259 Nothing And Everything

Astrid took in a deep breath and exhaled sharply. She couldn't believe it had gotten to that already.

"Honestly speaking, I do not know either. Nothing is wrong and everything seems to be wrong," she confessed truthfully.

"Hmm. If I am correct, it started after Cari came, right?"

"Yes."

"Then it is an easy case to resolve. Perhaps he is feeling bad that the lady he loves is hanging out more with another man. If that is all, then we can say your man, I mean elf, is jealous." Sabrina clasped her hands together as she announced.

If they were inside Astrid's mind now, they would know that the girl was shaking her head at their childish display.

"Look at you being sad and all, when all you have to do is seduce him and make him feel that you belong only to him," Katrina chipped in.

'If only they knew we aren't together. I doubt seducing Jareth would work in this case. He may be sexually attracted to me but… sigh. Who knows what that grumpy elf is thinking when he becomes like that?'

"I do not know what to do."

0_0

All three women burst into a peal of laughter at Astrid's confession. Even though she claimed she didn't know what to do, her looks and curves already killed. She needn't do much to get any man or elf to fall for her.

Too bad Jareth was doing his best to resist all her charms but now they intended on breaking his defences.

"Why not leave the worrying to us and let us help out a bit," Elena said with a smile as the laughter died down.

"Really? How?"

"Leave the whys and the hows to the worrywarts. We would transform you and Jareth won't know what hit him."

She returned her gaze to Sabrina and nodded. At this point in time, she was ready to do anything to bring back his playful, carefree, cheerful side.

"Ahem!" Everyone turned their head to the one who cleared her throat. It was Katrina, her smiling face turned serious almost instantly.

Right now she looked like a mother who was preparing to lecture her child and Astrid new the next words, she wouldn't be liking them.

"Your friendship with Cari would have to stop till you can piece back things with your lover."

"Oh yes, dear. I was getting to that. Thank you, Katrina," Sabrina said, her own face void of laughter as well. "Young one, matters of the heart are delicate and should be handled with precision."

"But how sure are you that Jareth is jealous? What if that wasn't the case?"

"Then what would be the reason?" Elena asked. Astrid shrugged her shoulders at the plump woman and shook her head.

Astrid wasn't sure herself, but a part of her knew it was way beyond jealousy. It was more. Jealousy was when they were at the get-together but after he left… he reverted.

"Do not worry. Let us try this first and if it doesn't work, we can worry about that later."

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~ELVEN KINGDOM – PALACE~

Avery took several days to study the two well-trained bodyguard trainers asked to guard her and carefully planned her next escape.

When the time was right, all she needed was to put her plans in her action and leave. She knew they were not to be taken lightly as they got permission from her mother to handle her.

Although Queen Aelinor did not state it flatly, Avery knew better than anyone what her mother was capable of and she was very well prepared for it.

These trainers would break her limbs if need be and take her to the infirmary to heal just to make sure they did not disappoint Queen Aelinor.

'Oh mother, you underestimate me too much if you think these two can stop me.' Avery said inwardly as she watched one of the ladies stood in front of her and another behind while she tapped away lazily on the arm of her chair.

She beckoned on the trainer in front using her free hand and said. "Lita, come on over let us play a game."

"Forgive me, princess Avery. I cannot do that." The trainer responded politely as one of her hands came to rest on the sword at her waist side.

"Do not be such a killjoy, Lita." She let out a soft sigh and turned her head to look at Linah who was standing behind her. "Hey Linah, come let us play."

"I am sorry, princess. Games would work here."

"Who said anything about games working or not or what would even work on you two. Tsk, tsk, tsk…" As she spoke, she stood up from her seat and that single action prompted the two trainers to take a step her way.

Avery pretending to be yawning and raised her hands in the air above her head and bent her hands so that her elbow faced up and her hands blocked her face a bit to prevent them from seeing the wry smile on her face.

'That's right, fall for it. Come closer.'

Without saying a word more, she took the first step forward towards the door and they closed in on her even more.

"Your highness," Linah began to say but paused when Avery shot her deadly glare. 

"Princess Avery, you cannot... "

Lita who was about protesting as well abruptly stopped when she noticed Avery's change of expression. 

"What? I am going to find someone who is willing to play with me since you two aren't."

"Princess... " 

Ignoring them both, she avoided the outstretched hand of Lita and moved to her side heading straight for the door. 

In no time Linah lunged at her. She was already getting tired of the arrogant behaviour Avery was putting up. 

Unfortunately, she did not see the devilish grin plastered on Avery's face as Avery had her back to them. 

Just when her hand landed on Avery's... 

"Jackpot!"