Chapter 8

EIGHT

The damp, grim walls of the dungeon echoed with the sound of distant drips of water from the musky ceiling. Days had passed with no sign of the giant king or one of his men. Jackson couldn"t help but wonder if Lark and Thorne hadn"t overestimated the importance of the famed stepson.

Jackson"s gaze turned to Barrett, taking in every feature. Despite time in the dark, his skin seemed to glow with a slight otherworldly tinge - what Jackson now knew was his magic glow.

Barrett"s dark hair fell softly over those intense blue eyes that seemed to hold stories untold, and Jackson couldn"t help but wonder what kind of life he led up above before ending up here.

He watched as Barrett shifted slightly, throwing an arm over his head to move away a lock of hair from his face. Jackson"s breath hitched as he imagined what it would feel like to run those fingers through those strands himself. Maybe even trace them down the strong jawline or along those defined shoulders.

It seemed that while the last three days passed with little excitement, Jackson couldn"t take his eyes off Barrett. When Barrett would glance his way, Jackson felt a jolt of electricity coursing through him. His heart beat faster, and his cheeks flushed—two things that never happened to him around anyone.

The dim light of the dungeon didn"t diminish the otherworldly beauty that was Barrett, if anything, it made it more pronounced. His dark hair shifted slightly when he moved, emphasizing the lean muscles of his chest and shoulders.

There was no denying the pull he felt towards this mysterious man from another world. It might turn out to be nothing more than a lustful desire from a man on the brink of the end, but Jackson wasn"t so certain it wasn"t going to become more.

It was surprising how much this near stranger affected him. He looked away, focusing on their meager dinner. Another night of stale bread and water from a small stream that ran through the dungeon.

Yet his mind kept drifting back to the way Barrett"s eyes lit up when he spoke about his home in the clouds.

"How "bout another tale, Jackson?" Thorne"s deep, gravelly voice filled the cell, breaking the silence that often fell between them. His large hands were clasped together, resting on one bent knee, eyes expectant.

Jackson gave an amused snort, happy to think about anything other than the growing attraction for a prince from another world. "I think I"ve gone through my whole life"s worth here, Thorne. I"ve not got much left that won"t bore you to tears. Unless you think hearing about the time a goat ate my auntie"s bloomers could help the boredom."

Lark let out a hearty chuckle, her lean figure leaning against the cell bars. "Now that"s a story I wouldn"t mind hearing."

Barrett cast a knowing smile Jackson"s way, his piercing eyes seemed to shimmer in the dim light

"What about the story of a desperate farmer who saved the lot? That"s one I"m sure none of us would tire of hearing."

A warmth spread through Jackson at the words—partly from the shared laughter, partly from Barrett"s soft gaze that lingered a touch too long. Jackson couldn"t help but wonder at his own feelings, which seemed to bud like springtime flowers even in the winter of their captivity.

"Well," Jackson started, shuffling on the stone floor, "I think we"ve told that one enough considering nothing has changed."

"Speaking" of stories," Thorne cut in, "How "bout you, Barrett? Not often we get a real prince in shackles alongside us." Thorne"s eyes were bright with curiosity.

Barrett"s expression faltered, a shadow dancing over his face, but he quickly masked it with his usual witty charm. "Ah, thrones and crowns aren"t what they"re cracked up to be, my burly blacksmith friend. Besides, I"ve grown quite fond of these shackles. They"re rather becoming, don"t you think?"

The groups laughter rang hollow in the stone chamber. It was a reprieve, but it couldn"t cloak the weight of their captivity, leaving Jackson with yet another thing he enjoyed from Barrett.

The man had clearly lived a hard life, and unlike Jackson, he didn"t allow it to weigh him down. Barrett had all the reasons in the world to mope or curse, and he took none of them.

As the laughter died down, Barrett spoke again. "I know we all overestimated how much my captor values me, but I fear I"m not strong enough to use my magic to break out a distraction any longer." His head fell back against the wall. "Not in the way we wanted."

Barrett moved closer to Jackson, lowering his voice so only the farmer could hear.

"Jackson," he hummed softly, "I may have a plan. But it will require your cooperation."

Jackson tilted his head. "I"m listening, though I thought I already gave my word I'd help before you got me thrown in here."

Barrett scanned their surroundings before he continued in a hushed tone, "My stepfather is hardly intelligent. Some might even consider him one step above a fool. However, he"s also predictable in his desires. I know how his twisted mind works. If we spin the right story, we can still get out and come back for Thorne and Lark." Barrett"s gaze glanced upwards, where the magical orbs serving as cameras eavesdropped.

Jackson followed his gaze and nodded. While he didn"t like the idea of leaving the other two, he knew they"d find a way to get them out.

"And what do you propose we do? A jail fight that leads to an untimely injury?"

Barrett"s face was mere inches from Jackson"s now. "We can trick him into thinking that you"ve fallen in love with me. That you"re going to offer him the realm below in exchange for my hand."

A surge of adrenaline rushed through Jackson"s veins, setting his pulse racing with anticipation at the mere thought of pretending to love Barrett. His heart pounded in his chest, matching the excitement and nerves coursing through his body. The possibility of playing this role sent a thrill through him, making his breath quicken and his hands tremble with exhilaration. Every fiber of his being was on edge, ready for the challenge ahead. He could not think of anything more fitting with the way he"s been watching Barrett.

But you"re not going to let him know that because this isn"t an attraction thing. This is an escape.

Jackson swallowed, finding his voice. "And you think that"ll work? That he"ll let us go "because of a love story?"

"Precisely. He"s invested in the rule of royalty. In heirs." Barrett"s eyes were shimmering with mischief now.

"But, Barrett. . ." Jackson said hesitantly, his voice a mere breath, "You are aware we could never give him one?"

Barrett"s expression softened, a vulnerability peering out from behind his confident facade. "Of course I am, but he is not." Barrett leaned just a hair"s breadth closer. "Let"s give those cameras a show to call every damn giant down here."

Their gazes locked, a charged silence hanging between them. In a heartbeat, Barrett closed the distance, capturing Jackson"s lips in a tender, yet passionate kiss.

The world narrowed to their shared breath and the heat between them.

Jackson"s mind was little more than a chaotic mix of emotions as Barrett"s lips claimed his, sending sparks of electricity through his body. He couldn"t believe they were actually doing this, but he was not going to waste this opportunity.

Barrett"s hand cupped Jackson"s face and pulled him deeper into the kiss, their tongues tangling in a dance that left Jackson dizzy. He had never been kissed like this before, with such intensity and desperation. It was as if they were both trying to convey something through the touch of their lips, something that words could never express.

But as quickly as it began, Barrett pulled away, leaving Jackson breathless and wanting more. They stared at each other for a moment, their chests heaving in unison.

"Was that convincing enough for the spying giants?" Jackson managed to say through ragged breaths.

A mischievous glint appeared in Barrett"s eyes. "I think we can do better."

Before Jackson could process what was happening, Barrett pressed their lips together once again. This time, there was no hesitation or doubt in their actions. His hands roamed freely over each Jackson"s body, pulling him so damn close Jackson couldn"t stop the moan as they came together.

Barrett"s lips were intoxicating, sending waves of pleasure throughout Jackson"s body. His hands roamed over Jackson"s chest and down his sides, pulling him closer with each touch. They moved in perfect sync as if they had been practicing this dance for years.

Jackson gave in to the moment, no longer caring if this was real or just an act. He let his hands tangle in Barrett"s hair.

"You are quite convincing," Barrett breathed against Jackson"s lips. "But we"re not done yet. I want them to see that we can"t keep our hands off each other."

Barrett"s voice was low and seductive, sending shivers down Jackson"s spine. He was not usually the one to be seduced, and the change in role was more than his lust could ignore.

Before he could respond, Barrett claimed his lips once again. This time, there was no holding back—their kisses were hungry and desperate, their bodies pressed tightly together. Jackson"s head spun desire as they continued to explore each other"s mouths.

Barrett"s hands trailed down to the hem of Jackson"s shirt, tugging at it impatiently. Without hesitation, Jackson lifted his arms and allowed Barrett to pull it off. The cool air hit his skin but was quickly forgotten as Barrett"s lips trailed down his neck.

Their movements became more urgent and uninhibited as they explored every inch of each other"s bodies. It was like they were both starving for each other and couldn"t get enough.

"Enough!"

The boom of a voice shook the dungeons, separating Barrett and Jackson with a tumble. Their chests heaving up and down with desire. For a moment, they just stared at each other, hearts racing. His skin was flush and warm. Not even the chill of the dungeon could take that from him.

Barrett stood up, brushing off his breeches, still looking back at Jackson with a mix of desire and determination in his eyes. "I assure you, it"s as interesting as it looked," he quipped.

Jackson gulped audibly, his heart pounding in his ears as he struggled to catch his breath and regain some semblance of normalcy. The taste of Barrett"s lips lingered on his tongue like honey wine—sweet and intoxicating. He couldn"t help but glance between Barrett and the giant, trying to hide the need coursing through him.

It was strange how desire overruled the fear Jackson knew he should tremble with at the sight of the giant - fury etched in his overwhelmingly large features.

"And what have I seen?" The voice didn"t bellow this time, but it was as loud as it had been days before.

"The start of your next power move," Barrett spoke so smoothly Jackson couldn"t help but wonder if the kiss had been only an act for the prince.

"And that means what?" The king snarled.

"Jackson is in charge of large sums of land in the realm below the clouds. And he"s decided that our forced proximity has opened him up to all sorts of ideas." Barrett glanced back at Jackson, a moment of pleading in his eyes. "That we would wed."

"I see," the giant crouched then, an eye as big as Jackson"s head suddenly less than an inch away.

It took everything in him not to scream or jump away.

This close up, every pore on his skin was like a city block; every crevice and wrinkle could house entire villages. The muscles in his arm rippled as the giant flexed them casually, causing small tremors in the ground they stood on.

"And what does this have to do with me?" The giant"s breath was foul, like dirty gym socks laid in vomit for a few days.

Now you talk to help.

"Through our marriage, you would have a claim to parts of both realms. Your power and riches would double, and I will show you how I came to be here so you might use it for your own means." His heart now slammed in his chest from fear, not desire, and Jackson much preferred the former.

"But you must allow us to gain access to things from his realm that would make your claim to the land official." Barrett stepped up and took Jackson"s hand.

"He may leave on his own."

"Not possible," Jackson squeaked. "Umm, the certificate we need, it requires the legal signature of both parties."

The giant pulled away then, letting loose a gust of wind. "I see. Let me think till morning."

As the giant left the chamber, the floor trembled under his footsteps.

Seconds passed in silence before Jackson"s heart slowly began to calm. His eyes found Barrett"s, and he was shocked to see Barrett"s gaze alive with joy.

"It"s going to work!"

"Yeah, and what about us?" Thorne called through the bars.

"We"re going to break free and get me home. My kingdom will come back. I swear it."

As the realization sunk in, Jackson"s stomach twisted and turned, a nauseating reminder that they would have to leave Thorne and Lark behind. The thought weighed heavily on his mind, tainting the excitement and anticipation of their upcoming journey. He couldn"t imagine venturing into the unknown without his two closest friends by his side. A sense of melancholy settled over him like a dark cloud, dimming the once-bright horizon ahead. Yet, he knew this was a necessary sacrifice for their mission. With a heavy heart, he grudgingly accepted their fate and prepared for what lay ahead.

"We trust you," Lark spoke, the falcon crying his agreement.

"Aye. Just don"t forget." Thorne added.

And that, for now, had to be enough for Jackson to keep going.