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Ainsley
Iwanted to hold the paper close to my chest but feared damaging the only clue I had to my parents. They had seen this—touched it. The revelation that the duke and duchess were not my birth parents was still so fresh and new, and yet holding this small, fragile parchment gave me a hopeful feeling that spread throughout my entire body. Like a sense of purpose that had just been discovered.
“Ains.” Jackson’s voice sounded from behind me, and I turned, realizing he had come in here for a reason he hadn’t been able to disclose yet.
His gaze darted back and forth between the duchess and me. Hearing her tell me the letter was from my birth father must have caused quite the confusion for him. I attempted a small smile his way.
The duchess bowed her head. “I believe there are a few matters the two of you have to discuss.” She touched Jackson’s shoulder as she passed him. “Thank you for what you have done for us these past few days.”
Jackson acknowledged her with a slight nod, but his gaze remained on me. My mother left the room without a second glance over her shoulder.
“Ainsley, I feel—”
“I know, I know.” I interrupted. “I cannot imagine what you're thinking. Without knowing the details—there are so many. And yet so few. It’s all happening rather quickly. This letter—”
Jackson walked forward and grabbed my arms gently. “No, Ainsley. Please, let me continue.”
I smiled but couldn’t stop the words from tumbling out. “Jackson, I know you’re worried about everything that happened, and my safety. Yet it seems there is a reason, albeit a dark one. I must go. The adventure on the horizon is far bigger than anything I ever imagined.”
For the first time, I noticed Jackson’s face fall slightly. He dropped his hands from my arms and took a few steps back, staring at me as if I had wounded him in the worst possible way.
“And where do I fit in on this grand new adventure…whatever it is?” He tossed his arm out to the side, likely gesturing for me to provide more details. Or was it something more?
I stammered, unsure of what to say. Jackson had never been the jealous sort before, but something in his tone made me hesitate. “I need to do this, Jackson. My father asked me to find a rogue named Silverthorne. For him, possibly more—our people? I do not know yet. The only thing I do know for certain is Father told me that ‘with him, my destiny awaits.’” I could not possibly tell him I was a magic caster, and that’s why I had to seek out the rogue—to learn more of my heritage, what it was exactly I needed to be protected from. Only he held the answers, it seemed.
Jackson watched me with a hundred expressions clouding his features. Then, he simply shook his head. He strode back toward me with some sort of renewed purpose and took my hand in his, kneeling before me.
I tilted my head to the side, watching him do only heaven knew what.
“You do not need those adventures. You don’t need to worry, Ains. Not anymore.” He puffed out his chest slightly. “Marry me.”
I stiffened at his words. “What did you say?”
“You don’t have to worry about being alone. You no longer have to worry about a ball for your hand in marriage. Or your safety. You are my best friend and I love you. I have always loved you. I will be here for whatever you need.”
I gently tugged my hand away and knelt in front of him. “I cannot marry you,” I whispered.
Jackson frowned, the crease in his brow furrowing to depths I had never encountered. “Is this about your adventure?” He spat the words like a curse.
Suddenly, I reared back at his forceful retort.He had never spoken to me in such a manner. Who was this person, and what happened to my best friend?
Shaking my head, I rose to my feet. “Jackson, I love you…as my friend. You’re my best friend, but I’m seriously reconsidering your ‘best friend’ status at this very moment.” I narrowed my eyes. “Do not ever speak to me like that again. You have always known what I wanted in life, and now my father…he asked me on his deathbed to fulfil this quest. Nothing and no one will stop me. I do hope I have made myself clear.”
Jackson bowed his head in what appeared like defeat. Lifting his gaze to meet mine, he stood. “I only hoped—wished you would reconsider now that…” He trailed off and rubbed the back of his neck. “You and your family, Ains, you’re all that I have in this world. My own family—”
“I know.” I pulled him into an embrace, cutting off his words. I did not need to hear them. His family was cold and distant, never treating him as a son, only an heir to their fortune. Someone to carry on the Hollingsworth name. That’s why my parents had taken him under their wing when he was young, showering him with parental love and guidance he hadn’t received at home. Jackson was family. But, I could never marry him, even as much as I dearly loved him.
He drew back. “I’m sorry, Ains. I would never hurt you. I hope you know that.”
I patted his arm and grinned. “I do, but I could still whip you, Jackson Hollingsworth, and don’t you forget it.”
He rolled his eyes. “I was ten years old, Ainsley.”
“Giving you a black eye is still winning.” I placed my hands on my hips with a wide smile. “And, Father did teach me how to swordfight.”
“Ohhh… Ainsley’s going to best me with her sword.” His laughter was teasing, in a way only Jackson could escape without inciting my fury. “You know, Ains, this I’d love to see.”
“Well, if I had the time, I’d certainly challenge you to a duel.”
