Page 389 of Reign

“I promised you cuttings,” I say. “You get cuttings.”

“I cannot wait to do the garden today. I already know where I want the roses, but I might need to move the hydrangeas because I don’t know how much afternoon sun reaches the back wall, and the night-blooming flowers need to be close enough to the terrace for us to smell them.”

Us.

I like how naturally she includes me in her plans.

A dull thud sounds from upstairs.

Elena looks toward the ceiling. “Why are there men doing construction up there?”

“It isn’t construction. They’re renovating a room.”

“For what?”

“I may want another office.”

“You already have an office downstairs.”

“I’m aware.”

“An upstairs office and a downstairs office?” She shakes her head. “The excess, Luciano.”

My gaze lowers over her.

The cream Chanel dress fits her too beautifully for the work happening outside. Delicate gold buttons run down the front, ending above her knees. The soft fabric is completely unsuited for soil, roots, water, or anything else currently waiting in the garden.

“You want to discuss excess?” I ask. “You’re wearing Chanel to garden.”

“I’m wearing Chanel to supervise.”

“You’re wearing gloves.”

She holds them up.

“They already have dirt on them.”

Elena examines the dark streaks across both palms.

Then she smooths the front of her dress with the clean inside of her wrists.

“Fine. Maybe I’ll do a little gardening. I’ll keep the dirt away from the Chanel.”

“That isn’t how dirt works.”

“It’ll be fine. And if the dress gets ruined, it isn’t like you can’t buy me another one.”

“That’s true.”

Her face brightens. “See? Problem solved.”

“Try not to destroy it anyway.”

“No promises.”

Another planter passes through the foyer. Elena watches it with enough concern that I suspect the men have already put something in the wrong place.

Then her attention returns to me.