Page 10 of A Rose Among Snakes (Gardens of Ruin and Revival)

Chapter Nine

I made my way through the sitting room to the glass door on the back wall. It snicked shut behind me as I stepped out into the cool evening air. Off the flagstone patio, an unpaved path curved around the back of the house. The last of the birds called their night songs as I followed it, the rays from the setting sun guiding my way.

The greenhouse appeared around the corner, and I pulled the handle only to be hit in the face by the thick, warm air inside. The musty scent was strong but was laced with a sweet, floral perfume as well. Plants covered nearly every surface inside, verdant vines twining among the iron framework up to the ceiling. I pursed my lips, sinking into a feeling of overwhelm, ready to call it quits when I remembered Narell saying the plant was in the center of the greenhouse.

Heaving a sigh, I plodded around, reading the signs that were next to some of the plants, wishing someone had mentioned the name of the particular plant I was in need of. My eyes scanned the planter in the middle, landing on a plant with long, thick arms that stuck straight up. I moved in for a closer inspection, and as I reached my hand out to touch it, the sound of someone clearing their throat jerked me upright.

I whipped my head in the direction of the sound to catch sight of Velian sitting in a chair off to the side. His legs were stretched out with his feet crossed at the ankles. With his white sleeves rolled up to his elbows, he held a book in one hand. In his other, he twirled a glass filled with amber liquid on the table beside him. And there I was, once again, interrupting him.

“I apologize, sir-err… Velian. I’ll go.”

As I stumbled over my words, Velian set his book on the table and walked over to me.

“You look lost,” he said with a crooked smile. “Can I help you find something? Some aloe vera, maybe?”

My breath caught in my throat as he stood directly in front of me. No, I was never going to get used to him. It took me a moment to register what he said, as I stammered, “A… Aloe vera?”

His eyes flicked up to my forehead as he inclined his head toward it. “Your burn. Aloe vera will help soothe it.”

I put a hand up to my burn as if I could hide it. He moved closer, his eyes fixed on mine. This close, I observed that similar to the flora surrounding us, there were many shades of green along with flecks of amber in them. My heart pounded in my ears as he stood only inches away from me.

“Excuse me, it’s behind you.”

Right.

I stepped to the side, wiping my sweaty palms on my skirt. Were all greenhouses this stifling?

Velian pulled a penknife out of his pocket, flicking it open, and cut a leaf off the plant I had been inspecting before he announced himself. He scored the leaf along the side and opened it to reveal the clear gel inside. When he offered it to me, I kept my gaze trained on the plant as I took it, careful not to touch his skin. I stared at the plant, unsure of what to do next.

As if sensing my hesitation, Velian said, “You rub the clear part on your burn.”

I did as he said and nearly sighed at the instant cooling relief.

Velian put the knife back in his pocket, his lips twitching as he watched me. “Is that helping?”

“Yes, very much. Thank you.”

“Of course. Go ahead and help yourself to as much as you need. There’s plenty here.”

I made to leave when he took another step closer and crossed his arms, his elbows falling just below my shoulders. I had to tilt my head back to look at his face.

“Did that happen while you were out with my sister?” His tone was soft, but the charm had been replaced with an air of authority that had me frozen in place, a reminder we were not equals.

I took a steadying breath. “Yes.”

“Where did you go?”

“A tavern.”

“Which one?” He fired off each question as soon as I finished.

“I can’t recall.”

“Who did she meet there? ”

I swallowed hard. “A friend.”

“Was it a man or a woman?”

Kezara was not as sneaky as she thought she was, but I refused to betray her confidence.

“I’m not sure. They sat in the shade and she asked me to sit further away.”

Velian scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Of course she did.” He paused and brought his hand up to his chin, narrowing his eyes. “Are you being evasive on purpose?” The corner of his mouth pulled up.

“No,” I lied. He couldn’t fight the smile and it transformed his entire face; dimples appeared in his cheeks and the corners of his eyes crinkled. I had to glance away to keep my composure, but I assumed it appeared more like a sign of guilt.

“Fine, you can keep her secrets, then. I admire your loyalty.” The smile slipped and his expression grew sincere. “Can you promise to tell me if you think she is in any type of danger?”

I raised a stiff eyebrow, my tight skin protesting. “Is there a reason to think she would be?”

The crooked smile returned. “No, there isn’t. She is a free spirit though, and I worry about her. She doesn’t always think straight, especially where men are involved.”

I opened my mouth to protest that I didn’t say anything regarding a man, but Velian held up a hand.

“Don’t worry, Ms. Nowen. You didn’t have to say it, I know my sister. I’ll continue to pretend I’m oblivious.”

“Mihrra,” I said.

He cocked his head to the side .

“You can call me Mihrra.”

“Mihrra,” he repeated, the rich timbre of his voice reverberating through my ears and tingling down my neck. He reached his hand out, curling a single finger under my chin and lifting my face. “Don’t forget to look out for yourself next time. I’m sure you don’t want another burn like this.” His hand dropped to his side as he stepped back, putting space between us, an indeterminable emotion flashing across his face. “Forgive me, I should not have been so forward.”

I blinked, too stunned to move as my body tingled with warring feelings. The logical part of me was incensed he would be so bold, but the erratic, emotional part of me was buzzing with excitement.

I stuffed both feelings down and brushed my hands down my skirt. “There is nothing to forgive.” Choosing to move past the moment, I asked, “Do you usually spend your evenings here in the greenhouse?”

Velian looked around at the plants surrounding us. Outside, the sun had drifted low enough that golden rays tore through the glass and greenery, drenching him in warm light. Despite that, a shadow crossed his face as he said, “Only when I need some peace and quiet.”

When his gaze shifted back to mine, a weariness had settled into his features, and I took it as my cue to leave.

“Well, in that case, I will leave you be. Enjoy your evening, sir.” I began to curtsy but was halted in my tracks when his hand shot out as if to touch me again. His hand retreated to his side as I drew up to stand, humor dancing in his emerald eyes.

“Mihrra, you don’t have to curtsy every time you see me.” He gave me a light smile that didn’t exhibit the dimples. “And, please, call me Velian. I prefer it.”

I nodded. “I’ll try. Goodnight, Velian.”

“Sleep well, Mihrra. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I walked away faster than what would have been considered normal, but I was desperate to get out of there. Before pushing the door open, I threw one more glance over my shoulder to find Velian still standing where I’d left him, watching me retreat. My heart jumped and I walked outside, the cool air hitting me like ice. The contrast was so stark I gasped, but it was exactly what I needed. I still clutched the aloe leaf in my hand and I rubbed it all over my face and neck, begging for relief from the heat still radiating from my insides.

I took my time walking back to the manor, watching where I stepped in the dim lighting. I crept into my room, trying not to wake Narell, who had already passed out in bed. With barely a sound, I changed into my nightclothes and crawled into bed, stifling a groan as I settled into the feather-down mattress. As tired as I was, my mind still raced with thoughts of Velian and the softness of his hand under my chin. My stomach flipped, but I pushed those thoughts aside and remembered my intentions. I felt for the chain around my neck, sliding my thumb through the too-big ring .

Focus, Mihrra. You cannot fall for your employer, no matter how attractive, kind, or– NO. You’re here to find out what happened to Father.

To help myself fall asleep, I reminisced on memories of my father coming home from work trips. I would run out the door and jump straight into his waiting arms. He would spin around, hugging me tight, and everything would be right with the world.