Page 13 of Diamond Queen
Jason nodded, “You wait here, let me go.” He kissed her forehead and pushed through the shrubbery.
Dimitra watched as he approached an elderly man. She could only see Jason’s backside, but the expression the man held gave her hope. Jason shook his hand and met her back behind the greenery.
“He says we can stay with him.”
“Did he tell you where we are?”
“Yes… we’re in the Ruby Kingdom. He said the castle is thirty minutes from here and that he can take us there once we’ve rested and cleaned up. Let’s go. He’s parked over there.”
Jason pointed toward an older truck, “Can we trust him?” Dimitra asked, unsure what to do.
“I believe so. His brother is a guard at the castle. I think this is our best chance. Plus… I didn’t tell him who you were. I just said we’d been held prisoner and needed to get word to the castle.”
“Fine.” Dimitra took his hand and hurried to the awaiting car. Jason ushered her inside the cab and crawled in beside her. It was a tight squeeze, causing Dimitra to be pressed against the older man. She kept her head down, hoping to keep her identity a secret, but she was the Diamond Queen, and anyone who was anyone knew who she was.
“Holy shit,” the man’s gruff voice filled the cab, “You’re the Diamond Queen.”
“Please,” Dimitra looked at him, her eyes begging him for help. “No one can know I’m alive just yet. It’s imperative to the kingdom’s safety.”
“Everyone has been praying for your return…” he shook his head and pulled onto the road, “I’ll do anything I can to help you, your Majesty.”
“Thank you…” she tilted her head, “I don’t know your name.”
“Dylan Camp, ma’am. My brother is a guard for the Ruby Queen. You’re safe with me, I promise.”
“Thank you.” Dimitra relaxed against Jason as he drove in silence. It didn’t take long to arrive at his house. It wasn’t a large abode, but it looked like a castle compared to where they’d been held captive.
“Here we are.” He turned off the engine. “Let’s get you inside.”
Jason and Dimitra followed him into the house. He was greeted by an elderly woman, her eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw Dimitra and Jason behind him.
“Holy Shit,” her sweet voice filled the room, “Dylan… why is the Queen standing behind you?”
“Dottie…” he shook his head and glanced at the duo, “I’m sorry. My wife is a pistol and doesn’t have a filter.”
“It’s quite alright. I imagine anyone would react this way. Mrs. Camp, Jason, and I are in a bit of a pickle, and your husband was kind enough to help us.”
“Oh… Of course,” she grabbed her hand, “How rude of me. Come – let’s get you two comfortable. Have you eaten?”
As if on cue, Dimitra’s stomach rumbled. “Only some berries in the forest. We’ve been running for a few days.”
“That won’t do. Let me take you upstairs. You can use my daughter's room – she’s gone to school. You are about her size, so use anything in the closet. And you,” she turned to Jason, “I’ll have my husband bring you some sweats. Nothing else will fit your humongous body.” She giggled as she led them upstairs. “Now… there’s the shower. Get washed up, and Dylan and I will get some food cooking.”
“Thank you.” Dimitra smiled, “You have no idea how much this means to me. I promise you and your husband will be compensated for this.”
“Nonsense. This is what good people do for those in need.”
Dimitra sighed as she shut her and Jason in the room. She walked toward the attached bathroom, “I can’t remember the last time I showered in a real bathroom.”
Jason gave her a small grin, “Can I join you?”
“I was hoping you’d ask. Being away from you scares me right now.”
Jason followed her into the tiny room and helped her strip out of the tattered shirt. He tossed her dirty bra to the floor and helped her remove her panties. He quickly removed what he had on and turned on the water.
For the first time in a long time, he felt like there was a chance for them. They had the ball in their court. Now, they just needed to figure out what to do with it.
Chapter 20
