Page 34 of A Heart Too Tender

The silence stretched between us but it wasn’t uncomfortable; it felt like the swelling of the tide.

“What would you like to discuss?” He tilted his head and the torchlight gleamed golden on his tanned skin. He was so beautiful. His lips twitched with a smirk.

I shook my head. “I do not remember, the magic of this place has confounded me once again.”

Julian snorted. “There’s a lot more to this place that would warrant such a high opinion, like the lake, and old willow, now that’s magical.”

“How so?”

Julian grinned and his eyes twinkled like starlight. “The willow might be the oldest tree in our kingdom, and when the wind blows through its long sweeping branches it sounds as if it’s singing.” I gasped, but he continued. “On a clear night, the moonlight reflects upon the lake’s surface and the light dances to the willow’s song.”

It did sound magical, and I found myself longing to see it. “Is it within walking distance?”

“It is. Would you want to go?”

This time I chuckled. “Of course I do. You can’t tell me there is a magical place nearby and not expect me to want to see it.”

His grin was contagious, a twin to it now lighting up my face. “How about a stroll after dinner, and I can show you?”

“I would love that,” I replied.

Two servants appeared with trays and began dishing the food onto our plates. Mixed green salad, a lemony smelling fish, and tiny golden potatoes. It smelled savory, and yet light. We ate contentedly in silence for a while, until most of our plates were nearly empty.

“Is the food here always this pleasant?” I asked, hiding my mouth behind my hand as I finished swallowing.

“Yes,” Julian agreed. “It’s even better in the fall when the desserts are all sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar.”

“That sounds divine. I wonder what kind of food they serve at the palace in Wimberley …”

“It’s much the same,” Julian replied. “The King and Queen have their staples that make an appearance weekly. Theodora prefers savory and Odo prefers sweet. But it’s just a rotation of their favorites.”

He spoke so intimately about the king and queen, using their given names, I felt my eyes widen and jaw drop.

Julian froze with his fork suspended in midair. “I’m quite close to them, you see.”

My lips quirked to the side and I covered my mouth to contain my laughter. “I would hope so, given how causally you just spoke of our majesties.”

Julian rolled his eyes. “They’re not quite so stuffy in private. It was a slip of the tongue. They wouldn’t see me punished should anyone overhear us.”

“I would hope not,” I agreed. “You’re my only friend here now that Zuri is gone—besides Maude.”

Julian choked out a laugh before clearing his throat with a sip of wine. “And how is Maude? Is she treating you well?”

“She is the most wonderful lady,” I breathed, placing a hand to my chest.

Julian lifted his napkin and dabbed at his face. “She is. Would you like to take that walk now?”

I pushed away from the table and hopped up. “I would love to.”

Julian offered me his arm and led me off the patio, our steps in sync, and the nearness of his body kept the evening chill off mine.

“In the summer, there are thousands of tiny white flowers that bloom in this field,” he gestured to the open land to the right of us. “The pixies harvest their petals for their houses and wares, but they only pick them at twilight so their wings sparkle like tiny little stars.”

I sighed dreamily and imagined how ethereal a sight that would be.

“I couldn’t imagine what growing up here must have been like,” I said, looking up at him. His profile was highlighted by the moonlight and I had to admit he cut quite a dashing figure. The scars were just barely visible on his other cheek but made him appear roguish in nature.

“What was Silver Hills like?”