Even the earliest of bloomers weren’t up yet.
“These bloom whenever there is a full moon. Many people consider this garden one of the ten gems of the palace.”
It wasn’t difficult to see why. The garden was exceptionally beautiful even in a palace filled with amazing sights.
That still didn’t explain why he’d brought her here.
Tate glanced at Vale. “I didn’t expect you back in the city so soon. I thought studying the discovery in the Harridan’s city would take you a lot longer.”
Months, perhaps years.
You could even say she was counting on it, hoping the puzzle would distract Vale from anything he’d discovered while with her.
Vale’s smile was brief. “I thought so too. However, the find has proven to be quite stubborn about giving up its secrets.”
Tate considered his words, looking for a deeper meaning. After discovering the pocket realm Jax had built, she’d turned the find over to the Silva with the understanding they would let the guardians and Black Order participate in its research.
Unfortunately for them, Tate was certain that no matter what they did they would never be able to open that realm again.
Jax’s avatar had told her as much.
It was a subterfuge on her part—but a necessary one.
“I did warn you that it might not meet expectations.” Tate’s expression didn’t change. For someone who hated being lied to, she was surprisingly good at it herself.
Vale’s eyes flickered as if Tate’s words had confirmed something for him.
She paused, reviewing everything she’d said. Nothing should have given what she’d done away. Right?
This was why she wanted to keep a distance between her and the guardians; some were too smart for her own peace of mind.
“I look forward to furthering our acquaintance,” Vale said with a calm expression.
Tate frowned. “My schedule is very busy for the foreseeable future. I’m afraid you won’t be furthering anything.”
Let’s see how you respond to that.
Vale finally smiled. “You never know what there is in store for each of us.”
Tate scowled. That sounded like the sort of vague saying meant to enlighten people to some deeper understanding. Tate just found it highly annoying and wanted to retreat as far as she could from the guardian.
Vale didn’t take offense to her expression, instead directing a short bow to Keel. “I’ll leave you to your discussion.”
They waited in silence as Vale walked to the balcony doors, stopping there. His position was subtle, not making it too obvious that he was standing guard so they could speak without any inconvenient listeners eavesdropping.
“I hope you kept your promise.” Tate stared at Vale in concern. He was going to be a problem. She could feel it in her bones.
Keel clasped his hands behind his back, turning to face the garden. “Whatever new epiphanies Vale has had, they didn’t come from my lips.”
He gave Tate a meaningful sidelong look. She pinched the bridge of her nose, understanding his message. Anything Vale knew was a direct result of her actions. The grandmaster couldn’t be held to account.
“You got exactly what you wanted,” Tate said.
She’d like to say she hadn’t seen this coming but she had. As soon as he inserted Vale into their travel party, she’d known it was likely to end up here. Her secret exposed.
“I have to thank you.”
“For what?” Tate asked.
