“I-It’s not that! I was merely feeling tired because…th-the day was so warm. I actually do not like…banquets or balls.”
Riftan paused to consider her words. “Come to think of it, you rarely attended the functions at Croyso Castle. And when you did, you were quiet and did not stay long.”
Maxi sensed disapproval in his voice. Did he want a lively and outgoing wife?
Her face stiffened as she mumbled an excuse. “Wh-When we have guests…I shall do my b-best to make them feel at home, but…I’ve never liked loud gatherings.”
“That didn’t seem to be the case during the festival. I want to see you like that—” He abruptly clamped his mouth shut, putting an end to his impatient outburst. An odd tension strained his broad shoulders as he cleared his throat and said, “Would you like to go on a short walk with me?”
“Y-You don’t have to do that. I know you are busy.”
“I’m not so busy that I can’t find time to catch my breath.” He grabbed Maxi’s cloak from its hook. “You can suffer a short walk with me, can’t you?”
“I-It’s not that I don’t want to…I am just worried since you b-barely have time to sleep. If you have the time for a walk, wouldn’t it be better…for you to take a short nap instead?”
“A nap with you also sounds nice.” He threw a quick glance at the bed and pursed his lips. “But I don’t think I could keep my hands off of you once we lay down.”
Maxi felt the heat rising to her face. Unbothered, Riftan draped the cloak over her and continued calmly, “I thinktaking a walk would be the better choice. I haven’t had the chance to admire the garden since you finished your work on it.”
A refreshing breeze carrying the scent of flowers blew in through the open windows as Maxi followed him out of the room. Riftan sniffed the air, a strange expression on his face.
“The whole castle smells of flowers.”
“Do you…not like it?”
“I’m just not…used to it,” he said flatly. “I’m more used to dirt, horses, sweat, and blood.”
It suddenly occurred to Maxi that, much like her, Riftan might not be familiar with the gentler aspects of life.
No.
She immediately dismissed the thought. They were not the same. He had the strength to overcome bitter pain and hardships, while she had nothing of the sort.
“Let’s bring a snack with us. I’m hungry,” said Riftan, his tone lighter now.
Maxi smiled to hide her heavy heart. “I bought…fresh fruits a few days ago, along with some premium spices. There should be…plenty to choose from.”
“Well, that’s certainly something to look forward to. It’s been ages since I’ve had fruit that wasn’t dried or soaked in wine.”
Riftan licked his lips and briskly strode on to the kitchen. They packed fist-sized green apples, raspberries, mulled wine, and freshly baked bread into a reed basket before making their way out of the great hall.
Outside, Maxi squinted in the blinding light. A carpet of green grass glistened on both sides of the stone courtyard, which was swept and scrubbed by servants daily. Delicate buds in the shrubs sparkled like jewels beneath the springsun.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“No. It’s warm enough out.”
She held Riftan’s hand and slowly made her way to the garden. The oak tree, which had looked so ghastly next to the pavilion, was now full of tiny leaves. A contented smile spread across Maxi’s face. Ruth’s magic had worked, and new life had sprung from the dead tree.
“What’s making you smile like that?”
“That t-tree over there. It has new leaves.”
He looked in the direction she was pointing and cocked an eyebrow. “I thought it was dead.”
“Ruth said that…some trees still have life in them e-even when they might appear dead. He infused it with magic last winter, and…” She trailed off when she saw Riftan’s face visibly harden. “Is s-something wrong?”
“It’s nothing,” he said brusquely, tugging her along. “I just don’t understand what’s so entertaining about leaves sprouting from ugly trees. Let’s go somewhere with a nicer view. I noticed that you planted a flower garden below the terrace.”
