Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 151: Jasper and Princess Sera II...

Chapter 151: Jasper and Princess Sera II...

Jasper chuckled, then tilted his head. "So, what are you doing out here, really?"

Sera didn’t answer right away. She plucked another grape from the bunch, rolling it between her fingers. "I was supposed to stay back," she admitted. "My brother insisted."

Jasper arched a brow. "Yeah, you mentioned earlier. You’re supposed to remain in Okaenshaw."

"More like remain unseen," she corrected, sighing. "It’s always the same—stay put, be proper, don’t cause trouble." She popped the grape into her mouth and chewed slowly. "Which, I suppose, is fair since I tend to do all of the above."

Jasper folded his arms, watching her carefully. "And yet, here you are."

"Here I am," she echoed, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "I wanted to see the town, the people. You can’t understand a place if you only ever see it from inside a gilded cage."

Jasper nodded slowly. "And your brother? I assume he wouldn’t be too pleased if he knew you were sneaking out?"

Sera scoffed. "Kyle? He’d throw a fit." She tossed a piece of bread between her hands, her tone laced with amusement. "But what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him."

Jasper let out a low hum. "And yet, if someone catches you, that’ll be quite the scandal."

Sera leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on her knees, her violet eyes gleaming. "Then I suppose I should be careful about who sees me."

Jasper shook his head, amused by her lack of concern. He studied her for a moment before his gaze flickered toward the carriage behind her. "Where exactly were you planning to sleep tonight?"

Sera blinked. Then she glanced at the carriage—the one stuffed with boxes and supplies for OakenShaw.

A slow grimace crossed her face. "I was hoping inspiration would strike."

Jasper let out a soft laugh. "So, nowhere?"

Sera sighed dramatically. "Nowhere."

Jasper thought for a moment before exhaling. "I might have an idea."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued. "Do tell."

"There’s a cabin. It actually belongs to the prince," Jasper said casually. "But considering how occupied he is with... current matters, I don’t think he plans on using it anytime soon." He shot her a knowing look. "So, you can have it."

Sera straightened slightly, a glint of curiosity in her gaze. "And what exactly would be the catch?"

Jasper smirked. "No catch. Just don’t burn it down."

Sera laughed, shaking her head. "I’ll try my best."

Jasper rolled his shoulders. "It’s not far from here. I’ll take you there, but you’ll need something less..." he gestured vaguely at her rich, finely woven cloak, "conspicuous if you actually want to see the town without half of Arcadia recognising you."

Sera gave him a teasing look. "You offering to find me something, Jasper?"

He tilted his head. "If you ask nicely."

She placed a hand over her heart, feigning seriousness. "Oh, gracious Jasper, kind and generous, would you be ever so helpful and bring me commoner clothes so I may walk among the peasants?"

Jasper snorted. "That was painful to listen to."

She grinned. "But did it work?"

Jasper let out a sigh, shaking his head. "I’ll see what I can find."

Sera gave him a small, satisfied nod. "Good. I’d hate to be trapped in this ridiculous gown when there’s an entire city waiting to be explored."

Jasper studied her for a moment longer before turning to leave.

"Don’t wander off," he said over his shoulder.

Sera leaned back against the carriage, smirking. "No promises."

Jasper rolled his eyes and disappeared into the night.

And for the first time in a long while, Seraphina found herself looking forward to what came next.

**********

Jasper returned within the hour, a small bundle of neatly folded clothes tucked under his arm. Seraphina was still lounging against the carriage, her silver hair illuminated by the soft glow of the moon.

At the sight of him, she smirked. "You’re surprisingly efficient."

Jasper tossed the bundle onto her lap. "And you ask too many questions."

She held up the clothes, inspecting them. They were simple—a plain tunic, a dark cloak, and trousers. Definitely not made for royalty.

"Where did you get these?" she asked, her violet eyes flicking up to him.

Jasper smirked. "It’s better you don’t know."

Sera arched a brow. "That suspicious, huh?"

"They’re clean. That’s all that matters."

She let out a soft chuckle before setting them aside. "Fair enough." Stretching her arms above her head, she let out a yawn. "Alright then, I suppose it’s time to rest."

Jasper nodded toward the tray of half-eaten food. "And what about that?"

Sera glanced at it before shrugging. "You’re the one who brought it. Your problem."

Jasper rolled his eyes before crouching down and sliding the tray beneath the carriage. "I’ll pick it up on my way back."

Satisfied, Sera dusted off her cloak and smirked. "Okay then. Lead the way, Jasper."

**********

The walk to the cabin was quiet at first, save for the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet. The cool night breeze carried the scent of pine and damp earth, and somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted.

After a moment, Sera glanced at Jasper. "So, tell me something. What are the places I should look forward to seeing while I’m here?"

Jasper considered her question before answering. "Depends on what you’re looking for. The main square is always lively, especially in the mornings. There’s a market near the east district—lots of unique finds if you know where to look. Then there’s the observatory on the far side of the palace grounds—good view of the entire kingdom."

Sera nodded as she listened. "Noted."

Jasper shot her a glance. "And I’m guessing you’re already thinking of how to locate them?"

She smirked. "I can find my way."

"Of course." Jasper chuckled. "Worse scenario? You get lost in a kingdom you don’t know."

Sera gave him a sideways look. "Are you offering to be my tour guide?"

Jasper hesitated before admitting, "I don’t know. I’d love to, but my schedule is... unpredictable."

Sera hummed as if considering this. Then she smirked. "Ahhh, I see. He’s hardworking."

Jasper feigned a look of exaggerated pride. "I mean, I do need to be around to ensure the prince’s life moves smoothly."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "And I suppose that makes you very important, huh?"

Jasper smirked. "Finally, you understand."

The conversation carried them the rest of the way, their steps falling in sync as they neared the dark silhouette of the cabin nestled between the trees.

And for the first time that night, Jasper realized just how easy it was to talk to her.