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“A walk is an excellent idea. Come with me. I will show you the conservatory.”
I found out the word meant a garden. A massive, lush garden that grew inside, not out. Trees towered in the multi-level space and strained to reach the many windows.
Flowers. Foliage. And… I rushed toward it, unable to believe my eyes. “A waterfall!” A thing mentioned only in story because the concept of enough water that it could keep falling eluded my way of thinking.
The King joined me. “Before you wonder, the water comes from the mountain itself. A never-ending stream, which is why the city is blessed with so many wells.” He pointed to the overflowing basin. The water sluiced over its sides into grates. “There is a lake underground that we have piped to feed the city.”
“That’s amazing.” I’d never imagined how we got our water, only that we were lucky to have a plentiful supply.
“It is. But the aqueduct system was built so long ago that there’s no record of it. I can only hope nothing ever happens to the flow.” He didn’t need to finish that thought. No flow meant the city would go dry, certain death in the desert.
“Isn’t this rather extravagant, though?” I waved a hand at the waterfall.
“Yes, but I didn’t build it.”
I whirled from the splashing water to glance at the conservatory, fragrant with growing things. “I’m surprised to see this paradise empty.”
“I ensured it would be.”
I should have been thrilled he’d given us privacy, and yet I sensed an edge to the King. He appeared tense. Worried about me? He should be, but at the same time, I should show caution. I’d wager his guards were nearby even if I’d not spotted any signs.
“And why did you want to be alone?”
“Isn’t that what you want? To be here with me?” He stepped close enough I shivered and had to look up to see his eyes.
“I’d rather retain my reputation. Or are you trying to ruin me?”
“Is that a hint I should marry you?”
My mouth rounded. “No. Never. We can’t,” I huffed, only to realize too late that, in my role, I should be eager for the chance.
“I hate that word. Never.” He pursed his lips and reached for a strand of my hair, curling it around a finger.
I didn’t retreat, despite the fact he overwhelmed my senses. The King had a presence about him. An allure I found hard to resist. And trust me, I’d resisted a good many in my career. So why did I want him to do more than just verbally flirt?
“People will mostly likely talk about the fact you brought me here alone. It’s like you want me to be set upon by your potential brides,” I remarked.
“They better not dare.” A grim promise.
“I have to wonder why you’d risk their displeasure when we know I won’t be here long.”
“I don’t care what they think.”
“Obviously or you wouldn’t have dragged me off.”
“Dragged?”
“As if I had a choice. If a king says come with me, a guest can’t exactly say no.”
“You’re not afraid to tell me no,” he stated.
He wasn’t wrong. “Someone has to have the courage to refuse. Wouldn’t want you to get too arrogant or pompous.”
His lips quirked. “I like being arrogant.”
“It shows,” I replied dryly.
He chuckled. “Thank you.”
