36 Vampire Diaries 34: A Queen I Couldn't Have

"Where have you been?"

Jack's deep voice echoes. For the second time, he asks me where I've been since last night. However, I need to keep it to myself as I promise to Drake.

I need to be calm and convincing to distract the King away.

"I needed to treat my wounds, your highness. That's why I am gone missing after the werewolves attacked the palace." I said while looking intently into his cold eyes.

But, he looks at me with a shade of doubt and fear. Despite the suspicion, I reach for his face and cup it gently.

Being sweet towards him will bring the spotlight to our wedding.

Jack gulps and replies, "Don't fool me. I know you went somewhere after the werewolves retreated!"

"What... What are talking about, your highness?"

I play a game that I don't know when to end. However, what matters most is to make an alibi that will convince him. "Please, believe in me. I... I have nowhere to escape and I accepted the truth that I will be crowned as the King's beloved wife."

"I don't have another choice but to accept your alibis, Thalia. I know that you are hiding things from me, but, I need to set it aside for now." Jack replies.

He touches my hand too that makes me feel guilty. I thought being a vampire would just be a slice of cake but things seem to be different and odd.

Jack stoops as he kisses my forehead. He breaths heavily as he whispers into my ears, "Shall we? The palace and your mother wants to see my future wife."

"How's she doing, Jack? I am too worried about her since last night."

"Your mother is in good condition. The royal physician said that her heart is too weak. In other words, she needs to rest and to stay away from stressful matters."

Along the way back to the palace, he tells me everything regarding my mother's condition. Thea, she needs to pay for all of this and I will never stop until I find her.

I take a long sigh and closes my eyes. I want to get rid of the thought about my twin sister as she would always bring chaos and trouble in our lives. "I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, your highness."

For a moment, I halt from stepping forward as I bow my head before him. Jack wears a royal robe that suits his physical features.

His hair rests on his shoulders which makes her more attractive and captivating. "Why are you bowing your head?! Stop it!"

"No! Let me do it! I... I want to thank you for helping my family until now. If marrying you is the only way to pay all the debts, I will do it without arguing with you."

However, as I lift my head to meet his gaze. Jack seems to be unhappy and sad. His eyes turn cold and dead. "Don't marry a man who you don't love at all."

He said as he quickly walks towards the bright palace.

I feel guilty and my conscience wants me to ask for forgiveness. But, I need to be true to myself.

I need to be straightforward to avoided misunderstandings and misconceptions.

"Wait for me!"

"Jack!"

"Talk to me when your mind changes."

He tells me shortly.

Yet, I can't stop faster than him. His long legs and speed urge me to use my abilities. I close my fists while smiling widely as the dried leaves begin to float into the air.

"Stop or it will rain leaves tonight," I warn him but Jack continues to walk and left me hanging.

Anger and guilt mix together. I don't have a choice but to run as fast as I can to reach and grab his firm arms. "Don't turn your back on me, again!"

He halted from walking and look intently into my flaming eyes. Jack knows my capabilities, my weaknesses and strengths.

"Let my arm go, Thalia. You will not be going to like what I'm capable of."

Deep, threatening and subtle voice gives me goosebumps. My skin hair behind to lift as we both stuck with our gaze. "I will hold your arms if it's needed to keep you stay. I can do what I want, your highness."

"I am warning you! Let my arm go and follow me towards the palace!"

Jack commands yet, I am too persistent and hard-headed. I grasp it tightly until he pins me around. Without knowing that he leans me to the trunks of the tree.

"I know that you only want me to kiss you," He winked at me abruptly that makes me gulp and holds my breath back. "Look at my eyes, Thalia." He added.

But, I look away as he moves closer. I can barely smell his breath that is tastes like blood.

"Le–let me go. I... I need to seem–my mother!"

"See your mother?" He smirks as he pauses for a while. His deep and meaningful gaze stuck with mine. Until I feel his lips touch against mine.

My knees become weak and my heart stops bearing for a moment. Jack touches the back of my head as he says between the kiss. "Should I stop or I will continue owning you, Thalia. Answer me!"

I couldn't betray myself. I can't lie that I don't want to stop him from kissing me. Cause every time I open my eyes, the only man that I always see is him...

It will never be changed that I want to be with Drake's side than being with Jack.

"For–forgive me Jack, but, I don't want to give you false hope."

"I know!"

Abruptly, his mischievous and playful mood vanishes like a wind. Jack take a deep breath as he said, "Let's go! The palace must be searching for us."

I want to tell him something yet my tongue betrays me. "Hurry up, Thalia! You never change either way!"

Too late to realise that he's too distant from the tree where he pinned me down earlier.

Jack turns his back and laughs bitterly while staring in me. "What are you standing for? Thallujah and Thomas are waiting for their lovely daughter."

I breaths deeply as I run quickly towards him.

He waits for me while he stands like a Prince from distant. If only I can teach myself to love him, I will definitely choose to do it. Yet, the truth will be different from what I expect to happen.

While reaching for the King that I can't have, thousands of decent crystals fall into the ground.

My head and shoulders feel it as I let it touches my face.

"You look like a Queen I couldn't have, Thalia," Jack murmurs while looking intently into my eyes.

Under the falling crystals and bright sky, I didn't choose a man who stands before me.