry? Shall we get something to eat?”
Jared’s hand went reflexively to his stomach, and Jensen laughed. “Of course, you’re hungry. I’m sure we’ll find something you all will like around here.”
As they ate, Jensen asked them about growing up in the capital, their plans, and, naturally, about Jared. He listened intently to every word and laughed at Chad’s many stories of his rowdy youth.
“I wish I could have known you then. You seem like you had a fun childhood,” Jensen said. Then he stood. “Will you excuse me? I see my grandparents and want to say ‘hello’.” He gathered their garbage and disposed of it as he went to meet them.
With a fond smile, Jared watched Jensen walk away. Still smiling, he turned back to two furious looking friends.
“What in the world is wrong with you?” Genevieve hissed.
“He’s a mental defective,” Chad explained to her. “He must be. Was dropped on his head as a kid.”
Confused, Jared asked, “What are you talking about?”
“You, you are an idiot. Why the fuck are you refusing to be his Intended?” Chad demanded.
Genevieve nodded. “He’s sweet. He’s gorgeous-”
“He’s got a great ass,” Chad argued. “And I don’t even like boys, but if that guy liked me, I’d consider it,”
“Yes, but Travis,” Jared stammered only to be met by his friends’ loud groans.
“Was an asshole,” Chad grumbled.
“Crude, but true. Jared, I think you’re only remembering the good times and ignoring the rest,” Genevieve said sympathetically.
Jared huffed and rolled his eyes. “No, I’m not. I remember everything, and that’s why I have to find him.”
“Just because Travis was the first guy you fucked doesn’t mean he should be the last guy. Never fall in love with your first.”
“I can’t believe this. You’re the one that said the Prince would rape me and that Royals couldn’t be trusted,” Jared sniped.
“I was wrong,” Chad growled. “You’re wrong, too, if you can’t see the mistake you’re making.” Then he stood. “I’m getting us some ale. I can’t accept your stupid decision sober.”
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
“I’m so glad you sat in the Royal box. I would have felt like a fool if it had remained empty,” Jensen confessed to his grandparents.
“You did great out there, kid. I can’t believe you bested Amell’s boy,” his grandfather added, slapping Jensen on the shoulder.
“Thanks. I spent the last month practicing, so I had better be adequate.”
“Why did you change your clothes? You look so handsome in your princely attire,” his grandmother asked, smoothing a hand over his shoulders.
Jensen shrugged. “I don’t know. I thought it was too formal for meeting Jared’s friends.”
“Oh, we had a splendid time meeting Jared and his friends,” his grandmother said. “That Genevieve is quite fetching.”
“Yes, she’s positively charming,” Jensen agreed.
“She was considerably polite, too,” his grandmother continued. “I hear she’s a talented seamstress.”
Jensen’s grandfather rolled his eyes. “Mother.”
“I’m just saying, she wouldn’t be an awful alternative.”
Jensen took a breath, then smiled. “No, but I was thinking I’d introduce her to Stephan.”
His grandfather nodded. “That would be a smart match if she’s as clever as she is pretty.”
His grandmother sighed in agreement. Jensen kissed her cheek. “Save a dance for me later.”
The woman beamed at him. “You know I will.”
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
When Jensen returned to Jared and the others, he noticed they were no longer smiling and teasing. “Why the glum faces?” He turned to Jared. “Did you tell them about our trip?” Without waiting for a reply, he turned to Chad and Genevieve. “Yes, Jared will be gone for a while, but it’s not like you’ll never see him again. We’ll bring Travis back, or when Jared returns for his things, we’ll throw another massive party for the two of them.”
Chad and Genevieve gaped at the Prince before combusting at Jared. “You’re going after Travis? Seriously?!”
“What the hell are you thinking?”
Shocked at Jared’s friends’ reaction, Jensen put a hand on Jared’s shoulder. “Stop it. Don’t chide Jared for his loyalty to Travis. Isn’t that what we all want? Someone who will love us no matter the distance? No matter the circumstance? I’ve offered Jared the kingdom, but he’s honoring his promise and choosing love.” He paused and smiled softly at Jared before continuing. “Don’t we all want someone to love us that much?”
“Thank you,” Jared whispered with a small grateful smile.
Jensen shook his head and turned back to the others. “I’m sorry. Forgive me, I’m a little defensive about Jared.” He clapped his hands and went on, “This is supposed to be a party. Why don’t we forget all this and do something fun? Jared, what would you like to see first?”
“The animal show?” he suggested with a hopeful shrug.
Jensen grinned broadly. “Absolutely! My uncle sent his lions. Let’s see if they can impress you.” He held out his hand to assist Genevieve. “Miss Genevieve, may I escort you to the animal show?”
“Yes, thank you.” She smiled sweetly at him, and all was forgiven.
Jensen leaned close to her ear and whispered, “If you like, I have a friend I could present to you. I’ll point him out when I see him, and you can tell me if you’d like an introduction.”
“Really?” She grinned enthusiastically at the idea.
“Yes, his name is Stephan, and I’m sure he’ll be delighted to meet you.”
After the lions entertained them with their strength, grace, and ferocious roars, the foursome watched dogs compete in an obstacle course. Afterward, the glass blowers dazzled them with stunning creations.
Finally, Jared decided they needed more to eat. As they made their way to a vendor, Jensen spotted Stephan and led Genevieve to him for introductions.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
When she was certain no one else would hear her, Genevieve asked, “May I ask you something?”
Intrigued, Jensen nodded. “Of course you may.”
She took a breath to calm her nerves before speaking. “You could easily have anyone you wanted. So when Jared refused you, why didn’t you put him out? I’m sorry. It’s not my place. And if it’s too personal, you can tell me to mind my own business.”
Jensen wanted to laugh. If he could have anyone, like she said, then why didn’t he have Jared? “My mother thought that, in time, Jared might come around. I knew he wouldn’t. He made that quite clear. But, since I had disrupted his life so drastically, I hoped giving him a place to stay would be a small step in making it up to him.”
Eager to change the subject, he leaned close to whisper in her ear. “There’s Stephan. He’s the gentleman in green who just threw the ax.”
Genevieve looked over at the handsome man, and her eyes grew wide. “Oh.”
“Would you like to meet him?”
“Do I look all right?” she asked a little breathlessly.
“You look lovely,” Jensen replied before calling out, “Stephan!” and walking toward the man.
Wondering who would dare to address him so familiarly, Stephan turned with a scowl. “Who-?” Finally recognizing Jensen, Stephan was about to genuflect when the Prince shook his head and grabbed his arm to stop him. “Wh-why are you dressed like that?”
“I’m just trying to fit in,” Jensen replied quickly. “Stephan, I would like you to meet Miss Genevieve. She is a dear friend of Jared’s.”
Stephan bowed and kissed Genevieve’s hand. “It is my pleasure to meet you, Miss Genevieve.”
Genevieve blushed brightly. “Thank you. Likewise. You were wonderful with the bow and arrow earlier.”
“Thank you. Though it is a job requirement.” He smirked at Jensen.
“Stephan’s father is the Chief General of my father’s army. Someday, Stephan will take command,” Jensen explained.
“It looks like you’re talented with the ax, too.”
Stephan smiled at her. “Thank you, Miss Genevieve. Would you --” he paused and shook his head as he turned toward Jensen. “I’m sorry. Why are you dressed like that? You’re the Prince! You should look like the Prince!”
Jensen’s eyes darted to the people nearby that overheard him. He smiled politely and spoke to Stephan through his fake smile. “I didn’t want special treatment. I just want to look like one of the people.”
“What are you talking about? Didn’t you hear the crowd earlier? This is your day. Your people want to see you!” Exasperated, Stephan turned to Genevieve. “Tell him I’m right.”
Genevieve smiled sympathetically at the Prince. “He’s right, Your Majesty. It’s a big deal when your family comes into town. I think it would mean a lot to the performers to say they performed for you. The vendors, too.”
Stephan looked validated. “See!”
“You really think so?” Jensen looked unconvinced.
Genevieve’s face brightened as a thought occurred to her. “Jared’s never seen you as the Prince, in public, I mean, has he?”
“No, why?”
She smirked. “I think it’s something he should see before your trip north.”
Jensen looked unconvinced, but then Stephan added, “You deserve to be the Prince at your own party.”
“Okay, okay,” Jensen agreed with a sigh. “You’ll tell Jared where I’ve gone?”
“Absolutely,” Genevieve replied, pleased that Jensen was taking their advice.
“Tahmoh,” Jensen called as he turned, and a sizable man rushed to his side. “I’m going to change clothes. Will you please remain as Miss Genevieve’s escort?”
“Yes, Sir,” the man replied, bowing and clicking his heels, then stepping behind Genevieve.
Jensen took her hand. “These fine gentlemen will make sure no harm comes to you on your way back to Jared. Please excuse me.”
Chad pulled Jared aside. “I will never bring this up again, I swear,” he began once they were alone. “I was wrong about the Prince. He’s a decent man.”
Jared’s eyes rolled as he sighed.
Chad ignored him and spoke with a rare seriousness. “If Travis were here, he wouldn’t care about anything but drinking, and you would do nothing but wait around for him. The Prince is all about making sure you’re happy.”
“Chad,” Jared whined.
“No. Hear me out. Explain to me why you’re still hung up on Travis. Because what you had with that guy was fun, but it was kid stuff. It’s time to grow up, man.”
“Travis and I made promises to each other.”
“So?”
“So, what would happen if I became the Intended and then Travis came back?” Jared snapped in a harsh whisper. “Would he want me back? Would he make demands on the Royal family? If Travis and I no longer love each other, then I will get out of those promises. Until then, I’m not free to be with anyone, no matter how wonderful they are.”
Chad stared at him for a moment. “So, you do like the Prince?”
“Sure, I like him, but I’m not free to love him.”
Chad grinned. “But, maybe after seeing Travis?”
Jared shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe.”
Xxxxxxxxxxx
The moment Jensen was out of earshot, Genevieve turned to Stephan. “Do you know of any men, men of position or stature, aside from you, that are here today?”
Stephan looked affronted, as if she didn’t find him worthy enough. “I know a few.”
“Would any of them be interested in the Prince?” she asked, a sly smile forming on her face.
Stephan squinted at her, unsure of her motives. “Well, with the custom of the Year of Promise, everyone is aware that Prince Jensen must choose a commoner.”
Genevieve rolled her eyes. “I think it would do Jared a world of good to see that others are wishing to be with our Prince.” She leaned close to whisper, “He hates competition.”
Stephan nodded in understanding. “I think I know just the man.” He beckoned one of his men over. “John, find the delegation from Muldera. I want to introduce Mr. Collins to the Prince.” Stephan held out his arm for Genevieve to take. “Shall we wait with Jared for the Prince’s arrival?”
Genevieve accepted his escort with a proud smile. “I wouldn’t miss it.”