Page 47 of Many Ruined Vows on a Forbidden Frolic

“They may not seem it, but Aevumoon Irises are more alive than most plants in Eldrunna. They don’t often decide to lay down their lives for our use.”

“That’s incredible.” I trace little circles on Pikr’s chest. He must’ve seen thousands of living plants and magic flora during his travels. “I knew they were special, but I suppose I romanticize places I’ve never been.”

“You are nurtured by the Wise Ones. Have you ever sensed a presence in this field, something beyond what others describe?”

I think for a moment. I’d always assumed everyone felt the power in the Spiritgrove so deeply that it drew them closer. The thought that I was special never occurred to me. Being near the Aevumoon Iris field settles my heart.

“There was one thing, but I never attributed it to anything extraordinary.” I tap my chin as I recall one of my cherished memories. “It was springtime, and I was gathering hyacinth and swanflower for my crowns. Usually I don’t wander past the ridge, but that day, I spied a luminberry petal. There was a whole trail of them leading to the grove.”

“Unusual.”

“Yes, and what’s more,” I press my palm against his chest, my words spilling forth in excitement. “When I reached the hill, there was a brightbloom deer, right there, in the Spiritgrove!”

Pikr’s brows rise. He places a hand over mine. “Very few are granted the honor of seeing the creature who heralds good omens.”

“Her branches were lush with pink blossoms and glowing luminberries. She had a baby with her. They stood at the edge, watching me. I dared not move!” I laugh, recalling the way my heart had thundered, our staring match lasting a full minute. “Then she shook her branches and ran off with her baby.”

“Incredible.” He places a hand over mine on his chest. “What did you do?”

“I waited until I knew they were far enough away not to perceive me as a threat, then gathered all the blossoms!” I laugh.

Pikr laughs along, releasing my hand to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Braver than a volcano diver. Not many would risk getting close.”

“What was I to do? Leave the petals? They were perfect for my debut gown.” His eyes widen at the realization that my gown’s blossoms were real. I shrug. “She wouldn’t have left them if she didn’t want me to have them, right?”

“Right.” Pikr chuckles again, shaking his head. “I cannot believe I didn’t make the connection sooner.”

“You’re a dull-brained barbarian. It’s in your nature,” I tease. He gives me a scalding glare askance, and I giggle. I turn my gaze to the stars that twinkle with mischief between frilled iris petals. “Are there many places between Svitaeryl and Ashfall Valley with rare magical ingredients?”

“Oh yes, and many I’ve yet to explore.”

“Does your sensitivity to magic help you locate them?”

“Mhmm.” He snakes an arm around me, running the backs of his nails up and down my arm. “Why do you ask?”

“No reason,” I fib. “I imagine there are mesmerizing plants and exotic flowers that would make lovely crowns.”

“There are many plants with such potential. I have some books at the forge that may interest you.”

“Oh! You said this sensitivity I have is helpful with enchantments?” I ask. He nods. “I wonder if I could use it to make a difference to someone, somewhere. Like you do with the weapons you forge for portal-watchers.”

“A beautiful idea.” He kisses my forehead. “Although, my enchantments usually lead to bloodshed.”

“Not all. Some provide food for hungry bellies, or defense for the underprivileged.”

Pikr smiles, and for some reason the intensity in his gaze makes my cheeks warm. “You’ve always seen the best in people.”

“Well, I was right about you, once you withdrew your dense head from your arse.” I shrug. A breeze sends a chill over my skin, and I snuggle into his warmth. “Otherwise we wouldn’t be here, with your seed spilling from me like an overstuffed cream horn pastry.”

Pikr bursts out with laughter, his chest reverberating against my cheek. “Your wisdom is beyond your years.”

“It’s odd. My whole life, I questioned Mother’s mad ramblings, and now, I find them to be true.”

Pikr hums contemplatively. “Queen Soreivsanna was wise before we ever discovered her connection to the roots. I vow to heed her word more closely in the future.”

“I will as well.”

“But it isn’t only your mother who possesses a gift.” He goes quiet for a moment, then asks, “Do you know that the peridot gem is very rare?”