A short time later Jade, Drake, Maxwell, Justin and Bertrand were all on the plane headed towards Shanghai, knowing that it was going to be a long trip they decided that now would be a good time to talk about just exactly what was going to go down while they were there. Soon Maxwell was talking about Hana’s parents and Jade soon became very aware that they were kind of on the strict side. Justin spoke of them as they would be allies to her and to be on their good side “I guess I will just have to prove to them that I am a good investment then basically that is what it boils down to right?” Jade asked as she sipped her champagne as she looked over to Justin who smiled and nodded to her. “Hana’s dad is a big business man so he will want to know just what you can bring to him and what you can do for his daughter. Hana is an only child so the whole Lee Family is counting on her to be the next in line to carry on the family name” Justin continued talking but all Jade could think about was the note that she received. Knowing that she hasn’t told Drake yet as she didn’t want him to worry, she knew that she would have to tell him soon. About a half hour later Justin and Jade were going over a few words in Mandarin to give a good impression to her father at least, but soon after that Jade was curled up on the couch trying to rest but just couldn’t get there. As she looked over to her friends and Justin she saw that they were all sleeping, all except for Drake. She looked up to him and saw him sitting there playing with his phone “Candy Crush or some war game?” she asked as she started to sit up a little bit yawning knowing that she was still so tired from the previous night.
Drake looked up from his game “Aren’t you supposed to be sleeping?” he asked starting to put his phone back in his pocket “Well I would be but I can’t seem to get comfy” and as she started to try and fluff a small pillow that was on the private jet that Liam let them use she gave up and tossed the pillow at him. Drake caught it with ease as he started to laugh a little bit but then stood up “Let me see if I can help with that” and as she was looking at him he started to help her sit up a little bit and then sitting down bringing her into his lap and grabbing the blanket that was just to the side of him “Here is that better” and as he covered her and him under the blanket she started to stiffen thinking that she was too heavy for him “That is better but I don’t want to squish you” and as she laughed a little bit he tickled her sides just a little bit “Hey! What was that for” she laughed as he looked to her “You could never squish me, I can barely feel you Morgan, just try and get some sleep, we still have about five hours until we are there” Jade let out a little bit of a groan as she started to settle more into his arms knowing that with him everything just seemed to be better off. She was always happy, comfortable, warm, safe, and content in his arms and this was no different “Drake?” she asked as she started to look up to him from his shoulder “Hm?” he grunted as he looked down to her “Do…do you think that if this was under different circumstances that we would be flying all around the world just traveling, being together like this” and as she questioned him quietly he brought his arms around her and said “Jade if this were any other time, I would take you anywhere that you wanted to go, back to the states, France, England, Australia…you name it and if I could do it you would be there” and as he looked down to her he looked right in her eyes as he said “I would do anything…” and as he went to go say more he started to look over and see Justin starting to toss around a little bit and Jade knew that being seen like this could cause a few issues and so she rested her head back down and started to close her eyes, and with him being as comforting as ever and before she could hear the rest of what he was going to say she was out like a light. Drake looked to her and leaned in whispering “Sleep well my princess” and as he held her there he never once let her go.
Jade walked through the halls of the palace, looking around and seeing that she was alone. “Hello?” she called out to the darkness in front of her “Hello, is anyone there?” she asked again reaching out in front of her as her hand started to hit something rather hard “Don’t worry your secret will be out soon enough” and as Jade looked up she saw a man in a ski mask looking down to her grabbing her forcefully into his grasp. Though as she tried to kick and scream, it’s like she was frozen in place, and her voice wouldn’t carry out. “Don’t you worry Jade pretty soon this will all be over, and soon you wont have to worry about who you will choose, because if I have my way…the crown will soon fall, and your precious Liam will never be king again. Your precious friends will just be a dust in the wind…and you…you will never see any of them again” and as the voice continued to scare her she started to panic in the mans arms and as she heard a voice coming through the hall she realized that it was Liam and just as he started to get closer she heard the shot of a gun go off. The man that was holding her to him walked her more into the light where she then saw Liam laying there bleeding from his chest and as she tried to reach for him the man grabbed her arms back again. “Now, now little one you can’t miss the rest of the show now can you?” and as he started to walk her more into the next room she heard Drake’s voice calling out to her and as she got her mouth free a little bit she yelled out “DRAKE DON’T COME IN HERE!” and as she went to yell again she felt the man hit her upside the head and then the gun going off again. Turning her he made her look at Drake laying there on the ground a bullet hole in the middle of his chest and as he looked to her he said “Jade, I…I” and soon he took another breath before stilling. Jade cried out against the man’s hand with no prevail. Jade watched again in horror as the man took out Maxwell, Hana, and Bertrand and as he pushed her to the ground even as tears spilt from her eyes she saw the gun lifting and pointing right to her and she tried again to scream out and this time it burst through her dreams.
“Jade! Jade wake up!” Drake was saying over and over as he tried to shake her awake. She was laying there on the couch on the plane and was thrashing, soaked in sweat and what looked like tears running down her face. “Ahhh” Jade screamed as she sat straight up on the couch starting to breath frantically, her eyes wide as she looked around seeing everyone that was on the plane looking at her “Drake” and as she couldn’t help herself she wrapped her arms around his neck and held onto him tight “Hey, hey Morgan you’re okay, you are with us” and as he started to calm her a little bit he could feel her body was shaking violently in his arms “Just breath sweetie. Maxwell get her some water” and as Drake knelt there holding her to him he started to look back at Justin who was standing there in shock and Drake just shook his head like he had no idea what was going on. Once Maxwell returned with a cold rag and water Drake was now sitting next to her on the couch and she was still holding on to him as if her life depended on it. She looked around and then to Maxwell who was holding out a glass to her and with a shaky hand she took it from him and though her hands were shaky she was able to take a few sips. “Alright Jade, what is going on?” Drake started to ask quietly as he started to hold the cool rag to her forehead a little bit “I …I just had a really, really bad dream…it was so short but so real and I just…god Drake I watched you all get killed” and as she looked at him and the tears started to fall again Drake’s eyebrows raised up in surprise “Jade you don’t have to worry about that ever…we are always safe, you know that we have the best guards in Cordonia…and I promised you and Liam has too that we will never leave your side” and as he looked to her and brushing her tears away she looked up to him and as she realized that they were alone for the time being she leaned up and kissed him tenderly and he responded by holding her closer kissing her back “Drake I could never lose you all, especially like that…it was so real…I watched it all and then I woke up right before he could do the same to me” and as she started to look down he brought her closer to him. “I’ve got you Morgan and I promise you are never going to lose any of us” and as he started to hold her a little bit more she soon started to close her eyes but immediately opened them again.
“Jade you should try and get a little bit more rest, we are going to be landing soon and once we land it’s going to be days filled with a lot of things to do” Drake said as he started to bring the blanket that she had kicked off up and around her again starting to hold her “I will be alright, I really don’t want to sleep right now” and as she looked to him he nodded “Alright but just remember I am right here” and as he held her he did so the remainder of the flight. Once they securely landed, Drake helped Jade up and started to walk with her off the plane knowing that he didn’t want to leave her side but knowing soon that he would have too as he knew that Hana wanted to see her right away after landing. As they walked a little bit more towards the area where they were to be staying Jade looked to Drake and said “Thank you again Drake for you know, everything” and as he looked down to her he smiled “Jade you never have to thank me for anything, if I didn’t want to do something I wouldn’t” and as she smiled up to him she started to feel the sadness wash over her as she thought about the dream and how looking at him now she didn’t know what she would do if anything ever happened to him or any one of her friends. Jade was soon taken away from her thoughts as she soon heard “JADE!” and soon felt a pair of arms around her in a crushing hug “Hey Hana” and as they parted Hana soon started to walk Jade away from the guys but as they did Jade looked back one more time to Drake and with the look in her eyes he could tell that she didn’t want to walk away from him but he nodded to her and she knew that he would be safe or so she hoped.
“So you and I are going to go to your room first and then we are going to go to the boutique here by the house because I have a little something for you” Hana said starting to smile as she was leading Jade towards the place where everyone was staying. Once in the room Hana started to help Jade unpack a few of the essentials that she would need for the first night at least, but as she was doing this Hana couldn’t help but tell that something was off with Jade. Though as she let her friend finish unpacking but then watched her walk to the window looking out, Hana walked over to Jade placing a hand on her shoulder “Jade, I know that you just had a really long trip over here but is something wrong?” and as Hana started to turn Jade to look at her she could see in her eyes that there were tears threatening to fall “Oh sweetie what’s going on” and as she looked to Jade, Jade soon let her head fall a little bit and without a warning pulled Hana into a hug “I am sorry Hana I don’t mean to be a Debby Downer but on the way over here…I had a terrible dream and it took Drake and Maxwell to even start to calm me down” and as she started to remember the dream she let the tears fall. Hana led Jade over to the bed having her sit down “What happened in the dream Jade” and as she looked to her she could see Jade’s hands were starting to shake. “I had a dream that someone took me, I don’t know if it was a complete hostage situation or what but someone in a ski mask had me at gunpoint. He…He threatened that soon the crown would be taken away and that I would never see you guys again. Liam came looking for me and the guy shot him, and then in my dream I heard Drake starting to come in, I tried to warn him but the guy hit me in the head, he then shot Drake right in front of me and made me watch as he took out you, Maxwell and Bertrand. It was so real Hana, I could feel the man’s icy stare, I could feel the cold room that we were in, I could see the last bit of life fade from all of you and I could smell the blood as if it were right there under my nose while I slept. I woke up after he tossed me to the ground and aimed the gun at me…I shot straight up and found the guys right there trying to wake me up. Hana I am so scared…I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost you all” and as she started to let the tears go she started to feel her heart starting to race as Hana brought her into her arms hugging her.
Hana held her there for a little bit longer before trying to talk to her about it but Jade didn’t want to talk too much about it out of fear but she made Hana promise that she wouldn’t tell anyone at all not until she could process what she had dreamt. After a little bit longer Hana finally got Jade to dry her tears as they headed out to the boutique as Hana was trying to take Jade’s mind off the fear that she was feeling. Once in the boutique Hana showed Jade the amazing dress that she had made by hand, a beautiful black and red dress and soon Hana brought out the dress that she had made for Jade, and once Jade saw it her mouth dropped open. A beautiful blue gown that had a lace pattern at the top and switched over to silk in the skirt part of the dress, the shoulders dawning a sheer material that lay perfectly on her shoulder “Oh Hana it’s beautiful! How on earth did you have time to make this?” Jade asked as she took the dress delicately “Oh I have been working on this dress for about three months now here and there. Right after I found out that there was a chance that you would be coming to Shanghai” and as Jade smiled to her best friend she started to then walk to the changing room where she slipped into the custom made dress. As she looked into the mirror she loved how it looked and as she closed her eyes for a moment to take in the beautiful gown, her mind immediately flashed to the man holding her again and seeing him shoot Drake and as she snapped her eyes open she started to take deep breaths knowing that she couldn’t let this get to her. As she stepped out she soon saw Maxwell walking into the room and as he caught view of the dress he whistled “Damn Jade that dress looks amazing” and as he walked in Jade smiled and told him that Hana made it which in return made him walk to Hana and giving her a sweet kiss “You do amazing work babe” and as she hugged to him they both then found out that he had taken a small nap but has since had two cups of coffee so he should be good to go. Hana just shook her head as Jade laughed a little bit “Let’s get this going before you are jumping around the room” and as Hana took Maxwell’s arm Jade walked out behind them still wishing that she could shake this fear.
Hana soon led them to the place where they would be meeting her father Xinghai and as they walked a little bit more soon they were right outside of a conservation type looking place that was covered with towering bamboo “You are not taking me here to kill me are you Hana” Maxwell laughed a little bit but the words coming out of his mouth caused Jade to stop in her tracks and as Hana looked back she reached for Jade’s hand “Never in a million years we are here to have the opening speech and soon my father will be joining us” and as they continued to walk they soon met up with Drake who instantly looked to Jade “Wow Ja…Morgan that dress looks amazing” and as he smiled to her she couldn’t help but smile back “Well thank you, but the compliment goes to Hana, she made it for me” and as Drake nodded to Hana they all started to walk more towards the opening but Drake held Jade’s arm back a little bit “Hey are you doing alright, you look a little tired” and as she looked to him she nodded and said “Yeah just a little jet-legged but I will be alright” and as she smiled to him the fakest smile that she has ever given to him he looked to her as if trying to really confirm what she was feeling and as he saw the smile he could tell that she was just putting it on and as he looked to her he said “Jade you know that you don’t have to…” but he was soon cut off as Madeleine and Liam started to make the opening speech. Though she was standing next to Drake watching the speech she couldn’t help but hate the way that Madeleine was touching Liam and being super close to him as they stood there.
Once the opening speech was over Drake went to turn to Jade but soon Hana was walking over with a middle aged man right in tow. “Everyone I would love for you to my father Xinghai Lee, the owner and founder of this reservation” and as Hana introduced the man to her right Jade took this moment to put what Justin taught her to the test “Ni Hao Mr. Lee” and as she smiled to him hoping and praying that she said it right, she soon saw the big smile crack on Xinghai’s face “Well isn’t that a lovely welcome” and as he started to look down the line away from her he soon stated “You all must be Drake, Lord Maxwell and of course Lady Jade who might I add is a diplomat for style today” and as he smiled to her she nodded her head “You will fit right in at dinner Lady Jade” and as she smiled a little bit more she soon heard the rest of what he was saying “I do find that the publications have a way of twisting their own stories about you Lady Jade, I just hope that Hana doesn’t get any backlash for this” and as Jade felt her heart tear a little bit she looked right to him and said “I would never ever do anything to hurt her, and if she wants me to stop I will do that. There is no way I would do anything intentionally to hurt Hana or anything that she stands for” and as Jade said these words, Hana was just standing there looking on in shock about the little bit at the way her father was talking to Jade and how well Jade just handled herself completely. “I do applaud you for the way that you have portrayed yourself through all this and if Hana is happy, so am I” Xinghai said as he bowed his head to Jade as he then started to lead them all to the exhibit that they were going to explore. Though as they all started walking Jade kind of stood back for a moment as a wave or exhaustion hit her head on and as she stumbled a little bit Drake immediately was at her side “Morgan you okay?” he said starting to look at her as he held her up “Yeah just have a little bit of a headache” and as she smiled to him to try to get him not to worry he looked to her with the concern written over her face. “Are you sure that you are wanting to explore I could take you back to your room” and as he started to run his hand up and down her back a little bit she shook her head “No I will be alright, but thank you” and as she smiled to him he brought her closer into a semi side hug and started to walk with her telling her to let him know if she wanted to head out at any time.
Though as they continued to walk they all soon entered the Panda exhibit that Xinghai was able to persuade the caretakers to let them in for at least a little bit and as the group walked in they were soon greeted by Liam who was holding a cute little panda in his arms “Welcome everyone” Liam said as he looked up and smiled and soon caught a glimpse of Jade who was still being walked in with Drake and the moment that he saw that she didn’t look so good he let the Panda down as he then walked over to Jade immediately as the others started to look around. “Ja…Lady Jade are you feeling alright?” and as he looked to her as he approached her side Drake immediately let go which caused Jade to stumble again a little bit “Hmm? Yeah I am alright just a little jet legged and have a headache” and as she smiled to Liam and then to Drake she caught Liam looking to Drake but soon her eyes closed a little bit more as she started to try and take some deep breaths in. “Drake is she really okay?” Liam asked starting to take her arm to steady her a little bit “She says that she is but I think that she could use some rest” and as Jade looked to both of them she shook her head “I’m fine. Really…you two don’t have to talk about me as I stand right here” and as she realized how rude that sounded she looked down “I am sorry just this headache is really wearing me out but I will be alright” she said as she forced a smile to them both “Jade, is this like the headache dizzy spells you got before” and as Drake looked to her and Liam started to wrap his arm around her a little bit she shook her head “I don’t know but I will be alright. I promise” and as she got her footing again she started to walk over to where Hana and Maxwell were playing with the pandas. Drake looked to Liam and said “I am really worried about her, she has been off since we landed” and as he looked to his best friend Liam started to turn him away from the others “I know what you mean Drake, something is wrong. I want you keep an eye on her, please. I don’t want a repeat of what happened during the social season. This is almost over and I know that she is taking on more stress than before” and as Drake nodded he promised that he would take care of her and get her to bed as soon as they could.
Once they joined the group again, Jade was starting to look and act a little bit more like herself and soon Drake questioned if they were actually safe as they were still bears. Though as one of the cubs started to try and climb a little stop it ended up falling and doing a somersault right into Drake’s feet “They are harmless Drake you have nothing to worry about” Maxwell said as he was holding a little cub in his arms walking towards Drake a little bit more. Over the next few moments Jade, Liam and Drake got a chance to cuddle and feed the two pandas, a girl name Yue Yue and the boy named Yang Yang, and though he was a little nervous in the beginning it was Drake that got to feed Yue Yue as she looked up at him adoringly “I think you have a little panda that has a crush on you” Jade said as she walked over starting to pet Yue Yue as Drake fed her “Yeah I guess so huh” and as she stood there she looked to him “Look Drake I am sorry if I have seemed a little of just with the dream that I had and barely getting sleep I am just trying to push forward so please don’t think that I was…” and as he looked to her he shook his head “You don’t have to apologize to me Jade, I just want to make sure that you are okay” and as he smiled to her she soon looked up to his eyes that were just full of concern for her. Though as they stood there she soon felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Drake starting to step away and as she looked around she saw Liam standing there “Jade” he whispered “Liam?” she responded as he smiled to her hearing that gentle tone in her voice again “How are you holding up?” he asked as he brought her into a brief hug and just for a moment she could feel his strong arms around her as she started to close her eyes as she rested her head on his chest “I am doing alright…I mean how can you not when you are surrounded by people you love and care for and of course…baby pandas” and as she looked up to him and smiled he smiled back down to her. “I was hoping that with Madeleine not being here we could maybe spend a few moments together” and as she looked to him to answer he was soon called out for by Hana’s dad and as she sighed and started to look at her “Forgive me” he asked as he looked into her eyes “Don’t I always” and as she smiled to him he leaned in kissing her cheek before turning to meet Hana’s dad. Jade turned around and soon saw that Drake was still holding the baby panda that was now asleep in his arms “This is perfect” she said walking to him and as he looked at her and saw the look he knew what she was going to do and as he looked around he saw that the others were fairly oblivious to everything and as she walked right to him leaning in to Drake pulling out her cell phone he chuckled “How did I know that you were going to do this” and as she smiled to him she reached her phone out and snapped a photo “Just because you know I love taking photos especially of a strong man holding a baby panda” and as she smiled she leaned in to kiss the baby pandas head but before she did she turned quickly kissing just the corner of his lips. Drake’s eyes shot open as he looked to her “Just thought I would prove to you that I am doing okay” and as he looked to her he whispered “You know if we were alone I would be holding onto that kiss a little bit more” and as she looked to him seeing his eyes piercing into hers she leaned up and whispered “Maybe later” and as she gave him a wink he said “I count on it.”
Though as they all started to head out, Maxwell was sad that they were leaving his heaven and as Hana was walking with Maxwell Jade caught Xinghai watching his daughter as he led them out of the enclosure. But just as they walked out Liam caught Jade’s arm just softly as he turned her to him “Will I see you tonight at dinner?” and as he looked to her she could see in his eyes something hidden behind the strength that he always tried to keep up front. “I will be there, remember I have to talk to your father, this will be the only chance that I can until we are back and who knows what can happen before then” she said as she started to look to him again worry spreading across her face. “Jade, I know he is my father but please know that if there is anything that I can do to be of assistance, please don’t shut me out. It will be hard but I want to be there for you” and as he brought his hand up to cup her cheek she leaned her head to his hand as it comforted her to the very core “I know Liam I just…I want to get to the end of all this but I think right now I don’t want to risk you getting mixed up in this” and as she looked to him he let out a little sigh as he stroked her cheek “Always looking out for everyone else, that is the Jade I know, and the one that I hold right against my heart” and as he smiled to her she could see the sparkle hitting his baby blues. “I do know that you want to take this on by yourself but I would really like to be there when you talk to him. I think we both need some answers, and I don’t want you to be alone with him. I don’t think that he would try anything but still…he hurt us both sweetheart and just promise me that I can come with at least just to hear what he has to say” and as he leaned in kissing her forehead she nodded in response to show that he could be there. “Do you happen to have a plan that could help us” she asked starting to feel the lingering kiss on her forehead “I was thinking that as the dinner winds down, that would be our best bet, I could lead him out to be alone and then you join in the hallway. He will have no choice but to talk to us” and as he started to look her right in the eyes he said with a serious tone “Jade this is going to be over tonight and then you are going to be free, this is almost over…just keep that pretty head of yours held high. I will see you tonight” and as he left her with a kiss on the cheek he started to walk away to catch up with the royal party that was waiting for him.
Jade stood back for a little bit walking slowly behind the others taking in the scenery around her and as she looked ahead she saw her friends a little bit away from her and as she stopped to look at the beauty around her she started to feel her heart starting to beat a little bit more reliving the words that Liam just said, that this would be over tonight. She started to look up the sky closing her eyes as she silently prayed in her head that this night goes off smooth, though as she turned she ran right into Drake “I thought that you would be back at the house by now” she said starting to look at him “Liam said to look out for you in your condition state and so I am here” and as he started to look at her she could see that there was something on his mind “What is it Drake?” she asked starting to turn to him a little bit more “It’s just this whole…meeting with the King and everything, I am a little bit on edge, I want to be there but I know that this is not my fight” and as she looked to him watching him lower his head she reached up cupping his face gently “You will be there, you always are. I just have to talk to him with Liam, we both need answers” and as she looked to him he started to take in a deep breath “I know you’re right Morgan I just worry” and as she smiled to him she leaned up and without thinking or caring for the matter she pressed a kiss to his cheek “I know but this is going to be over tonight, and I can’t wait to finally put it behind me” and as she smiled to him, he soon started to walk her back but soon stopping just outside the door to the house “Look before you go in I just want to remind you of something. You are a fighter, and you never let others bring you down. I don’t care if you have to pull an Olivia and torture someone for answers, I support you and I believe in you Jade. You have been fighting for this to be over from the moment that you were taken away from us up until now. Don’t let that fire that I love about you fade, not when you’re this close” and as he started to step a little bit closer to her she started to feel his heat radiating from his body “I promise you Drake that I will keep my head up and I will be safe” and as he brought her into his arms to hug her she started to lean her head on his chest “We should get you going, you should try and get some rest before dinner” and as he started to walk with her back to her room he soon was standing with her right at the frame of her door.
As Jade started to get her door open she looked back to Drake “Did you want to come in for a little bit or did you have something else that you have to do?” and as she looked at him she stifled a yawn and started to grip her head “I think you need to get some sleep Morgan and I know that if I come in there you probably wouldn’t get much” and as he smiled to her she couldn’t hold back “IM FINE!” and as she snapped at him and then saw the shock on his face she lowered her head as she felt the tears “I am sorry I just…after my dream and the nerves of confronting Constantine…I didn’t mean to snap at you, you have to know that…I would never be mad at you…please you…you” and as she looked at him right in the eyes her mind flashed back to seeing his lifeless body lying there on the floor, his eyes going lifeless as he stared back at her. The tears took over as she started to grab his shirt pressing her face to his chest “I keep seeing my dream replay over and over…I…I can’t get away from it” and as she started to cry against him Drake started to wrap his arms around her holding her to him as he tried to sooth her “Hey Jade it’s okay. I know you’re not mad at me and I know you didn’t mean it…but you have to believe me when I say that we are all okay. I am right here and I am not leaving you. Everyone is here and you are not losing any of us” and as he started to hold her more he soon leaned in and kissed her tears away leaning in just a little bit more and started to lift her into his arms. Once in her room he took her right to the bed “Get some rest beautiful. I will be right here” and as he started to lay on the bed with her she cuddled to him and started to slowly drift off. “God Morgan you have me so scared for you, but I promise you until my last breath you will never be without me” and as he leaned in kissing the top of her head he soon saw her sleeping a little bit more soundly. Though it didn’t last long as not even a half hour later as he started to move from her bed, she popped up screaming out again and tears started flowing again from her eyes. “Jade…Jade hey hey I am here” and he immediately wrapped his arms around her to sooth her and that is exactly how he stayed with her for the rest of the time before he had to leave to have her get ready for the dinner. After Jade talked to Drake again about the dream picking up at the same point again she stood looking into the mirror looking at the outfit that Maxwell had left in her room and as she looked to the mirror she saw that she looked severely tired but took a deep breath and started to head out knowing that she had to do this tonight.
About an hour later at the restaurant that they were eating at Jade was sitting here with all her friends looking to Liam who was sitting with his father and Regina. Jade started fumbling with her hands but soon was relaxed when Drake reached over and took her hand leaning in and whispered “Everything is going to be fine” and not even a moment later she caught Liam’s eyes as he nodded his head to the side hallway “Drake it’s time…I need you all to hold down the fort” and as she started to stand she stumbled a little bit knowing that exhaustion was starting to hit her full force. Drake stood immediately to help her “That’s it you’re not going alone, no way in hell not like this” and as she looked to Drake she pleaded with him with her eyes “I have to do this, this is my only chance and Liam will be there…it’s about to be over Drake…can you wait for me just a little bit longer” she whispered to him as her other friends chatted among themselves “I will always be waiting here Jade” and as he squeezed her hand he nodded as he sat back down as she walked away to the hallway. As she walked a little bit more she could hear Constantine starting to talk to Liam “Liam what in God’s good name could be so important that you had to interrupt a perfectly good meal? Are you alright?” and as she started to walk a little bit she heard Liam say “No Dad I am not, and it’s not me that needed to talk to you…it’s her” and as Liam looked back seeing her starting to walk in, Constantine followed his sons gaze as he soon landed his eyes on Jade. “Lady Jade, what are you doing here? I am trying to talk to my son and see what the meaning is of this impromptu meeting” and as she looked to him she could feel the nerves hitting her full force. Though as she took a deep intake of air she closed her eyes for just a second, almost losing her footing as she opened them again with the tears threatening to fall “With all due respect…I came here to give you a chance…to…” and as her words started to fault on her she soon felt Liam place a hand on her shoulder. She then continued as she looked to him and then to Constantine as a single tear strolled down her cheek “I came here to give you a chance to apologize for what you did and to find out why you did it” and as her voice began to shake she felt Liam’s hand starting to steady her even more.
Constantine raised his eyebrow as he let out a small chuckle “I…” though as he started to speak he started to cough a rather deep cough. Liam took sight of what was going on and started to take a step to his father who put his hand up immediately to stop his son “I…I do not owe you any apology from where I am standing” and as Jade started to feel the heat boiling up inside she looked to him “You’re just going to deny everything” and as she looked to him feeling the tears threatening to fall without control, Constantine looked to her and then to Liam “Liam what is she…” and as he started to cough even more deeply he put a hand to his chest gripping over his heart “Can’t brea…” and as he continued coughing and holding to his chest he looked to Liam as his face became pale. “I will get help, hold on” and as Jade started to turn and Liam went right to his dad she went to round the corner and almost collided with Regina and a few of the guards “Get him to the hospital. Now!” Regina demanded as the guards started to get Constantine to his feet helping him out of the hallway that they were in. Regina looked back to Jade, “You are not to say a word do you understand me” she asked as she placed a hand on Jade’s shoulder and as Jade looked to her she started to try and ask “What’s going…” and as Regina shook her head she explained that it was none of her concern but before she could take a step away Liam was right there “She is coming with us” Liam said as Regina shook her head starting to head out the back, and within a few moments Jade was with Liam in an SUV following the ambulance that was taking Constantine to the hospital.
After what seemed like forever, Jade and Liam finally got to the hospital and were greeted by Regina who was sitting in the private waiting room at the hospital. Jade was sitting on the couch next to Liam and trying to comfort him as much as possible. She was now wearing his jacket as the waiting room was a little chilled, but as she sat there she wondered if she should actually be here. Knowing that it’s a family matter and knowing that technically she shouldn’t be seen with Liam but she knew that she had to be there not just to talk to Constantine but to also be there for Liam. Though as they all sat there in silence they were soon greeted by a doctor that explained that they could all see him now, including Jade if Regina okayed it and as Regina started to voice that Jade shouldn’t come back Liam stopped her “Regina she has a right, she saw everything so she has a right to know everything that happens from here on out” and as Regina looked to Jade she nodded her head as they headed to the room. Though as they walked through the doors memories flooded Jade’s mind as she took in the familiar feeling of being in a hospital room and as they approached Constantine who was sitting up in his bed he looked over “Liam, you shouldn’t be here, you should be at the …” and as he started to continue he started to cough yet again “Well I am here dad so stop while you can” and as Constantine looked to his boy he soon looked to Jade “Lady Jade you…you shouldn’t be here” and as he went to continue Liam put up his hand “Dad she saw everything, she might as well know the truth. Family matter or not she has a right to know what is going on with her King Father” and as Liam looked at his father who bowed his head as he shook it “Fine. The truth is Lady Jade, I am dying. There that is it now you know what is going on” and as Jade looked on and could feel her heart sinking, she started to feel the tears wanting to fall as she looked at just how sick Constantine looked “What…what is” and before she could continue Constantine explained “I have aggressive lung cancer, they have suggested surgery but my days are numbered. Are you satisfied to know that now?” he snipped at her as she took a step back trying to hold in all the emotion that wanted to spill from her.
“Your Majesty I am so sorry to hear of this news and I never meant to intrude into a family matter but when Liam told me I could come with I wanted to make sure you were okay” and as she looked to him and he seemed to soften a little bit at her tone of voice, he just looked down to his lap in response. “But there is something more I need to know, and I know right now is not ideal but I can’t leave this room without asking you about something, something rather important” and as she looked to him she could feel the nerves starting to creep up a little bit more as she felt her mind going every which way, and it wasn’t until she felt Liam take her hand that she took a deep breath and said “I…I know you set me up. I know about Bastien, Tariq, Penelope, the photo, everything and I just have to ask…why?” and as she looked to him she could start to see just the tiniest bit of fear, regret, sadness and shock in his eyes “Why did you do this?” she asked again holding her breath for what she was about to finally find out.
ns 15.158.61.8da2
