Page 65 of Her Ivory Flame

“I’m not afraid.” Raine chuckled. “Plus, with both you and Kaden, it will be the safest spot for me in the kingdom.”

She wasn’t wrong, between her power and Kaden’s skills, it would be hard to feel unprotected.

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Kaden’s voice made both females jump and she turned to see him casually standing behind her a few feet away, his hand resting on his sword. It was the first time she had seen him so relaxed since the attack and she found her heart beating a little faster.

“Kaden.” Raine smiled and stood. “You are ok with me coming as well?”

“Of course.” His eyes went from Raine to her. “I think Alyra has grown quite fond of you and could use another friend to join.”

She stood and gave him a smirk.

“Another friend?” she teased. “I thought you were just my trainer?”

“Who said I meant me?” he teased back, that rare smile forming on his lips for a second.

Raine giggled next to her and grabbed her arm softly.

“I will go get my stuff ready so I can leave with you.” Raine’s eyes moved to Kaden. “Unless you still need me here?”

“No, I can handle her from here.”

“Handle me?” she teased again.

“Well you are kind of a trouble maker.” His smile faded but she knew he was still teasing.

Raine just laughed again and nodded a goodbye before disappearing back towards the castle. This left her and Kaden standing awkwardly in the middle of a blooming garden and she fiddled with her fingers behind her back.

“Here.” He pulled something out of his inner pocket of his vest and she gasped in surprise.

A beautiful uncrushed lilac stem was between his fingers, the vibrant purple color sticking out against his leather gear. She felt the tears fall from the corner of her eye before she could compose herself and delicately reached out for it.

“How?” she breathed, her hand shaking as she grabbed it.

“After the war, the king had a few of the plants brought from Mydalsa to help preserve them, and to pay tribute.” Kaden’s fingers grazed hers softly just before she brought the flower to her chest.

“You brought me one?” her watery eyes met his and he rubbed the back of his neck, breaking the eye contact.

“I figured you could use something to improve your day.”

“Who are you and what have you done with Kaden?” She giggled softly.

He met her eyes and cleared his throat nervously.

“You chose me today and you didn’t have to.” he stuttered. “No one has ever chosen me in that way.”

The ache in her heart hit her heavily and she realized she still didn't know anything about him, his past or what he wanted out of life.

Her breath caught and she looked down at the flower quickly to hide her cheeks getting flooded with color.

“So you brought me a flower of my people as a thank you?” she whispered.

“I figured it was the least I could do.”

She lifted her eyes slowly and saw he was watching her curiously but had a softer expression on his face. She was not sure what to do or what this was between them but the tension was becoming suffocating.

“We should get ready to leave.” She cleared her throat again and looked back down at the flower.