61. Jasmine

61

JASMINE

A s Jasmine and Ell-rom emerged from his room, they were greeted by the warm smiles of Julian and Gertrude.

"Congratulations, Ell-rom." Julian clapped him on his back. "Another milestone achieved. You've graduated to independent living."

"Thank you," Ell-rom replied with a shy smile. "I wish your words were true and I was really independent, but it's a step in the right direction."

Julian's expression softened. "Every journey is made one step at a time, and you are taking a big one today." He gently clapped Ell-rom on the back again. "Enjoy your new lodging and come back tomorrow at ten for our daily checkup and pool physiotherapy session. Don't forget your swimming trunks."

As Ell-rom nodded, Jasmine made a mental note to talk to Julian later and write down the prince's appointment schedule. It would be her job to stay on top of that and make sure that he showed up on time, wearing the proper attire for the activity.

"I'll make sure he is here." Jasmine moved the strap of her heavy duffel bag to her other arm. "I left some of my things under the bed. I'll come back later to get them."

Julian's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I'll help you get everything up to the penthouse in one go."

She hesitated. "That's okay. I can come back for my stuff later." She didn't want him to see the sleeping bag and rolled-up camping mattress that she'd hidden under the bed.

He laughed. "We all know what's under the bed. I would have offered you a cot, but I didn't want to embarrass you."

She should have known they'd be aware of her makeshift sleeping arrangement, and she would have thanked him for the cot, not been embarrassed by it, but it was too late for that now.

As Julian ducked into Ell-rom's room, Gertrude stepped forward and enveloped Jasmine in a warm hug. "We're going to miss having you perform for us. It's going to be boring without you." She moved to gently hug Ell-rom next. "Don't worry about your sister. We will take good care of her."

"I know. Thank you. You were incredible."

Jasmine laughed. "Isn't this a bit much? It's not like we're parting ways forever. We'll be back here tomorrow, and I will sing again. I'll even do requests."

Gertrude's eyes brightened. "Can you sing 'I Will Always Love You'?"

"With pleasure. It's one of my favorites."

"Thank you." Gertrude looked as giddy as a little girl.

Jasmine swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. This place had been their safe haven, a cocoon where Ell-rom had begun his recovery and where their relationship had blossomed. Leaving it felt significant, like finishing one chapter and starting another.

Julian emerged from the room with the sleeping bag and the rolled-up mattress and reached for her duffle bag. "Allow me."

"It's okay. You are already carrying enough."

He snorted. "Don't be silly. I'm an immortal. I could carry you on one arm and Ell-rom on the other if I needed to. This is nothing."

"Well, if you put it that way." She handed him the bag.

Ell-rom sighed. "I can't wait for the day I will be able to say that. Right now, I can barely carry myself." He leaned on his walker.

"Patience, my friend," Julian said as Gertrude opened the front door of the clinic for them and held it open.

As the door closed behind them, Jasmine felt a flutter of excitement. This was it, the start of their new life together.

Julian led them to the elevator that would take them directly to the penthouse.

Ell-rom had only ridden it one floor down, so he wasn't prepared for the speed as the elevator surged up, accelerated, and then seemed to be slowing aggressively. As the doors slid open, he was unsteady on his feet.

Julian glanced at him. "Dizzy?"

"A little. I didn't expect that." He followed Julian out and gasped as he saw the opulent vestibule.

Jasmine turned to watch his reaction, following his eyes as he took in the mosaic floor and then the domed ceiling with its elegant mural.

At the center stood a massive stone table, and atop it sat an enormous marble vase with fresh flowers, their vibrant colors and heady fragrance filling the space.

Ell-rom approached the flowers, leaned in, and inhaled deeply. "Wow, this is incredible."

Jasmine remembered how she'd felt the first time she had seen the space, but after passing through this vestibule countless times, she'd grown accustomed to its grandeur. Seeing it again through Ell-rom's eyes reminded her of her own first impression.

"Is this how everyone on Earth lives?" Ell-rom asked.

Jasmine laughed. "Not even close. This is exceptionally luxurious by Earth's standards. And you haven't seen anything yet."

She strode towards the large double doors at the far end of the vestibule, pausing for a moment with her hands on the ornate handles and savoring the moment. Then, with a flourish, she flung the doors wide open.

"Welcome to your new home, Ell-rom." She gestured for him to step through.