The Prior
Chapter 11: The Woods of 1836

POV: Belle Watson

I’m not sure whether I should wait for Cass and Max or go find Elliot. The good thing, however, is that they’ve been inside the White House for at least an hour. Something’s being done at least. After waiting for a while, I decided it’s best to go back to Elliot. I retrace our steps and head to the woods. I just hope I don’t get lost in them.

Luckily, this mission began in a clearing of the forest, so I stumble upon it easily enough. Elliot opens his eyes as I creep closer into the area. He smirks a little, eyes still half closed.

“Belle!” he cheers.

“Hi. Cass and Max are at the White House. Not really sure what’s happening. Thought I’d come hang with you until they’re done,” I explain. He just nods a little. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Yes, just a little lightheaded. I think I need blood, but obviously not going to happen,” he says.

“Would food help? Maybe they can get us some dinner,” I say. He shrugs. As night approaches and the sun sets, Elliot suddenly becomes more somber.

“Do you think she’s with Max? Like right now?” he asks.

“I mean, they haven’t come back, I’d assume they’re still together. Why?” he doesn’t say anything more.

“So, tell me more about your life. You know, before all this bologna,” he says. The word selection ‘bologna’ makes me laugh a little. I talk about school and my friends and lacrosse. He smiles and listens.

“So, what about you?” I say. He just shrugs.

“I’m pretty boring, Belle,” he says.

“Well, are you married?” I ask. He shakes his head. I didn’t figure so. He’s grown too close to Cass.

“Nah, never found the right girl. Got yourself a boyfriend, Belle?” he asks me. My heart pounds at the question. Boyfriend. I don’t know why it bothers me so much. I like guys, I do. Just not as much as I like girls. I think. I’m pretty sure.

“You’re funny. I guess I do. Kinda. Back to you, where are you from again?”

“Richmond, Virginia,” he says. We go back and forth with questions for a while as the stars get brighter and the remainder of the sun set is gone.

“You think Cass and Max will meet back up with us?” I ask him.

“Probably not. At this point, they’ve definitely become obligated to stay somewhere. Maybe the White House?” he says.

“I don’t like sleeping in the woods,” I state.

“C’mere,” he says with a soft whisper and an extended left hand.

I move towards him.

“When my niece has nightmares, she likes to sleep in my room. Obviously, this is a bit different, but rest your head on my shoulder. I’ve got you,” he says. I lean against him, lightly. He whispers something about being safe with him.

“Elliot. I really trust you” I blurt. God why did I say that?!

“Thank you?” he questions. I should tell him. This is a good moment. I am spontaneous. I am proud.

“I want to tell you something I’ve never told anyone before,” I say.

“Yeah. Of course,” he says softly, more seriously. My heart is pounding. I’ve got to do it. I have to. Actually, no I don’t.

“Never mind. I forgot what I was going to say,” I cover up. He doesn’t say anything. “Actually, you know what? I can do this. I need to get it out. I don’t want to die with this. And, it’s looking like we’re going to die,” I say.

He laughs, “You’re not going to die, Belle. But, procede.”

I slide over to glance at him in the dim moonlight. His face is eager, ready to hear it.

“I’m—I’m bisexual,” I mutter. He smiles a bit. No teeth showing, but a soft smile. A dad smile.

“I’m proud of you,” he whispers. I don’t know why, but I’m crying. It feels so good. So good. “It’s okay, let it out,” he pulls me into a tight side hug. I’ve never felt better. There was still the looming fear of telling everyone else. But now I’m not lying to everyone.

In the morning, I wake up still leaned against a sleeping Elliot. I move away from him and look around. I must’ve been too loud as he stirs just moments later.

“Hey. How are you feeling?” I ask him.

“Okay. Any sign of Cass or Max? I figure they would’ve gotten it worked out by now,” he says.

“No. Must still be there. Maybe I should go by the gates and see if I can find them?” I suggest.

“Sure thing, Belle.”

So, I venture back into the city.

6 hours earlier

POV: Max Jameson

“We’ll, discuss this in the morning. My secretary will set you up in a room. Good night,” Jackson said to us. Cass sighs. Jackson does not like her because she “talks too much.”

My stomach is fluttering. I’ll sleep next to her tonight. She goes before me. I love how her dress just drags against the floor ever so slightly.

“So, which bed do you want?” she asks. I snap out of it. There’s two twin beds. Seriously?

“Uh, doesn’t matter,” I tell her. She sits on the one furthest from the door. I try to make conversation throughout the night, but she seems distracted.

“Are you alright? You seem like you’re worrying about something,” I say to her at last.

“I’m worried about Elliot and Belle. I mean, is she by herself? Has he bleed out? Are they currently in the woods being attacked by a wolf? I mean, I just feel bad that they’re out there and we’re in here,” she says.

My chest aches a little because I just know she didn’t think the same thing about me when she left us in 1787.

“I’m sure they’re fine,” I spit, harsher than expected. I always do that. Say things meaner, ruder than I mean them. I cringe at my own words a little, but Cass has virtually no reaction. She yawns and rolls over a little. Despite her little reaction, I find myself thinking about that comment all night. I mock myself in my own mind. “I’m sure they’re fine.” Why did I have to say it like that? Gross.

The next morning, we wake up around the same time. She slept in her corset which is odd, but I didn’t say anything. I didn’t say anything about anything, actually. All I was capable of doing last night was repeating my awkward moments over and over again in my head.

She finally opened herself up a little at breakfast. Maybe it was just an act. I can never tell with her, which frustrates me. Jackson invites us back in.

I re-outline the complicated need for a National Bank, but he’s still not convinced. I’ve been bickering with this guy for hours now. It’s getting ridiculous. I’m starting to loose hope. I need to get him to do this. I absolutely do not want to be stuck here forever. And, I absolutely do not want Cass to think that I’m incompetent. Well, maybe I am.

Cass clearly has an idea, but hasn’t said a word. I need her help, but I also need Jackson to think she’s a proper woman.

Finally she just juts in, “Can I meet with your wife?”

Jackson is okay with the idea and has an aide take her out of the room. Honestly, I’m not even paying attention to what’s happening anymore. It feels like one of those awful Socratic seminars in high school. Just back and forth; trying to get a word in somewhere. Half the time we’re not even on topic. I’m lucky he’s still letting me be here. He seems overly interested in my personal life.

“Can I ask you a question about your wife?”

“Sure,” I mutter.

“Has it been worth it?”

“I don’t understand.” I don’t. What could he possibly be talking about? Is marriage worth it? How would I know? Isn’t he married too? Finally, he opens his mouth,

“She’s a beautiful girl with a beautiful smile. She’s a girl that any man would be a fool not to fall in love with. But, my friend, you need to look inside. She’s got the smile and the laugh and the looks and, maybe even the personality, but is that personality something that can match with yours? No doubt that whoever courts her will be the luckiest man, but Max, you need to think about it. Is all this beauty worth her desire for independence? Worth the attention she’ll forever get from other men?”

I’m nearly stunned by the comment. Yes. Yes. She’s absolutely worth it. Right? There’s nothing wrong with independence. I’m fine with that. But, attention from other men? Like Elliot. Like that Guard a few missions ago. Everyone wants her. I don’t know what about her aurora draws people so much, but it does. Everyone’s always looking at, listening to, following, her. She’s completely mesmerizing.

Jackson and I continue to talk about her, and his wife. And, more about the bank. I can only hope Cass knows what she’s doing. Maybe she just wanted to get away from me. Finally, the Secretary walks in. Jackson is pulled outside and disappears, leaving me alone in the dusty, oval office.

Time passes slowly. I watch the clock: tick tock, tick tock....

Finally the door bursts open and Cass is escorted by a man I haven’t met yet. She gives me a look.

“What?!” I say. She just strengthens the expression on her face.

“I don’t know what that means,” I whisper. She rolls her eyes just as the door opens again.

“Sir, you have a deal,” Jackson says upon returning to the room. I can help but almost gasp. Cass just smiles.

And 3 hours later, he signs the goddamn bill.

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