Page 14 of A Crown of Hopes and Sorrows

Warmth flooded through me, fizzling along my limbs, sinking down in my stomach. “Yes, it’s a good idea.”

“Come on, then. We should ask them, and we all need to have winter coats made.”

“Oh, I will absolutely join you for that.”

The crowds thinned as we grew closer to the palace. “You’re excited to get fitted for a coat?”

“Not even remotely,” I said. “But if you think I’m going to leave it up to you for what style you choose, you’re dead wrong.”

He clicked his tongue. “I have excellent taste in clothing.”

“That’s nice. I would like to choose a coat with terrible tastes, please.”

He shook his head as we reached the palace gates and stepped inside, separating from his guards. “Maybe one day I’ll rub off on you, golden boy.”

“Maybe.” We’d finally separated from the eyes of the city, and I leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Or, more likely,” I whispered, “it will never happen.”

He burst into a laugh, his breath warming my neck, and we peeled apart. “Is there anything else you need before we leave?”

I considered not answering. I’d spent my whole life keeping a distance, swallowing my thoughts and wishes and hopes back. But with Hyacinth, I could be something terrifying—vulnerable. Wind rattled leaves on the tree above us together, and I lifted my face to its spreading bough. “There’s nothing I need, but there’s something I’d like to have.”

Hyacinth cocked his head to the side. “What would that be?”

I fiddled with the straps of my knapsack. “You know the folio I have, with poetry in it?”

He nodded, and his eyes sparkled with interest. He knew I carried that around because it reminded me of him.

“I wondered if you might… write a poem for me.” I lifted my face to meet his gaze. “In it, I mean.” I shook my head. “Only if you wanted to, though.”

We’d soon face this trip where we had to pretend to not be together, where he’d interact with a past lover of his. A pinch of insecurity made me want to cling to him, to have some piece of him. And I knew I’d cherish something that he’d put his hand to, had poured out some piece of his heart into.

Hyacinth leaned in, his lips pulling up into a gentle smile. He kissed me before speaking. “Of course, I will… but you’ll have to give me some time to think through it. I’m intimidated now.”

I scoffed and started walking again. “Don’t be. You could write anything, and I’d treasure it.”

He smirked and looked out the side of his eyes at me. “It’ll have to be something worthy if it’s going to get a revered spot in your bag.”

I laughed but slid my fingers between his as we headed back towards the palace.

6

Hyacinth

Temi’s travel party gathered by the stables. Two dozen guards already sat on their horses. Emrin and Father walked over to Epiphany, Father squeezing her in his arms while Apollo chatted with his sister. Valerian held the reins of a horse that Temi mounted.

“Valerian.” I lifted my chin, and he strode over to me. “A minute?”

He grinned. “Have you come to give me your heartfelt goodbyes?” He pressed his fingers to his chest, dimpling his uniform. “Will a few months without my presence in your life devastate you?”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, that’s it.” I pulled my crown off and scratched over my hair. “No, I wanted to talk with you about Epiphany.”

His lips parted, and he hesitated a moment before he spoke. “Epiphany?”

“Yes.” I plopped the crown back on my head. “I know there is a guard with your group, but I want to ask if you’d keep an eye out for her. She’s never traveled independently beyond the city before.”

He chuckled. “Are you worried? It’s good I’m going on this trip then, isn’t it? Should bandits set upon us, think how helpful I’ll be?” He smirked. “I mean, someone must mind the horses while Temi and Pip kick their asses.”

I huffed a sigh. “I’m serious, Val.”