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She shakes her head, smiling despite herself. “Gods and goddesses, I can’t stand you.”

“We both know that’s not true.” My smile deepens as I catch the faint blush rising to her cheeks.

“I bet you say this to all the ladies,” she teases, tilting her head slightly.

“I don’t.” My voice softens, the truth slipping out before I can stop it. “I’ve never wanted to pursue anyone—not like I want to pursue you.”

Her cheeks redden further, but a subtle smile plays on her lips, hinting at the emotions she doesn’t voice.

The rest of the ride passes in a comfortable silence, the air between us charged with unspoken words. When the carriage slows to a stop, I step out and offer my hand. She takes it, and I help her down from the carriage.

Curiosity flickers in her eyes as she looks around. I don’t let her linger long, grasping her hand, I lead her forward. We walk through tall, overgrown weeds, the stalks brushing against us as we push forward.

When we finally break through the dense growth, her breath catches. The lavender fields stretch endlessly before us, vibrant and lush, untouched by the autumn’s chill. Purple blooms sway gently in the breeze, their green stems standing tall against the backdrop of fading foliage.

Her eyes widen, glassy with emotion as she turns to me. “How... how is this possible?”

I tug her hand gently, guiding her into the field. “I had some help to make sure they bloomed just for you.”

She stops abruptly, pulling me to a halt. Her expression shifts, too many emotions racing across her face for me to read them all. “You did this... for me?” she whispers, her voice thick with disbelief.

“I did.” I pause, savoring the moment. “Lilyana, Kylo, and even Elm helped. That’s why I wasneededyesterday—they came to revive the plants.”

“Why?” she asks softly, emotion tightening her throat.

I don’t answer her question. Instead, I smile and tug her along. “Come on, let’s enjoy the fields.”

We wander deeper into the lavender, the plants brushing against us as their scent fills the air—a soothing fragrance that feels like a balm to the soul.

In the heart of the field, we find a blanket spread out with a basket of fruits, pastries, and a bottle of her favorite blackberry wine waiting for us.

I motion for her to sit, and she does, her eyes alight with joy as she takes in the view—the endless fields, the forest in the distance, and a brook bubbling softly between the two.

I pull the cork from the wine and hand her the bottle. “I forgot glasses. This sort of thing is new for me. When I gave Elm the list, I didn’t think to include them.”

She grins, an adorable smirk playing on her lips as she takes the bottle and drinks deeply, downing a quarter of it in one go. She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand before passing the bottle back to me.

“Can I walk through the field for a moment?” she asks softly, her voice threaded with emotion.

“Of course.”

I watch as she stands and drifts through the lavender, her arms outstretched, fingertips brushing the tops of the flowers. She moves slowly, as if trying to absorb the moment. After a few minutes, she returns and sits back down on the blanket, silent tears streaking her cheeks. She wipes them away quickly, but they shimmer in the fading light.

“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice low.

“Yes, just thinking about how beautiful it is.” A soft smile touches her lips. “It’s like I can feel my father here with me.”

She dries her face with the edge of her sleeve, then picks up a strawberry and takes a bite. The juice runs down her chin, and without thinking, I reach out, brushing my thumb along the trail of it. I bring my thumb to my mouth, licking it clean. She watches me, amusement flickering in her gaze.

The sun is starting its descent, painting the sky different hues of purples, blues, and oranges. A cool breeze stirs her hair, making it dance along with the swaying lavender. She closes her eyes and inhales deeply, as if breathing in the essence of the field. In that moment, she is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

When she opens her eyes, she catches me watching her. “Is something wrong with your eyes, Prince?” she asks with a playful smile.

“Why, yes, there actually is…” I reply, sitting up straight. “They are hopelessly transfixed; I can’t seem to take them off you. You have bewitched me with your beauty, Reckless.” I take a deep breath. “You have rattled me, my Reckless Reign—body, mind, and soul. You have rattled me. This once icy heart is thawing, and you’re the flame.”

She stares at me, those mesmerizing lavender eyes sparkling as the first stars emerge in the twilight sky. The silence between us feels heavy, charged with something unspoken.

“What’s changed?” she asks softly. “Just a few days ago, you snapped at me for hugging you...” Her teeth tug at her bottom lip, and it takes everything in me not to claim it with my own.