cursed with touch ∆ Jasper Hale

four | slowly igniting the flame

A week had passed since the newly found mate's moment in Stephanos' library.

That moment would be one the two remember for a lifetime. The prince had finally accepted the bond and Jasper had finally given Stephano's acceptance, something which was greatly unfamiliar to him.

Since their talk, the two had been cordial of sorts. Jasper had been granted permission to access most of the room in the west wing, usually spending his time in the multiple libraries. His love for reading became something that brought them to their next bonding point. They spent hours reading together and discussing the books.

They had truly begun to become friends and Jasper couldn't have been happier.

°

"Another civil war book, darling you have such an odd obsession," Stephanos said as he walked into the 'luminary' library. It was named such because of its window ceiling which lit the room with sun and moonlight.

"I just like to take notes on the false information they provide," Jasper told him, smiling at the prince's presence and giving him his undivided attention

"And how do you know it's false?" Stephanos questioned, taking a book off the shelf and taking a seat in the armchair across from where Jasper resided on the big couch

"I fought in the war," Jasper stated hesitantly, the topic a bit hard for him

Hunning in response, Stephanos opened his book, crossing his legs,"I'm assuming you were human at this time?" he murmured, raising a brow at the male though he did not move his eyes from the page he was reading

"I was," Jasper nodded, and going back to reading his book as he felt no tense energy in the room, giving him the okay to stay relaxed and continue his previous actions

"What side were you on?" Stephanos asked, keeping his gaze to the book. No matter what Jasper revealed he wouldn't put it against him. Those were different times and Jasper being young more than likely would have no choice in the matter on what side he was fighting for.

Jasper froze at the question, scared that his response may cause his mate, who he had started a friendship with, may turn against him

"Confederate," Jasper mumbled, looking at his mate in hidden fright as Stephanos hummed in reply,"My father forced me, it wasn't exactly something I could argue with, I would have been killed. I've never been one to judge others especially over skin color," he continued, keeping his voice calm and watching for Stephanos's reaction but the prince did nothing but continue to read his book with a calm expression. He felt nothing but absolute peace from his mate.

"I'm sorry he forced that of you, Jasper," Stephanos spoke gently, knowing his mate must be fearful of his reaction

"It was a long time ago," Jasper deflected his apology, smiling softly to himself in relief that he wasn't judged

"Do you recall all of your human life?" Stephanos questioned curiously, glancing at the southern vampire

"Mostly," Jasper shrugged, thinking over his memories,"I remember having a good family. They were good to me," he told him, and looked up at him,"Do you remember yours?"

Stephanos chuckled and shook his head,"faintly," he commented as he thought of the scars which used to litter his skin when he was freshly new to vampire life,"Nothing good," he mumbled, standing and walking over to a drawer which held cigarettes, lighting one and holding it to his lips

"I'm sorry," Jasper murmured, watching as his mate blew smoke from his lips

"I don't remember it Jasper," Stephanos rolled his eyes, chuckling and shrugging,"It was eons ago, my real life is here," he dramatically opened his arms gesturing to the walls of the kingdom before then,"This is my life and has been for as long as I can remember," he whispered with a reminiscent grin