Page 79 of My Summer Girl

Chapter Thirty-Two

Dulce

Dandelions – Ruth B

Sweet intoxication. That’s the aroma that hits my nose as soon as we arrive. Decadent sugar, nutmeg, and honey, I believe. It’s like they’re baking all my favorite foods in one place. I inhale deeply, enjoying how enticing it is. Food speaks to me on a level that no living being ever could.

The ground here is different. Still grassy, but solid, like the soil and grass has been compacted into the ground so no one trips from weaker areas.

Earlier, we were greeted by someone named Vael, a guard of sorts. Vera sent him to meet us, or rather find us. Already, we crossed the biggest part of the trees and the castle was within view.

Now, we’re climbing the steps made of carved wood with another language engraved into them like a poem walkway. It’s elegant and welcoming, and much like laying in the fields, I’ve not felt more at home than in Solera.

Not even in Amantes.

The moment we enter the castle, we’re the target of every onlooker in the vicinity. Skepticism, worry, and intrigue seems to decorate every face. Am I missing something? I turn to Raev, wondering if somehow, I missed a custom that’s needed for greeting.

While we don’t have them in Amantes, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a specific wave, handshake, or bowing procedure that I’m unaware of.

My face heats when he doesn’t meet my gaze, and I instead look around and distract the frantic thumping in my chest.

I don’t even know what I’m experiencing on top of my jitters because it seems surreal to be in a place that almost depicts a hollowed-out tree with more craftsmanship than the wood inside a normal tree could offer. It’s magical in every way. Engrossing me is varying shades of greens and yellows. Flowers, thorns, moss, and everything nature meets me.

Peering at Raevar again with the hope he’ll smile at me, I note his stiff shoulders and downcast expression. Does he regret our time together or is this deeper?

“You’re back,” a gruff voice says, pulling my attention away as they open the main doors. They’re massive, and if not for how strong they are, I’d wonder how opening it is achievable.

“Where is she?” Raevar rudely ignores the question and asks his own. His voice seems so far away, and I can’t help but worry about the reasoning.

“Dining hall. It’s the tasting before the feast.”

Raev turns to me, his face nearly as hollow as this tree. Fear lances through me and maybe it’s this weird tether between us, but somehow it feels like he’s the one projecting that emotion.

“This is Alessand,” Raevar offers, turning to me momentarily. He points at the guard and then continues. “He’s our third in command aside from me and Vael.”

I blink slowly, wondering what he means by third in command. Watching the new guard, my eyes are met with hostility. It’s subtle, and almost could be ignored, but people disapproving of me has always struck a nerve.

“Who is she?” Alessand bites out, not exactly bitterly, but with less enthusiasm than normal people would offer a stranger.

“Dulce, my m—” Raevar clears his throat. “She’s here to see the queen and get back to her mate.”

The way Raevar doesn’t look at me after that first glance sets my nerves ablaze. It’s not cold, but lost, like he has already given up on whatever moments we shared. I want to haul him against the wall and kiss him silly. Put the reddest lipstick on my lips, make sure his face and throat are covered in proof that he’s mine now too. If this behavior keeps up, that’s exactly what I’ll do.

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