Page 74 of Turret

I glanced back. My new guard had been following me faithfully the entire morning and now stood a discreet distance away. “He’s here.” It felt strange to be referring to a guard who wasn’t him, especially when Quinn had been at the post for so long. I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I was surprised to wake up and find that the change had already taken place. I’d hoped…”

I didn’t need to finish my thought. Remorse clouded his expression.

“I’m sorry it was so sudden. His Majesty informed me yesterday that he’d found a trustworthy man capable of the position, so I relinquished it immediately. It was long overdue.”

“It’s my understanding you tried to give it up before we became trapped in that tower.”

He sighed. “I see His Majesty has already informed you of that conversation. I regret having to give it up at all.”

“You didn’t have to.” My voice sounded small. I knew I was being childish, complaining about things that couldn’t be changed, but it had only been hours since losing Quinn and I already missed him.

He laced our fingers together, a gesture which soothed some of my heartache. “You know I did. I was losing my sight, Gemma. I’m only grateful the tower was enchanted to protect you else I would have worried endlessly these past several years.” He glanced towards the guard before leaning close and lowering his voice. “I interviewed him extensively, for I wouldn’t give you up to just anyone. I believe he’s a man who can be trusted.”

I had no doubt he was, but that didn’t change the fact that I didn’t trust anyone as much as I trusted Quinn. My melancholy returned, threatening to overcome me, but I forced myself to push it away. I wasn’t here for myself but forhim.

I pressed my hands to my hips. “You’re in trouble. Now that you’re no longer my guard, it appears I’m expected to spend the entire morning searching for you.”

He blinked, actually seeming surprised. “You were looking for me?”

Even though he couldn’t see it, I couldn’t resist rolling my eyes, a gesture that was now much less satisfying. “You’ve spoiled me too long with your company for me to give you up so easily. I’m rather miffed you’d think otherwise.”

“Are you?” He reached up to run his hand along my arm, taking in the angles of my position before pausing where my hand pressed against my hip. His lips twitched. “You appear rather displeased. I have no doubt you’re glaring as well.” His touch lingered a moment over my hand before he yanked it away. “Forgive me, I shouldn’t touch you so familiarly—”

I rolled my eyes again. “There’s nothing untoward. Your hands are now your eyes, and you have my permission to use them to see as best as you can.”

“But—” he began.

“I trust you, Quinn. I always have.”

He still seemed uncertain, but it didn’t stop him from reaching towards my face. I tipped my head back so he could more easily explore my expression from his position. I kept myself still as he traced my features, seeing my determination through his fingertips.

He sighed. “Very well, I believe you. I admittedly did even before I verified your expression, for I trust you, too.” Mischief tugged on his mouth. “Perhaps part of me likes having an excuse to touch you.”

I grinned, a gesture he felt considering his touch lingered along my jaw. His thumb traced over my lips and his own smile slowly grew.

“I take it you’re pleased? You shouldn’t be. I’m still not convinced I’m the best man for you.”

“Deep down you must believe yourself to be, else you wouldn’t be so forward—I recall you holding me in your arms only yesterday.” I giggled as crimson enveloped his cheeks and took his hand to tug him to his feet. “Come, I spent the entire morning looking for you, and now that I’ve finally found you I’m eager to finally spend time with you.”

“I’m admittedly curious as to what compelled you to seek me out…though I’m fiercely relieved you have. I can’t even convey how difficult it’s been being away from my usual post—I’ve been going crazy all morning wondering how you are before finally seeking a much-needed distraction on the balcony.”

His fingers wove through mine to hold my hand securely, a gesture that spoke louder than words that perhaps he believed in a future between us after all.

“Now it’s my turn to distract you. There’s something I want to show you…or rather, many things.” I turned us towards the balcony overlooking the vast enchanted grounds. “Dawn has almost faded, but a hint of pink and orange still tinges the sky in rather wispy patterns. Otherwise it’s a vivid blue without a cloud in sight. From here we can see the woods in the distance, where the leaves are dotted with all shades of orange and gold, and below, the flowers are just as vibrant.”

I noticed movement in my peripheral vision and turned to see a robin perched on the railing, watching us in a rather inquisitive way.

“There’s a robin just to your right. Its feathers are the loveliest crimson, and it’s tilting its head as if curious about something.”

Quinn turned in its direction. “I find myself relating to it, for I can’t help but wonder what you’re up to.”

“Haven’t you guessed? I’m your new eyes.”

I leaned over the railing to stare out across the grounds, a patchwork of vibrant colors and unique patterns, searching for something of interest to bring to life for him. This vantage point stretched across all the surrounding gardens, giving me many wonders to choose from, but I wanted to find the perfect one to make him smile.

“The enchanted swan topiaries are floating down the streams in the water garden, while a rabbit topiary has escaped its garden on the other side of the grounds, undoubtedly to create mischief…and it is! It’s exploring the flowerbeds, whose occupants seem rather put out.”

Quinn grinned. “I can just imagine it. What types of flowers are they?”

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