Chapter 25 #3
I have seen elves through the window, but this place is deserted, just like the library was.
My laugh comes out in a series of vaporous puffs. “What emergency befell this part of the gardens?”
He smirks at me. “Oh, the Midnight Gardener has some work to do on the flowerbeds. No one wants to be around for that.”
I’m baffled, but I don’t get enough time to ask what that even means when we turn a corner and a tall glass building emerges in front of us.
Despite the snow, different types of blue and white flowers bloom in the garden we passed, but what I already see ahead is greenery and midnight blue roses, all bathed in warm red and yellow light glowing inside the structure.
My mouth is open as Tristan guides me inside this paradise garden, and as soon as we enter, the warmth is like a soothing cocoon.
I’m busy feasting my eyes on all the tropical colors and dainty marble sculptures wrapped by vines so intricately they must have been guided by expert hands.
Tristan removes my hat and coat, letting me experience this incredible interior.
This isn’t my first ever time in an indoor garden, but the one I’ve seen during a trip to Columbus wasn’t nearly this magnificent.
The soft music of tiny bells and flowing water is near constant, and I soon notice the source—a contraption of wood and metal moved by a constant stream. Lady is hypnotized by it.
And… does this place smell of… pizza?
Tristan leads me through a curtain of vines, and I’m in sensory overload when I spot the beautifully set table. The food consumes all my attention, because right in front of me, on the black tablecloth and blue porcelain is a heart-shaped pizza.
“Since we sourced oregano, I think the flavor is almost right. I also had to fight the cooks to explain how the edges need to be both fluffy and crispy. They just brought it here now, so it’s hot and fresh.” Tristan is bursting with excitement as he pulls the chair out for me.
I do wonder about all the gallant gestures on his part, and it only now hits me that he does treat me like a princess. I’m not sure what to think about it in a world that seems to be egalitarian in terms of gender and where the Lord of the Nocturne Court himself has a husband.
Is it because I’m smaller? Perceived as weaker after my torture? Because he’s still feeling guilty about leaving me with Gloombane? Is it because I bottomed? That wouldn’t be very forward-thinking, would it? Should I be acting in any particular way?
Or is it because he is courting me?
Which he promised not to.
I could ask why he treats me this way when we’re not supposed to be flirting… but that would inevitably make him stop and I… I don’t want that.
Maybe I can find out from someone else.
“Why is the pizza not round?” I ask to avoid blatantly pointing out it’s heart-shaped.
Tristan chuckles as I sit at the table. “Ah, it’s a funny story.
Once Lord Kyran found out I was trying to devise this human food for you, he asked his Dark Companion about it.
As soon as Luke mentioned he did miss pizza, the Lord decided to include it as part of the banquet at the Valentine’s Ball which is love-themed… hence the heart shape.”
“Oh…” I wanted to give him that little slap on the wrist for still trying to romance me, but this heart has nothing to do with me.
This place is throwing a love-themed ball? Considering how fine everything is, it will be more spectacular than any royal occasions happening in my world. “Oh… that must be… a very exclusive event then.”
Even if it’s also a pizza party.
Tristan pours each of us a glass of wine, and he then proceeds to cut the pizza in half with a wide smile.
“Not at all. Everyone at court is invited, and little events have been planned in the week preceding the ball. Valentine’s is not our tradition, but the Lord likes to pamper his Dark Companion.
He’s been smitten from the day he brought him to court. ”
I have no reason for the petty feeling emerging deep inside. I’ve rejected Tristan’s presence until yesterday, and he’s been incredibly chivalrous, but the painful two months in Gloombane’s custody are poisoning the affection that could have naturally developed between us.
So yes, maybe I am jealous of Lord Kyran’s husband, because his transition into court life has been one of easy pleasures and pure adoration. Why did I have to suffer?
Tristan transfers my half of the pizza onto my plate, giving me a cautious glance. I can’t help but stare at the large crab-shaped belt buckle as he sits back down. He’s not wearing that much jewelry, embroidery, or frills, but he’s still so elegant in the black shirt with opulent sleeves.
“And here is one of the things the royals have been encouraged to do…” He clears his throat and pulls out a small envelope from under his napkin, then passes it to me.
The wax seal holds the Bloodweed crest.
When Tristan gives me a nod, I break the seal and pull out a red card with black writing on it.
Nathan Kekoa,
Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the Valentine’s Ball?
Prince Tristan Bloodweed