Page 32 of Love Letters & Lemon Drops

"I think that might be wise," Arthur says.

I hand over the recipe, almost glad to be rid of it, but also a little sad. It's sweet that Artie wanted us to make them together, but maybe better if we don't spend too much time in the kitchen.

"Now, leave, before you burn down the entire castle." She shoos us out of the room.

"Is that even possible?" I ask Artie.

He shrugs. "It's made of stone, so I'd think not."

"I'm surprised she can also read Someilian." I look back at the closed door.

Artie laughs. "There isn't a recipe Evie can't read. It's the only time she's good at languages."

"Ah."

"So, would you like to go for a walk with me if we're not allowed to be in the kitchen?"

"That sounds wonderful," I respond, looping my arm through his and letting him lead me out of the castle and into the gardens. It doesn't matter to me that we haven't gotten to make lemon drops, I'm just happy that I can spend time with him.

Chapter 15

The servants don't say anything as I approach the mountain solar, somewhat intrigued by finally seeing the room. Arthur has talked about it a lot, not just since I got here, but in my letters too, but so far, I haven't had a chance to visit. I pat my pocket to make sure I've remembered Arthur's handkerchief, even though I've already checked at least six times since I left my room.

I step inside and my eyes widen as I take in the huge windows, revealing the mountain beyond. Flecks of snow drift past it, making it look even more magical than it already does. It's beautiful, but I have to admit that everyone who said that I wouldn't want to travel in it was correct, and my aunt might have to stay at Falhaven Castle for longer than she initially planned if it keeps up like this. I doubt she'll want to travel home in weather like this.

"What do you think?" Artie asks.

"It's beautiful," I respond. "I know you described it, but this is beyond what I expected."

"My sisters and I often have breakfast in here," he says, coming closer so that he can kiss me hello.

I lean in, enjoying the way it feels to be so close to him.

We break apart and I smile up at him. "I'd like to have breakfast in here sometimes."

"I'd like that too," he says as he wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me back to him so we can both watch the snow as it falls.

It's so mesmerising as it drifts through the air, almost like it's dancing across my vision. They're even more beautiful than the snowflakes I embroidered on the handkerchief for him.

"I brought you something," I say to Arthur, realising that I need to actually give it to him if I want him to have it. I pull it out of my pocket and hold it out to him. "I'm sorry it wasn't ready when I first arrived, I wanted it to be, but I kept thinking of things I wanted to add to it."

A confused expression crosses his face as he takes the folded-up square from him.

My heart races as I wait for him to look at it, and I realise how important it is that he likes it.

"It's beautiful," he says.

"Thank you."

"You're very talented." He runs a finger over the tiny embroidered horseshoe in one corner.

"I do enjoy embroidery," I respond. "Even if it was something picked for me by Mamá."

"That doesn't mean you can't enjoy it," he points out. "You added snowflakes?"

A blush rushes to my cheeks. "I added them after our first ride together," I admit. "And our first kiss."

His eyes light up as he realises what I'm saying. "It's beautiful. I shall treasure it, always."

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