Page 68 of The Heart of the King

We should begin our conversations soon, and, hopefully, they will never truly end.

Not for a very, very long time.

Lovingly,

David

She set the piece of paper down. It didn’t sound like he regretted the night before, but he wasn’t wrong that they needed to talk.

About a lot of things.

Before, she would have pulled her phone out and stared at one of her favorite pictures - herself and Leo right after they eloped. They were laughing about something at the friend’s wedding they’d attended later in the day.

But they looked so in love at the same time.

She would always love Leo. Jazz had no doubt about that, but somehow David was working his way into her heart.

Worming his way into her present.

Weaving his way into her future.

When she woke up this time, she didn’t wonder where Leo was.

She’d instinctively started to reach forDavidbefore realizing he was gone.

Leaving the note in a drawer of private possessions, Jazz showered and dressed. Once done, she went into Hazel’s room to find the girl still asleep under the quilt.

Mrs. Sneedly sat watch, reading a book in the sitting area until she looked up when Jazz entered. Closing the book, she stood, curtsied slightly then motioned toward the door.

Once farther away so they wouldn’t bother Zellie, Mrs. Sneedly asked about any plans she needed to be aware for the day.

Jazz shook her head. “Just the trip to the cabin. Zell can leave with you whenever you’re ready to go. Go with what she needs. If doing some school work will help her focus on that rather than remembering yesterday, have her do schoolwork. If she just wants to watch movies all day, that’s all right, too.”

Mrs. Sneedly nodded. “My thoughts exactly, ma’am.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Sneedly. I did speak with David last night. He agreed that there was no reason to fault you.”

This time the older woman bowed slightly at the waist. “Thank you, ma’am. Would you also convey my gratitude to the king when you talk with him? I don’t see him often, and I would hate to delay the relaying of it.”

“Of course. Is there anything else you need from me or do you have any other questions before I head to my office?” She needed to get out of there, though she wasn’t ready to see David yet either. “I think we’re all traveling to the cabin separately, just because of our schedules today.”

Mrs. Sneedly hesitated then shook her head.

“What is it?” Jazz asked.

“I spoke briefly with Sarah a little while ago.”

Great. Jasmine closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “And?”

“Two things. First, I reminded her that where Your Majesties sleep is none of her, or anyone else’s, business.”

Jazz managed to keep her surprise to herself.

“Second, I’ll remind you...” Her look then her voice softened. “There’s no shame in spending the night, whatever that looks like, with your husband. I know I wasn’t too certain about you in the beginning. Believe it or not, it didn’t have anything to do with the hair or the nose ring. I believed those to be symptoms of something else.”

Mrs. Sneedly took a deep breath of her own. “But I was wrong. The longer I’ve seen you here, the more I realize you are exactly what this country, what this king, needs.” She curtsied again then returned to her chair near Hazel’s bedside.

Jazz gaped after her.

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