Extended Version of Chapter 42
Gem
The gardens were one of the places I hadn't seen on either of my previous visits. They could almost rival Belens gardens.
“So, how's it going in Gem town?” Lizzy asked, taking a seat next to me at our table.
“Fine.” I hadn't spoken to Cleo or Scott all day. I just couldn't bring myself to.
“I see we’re still giving Cleo and Scott the silent treatment.” She mused. “And you seem to still be staring at Pearl.” my head snapped to Lizzy.
“For the love of god, can I catch a break for a day?” I groaned. She laughed, handing me a cup filled with something. I raised my eyebrow in question as I took it from her.
“Lemonade.” I shrugged and took a sip. It had a hint of orange in it, but it was pleasant. “Are you going to talk to her? We leave the day after tomorrow Gem. It's kinda now or never.”
“I would love to Lizzy but I just don't feel right about it. The whole dying in her arms thing and all.” Lizzy laughed.
“I get that. To be fair though, who knows when your next chance would be? I dont think I’ve ever seen you this taken with someone.” I rolled my eyes.
“So, doesn't mean she’ll like me back that way. It makes more sense for her to ask False out either way.”
“Gem, you're an idiot. False literally said she doesn't swing that way.”
“Not happening. I'm going to sit here, enjoying conversation with one of the siblings who I'm not mad at. Enjoying one of the last nights of warmth we’ll be getting before autumn hits in full swing.”
“You should at least dance when that starts.”
“Unlike you I don't really have a built in dance partner.” I pointed out. “I might drag Bdubs on the floor. Or maybe even Joel.”
“Not even Scott?” She asked, I shot her a glare.
“You go ahead and dance with your captors boyfriend.” she raised her hands in defence.
“Got it. Who knows… maybe Pearl will ask you to dance.” she wiggled her eyebrows and I could feel my face heat up.
“You are a menace.” I grumbled before finishing the lemonade. “I'm going to grab a refill and some snacks. Do you want anything?” I offered.
“No, thank you though.”
Music filled the air as the sun started to set. Mage lights were brought out, and an area of the lawn cleared for a dance floor.
“Gem, come on you’ve gotta dance.” Jimmy said, his hand intertwined with Tango’s. “Grab Bdubs, we all know he knows the moves.” He pointed out. I sighed and got up from my chair.
“My people need me apparently. I’ll be back soon.” I said to Lizzy she just smiled and nodded. The three of us walked over to where Bdubs and Impulse were talking with a group of knights. “Sorry Impulse, I need to borrow your squire. Very important business.” i said interrupting as i grab Bdubs
“Best behaviors please.” he shouted after us.
“What are we doing?” Bdubs asked me.
“You are my dance partner. Jimmy insisted I lighten up.” I elaborated. He just shrugged.
“At least you won't step on my feet.” I giggled.
“I’ll do my best.” As the music started, muscle memory took over as we moved along in sync with the others on the dance floor.
“So, how’s your evening been?” Bdubs asked with a laugh.
“Could be better, could be worse.” As the music slowed, we came to a stop, everyone cursing or bowing before they made their way off the floor in preparation for the next song.
“Do you mind if I steal your dance partner?” False voice came from behind me.
“Not at all, you two have fun.” I said, waving them off as I made my way through the groups of people.
“Gem, glad I found you.” Joel said he was accompanied by Martyn and Ren.
“Joel, what are you three scheming.” I asked.
“Nothing. Here Lizzy said you liked the lemonade.” he offered, “it's a peace offering, granted I'm the only brother you’re not mad at right now,” he pointed out. I took the cup, sighing.
“I'm not mad at Jimmy.” I countered. Joel shrugged.
“The younger brother doesn't count.” I shook my head.
“What are you three up to then, if you’re not scheming.” I asked to take a drink from the cup. It still tasted the same so at least he hadn't done anything to it.
“We were just talking. Ren was asking how Ebbin works and all of that stuff." Joel shrugged.
“Then he's talking to the wrong person. We both know Lizzy runs the place.” Ren shrugged.
“Etho kind of runs the place if I'm being honest.”
“Men, why are you guys useful again?”
“You are snarky, someone put a snake in your bed or something?” Martyn retorted.
“Something like that.” I muttered. I’m going to cool my head. It's too hot around all of you guys.” I walked towards one of the lesser populated areas, heading for a secluded path. Towards some rose hedges.
“Gem? What are you doing out here?” Pearl's voice startled me. I stopped myself from trying to react with a throw, just turning to face her. She looked really pretty.
“Cooling off?” My reply came out like a question. She smiled, god I wish she would kiss me again.
“Is that all? You’ve been avoiding me since the fittings yesterday. Is everything ok?”
“Did I ever tell you that you look really good in red?” The words were out before I could think. I felt my face heat up. She blushed but a smirk grew on her face.
“No, you haven't.” she lent down a bit, so she was face to face with me.
Fuck it, right what was the worst that could happen?
I reached up to her face with my hands, hesitating for a second before pulling her the last few inches crashing my lips onto hers. My teeth clicked against hers drawing me back to the reality of what I'd just done. I pulled back quickly, wanting to curse myself out for acting so rashly.
“I'm sorry, I know that we really haven't,”
“Gem,” my words caught in my throat as I met her eyes. “Just shut up and kiss me again.” my eyes widened; I didn't move. Did she just actually say that? She just shook her head with a smile on her face.
She kissed me, this one was slower than my rushed attempt. Sweeter, like lemonade.
“We should have done this sooner.” I said out of breath.
“Probably.” she lent down, her lips brushing my ear, “let's say we ditch the party? I don't think anyone will notice” I nodded as I tried not to shiver at the strange feeling.
“That works for me.” she grabbed my hand leading me through the guard a different way than i had entered. As we emerged we were a bit aways from the group of people, out of range of the Mage lights that all we had was the fading sun to light the way.
We made our way inside through a side door. Once the door was shut, I spun around to face Pearl, suddenly very aware of the little space between me and the door, and me and her.
“Do you often get this flustered?” my back hit the door as she leaned in.
“Not in my experience.”
“Pity.” she said, pressing a short kiss to my lips, “it's cute.” I didn't think it was possible to blush more than I was, but here we were.
“Where are we going?”
“My room.”
“Which one?” I asked as I followed her down the hall, if it weren't for her I'd be completely lost in the maze she so easily navigated.
“The closer one.” I couldn’t help the giggles that echoed down the hallway.
“Shh, you’re going to get us caught.” Pearl whispered pulling me into a dark room as footsteps approached
“You don’t want anyone to find out?” I asked. Hell was this just for fun? She pushed me against the wall with a finger to her lips.
The footsteps passed the door before heading down the hall.
“Not exactly, I don’t want anyone telling us we have to go back outside.”
“We’re princesses Pearl. Not a lot of people can tell us what to do.” I pointed out. She gave me a smirk before kissing me again.
“Don’t want to risk it.” She said after pulling away. “Come on.” She grabbed my hand running us through the hallways before we finally got to somewhere familiar to me.
As she closed the door I looked her up and down. Damn did she look good in red.
“Are you going to keep staring?” She taunted, laughter tracing her words.
“Maybe, you look stunning.” I jabbed back. She looked a bit surprised by the comment but her smile never left her eyes.
“Pity. I was really looking forward to more kissing.” She playfully pouted.
I took a few steps to close the gap between us. I gave her a smirk. I may not be as tall as she was, but two could play at this game.
“I could be persuaded, if you ask nicely.” A blush grew across her cheeks, creeping its way to her ears.
“Please?” She breathed out softly.
I grabbed the two shoulder straps on her dress, softly pulling her down to my level.
“Since you asked so nicely.” I teased before meeting her lips with mine. Her hands reached around me, her fingers tangling themselves in my hair.
I let go of her dress, letting my arms rest on her shoulders.
She pulled back, leaving her hands in my hair. A thought flashed through her eyes before she moved her hands to my hips.
I gave her a questioning look. She shrugged her shoulders before taking one of her arms and bending down, sweeping me off my feet.
I let out a yelp at the sudden movement.
“Pearl, what are you doin?” I asked as she started walking.
“Making this more comfortable for the both of us.” Was her reply. How was she going to…
Before I could finish my thought, I was lightly dropped onto the bed. Oh. Before my thoughts could catch up with my body Pearl was on the bed too.
I attempted to sit up, trying to match her position. Pearl's hand moved to the top of my chest resting a bit below my neck.
“My turn.” Her voice was still soft, but I nodded. Not bothering to fight her hand, not that she was putting any weight on it.
She pulled her skirt up slightly before straddling me.
“Pearl?” Her name sounded like a question but I’m not sure what I was going to ask.
“Gem.” She responded, giving me a smirk. “Do you want something?”
Her weight was settled on my hips, not that I minded. Hell, she could suffocate me right now and I’d thank her.
“Are you going to use your words?” She taunted.
Two could play at this. With ease I flipped us, letting my hands land on each side of her face as my hair fell around my head, shielding us from the rest of the world.
Her eyes blew wide with shock. I couldn’t help but give her a smile.
“I can use my words. Can I kiss you?” I asked as she nodded. Deciding against asking for her to try to use her words I settled on kissing her neck.
She took a sharp breath in, almost like she was gasping.
I drew back, sitting up in the position she was in just a few seconds ago.
“You’re a tease.” She finally said, sitting up so we were closer to eye to eye.
“And you’re not?” She gave a little laugh before kissing me. I melted into it, my hands wandering to play with her hair.
Her hands found their way to the back of my head, intertwined with my hair. She used the hold she had to lift my head up, making me gasp as she trailed kisses down my neck.
“Pearl, we… aren’t thinking clearly.” I struggled to get the words out.
She hummed, before moving back, her eyes fixed on me.
“You are definitely some sort of drunk.” She said in agreement. “Still pretty.”
“We shouldn’t.” I was struggling to find the words to explain to her the thoughts racing around in my head. We were definitely too drunk for me to feel like this was even a good idea.
“We don’t have to love. We can still have our own fun though.” She pointed out pressing her lips to my forehead. It’s not that I didn’t want to, but hell I wanted her to be fully in control of herself, I wanted to be fully aware of myself.
“It's not that… it’s just…” god this was the worst time for words to fail me.
“And I’m ok with that. Don’t really think being drunk for my first time would be all that enjoyable.” I felt my face flush at her directness.
“We can still kiss?” I don’t say that as a question but it sure sounded like one.
She nodded before kissing me again.
“Definitely.” She said, her voice a whisper.
——-
I sunk into the bed next to Pearl, pulling a blanket up. She gave me a smile while reaching for me. Her arms wrapped around me pulling me close to her.
“I like this,” she murmured, sleep attempting to overtake us both. “Less nightmares.”
“Comfortable too.” I nodded in agreement. I could stay like this forever. I wanted to stay like this forever.