“She seemed to be managing fine without you.” There is a new tone in Iann’s voice. One I have yet to hear. One that makes him equal parts terrifying and attractive.
“Sky was just helping me with a spill.” I find a lie quickly. “Accidentally knocked over a glass.” I grab the stems of the glasses and hand one to Iann. “Here is your drink. Thank you for your help, Sky.”
“Anytime.” He gives Iann a taunting smirk and throws a dagger-filled glare my way.
“How about a walk?” Iann whispers near my ear.
I nod and follow his lead as we head towards the door to the back garden. Sky tries to get my attention one last time but it’s too late.
Outside, a breeze picks up and luminosity beams down on the kingdom from a full moon. We walk onto a stone courtyard, stretching from the back of the house. Dozens of lanterns brighten the area, revealing other smaller groups chatting amongst themselves.
Iann takes a sip of the champagne downing it before grimacing.
“Not good?” Too much mix must have thrown off the taste.
“Champagne has never been my drink of choice.”
Taking a sip of my own, I’m hit with a fizzy tartness that has me clicking the roof of my mouth. I force down a sizable gulp and set it aside. “Nor mine.” Beyond the courtyard, down several steps, is a rose garden and the reason for the house’s name. “Shall we continue?”
“Alright.”
We continue on. Even in the dark, the garden is still vibrant, holding enough light to brighten our path.
“This might be odd, but I got you a gift.” He searches through the pockets of his coat.
“For me?” Not odd, but surprising.
“A celebratory gift for the fox hunt. I told Eli what I wanted and he came back with a few options. This design is my favorite.”
In my open palms he places a small vessel coated in gold filigree. Embedded into the shiny metal are flourishing designs of blooming flowers, twisting vines, and a few hummingbirds.
Without a thought, I pull the worn canister from my being and swap the needles, placing them gently inside my new gift.
“You really didn’t have to, but it’s perfect. Thank you.”
Moving along we walk in a blissful silence, before I’m reminded of our events from earlier.
“Oh, you never told me, did that experiment of yours work?” I already know the truth, but not from him.
“It did.”
“And? What happened?”
He looks around the garden, making sure no one else is nearby. “The relic is enchanted. The water allowed it to show us a map,” he says with much enthusiasm. Already tasting the adventure the map can lead him to.
“A map of what?” Sharp lines cut into his face as he tightens his jaw. Maybe it is too soon to ask.
“I trust you, Ariah,” he blurts out. “I’m not sure why. We haven’t known each other very long, but I do. If I tell you, do you promise not to tell anyone?” I struggle with a nod. It’s as if pins prick me from the inside out. Forcing up an answer. “I need you to say it.”
The Queen will hate me for this but there is something within me that desires his secrets. Not to share, but to hold.
“I promise,” I whisper.
“We believe Fraya found the Ivian Flower.” He moves closer to me, inches away, but still too far. “I know you might not believe in it, but I do think it exists.” His head leans into mine and then suddenly snaps back. “We should continue.”
I’m left not wanting him to pull back. I want the kiss he clearly wants to give me. I want to taste him and feel hisweight pinned against me. Suddenly my earlier threat about not wanting him to touch me is gone. It’s different. He’s different.
“Will you come with me? Well…not with me, with me.” He flounders with his words. “Would you like to come with us? You could even bring Chana if you’d like. It is my intention to ask the Queen for access to explore Farella Isle. You could have an adventure of your own. You would no longer have to live through anyone else’s story.”
