The ball(2)

"I wonder what is going on with those two," Janice muttered, glancing at Jules and Brightstone, who was taking a defensive stance.

Both men had been on that spot for an hour now and she wondered what they were talking about.

"They are probably catching up." Cecelia smiled.

Janice nodded. However, she knew it wasn't what they were doing. She could recognize the hostility that was starting to brew up the moment Brightstone appeared.

"Perhaps," Janice said. Then glanced to her right as she noticed the Queen walking towards her.

Janice and Jenna bowed to the dowager queen who nodded in acknowledgement to their greetings.

The women straightened as the queen passed by and Janice followed suit, leaving Cecelia after promising to catch up with her after the ball.

"I see you are acquainted with Baron Beckwith's daughter. She is a good girl with a charming personality." The queen added.

Since her arrival at the castle, Janice had glimpsed the queen as one who doesn't give compliments. Now, Complementing Cecelia meant the girl had found favour in her sight.

"I noticed that," Janice affirmed. "She's really nice and quite knowledgeable."

"Although she is of low rank, I had initially wanted to match her with my son." The queen continued.

Janice wanted to ask which of the sons, but she bit her tongue.

Also, she knew it couldn't be Jules since he was practically a jerk and Cecelia was too sweet for him.

She stared at the woman who was beside her. Her face was still void of the makeup she had seen most women her age with.

Maybe, she didn't feel like concealing anything on her face and it wasn't like her face needed that because it was flawless.

Janice noticed the queen looked younger and more handsome than the first time she had met with her. Or maybe, she hadn't taken note of it since she was trying to avoid Jules the first time as well as trying to get on his mother's good side because she heard she was quite formidable then.

"But, Jules had rejected her a few times and had said she wasn't the type of woman he saw himself with. Until I saw him bring up an uncouth woman just like his younger brother."

"Oh." Janice flushed at the term the queen had used in referring to her again. She glanced around the large hall they were in and wondered if anyone was concentrating on their conversation.

She noticed the people present were either into the conversation they were having with their partners or were gazing at the arts on the way whilst waiting for the dinner to be served.

"However, despite not knowing the rules of the royal family, I like how you managed everything until I taught you. Also, I believe you keep him in check as well."

Janice nodded to everything the older woman was saying. She wondered why they were having the conversation of who Jules should have married. Perhaps, it was a thing to do at dinners.

"It isn't a thing to do at dinners." The queen corrected. "When dinner is eventually served, we'll all eat in silence and etiquette."

Janice nodded, smiling.

★★★

She sighed whilst taking the third bite of the food on her plate. She glanced around but didn't see Jules.

Her brows furrowed and she bit her bottom lips slightly as she thought of what he was doing right now.

Also, she wondered if they were brawling. But, she knew if they were, the guests in the party would have gathered around and news would have gotten to the queen as well.

Frustrated, she stood from the chair abruptly, gaining the attention of some people beside her.

The queen gripped her hand as well as forced her to sit down when she was about to leave.

"You know it's rude to stand from the table when you aren't permitted to?" She whispered.

"I'm worried about Jules."

"What about him? I believe I saw him with the Earl of Brightstone on my way here." The queen added, lifting perfectly plucked eyebrows.

"Yes, your Majesty. But he hasn't eat…"

"He'll be fine." The Queen dismissed. She pointed at the food that was on her plate. "I hope you are not thinking of wasting that?"

Janice glared at the plate before staring at the queen. "No ma'am. But, I think I've lost my appetite."

The Queen tsked and shook her head in disapproval. But, she said nothing.

Janice tapped her feet on the floor whilst waiting for Jules. She let out a sigh as she spotted him walking into the room.

"I was worried about you," She said as soon as he sat beside her.

"I'm fine." He grunted. He stared at her, then at the food before her.

He bowed slightly as he noticed his mother watching him. "You were waiting for me before you eat?"

"I was worried and I lost my appetite."

"Well, I'm here now." He mumbled, pushing the food towards her.

"Yeah." She gripped the spoon she had dropped earlier from the table and began to eat.

She noticed her appetite had improved all of a sudden. Also, she was happy nothing had transpired between the men and her husband was in perfect condition.

★★★

Janice trudged into the room and she sighted Jules already sprawled on the bed shirtless.

She walked silently to the bed to scrutinize him more but was careful not to wake him.

He tossed here and there and she wondered if he was about to wake as his eyelash fluttered against his cheeks.

She sat on the bed and caressed his tousled hair. He looked quite innocent as he slept. Yet, he exudes the same power as when he was awake.

"Hmm."

Janice retracted her hand as she heard him murmur. She glanced at him and noticed he was awake.

She blushed whilst glimpsing the smirk on his face.

Jules's hand shot out to grip her as she stood abruptly.

Gasping, Janice fell back to the bed, but he caught her so she wouldn't land with her tummy.

"Easy." He mumbled, caressing her hair she had let out.

"You weren't asleep?"

"I was until your lovely hands caressed my face." Jules paused, kissed both her hands before lifting his head. "And your delicious scent invaded my senses."

"What are you doing awake?"

"I couldn't sleep." Janice shrugged. "So, I went to the library to pick up my favourite novel. It will keep me busy until I become drowsy."

"What are you doing?"

Janice frowned as Jules nudged her to the bed gently. She landed with her back and he snatched the book that was in her hand.

"Taking care of my wife." Jules asserted, then went ahead to knead her body.

Janice moaned as she felt her tensed muscle releasing and she realized she was beginning to relax as well.

"Thank you." She yawned. "Your hand works like magic. I'm feeling sleepy now."

"Anything for my darling queen." Jules grinned. He pulled her into him and sighed as she rested her head on his chest.

"Good night, darling."

"Sweet dreams," Janice responded.

Jules smiled as he heard her soft voice. He yawned as well as went back whilst clutching her to him.