20. The Stolen Bride
That night, I couldn’t sleep. My mind insisted on replaying my evening with Forrest, one tantalizing moment at a time. It lingered in anxiety over our argument and in breathless anticipation over our brief kiss.
Finally, I sat up and fumbled on my nightstand for a match. I struck it and lit my candle. Then I reached under my bed and pulled out the book Hawthorne had recommended—Glimmering Gardens and the Secrets They Keep. Perhaps, a little late night reading would put me to sleep.
The book wasn’t a reference guide as I had expected. There were no useful sections on medicinal herbs or magical houseplants. Instead, it was brimming with accounts of renowned gardens throughout the ages and detailed illustrations and planting guides.
First, I read about the Garden of Alexandria where they had brought water to the desert through innovative new methods. Some of which even the author couldn’t ascertain. A blooming rooftop amid the arid sand was something to behold. I found my mind wandering already, beginning to think of how I might set up my own irrigation system using similar methods.
The next section was on a witch’s garden. She had numerous plots, each with separate purposes. One of them caught my eye called simply Memory Garden. As I looked at the watercolor diagram, I felt a stirring in my chest. One I couldn’t quite place. The hues of blue and white flowers surrounded by a tranquil sea of rosemary were unusual. So few flowers were blue. I wondered if they were flowers from other realms. I wanted to read on, but I yawned and rubbed my eyes.
Sleep was calling, and my candle was nearly burned down to ash. I blew it out and rested my head on my pillow.
I was out before I knew it.
I dreamed of a hedgerow and a hidden garden with blue and white flowers, of bright sunlight, of momma’s laugh.
After breakfast, a box arrived just outside my door.
I stared at it with suspicion. Was this some sort of bribe from Forrest? He had done quite enough with that book he gave me. I had briefly flipped through its pages last night. It contained page after page of faeries, cataloging their weaknesses. I was shocked he had given me such a powerful weapon.
Maybe he actually saw something in me. Maybe, just maybe, I was beginning to see something in him too. I brushed a finger against my lips where he had kissed me. It had been a good kiss but different than I had expected– gentle, soft, and fleeting. Coming from someone who could bring lightning down from the heavens, it had been a surprise.
As I carried the box inside, I noticed a note was taped to the top. Curiously, I opened it. I recognized the familiar tilting handwriting instantly.
Little Sparrow,
I can only imagine that your wild heart has quickened in anger upon the receipt of this gift. However, I assure you it is not my intention to buy your affections. You made it perfectly clear that I could not do so even if I tried.
And, I daresay, your esteem would be worth far more than any gown I could procure. Nonetheless, you must be clothed for the full moon revel, celebrating our engagement.
I apologize for my behavior last night. I know little of humans and even less of human women. I have several hours of appointments this evening, but I wonder… would you do me the honor of an evening stroll?
Yours,
Forrest
I took the box over to my bed and opened the top. Inside was a thin layer of tissue paper. I parted it, revealing a petal pink gown. It was sleeveless, and the bodice was shaped like flower petals in iridescent lavender and pale greens. The neckline was a sweetheart. I pulled the gown out of its box and held it up to myself in the mirror. It was beautiful.
The next box arrived not twenty minutes later. This time, I caught a messenger at the door and nodded my thanks.
Another gown. This one was aquamarine with crystal and pearls beaded into every inch of the bodice.
I couldn’t resist. I grinned and pulled on the gown to twirl in the mirror. This one had a mermaid silhouette. The selkies would be beside themselves if they saw it. I giggled out loud at the thought.
”I’m glad to see Miss is having a nice time,” squeaked a familiar voice.
I swirled around, nearly tripping, and looked down at my lady’s maid. ”Rosie, when did you get here?” I gasped.
She smiled, and her whiskers perked up. ”Not long, miss. Would you like to try on the pink gown, too? I could unfold it for you.”
I bit my lip. I had certainly been about to try it on, but I didn’t want Forrest to know how delighted I was with the gowns. It would undercut yesterday’s talk. ”Promise not to tell Forrest?” I asked.
”Tell him what?” she asked.
”How much I like the gowns.”
She cocked her head to the side. ”Why wouldn’t mistress want the king to know? It would make him very happy.”
”Exactly,” I said.
”You two are a funny pair. Doing nice things for each other, then acting so cold. You know your betrothal bond gives you direct access to his chambers.”
”Is that so?” I replied, only half listening, as I tried to reach the hook to remove the gown.
”You could just slide right into his bed and show him how grateful you are.”
I held up a hand, my face coloring, ”Rosie!” I cried.
”Just a thought.”
There was another knock at the door. Rosie squeaked and hurried to open it. ”Another dress,” she announced.
”Another?” I asked.
”Of course,” she replied.
”Why would I need three dresses for an engagement party?”
”Surely, you don’t want to wear the same dress multiple nights?”
”Multiple nights?”
”Oh, yes! Your engagement party will be a full moon revel, miss. It won’t just last one evening. It will last as long as the moon is full in the sky. Three nights for a dull event. Five for a really smashing one! Of course, miss’s will be five.”
”Fantastic,” I mumbled. What in the world had I gotten myself into? I could barely make it through the stuffy balls back home. Now, I had to do five consecutive nights with the fae. I had heard stories of humans who entered their circles and danced until they died.
I hoped Forrest was going to send some comfortable shoes too.