I’d found the garden terrace to be enchanting at night, but there was no question that it was meant to be enjoyed at sunset.
As we walked through the double doors and onto the terrace, I was immediately struck by how breathtaking the space looked drenched in the majestic, late-afternoon sun. Pinks, blues and peaches illuminated the sky like a pastel blanket embroidered with patterns of silver clouds. I was overcome with awe as I admired the meticulous stitchwork above our heads.
Eventually, I tore my eyes away from the sunset long enough to take notice of our surroundings. Bulky white candles had been sporadically placed between planter boxes and around the water fountain.
Tarben was carefully studying my every movement while I drank in the scene. “I’d hoped for us to have a picnic, but the weather didn’t abide by my plans, so I thought we’d be safer under the cover.” He pointed to the glass ceiling, partially sheltering us from the elements. “It’s supposed to rain so, is this acceptable?” He rubbed the back of his neck.
It didn’t look like rain was on its way, but it would be a fraction warmer under the cover, so he’d get no complaints from me. I dragged my eyes back to him. “I think it will suffice.”
His shoulders relaxed and he offered me a crooked smile. His eyes wandered from my face to linger on something over myshoulder. I turned and saw he was staring at the wall, where we had sat and talked, amongst other things… An image of him positioned between my thighs flashed into my mind and something in my core fluttered again. He cleared his throat, as if he’d been having the same thoughts.
“Shall we?” He gestured towards the table.
Atop a blue tablecloth on the wrought iron table sat more candles that flickered in the light breeze, gold-rimmed tableware, goblets and a decanter of red wine. At the heart of the table was a golden vase filled with fresh asters.
“I’m very impressed. Is this another one of your royal duties?” I teased as he helped me into my chair.
“It’s all part of the service,” he said, taking the seat across from me.
He filled my goblet with wine, then poured some for himself. After the other night, I wasn’t particularly eager to drink again, but, after he’d gone to so much effort, I didn’t protest.
“What shall we toast to?” I asked.
He thought about it for a second, then said, “To your powers.”
Shock drained the color from my face. Did he know? Was this a trap? “My powers?”
“Yes, your powers. You look bewitching in that dress, so it only seems fitting that we drink to it.” The corners of his lips were raised upwards as he said the words. The tension in my body instantly eased and laughter bubbled out of me.
Tarben pretended to look offended, but amusement danced in his eyes. “What’s wrong with that? I thought it was poetic.”
“You are very suave, but how about we toast to good health instead?”
“Lady’s choice.” He shrugged, but the crinkle in the corner of his eyes remained—he’d achieved his goal, he’d entertained me.
We clinked our goblets together. “May Ceda bless us with continued good health,” said Tarben. As well as being goddess of earth, Ceda was the deity of fertility, harvest, health and the seasons.
I forced myself to take a sip of my wine. “When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow, at first light.” There was an emotion in his eyes that I couldn’t quite place. Regret?
“Why are you going?”
It was impressive, really, how quickly four words could dampen a mood.
He sighed. “Hywell’s death is tragic, but it also causes complications. There has been some unrest at the border and without him there to keep an eye on things for us… I need to go and assess the situation myself. Possibly intervene.”
“Unrest because of the war?”
He sipped his wine and nodded.
“What about you? Do you want Solvardunn to join the war?” I asked, curious despite myself.
“I’d never want to enter into war,” he sighed. “Yet, things can’t continue this way. Countless lives are being lost while Solvardunn buries its head in the sand.” There was a definite bitter undertone to his words. “Our neighbors have pleaded with us for assistance and yet we sit safe and comfortable behind our fortress walls. What my father doesn’t realize…” There was a pause, pregnant with unspoken thoughts. “What my father fails to grasp is that our safety is an illusion. Conflict rages across Anerdor, and it’s only a matter of time before it reaches our doorstep. I don’t want to sit and wait for that day to arrive. I want us to fight for our kingdom and fight for this continent.”
Tarben was so noble. It was not surprising, given all I’d learned about him during my time here. “I think you are very brave and will make an exceptional ruler one day,” I said, meaning it.
He looked suddenly fascinated by the wine in his hand. “My father is an exceptional ruler,” he started. “He truly loves this kingdom. It’s precisely this love for his kingdom that blinds him at times.”
