8. Basilious
BASILIOUS
T he summer sun felt warm on Basil's fur, and he savored the sensation as he walked through the castle gardens. He felt a sense of rightness he'd not felt in a long time. His reason for that feeling was, admittedly, a bit worrying, but he felt it all the same.
Certainly, there would be things to work out for him to be with Lunette. It was possible she wouldn't want that, though, and he could live with that—he'd never keep her in a partnership she didn't want.
Basil's father had never been a particularly strong emotional presence for him, and his mother had passed on when he was rather young.
It had fallen to others to nurture relationships with Basil when he was a youth, and now he sought out one of his most beloved friends.
Nekos had been a gardener at the castle for most of his life—his black fur reflected the sun a bit with its silky sheen as Basil approached.
He knelt next to a rose bush, carefully pruning its branches.
"Nekos, how fare the roses this fine day? "
"Ah, Basil, it's good to see you. The roses are enjoying the sun nearly as much as I am.
How are you? There's a buzz about the castle that we're to expect some happy news from you this week?
" Basil's stomach dropped at that. He had come here for his mentor's advice, but now he felt it difficult to find the words. Nekos picked up on his trepidation.
"By the look on your face it would seem this decision is not yet made… did your advisors force your hand?" Nekos' tone was carefully neutral. He'd always had a bit of a dislike for Turios in particular.
"They did, but you'll be surprised to know Turios was the only one to remain silent on the subject.
The rest of them feel it is time I bring the security and stability that Delkos deserves by starting a family.
I can go it alone, but you know I've always longed for a partnership. Though I’ve yet to meet anyone who had that sort of interest in me that didn't have some ulterior motive.
I may as well choose someone suitable and be done with it.
" Basil was trying to convince himself with his words.
"And do you have someone in mind?" Nekos' gaze probed Basil's face, searching for any hidden truths.
"Well…there is Lord Mizen—he's very well respected and kind. He would make a find consort and partner. Or, Lady Rask, my friend from childhood. But…" Basil trailed off. Images of Lunette played in his mind, the scent of her fresh in his memory, and his heart longed for her.
"There is someone else?" The hint of a smile played on Nekos' mouth, and Basil knew the older minotaur had him completely figured out.
"There is. Her name is Lunette, but there are so many reasons we shouldn't be together. She's not from Delkos, only visiting, and…" Basil wasn't usually this ineloquent, but he wasn't sure how much of the situation to reveal, even to someone he trusted as much as Nekos.
"When something is worth chasing, it is worth navigating the obstacles as well.
Your heart knows your answer, Basil. You have the look of a minotaur who's imprinted.
" Nekos chuckled and patted Basil's shoulder.
Basil felt his brow crease with worry; he did know what he wanted, but there were so many uncertainties.
He supposed the least he could do was just talk with her—she really had seemed eager to come back tonight.
"You'll find your path, as you always do Basil. Just trust your instincts, they've yet to lead you astray."