Chapter 55
Sana had never seen so many butterflies in all her life.
Gazing in awe at the vibrant little beings fluttering through the flowers and thick green foliage inside the glass domed sanctuary, she was almost too excited to eat from the spread of fresh fruit, savory meat filled crepes and Grensea's traditional sugar kelp tarts.
Rhyel chuckled from across their table nestled beneath a blooming cherry tree as he poured her a glass of chilled elderflower tea. "Do you like it here?"
"I love it," she said, grinning as she ate a piece of the sugar kelp tart and her eyes grew wide at the heavenly taste of the salty, sweet morsel. "Oh, and that's delicious too."
"I haven't had sugar kelp in a long time. I forgot how good it is," he said, munching on a loose piece of the hardened amber sea alga. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
"I am." She sighed, gazing at the butterflies flitting over the gentle flowing stream cascading through the woodland enclosure. "This is a beautiful sanctuary."
"Would you like your sanctuary to look like this?"
"I don't know," she said, taking a drink from her glass as she pondered his question. "I like the look of my sanctuary, but I wouldn't mind adding more flowers and plants like these. I think that's what's helping these butterflies thrive and reproduce."
"Fair enough. I'm sure one of the attendants wouldn't mind giving us a tour and if you want any of the flowers or foliage, I'll have it delivered to the castle for you."
"Really? But...wouldn't that cost a fortune to do that?" Sana said, shaking her head. "No, I'm sure I can find alternatives in Darcanos."
"There's no need to do that. We have enough money in our coffers to afford anything you desire," Rhyel said, reaching across the table and taking her hand. "If you want your butterflies to thrive and reproduce like these, then we'll get the proper plants and flowers they need."
Sana bit her lip at his generosity. "Forgive me, Rhyel, but aren't our coffers meant to be spent on the wellbeing of our people? I wouldn't want to take money from them for something I want and don't need."
"I like that you're concerned about the wellbeing of our people, but as I said, we have plenty." He laughed softly. "I promise nothing you ever purchase for yourself, big or small, will hinder our people."
"Alright." Sana nodded, curling her fingers around his. "If you're sure, then I think I'd like to treat my butterflies to a few plants and flowers."
Rhyel smiled as he brought her hand to his lips. "As you wish, my Lady."
They finished their brunch before Rhyel called over an attendant to give them a tour and when he mentioned they were interested in purchasing some agriculture from the sanctuary, another attendant joined them to note down everything Sana wanted.
She thought it was a bit excessive that they'd need two attendants for this endeavor. She only wanted a few plants and flowers. Nothing that would require an extra pair of hands.
But as she and Rhyel toured the expansive sanctuary listening to their touring attendant explain all the different species of plants and flowers and how their nutrients keep the butterfly colonies flourishing, Sana found herself picking out much more than a few items.
By the end of the tour, Rhyel was commissioning a crew to come to Darcanos to remodel her sanctuary with everything she wanted.
"This is most wonderful," the touring attendant beamed, clapping her hands as Rhyel signed the contract. "We are going to craft you a beautiful oasis for your butterflies, my Lady."
"Thank you," she said in a bit of a daze that she'd just bought all those things. "l'm... I'm looking forward to it."
"So am I," Rhyel said, tucking a copy of the contact in the inside pocket of his waistcoat. "Thank you both for the tour and handling the remodel."
"It's our pleasure, Lord Rhyel, Lady Sana." The attendants bowed. "Thank you for your custom."
Rhyel slid his hand to the small of Sana's back as he guided her out of the sanctuary to the bustling streets of the city. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
"Yes," she said, looking back at the sanctuary. "But I-I can't believe I did that."
He frowned. "Did what? Bought all those things?"
Sana nodded. "It felt...excessive," she said, biting her lip. "And I'm ashamed to say that I liked it."
"My Lady." A deep rumbling laugh left Rhyel's lips as he pulled her close.
"Never be ashamed to enjoy this. I'm starting to learn that you are a woman with a refined taste especially when it comes to foliage and I'm just happy I can provide it for you," he said, leaning down to her and pressing a kiss against her head.
"And I want to spoil you until you always expect this treatment from me. "
She leaned away from him, gazing into his joyful eyes. "And what happens after that?"
"Well, there's only one thing I can do." He grinned. "I'll start my quest to capture the sun, the moon and the heavens for you, of course."
Sana laughed, patting his chest. "I don't even know what that antiquated saying means," she said, trailing her fingers over the gold buttons on his waistcoat. "But I like hearing you say it."
"Mm." He curled his fingers around hers. "Better than your dragon?"
"Yes." She grinned. "Much better."
Her heart fluttered as he brought her hand to his lips. "I'm honored by that," he said with his eyes brimming with pride. "We have some time before our next reservation, would you like to have a wander around the city for a while?"
"I'd love to and if we have time, I'd like to see the statue of Gimhiya and Grensea."
Rhyel nodded, tucking her hand in the crook of his arm. "We have plenty of time for that," he said as they walked along the canal toward the many shops, cafes and restaurants that filled the vibrant seaside city.
Sana found it odd, yet endearing that Rhyel seemed almost jealous of her imaginary dragon. She loved Kal, but she'd rather spill her soul to someone real, someone who cared for her like Rhyel instead of waiting for her dreams to confide in her dragon.
Sana looked up at him and a warmth spread through her veins as he opened the door to a dress shop.
And today, while they were free from the activities of the festive season and the prying eyes of the nobles, she'd allow herself to know him and let him see her like she did every night with her dragon.
"Sana! How fortunate to see you here."
Sana tensed as dread fell upon her at the sound of her sister's voice. She tore her gaze away from Rhyel and forced a smile on her lips. "Aneera, I thought you were playing King and Pawn today."
"No." She giggled. "Amorette took my place and Zevi took me shopping because I was bored," she said, looking over her shoulder at Lord Zehev as he handed a few dress boxes to a waiting attendant. "Zevi," she called in a sickeningly sweet tone that made Sana's stomach sour. "Come meet my sister."
Rhyel held Sana close as a low growl rumbled against Sana's back. "We should go somewhere else," he murmured as Lord Zehev turned his golden gaze on them and a smile tugged at his lips.
"Lord Rhyel," Lord Zehev crossed the boutique in a sweeping gait. "I've been meaning to speak to you and your beautiful fiancé," he said as his gaze swept over Sana and a chill slithered down her spine. "Lady Sana, it's so lovely to meet you."
"You as well, Lord Zehev." Sana nodded, sliding her hand over Rhyel's, hoping his warmth would quell the uneasy chill she felt in Zehev's presence. "My sister and her wife-kin speak very highly of you."
"That's good to know." His mouth curled into a bright smile as he wrapped his arm around Aneera's waist. "I treat all my wives very well and I can see Darcanos is showering you with its rare gifts," he said, waving his hand over her.
"Your necklace is the purest dragon's breath I've seen in a long time. It's exquisite."
"Oh," Sana said, curling her fingers around the gem. "Thank you. I'm honored to wear it."
"Mm," he said, turning his gaze to Rhyel. "Now that our nations are somewhat entwined with our wives being sisters, I don't suppose you'd be open to trading some of the unique gems and stones of the north."
"No, I wouldn't. I'm sure you're not aware of Darcanos' deep seated traditions, so I'll excuse your disrespect," Rhyel said, threading his fingers through Sana's. "But the gems and stones of the north belong to the Lady of Darcanos and they are not for sale."
Aneera's eyes grew wide. "My goodness," she whispered.
"I see. I apologize for my disrespect," Lord Zehev said, bowing his head. "Still, I wouldn't mind discussing a closer relationship between our nations."
"I'll consider it," Rhyel said, looking down at Sana. "But only if you think it would be a worthwhile endeavor."
A sense of pride and purpose washed over Sana that Rhyel would consider her council before making a decision to build closer relations with the Issians. It made her feel useful as if she truly was his equal when it came to the matters of Darcanos.
"I think it's wonderful that you wish to build stronger relations with House Darcanos.
" A smile tugged at her lips. "My Lord and I will consider your offer after the festive season," she said, squeezing Rhyel's hand.
"Besides, my fiancé promised this day to me and if you both don't mind, I don't want to spend it talking business.
I'd like to get back to enjoying our time together. "
Twin flags of red stained Lord Zehev's pale cheeks. "Yes, of course, my Lady," he said, tucking Aneera's hand in the crook of his arm. "Forgive us for intruding on your time." He looked at Rhyel and gave him a curt nod. "Lord Rhyel."
"Lord Zehev," Rhyel said, returning his nod, and there was a hint of laughter edging in his voice as he bowed his head to Aneera's shocked expression. "Lady Aneera."
"L-ord Rhyel," Aneera said, digging her nails into Lord Zehev's arm. Her lip twitched as the shock on her face twisted into one of disdain and her violet eyes darkened. "Sana."
Sana bowed her head. "It was lovely to see you, Aneera and meet you Lord Zehev."
"You as well, Lady Sana," Lord Zehev said. Aneera huffed brushing past her as the couple left the boutique.
"My Lady, you never cease to surprise me." Rhyel's rich baritone laughter rumbled from his chest. "You are as kind as you are fierce," he said, leaning down to her ear. "I like it."
A blush burned over her cheeks as she looked up at him. "I like it too," she said, biting her lip. "But I wasn't rude though, was I?"
"Not in the slightest," he said, squeezing her waist. "And I too, would like to get back to enjoying our time together."
Usually, Sana would've been plagued with worry and guilt after speaking to her sister the way she did, but with her new found knowledge of freedom from her family's hold on her, she didn't feel an ounce of shame—not that Rhyel gave her any time to dwell on it.
No, he had her too busy enjoying the delights of the sea faring city.
After he bought her a few gowns from the boutique, they window shopped through the bustling district full of curiosity shops where she bought a few gifts for Eula and Kezi.
She gushed over the crystalized statue of Gimhiya and Grensea embracing at the edge of the seafront while she ate the most delicious lemon curd and lime ice cream she'd ever tasted.
Sana smiled as she trailed her fingers over the red cushioned seats of the gondola taking them to a small island off the coast full of tall leafy green trees and twinkling orbs of light dancing amongst the leaves.
"I wasn't expecting to have a day like this," she said, gazing out at the sun setting over the sea and casting everything in a warm golden hue.
"No?"Rhyel said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "What were you expecting?"
"I'm not sure," she said, looking up at him. "But taking a beautiful boat ride to a secluded island was far from what I imagined."
Rhyel chuckled. "Well, I know how much you like reading about the history of dragons and phoenixes," he said as the long flowered branches shrouding the island parted. "So I thought—"
Sana gasped. "Oh my Gods." She grabbed his leg as they floated into the shallow lagoon and she gazed in awe at the towering tree with a trunk that spanned the width of the island and its thick branches curved and wound around hollow wooden pods that hung like enormous berries from the branches. "Is...is this a phoenix shrine?"
"It is. It's the shrine of the blue-tailed Poccanam coven and one of the last remaining shrines in the realm," Rhyel said, slipping his arm around her waist. "I thought you might enjoy a private tour and to have dinner in a piece of history."
"Yes," she said, looking back at him, nodding as excitement bubbled up inside her at his thoughtful gesture."I can't believe you planned this for me. I... I didn't realize you paid so much attention to the things I like."
Her heart simmered at the tenderness shining in his eyes. "You're my Lady," he said, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead. "I'll always pay attention to what you like and what you need."
Lord Rhyel proposed to you and as Alpha, he must do everything in his power to ensure you will always choose him and the people of Darcanos.
Eula's words floated through her mind as her dragon's breath and her ring hummed against her skin. True mate or not, Rhyel was doing these things because he wanted her to choose him and after today, she couldn't imagine choosing anyone else.
"Thank you," she whispered as the boat slowly docked at the base of the tree's gnarly roots.
She just hoped he'd always choose her too.
A/N: Rhyel is hitting all the notes with this date! ?? And I LOVE how Sana said - that's nice you want to do some trade with us Zehev, but ya bothering me and I want to get back to my day ?????? Oh I'm so excited for the rest of this date!!