The Compromises

After going back and forth for a while, the plan became that Katherine would make a live address that would be broadcast over every television and radio to the people of Helios.

She would film it from the castle to ensure her safety.

She would say that the King had been ruthlessly murdered while the Queen had been taken by the rebels. As a direct result of these events, everyone would be punished by a newly enforced mandatory curfew of nine p.m. that would be effective immediately, as well as a restriction of gatherings of more than five people at any given time.

It would be said that this was for the safety of all the people, as the rebels had proved to be dangerous and deadly.

Anyone who broke the new rules would be flogged in the square for all to see, and if the armed guards heard any talk of rebellion, the people partaking would be murdered where they stood.

Treason against the crown was the highest offense, and Katherine knew that she had to take any threat seriously.

She also had decided to offer a reward for any information about the rebels, or about the location of her mother. The size of the reward would depend on the accuracy and relevancy of the information provided.

With this plan, Katherine was telling the truth, which is what Jasper wanted, while also putting on a strong front, which is what Eric wanted.

Jasper had made it known throughout their discussion that he did not agree with punishing the people, but Katherine had come to realize that she would be in more danger if she didn't immediately show that she was a powerful Queen who would not be intimidated or taken down.

Katherine had never considered herself a harsh person, but she had to do what was best for the Kingdom, and her lands needed structure and rules.

Once Katherine had informed the people of the changes, her official coronation would be broadcast for everyone to see.

Due to the recent breaches in security, no one would be allowed to attend as they would have been at past coronations.

"The less eyes on me, the better. We all know how much I hate the spotlight," she had said when Eric suggested the private ceremony.

Next was the funeral for the King. This was something that would also typically be open to the public and broadcast on television, but Katherine insisted that she needed the privacy.

His funeral was something she would be alone at. She wouldn't even have her mother's shoulder to cry on.

The thought of making it a spectacle, especially when it was the people who had killed him, was something she could not bear.

Not only that, but if she was going to come across as the strong and unbreakable Queen that Eric insisted she be, she could not be seen crying. Even if it was at her own father's funeral.

By the end of the meeting, Katherine's migraine had gotten worse, and she told Jasper that he could have the night off so that she could go rest.

"You expect me to leave you on your own after what transpired here a few days ago? Fat chance, Katie," he responded angrily.

"Fine. You can walk me to my room but I want to be alone once we get there. I'm not going to be able to sleep with you staring at me from the corner of the room, so you can wait outside my room if that will put you more at ease," she said with clear annoyance in her voice.

She started walking towards the wing of the castle her room was located in, and he walked until he caught up with her, no longer choosing to walk a couple of steps behind.

"Katie," he started as he grabbed her hand and forced her to stop walking, "I'm sorry, I just need to make sure you're safe. Almost losing you nearly broke me and I can't go through it again."

Katherine saw the anguish trapped in his aqua eyes, and it softened her towards him.

No matter what they went through, she knew that she would always love him. It was her curse to bear.

She sighed and without letting go of his hand, started to walk back to her room.

Jasper knew her well enough where she didn't have to say anything for him to know that she had given in to what he wanted. She almost always did.

They walked in silence back to her room and before she went in, she decided on one last ditch effort to get her way.

"You look almost as horrible as me, Jas. Will you please go shower and rest for a bit? Both of us could use some sleep and time alone," she said in a soothing voice as she brought her hand up and stroked his cheek with the back of her fingers.

He still hadn't shaved, so his stubble was rough against her fingers. It made her wonder what kissing him like this would be like. In all the years she had known him, he was always clean shaven.

As if he could read her mind, he grabbed her face and kissed her with force. His hair scratched against her delicate skin, and it made a tingling sensation run through to her core.

He pulled away too quickly and looked deep into her eyes as he said, "I'll be gone ten minutes to clean up, but I won't be able to sleep without you. Are you fine with that compromise?"

Still dizzy from the soul-awakening kiss, she nodded her head in agreement before she really got the chance to think about what she agreed to.

Jasper smirked as if he knew what his touch would do to her, and he quickly walked away before she had the chance to change her mind.

Feeling completely at ease apart from her throbbing head, Katherine opened the door to her room and walked inside.

She closed the door and started taking off her coat before she heard rustling from the other side of the room, indicating that she was not alone.

Her heart stilled and she quickly turned to face the intruder, ready to scream and alert the guards. She just hoped they would hear her in time.