Chapter 22 Ariah #3
We continue on. Even in the dark, the garden is still vibrant, holding enough light to brighten our path.
“This might be odd, but I got you a gift.” He searches through the pockets of his coat.
“For me?” Not odd, but surprising.
“A celebratory gift for the fox hunt. I told Eli what I wanted and he came back with a few options. This design is my favorite.”
In my open palms he places a small vessel coated in gold filigree. Embedded into the shiny metal are flourishing designs of blooming flowers, twisting vines, and a few hummingbirds.
Without a thought, I pull the worn canister from my being and swap the needles, placing them gently inside my new gift.
“You really didn’t have to, but it’s perfect. Thank you.”
Moving along we walk in a blissful silence, before I’m reminded of our events from earlier.
“Oh, you never told me, did that experiment of yours work?” I already know the truth, but not from him.
“It did.”
“And? What happened?”
He looks around the garden, making sure no one else is nearby. “The relic is enchanted. The water allowed it to show us a map,” he says with much enthusiasm. Already tasting the adventure the map can lead him to.
“A map of what?” Sharp lines cut into his face as he tightens his jaw. Maybe it is too soon to ask.
“I trust you, Ariah,” he blurts out. “I’m not sure why. We haven’t known each other very long, but I do. If I tell you, do you promise not to tell anyone?” I struggle with a nod. It’s as if pins prick me from the inside out. Forcing up an answer. “I need you to say it.”
The Queen will hate me for this but there is something within me that desires his secrets. Not to share, but to hold.
“I promise,” I whisper.
“We believe Fraya found the Ivian Flower.” He moves closer to me, inches away, but still too far. “I know you might not believe in it, but I do think it exists.” His head leans into mine and then suddenly snaps back. “We should continue.”
I’m left not wanting him to pull back. I want the kiss he clearly wants to give me. I want to taste him and feel his weight pinned against me. Suddenly my earlier threat about not wanting him to touch me is gone. It’s different. He’s different.
“Will you come with me? Well…not with me, with me.” He flounders with his words.
“Would you like to come with us? You could even bring Chana if you’d like.
It is my intention to ask the Queen for access to explore Farella Isle.
You could have an adventure of your own.
You would no longer have to live through anyone else’s story. ”
“Me?”
He laughs. “I know your life is here so I understand if you can’t.”
There is nothing I want more than an adventure. It’s the reason I left Foxhead, the reason I accepted the Queen’s offer. Never did I think a new opportunity would present itself, let alone from none other than a prince.
“I can’t.” My response is quick and I see the way it hits him, crushing any hope he holds. “Iann, I can’t leave. At least not yet.”
“May I ask why?”
“I’m here to pay off my parents’ debt. They owe the Queen, and it was either this or getting married to Beetlerum.” The verbal outpour is unwanted and unstoppable. I didn’t even have a chance to sift through the words.
My body stiffens realizing Sky’s warning. The enchanted mixture.
“Married?” He looks disappointed.
“Yes. My village elders like to arrange marriages. Well, only if they get something out of the bargain. They tried to do it with me, but I told them no.” There is no filtering through my words, they come out as they please.
“I’m sure you’re familiar with such alliances.
You’re a prince after all. I’d bet all the families in Saden would want one of their children to marry someone of your status. ”
He chuckles and offers a hand as we descend a few more stairs.
“I’m sure they would. My mother included.
While my parents would love an alliance, they have always allowed a union to be our choice.
Always for love. Not just for political gain.
” He holds on to my hand and I don’t pull it away.
The touch feels cozy and draws me closer to him as we talk.
Slowly, and ever so subtly, I inch nearer until our arms brush each other.
“If it were my mother’s choice though, I’d already be married.
Maybe even have a child on the way. She’s eager for grandchildren. ”
“Sounds like my mother. She was in hysterics when my sister had my niece.”
He stops us and holds a stare I don’t dare sever. His finger slides across my face, moving a curl that tries to get away.
“The offer will stand until my departure. You are more than welcome to join us.”
I tug my bottom lip between my teeth. His eyes drift to my mouth and though I can’t be sure because my head already feels like it’s moving, my body drifts to him.
Pop.
The sound of a cork and a group of people laughing sends us looking in their direction. Another near-kiss completely ruined and I’m pissed.
“We should keep walking,” I suggest.
“Yes—” He nods and clears his throat. “We should do that.”
He offers me a smile so lovely I nearly pull him back and kiss him myself. Instead, we carry on walking for hours, late into the night—with me fighting every urge not to pull him into me and wrap myself in his being.