Comforting Jess

Christine was speaking to Fred when the crown prince entered the room, accompanied by Paul and Franklin. Though his expression was passive, his face radiated like a man who had found the peace he longed for.

Jess feels cooped up in the private estate and has requested to be allowed back to work. She seemed to have a lot on her mind that she was unwilling to share. Walking around the estate may make her unwind and feel more relaxed.

Brock looked at Christine, who nodded.

I understand.

Christine replied.

She understood the meaning behind his words as they had learned to communicate in riddles to pass information between them because of his identity.    

Have you made arrangements to welcome Rose?

Brock asked.

The commoners are having a little festival outside the city for those uninvited to the opening ceremony. It is a perfect place to take her to as it is a masked party that will allow you and the princess the privacy to enjoy the activities without disturbance.

Christine explained.

She hoped the crown prince would be pleased with the arrangement because she had gone to great lengths to ensure they had the best spot where they would not be bothered and which would allow the guards to protect them from a distance.

Take Rose to the conference hall and have Jess deliver this letter when she arrives with her retinues of maids and guards.

Brock instructed.

He put his hand in his breast pocket and took out an ornate envelope, its golden seal glinting under the glimmering light.

Yes Sire,

Christine replied while keeping the letter in her coat as a group of helpers carrying bowls and platters of food approached them. They greeted them before maneuvering to the other side.

Christine walked in to see Jess sobbing while holding a piece of paper. She did not notice when Christine entered the room as her head was between her knees.

Christine wondered what was troubling her to make her cry. She knew Brock could be intimidating because his aura could easily overwhelm anyone, but he would never hurt anyone intentionally without being provoked.

Did the crown prince say anything to make you cry?

Christine asked as she went over to comfort Jess. She was in good spirits a while back. What happened to make her burst into tears?

She wondered.

Jess did not reply but continued to sob as her heart felt overwhelmed by the financial situation at home. She had saved her earnings and had not touched a penny; she intended to give it to her father to settle the council tax debt and get Edmund off their back, but it was a tiny drop compared to the mountain of debt they owed.

Did the crown prince do something to hurt you?

Christine inquired further.

She knew no matter how vile the crown prince seemed, he would never force himself on a woman. He was cunning and crafty, but he respected the rights of women.

Christine heaved a sigh of relief when Jess confirmed her belief.

No!

Jess shook her head as her body convulsed in tears, seeing her engulfed with grief and not knowing how to comfort her. Christine hugged her and rubbed her back in a soothing manner until her sobs ebbed away, and her voice became a whisper.

Are you okay?

She quizzed when she saw Jess was calm enough to reply, her tone laced with concern as she held Jess by her chin to stop her from shying away from her questions.

Jess grabbed a piece of white clothing by the bedside and dabbed the tear stain from her cheek. Her swollen cheeks were red from crying, and her sinuses were trickling down her nose. 

I know you think I am crazy, but I am fine now.

Jess said. She chuckled as she wiped the sinus running from her nose with the clothes in her hand.

Sometimes, a good cry is what you need to feel better.

Jess added.

Christine took her hands and gave them a reassuring squeeze; she wanted her to know that she was like a sister to her and would always be in her corner. Though Jess was her responsibility, they had gotten close over the past few weeks.

Jess, moved by Christine's words, wished she could share her burden with her, but doubts still flickered in her brown orbs, which she quickly covered with a blank expression.

Jess was reluctant to share her burdens, but after crying like a child in front of Christine, she would not let it lie and continued to pester Jess until she succumbed.

I just received news from my sister that the Chief Administrator is threatening to have my father thrown in the dungeon as he is late in paying the council tax.

I had gone to appeal to him before leaving the village for the capital to give us more time to gather the money as we had a bad harvest the previous year, but he refused and-

And what?

Christine asked, wanting to hear the full details of this council tax.

It was the first time she heard of a local council tax bill different from the annual tax remitted to the coffers of the Royal family.

Jess chickened out and refrained from exposing Edmund; she was unsure if he would accuse her of tarnishing his image. Accusing someone as influential as Edmund could escalate and put her family in an awkward position.

It would be her words against his, and if she could not prove her claims, it would lead to her execution and her family banished from the kingdom.

It's not anything that I cannot handle.

Jess said, putting up a brave front so Christine could drop the topic.

Christine saw the inner battle in Jess's eyes and decided to let the issue lie; she would report the matter to the crown prince so he could have his people investigate the matter further.

I cannot force the words out of your mouth if you are not ready to tell me. But know I will always be here for you when you need it.

Jess smiled and nodded as Christine engulfed her in a tight hug.