Page 101 of Blooms of Darkness

When I walked through the open palace doors, only my mother appeared beside Hale at the entrance. My father’s absence felt disheartening. I arched an eyebrow, but she shook her head slightly as I approached, already guessing what I’d ask. It would seem a conversation for another, more private time.

“My dearest,” she said, grabbing both my hand and Hale’s, “please do enjoy your time together. We look forward to seeing you soon.”

Just outside the door, Ruppert waited in position as Hale and I began our descent into the city. Ruppert may have been a terrible guard before, but he knew I liked to enjoy the lands around me and allowed me to travel in peace.

“I thought we could have a late lunch and enjoy a few minutes away from the heaviness of the last few days,” Hale said as we made our way down the path. He offered his arm, and I gladly accepted. “I’m sorry about Elisabeth. She’ll be missed.”

I grasped his arm, squeezing it once. “Thank you, Hale.”

We wandered down the path and into the city, and while I had just been here with Lord West yesterday, it seemed entirely different with company who appreciatedallof Ellevail. Hale and I stopped to talk to a few Fae along the way before we ended at Millie’s Café.

“You remembered.” I laughed.

“There’s only one place to get your favorite meal.” He shook his head. “You brought it up at least once a week when we wereyounger. I’d be dimwitted indeed if I couldn’t remember such a piece of information.”

Ruppert nodded and indicated he would be outside should anything arise. For once, he actually allowed me the privacy I wanted and needed. Something he failed to do previously as my guard.

The café was empty, which surprised me, considering the hour. I surveyed our surroundings, now understanding why Ruppert had been fine to leave me alone.

“Where is everyone?”

Millie bustled from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her faded red apron. “Oh, come now, child. An hour-long date with the princess can certainly be accommodated to give you some peace and quiet.” She winked at me before patting Hale on the cheek. The short, brilliant cook had to reach up, practically extending her arm to do so.

She shuffled back to me, grabbing my shoulders and pulling me toward her. “I heard about Elisabeth, my sweet child. She loved you more than life, I hope you know that.” Millie pulled back and cupped my cheeks, patting them once before she drew away.

“Sit, sit. I’ll be out in a moment,” she instructed.

I realized right then that perhaps the reason I loved being around the lesser Fae so much, why Ian and I had loved it our whole lives, was because they treated us like family. I wasn’t Princess Illiana when something was wrong. I was one of them. Their own. Just as they were mine.

None of the nobles expressed their condolences, but every single lesser Fae made their sorrow known. My heart cracked.

Millie walked toward the front, yanking her blue polka-dotted curtains closed, shutting off the view from the crowd gathering outside, hoping to see more.

Hale held his arm out for me, revealing a small table at the back of the café already set for the occasion. A delicate bouquet of hydrangeas was displayed in a crystal vase at the center. He pulled out my chair for me as we took our seats.

“I already took the liberty of ordering our lunch, I hope that's okay,” Hale stammered.

I reached across the table and took his hand. “It’s more than okay, Hale. Thank you for planning such a thoughtful date.”

He smiled and seemed to relax a bit more. The conversation ebbed and flowed, just as it always had. Millie returned, laying out two bowls of vegetable soup, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful. I knew he’d remembered from the joke he made at dinner the first night of the trials, but to see it here again warmed my heart.

I genuinely smiled and breathed in the rich beefy broth. “This might be the best date I’ve ever been on,” I admitted.

We took a few bites, and I paused, looking up at him. “I owe you another round of thanks for the first dinner. I was rather nervous, and you made me feel more at ease. Thank you for your kindness.”

Hale blushed, a small smile gracing his lips. He hesitated, trying to find the right thing to say and dropped his spoon on the floor. I bent to pick it up for him, where it had landed by my feet, but he flicked his wrist, and it flew back onto the table. Millie ran over and replaced it with a clean one instantly.

“Thank you, Millie,” he said, his cheeks flushing further. He waited to continue until she disappeared into the kitchen, leaving us alone in the empty café.

He coughed and sat up straighter this time. “Princess Illiana, I know you have much to consider during these trials, but I’m grateful to have been given this time so I could tell you how I feel.”

I sat up straighter, too, placing my hands on my lap as he took a drink of water before continuing.

“For the last several years, you got me through so many of our Court gatherings and balls. Being with you made me feel alive and provided an escape from the boring life I know we both live. Especially with the pressure of constantly being under the watchful eye of our parents and advisers. Our time together has been a blessing.”

“Oh, Hale,” I started, but he cut me off.

“No, please let me finish, or I may not find the courage to say this to you again.”

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