Page 10

CHAPTER 10

A ripple of magic stirred the air, abruptly waking me from a shallow slumber. I blinked blearily into the darkness faintly illuminated by Lumis’s soft, golden glow for any sign of what had woken me but the night was quiet, the only sound the gentle snores that echoed throughout the chamber from my sleeping comrades.

A sense of foreboding tightened around me. Fearing that the silent alarm that had awoken me was a warning, my gaze immediately sought out Prince Darcel, still at his night watch. I had stayed awake as long as possible to observe him, vigilance that had nothing to do with the fact that I’d been unable to tear my gaze away from his face, relaxed in solitude.

Has he moved at all? My tentative question was tinged with a reluctance borne of the fear I might not want to hear Lumis’s answer.

“As convenient as it would be for you to maintain your pretense of disdain because you can’t face your growing feelings, he has remained steadfastly at his post.”

At Lumis’s unnervingly accurate insight I released a mixed breath of frustration and relief that so far Prince Darcel hadn’t succumbed to the trap I’d laid for him. I stole another tentative glance his way, lingering on the soft contours of his face illuminated under the lantern’s light, his thoughtful and sincere expression somehow making him more handsome.

I truly want to trust him . This secret wish whispered from a corner of my heart I was still reluctant to explore.

Lumis didn’t respond, but the magic filling the chamber gave another strong pulse, more insistently this time. I examined the enchantment filling the air, slowly unraveling its layers to analyze them one by one. At first I detected nothing unusual, but gradually a subtle pull directed my attention down a corridor stretching into the shadowed unknown beyond my line of sight, urging me to follow it. The magic’s whispers were too compelling to ignore.

Now was neither the time nor place to go exploring, but as always it was impossible to resist the siren call of my natural curiosity coupled with the tug of magic. As I quietly rose to follow the call, Prince Darcel’s keen senses detected the slight movement beneath the night’s stillness—his gaze swiftly found me, an eyebrow raised in silent query when he saw me half risen from my futon.

“Going somewhere?”

My mind raced for an acceptable excuse before settling on the least desirable. “I just have to, you know…” I trailed off in a suggestive manner, hoping he'd grasp the unspoken implication; discussing such delicate matters—especially with someone whose opinion I inadvertently valued—was embarrassingly difficult.

“Your modesty is unbefitting your current disguise,” Lumis commented dryly. I ignored him.

An awkward silence stretched between us. My guilty conscience shifted beneath his discerning gaze, as if he were parsing my words for deceit. Eventually, he sighed. “Don’t wander too far.”

Considering I had no idea where the magic wanted to lead me, I couldn’t make such a promise. I offered a vague nod anyway and slowly stood.

“And try not to get lost,” he added, his voice tinged with tired amusement. “I’d rather not have to come looking for you.”

My chin lifted defiantly. “Whatever I may lack in stamina, I am perfectly capable of navigating my family’s temple.”

The corners of his mouth twitched, almost a smile—an unexpected and disarming reaction to one of my usual sharp retorts. “You certainly like to make an argument out of everything.” He waved a dismissive hand, granting me leave to explore the mysterious call.

The magic gave another beckoning pulse. With His Highness’s permission now secured I eagerly accepted its silent invitation, trusting that wherever I was being guided, my ancestors who had protected this place for generations wouldn’t lead me astray.

Lumis's light remained a steady beacon in the dim, shadow-filled corridors as it guided me deeper into the heart of the temple. Eventually we came to a door hidden in the quieter recesses, almost imperceptible against the ancient stone walls, easily missed if not for the faint luminescence Lumis cast upon its outline.

I tilted my head, listening to the instructions contained in the enchantment that had led me here. At its quiet encouragement, I slid my fingers along the crack before they fit into place and I was able to push the door open. The hinges whispered with a soft sigh, as if relieved to fulfill their purpose after long years of silence.

My breath caught at the vision that greeted me, the scene that unfolded like a breath of spring air cutting through the scent of moss and musty antiquity of the temple. A tranquil garden sanctuary opened up, centered around a magnificent cherry blossom tree in full, glorious bloom. Its delicate petals were a vivid burst of life against the grey stones, each one fluttering lightly in the gentle breeze that somehow stirred within the enclosed space, as if the blossoms themselves were alive with a quiet, whispering chorus.

“What is this place?” I breathed, awestruck by the unexpected beauty found within this hidden garden.

“The Sanctuary of Renewal,” Lumis replied, its light softening to match the tranquil ambiance. “It was created as a space for reflection and meditation, a place where the monks of old would come to contemplate.”

The air around me seemed to pulse with a subtle vibrancy as I stepped closer, drawn irresistibly to the tree’s outstretched branches. Beneath the boughs I found a stone bench perfectly positioned for contemplation. The cascade of pink petals fell around me like gentle snow as I settled, each touch light but resonant with meaning.

Beneath the cherry blossom tree, the fleeting beauty of the blooms instilled a moment of pause, each falling petal seeming to contain a memory. In the quiet serenity of the garden, I contemplated my interactions with Prince Darcel, measuring them against the arbitrary standard I’d set to judge his worthiness.

The whispers carried by the cascade of blossoms as each petal fluttered to the ground weren’t formed in words, yet they conveyed emotions and impressions—the promise of renewal, suggestions of trust, and the natural cycle of releasing the fears and insecurities that burdened me. These murmurs resonated with my lingering doubts and hopes filling my heart, echoing against the barriers guarding my family’s ancient secrets and my own hidden desire to open up to the prince.

The petals’ gentle rustling combined with the tranquil energy of the garden instilled a profound and grounding clarity that allowed me to reflect on the prince’s earnestness, respect, and consideration. Thus far, it had been not his actions but rather my own suspicions fueled by our initial friction, the need to prove myself worthy of my father’s mantle, and my insecurities that had sown my doubts.

This newfound understanding made me realize that my antagonism towards Prince Darcel had been an excuse to withhold my trust, a shield for my own fears of failure and inadequacy. While honoring my family’s legacy was crucial, I recognized that I was more than just an herbalist or a guardian of tradition. Perhaps my ancestors had guided me here, not just to guard old secrets but to embrace the legacy of growth and risk that had enriched our magic and knowledge for generations.

Though there would always be a need for caution, I couldn’t allow the weeds of doubt to entangle my resolve a moment longer…which meant it was time to make a more earnest effort to extend my trust to Prince Darcel. With the peace that came with this new resolve I rose to leave, feeling more grounded and assured than I had in days. Lumis’s glow seemed to warm in approval, its light bright and encouraging as the lantern guided my steps forward.

I tensed as frantic footsteps suddenly sounded. The next moment the prince burst into the room, panting. “Ren! I’ve been looking everywhere—” He hunched over to catch his breath, evidence of his hurried search so different from his calm composure.

I blinked in surprise that he’d not only been able to locate where I was without the guidance of the temple or Lumis’s enchanted light, but that a such a dutiful man had strayed from his post. “There’s no reason to be so worried for a mere herbalist.” My sharp words couldn’t keep my heart from lifting at the thought he’d gone out of his way for me .

His head jerked up in offense. “If you think I use such a shallow measurement to determine the worth of my comrades, then I have been a poor leader.”

Guilt prickled. Once again I’d used my unfounded prejudice as a defense to keep the prince at a distance, a poor show of gratitude for his consideration for my welfare. I lowered my gaze in remorse. “I’m sorry, I don’t truly think that.”

His shoulders relaxed and he turned slightly, his attention captured by the vivid vision of blossoming pink before us. Awe seized his breath as he gaped at the sakura tree, momentarily speechless. “What is this place?” Reverence filled his bulging gaze as he took in the scene.

“A place where the temple imparts wisdom to the guardians who come seeking it. I came not only for guidance, but because its blossoms can be used in a variety of recipes, especially those pertaining to knowledge.” I caught one of the sakura petals waltzing with the breeze.

“It appears the forgotten temple is home to many valuable ingredients.”

Caught up in the majestic scene, I had entirely forgotten my original purpose, but his comment reminded me that my wandering had left him alone, giving him ample opportunity to track down the silverleaf. Had that search been what had led him to find me?

I narrowed my eyes. “Did you really come after me because you were worried, or did we happen to encounter one another after you retrieved?—”

My sense finally caught up and I hastily bit back the rest of my condemnation, but by the agonizingly long silence that followed it was too late. He frowned as he searched my expression. “By your reaction, I’m led to wonder if you purposefully informed me of an element of the recipe I’m not supposed to obtain. Was it some sort of test?”

My consuming panic robbed me of my voice, but the delay was only momentary before the defensiveness that always seemed to be present in our interactions took over. “Are you truly naive enough to think I would blindly trust my family’s secrets to you so easily?”

He frowned. “It wasn’t a request.”

I snorted. “Your title does not automatically qualify you to the privilege of my trust.”

His eyes narrowed. “You agreed to honor the duties expected of you when you embarked on this mission. You would really defy an order from your prince?”

“My first duty is to my family. My loyalty cannot be swayed by such a triviality as your prestigious title.” I barely checked the impulse to roll my eyes at his audacity; I didn’t want to push my disrespect further than necessary—more for my family’s honor than for the prince’s sake.

“A… triviality? ” For a moment he seemed lost for words as his ego processed my insult, but then to my surprise a slow grin curved his lips. “I never considered I might have allowed my status to get to my head, but you’ve helped me realize that I’ve grown conceited. Despite my show of pride, you’re right to protect what is dear to you. Forgive me.” He offered a bow in contrition.

Rather than his apology dispelling my worries, the ease in which he gave it only left me more wary. Yet before I could make another unwise statement, the lantern’s voice sounded in my mind.

“It must be exhausting fearing every action has an ulterior motive. Have you ever considered that rather than trying to deceive you, His Highness simply isn’t as confrontational as you?” Lumis’s tone was far too knowing for my liking; despite its help thus far, I almost regretted obtaining an enchanted lantern with the uncanny ability to expose the hidden parts of myself I didn’t want to examine.

I ignored my lantern’s advice and subtly gave Prince Darcel’s body a quick perusal—there were several areas folded into the fabric or hidden pockets where he could tuck the silverleaf should he have acquired it.

Unfortunately my subtle perusal didn’t go unnoticed. With a sigh Prince Darcel extended his arms. “You can search me if you don’t believe me.”

“Absolutely not.” I tucked my hands behind my back to resist the frustratingly strong impulse to take him up on his offer to get closer.

“Perhaps resisting the temptation will be easier to endure with the reminder that you made up the fact that the silverleaf exists in the temple in the first place,” Lumis said.

I felt both grateful for my lantern’s sense when my own had become lost in the heat of the moment, and begrudging that Lumis had even felt it necessary to remind me of that annoying fact. “Searching you is unnecessary.” I wasn’t entirely certain who my words were trying to assure—Lumis, the prince…or myself.

Prince Darcel cocked a skeptical brow, an annoying smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “So you believe me that I haven’t gone behind your back and stolen it?”

I hesitated only a moment more before finally relinquishing my stubborn fight. “I suppose you haven’t.”

Amusement lit his dark eyes as he eyed my dejection. “Don’t sound too excited.”

I forced a strained smile that caused him to laugh—the sound rich and warm as it drifted through the blossom breeze, waltzing with each petal in a joyous, mystical dance. The unexpected reaction was second only to the alarming sensation it caused me to feel, leaving me missing it when his mirth faded.

“It appears I have been negligent in considering your duties from your perspective,” he said. “But I admittedly find myself curious what you were hoping to achieve by concocting such a test.” His anger at my trick seemed to have faded, leaving him only amused and intrigued.

I hesitated, wondering if it was wise to confess the extent of my initial distrust, but his openness and the lingering warmth left behind by his earlier laughter chiseled away at the rigid wall I’d erected between us. “I simply needed to ensure your motives are as altruistic as you claim or if they’re instead motivated by greed.”

He staggered back, as if I’d slapped him. “Have I ever given any indication I’m unworthy of your trust, or are you simply determined to make me an enemy? I was teasing you before, but you sound as if you were truly hoping I would fail your little test.”

How aggravating that His Highness seemed to share Lumis’s annoying insight. “Perhaps a little,” I admitted.

Perplexity lined his brow. “ Why? ”

As if carried by the mystical breeze filling the airy chamber, a fallen blossom drifted from one of the tree’s overhanging branches and caressed my cheek, a touch that stirred another hidden realization. “I think I insisted on distrusting you not because you gave me reason to, but because…” I hesitated, unsure if I was brave enough for my admission.

I became awash in his intoxicating presence as he stepped closer and peered into my face, gently prodding me with his eyes to continue. I briefly lost myself in their dark, soulful depths before severing my gaze to stare determinedly at the petal-carpeted floor.

“I think a part of me likes the fight.”

His silence extended too long, forcing me to tentatively peek up at his blatant disbelief. “You…like the fight?” At my tentative nod, to my surprise he didn’t appear upset, simply stared at me with a look one might give an impossible riddle. “You’re a strange fellow. You do know there are other less antagonistic forms of interaction, don’t you?”

I shrugged. “They’re not as fun.” I couldn’t convey in words the strange thrill I got in battling my will against his, like I was engaged in an elaborate shogi match, eagerly anticipating his next move.

He released a whooshing breath. “Rather than arguing, perhaps we could start by simply being friends?”

The secret part of me I tried not to focus on yearned for a friendship with him, but while his proposal was simple between two men, it became more complicated considering I was actually an unmarried, unchaperoned young woman. Despite this valid reservation, he seemed too genuine for me to refuse him, causing me to momentarily forget why I’d insisted on distancing myself from him in the first place…as well as the heightened risk of discovery that could come from forming a relationship with this man.

Lumis’s light gave a soft, subtle pulse that contained a single word of insight: fear . I’d grown up an only child with very few children in my neighborhood my age, I’d lost my mother quite young, and I only had limited time remaining with my increasingly weakening father. Opening myself up to new relationships left me vulnerable to the goodbyes that would inevitably follow.

The prince was no exception—he had no reason to ever see me again once our quest finished and he’d gotten what he needed from me. Yet the longer I spent with him, the more I realized how much I hoped we could continue our relationship long after our journey concluded.

My silence extended too long. Prince Darcel misinterpreted my hesitation. “If it’s too soon for friendship, I’m willing to continue our frequent arguments if that’s the only way you’ll talk with me.”

I frowned, confused. He seemed strangely insistent. “Why are you so determined to become friends?”

He shrugged. “We could remain comrades and keep the relationship professional if you prefer, but friendship seems more fitting, considering the long journey ahead of us.”

My habitual cynicism hovered ready in the wings with a prepared excuse that friendship would make it all the more easy for him to betray me in the future…but I had finally had enough; the journey was exhausting enough without worry adding to my burden. Besides, I truly did want to become friends with him. The admission I’d determinedly ignored for so long was freeing.

“Can we still argue sometimes about inconsequential things?” I was only half teasing, but I wasn’t quite ready to let go of the strange thrill I found in this game of ours.

He chuckled and once again I savored the sound, wishing I could bottle it up like one of my ingredients and use it for a happiness concoction. “Should I start now by arguing why that’s not a good idea?”

“We’re already doing that.”

His lips twitched. “Then I will keep the peace by allowing you to win this round.”

I smirked. “Excellent. Just to warn you, I will be keeping track of each and every victory.”

With another laugh he tipped his head in a beckoning motion to follow him, which I did after a final lingering look at the tree. The sakura’s gentle rose-tinted light seemed to follow us as we made our way through the shadowy corridors back to our comrades. Kael—whom the prince had awakened to keep watch as he searched for me—gave us a short nod before returning to his futon.

With every step, I couldn’t help but eye the prince’s arm, wishing he knew me as a woman so he could escort me more formally. If only he knew me as myself so that whatever relationship we forged would be between him and Mei rather than him and someone who didn’t truly exist…even as I was still relieved for this new journey we were about to embark on together and was excited to see just where it would lead.