Page 57 of Quest

My guilt for the uncomfortable position my secret placed him in was mitigated somewhat by the sweet awareness of the lengths he was willing to go for my sake, giving me hope that he might be starting to reciprocate my own tender feelings…especially after his confession that he’d been drawn to me since our first encounter at my apothecary.

Since discovering my true identity, every interaction seemed imbued with deeper meaning: his guiding hand helping me over rugged terrain, his decision to keep his shirt on during sweltering days so I wasn't alone in my discomfort, his efforts to protect my privacy and ensure my well-being—whether by ensuring I had enough rest or sharing his rations.

I treasured each considerate gesture that spoke louder than words, storing them as cherished jewels in my treasure trove of affection. Every glance, touch, and sweet word became priceless, nourishing the love blooming within me, more valuable than any herb in my collection.

As the night waned, my senses sharpened to every sound and shift from Darcel. Each murmur or rustle seemed amplified in the quiet darkness. As dawn brushed the sky with strokes of coral and lavender, the emerging light gently caressed his features, casting them in a soft golden hue. My resolve finally succumbed to the yearning that had been building within me. Gently, almost hesitantly, I reached out, my fingertips lightly brushing against his, a touch laden with the longing I could no longer contain.

I held my breath, hoping my touch was soft enough not to wake him. But sleep seemed to have eluded him as well, capturing him in night’s endless spell. His eyes fluttered open, and time seemed to stand still, filled with unspoken words and our growing awareness. For a long moment he stared at me not with his usual guarded reserve, but with a depth of tenderness that made me feel cherished and truly seen.

His lips curved up as he reached out to trace the line of my cheek with a touch so intimate, it felt as though he was committing every detail to memory. The warmth from his fingers lingered, heated ripples that encircled my heart. Though he didn’t dare say anything about my appearance in words, it was clear that he was seeing my true self…and that he liked it, a realization that lifted my heart immeasurably.

The affectionate look took me back to the moment earlier that morning when I had applied the spell beneath his eyes. I had waited, my breath caught in anxious suspense, to see if the spell would take effect. The herbal charm designed to break the illusion hinged on whether the receiver could truly perceive me beyond the disguise.

It would be the ultimate test. I clung to the hope that he would succeed in seeing through it; I had never so deeply desired to be recognized for who I truly was as I yearned to from him. In the end my lingering fear proved to have been unfounded; recognition immediately dawned in his eyes when he saw me for who I truly was—not the façade, but asMei.

The sweet memory enfolded my heart, deepening the love I felt for him with every adoring caress as he stroked my cheek. I yearned to remain lost in this moment, but with the coming light the absence of my disguise loomed urgently. I needed to reapply the rough stubble that lent credibility to my masquerade as Ren, yet after the intimacy that had just transpired between us I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him behind, even for a moment.

I reluctantly started to stand, but he seized my wrist. “Where are you going?” His gaze was so imploring, silently pleading for me to stay.

Wordlessly I gestured to my face, prompting an indescribable spark in his eyes. “I’ll come with you.” His tone carried a barely concealed eagerness that lifted my heart, leaving no room for sense despite the potential risk.

I caught Sir Jiang and Kael’s quizzical looks as we stood, their expressions a mix of confusion and suspicion. “We’ll scout a bit ahead,” Darcel called over to them, standing in front of me to shield my unmasked face from their scrutiny.

Their skepticism was palpable—especially from our designated tracker who up until this point had taken care of the duty that served as our current pretense—but they nodded, allowing us to slip away into the shelter of the trees.

Once we were hidden by the dense foliage, I turned to Darcel, my brow raised in silent question. “There’s no reason for you to accompany me; I can manage.”

His cheeks took on a shade that matched the rosy dawn. “I know. I just…wanted a few moments alone with you.” His gaze held mine, earnest and a little shy, a stark contrast to the confident prince he was for everyone else.

The simplicity of his confession stripped away any pretense of annoyance I might have feigned. My heart warmed and I couldn’t hold back my smile, mirroring the softening in his eyes.

We moved deeper into the cover of the trees, where I began to reapply my disguise with practiced motions. I felt the weight of Darcel’s gaze as I worked and turned to find him watching me with the tender attention of someone cherishing the mundane intimacy of the moment, a longing that was no longer only mine to carry.

His presence turned the routine task into something precious, a shared secret that deepened the connection between us. Even after I finished I wasn’t ready to return quite yet, wanting to remain in this moment for a while longer, when I could simply be with him without the fear of discovery. He seemed to feel the same, for without either of us saying anything we redirected our course and continued deeper in the forest, stealing sideways glances at each other as we moved in silent harmony.

As if sensing our intentions, a path opened beneath the undergrowth, winding its way between the untamed trees draped with curtains of green moss. I tuned into the magic that stirred the air, alive with the land’s stories whispered by the sighing wind and the creaking boughs overhead.

Each step forward required care to avoid the roots and the occasional stray bramble. Darcel remained close, his presence a quiet source of strength I instinctively leaned upon without thought. We hadn’t ventured far when the path narrowed, obscured by a fallen log that blocked our way.

Without a word Darcel reached out, his hand brushing mine to steady me while I clambered over, sending a jolt of awareness through me. His touch lingered even after I’d steadied myself on the other side, his gaze laden with an emotion he couldn’t conceal, a tumult of feelings that seemed to mirror my own restless heart.

The forest gradually opened up, as if the magic guiding us within the trees offered sanctuary within its mystical corridors. As we navigated the labyrinthine path deeper into the ancient woodlands, a gentle breeze stirred the air, carrying a delicate fragrance. I paused and drew in a deep breath, trying to place the scent that tugged at the edges of my memory.

Darcel broke the reverent silence that had descended around us, his voice tinged with wonder. “It smells like cherry blossoms.”

The path ahead was draped in a verdant archway of intertwined branches, filtering slivers of the brightening sky above. Drawn by the faint enchantment lingering in the air and my innate herbalist’s curiosity, I followed the forest's subtle beckoning, Darcel trailing closely behind.

Our footsteps were hushed, guiding us as if the forest itself breathed a path under our feet. After a journey of several quiet minutes, the dense foliage gradually thinned, and we emerged into a clearing that took my breath away—a secluded grove vibrant with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The trees arched overhead in a delicate canopy, their blossoms shimmering as if dancing to their own silent melody. Petals fluttered down like soft pink rain, carpeting the ground in a mosaic of color, causing both of us to stop in wonder as we surveyed the captivating scene. For the first time in days, I could see no sign of decay, only vibrant, beautiful life.

I reverently stepped forward in sudden recognition, feeling as if I’d entered one of the stories that used to enchant me as a child. “Ancient herbalist texts speak of hidden groves that reveal themselves to earnest seekers.”

It was like a moment of time suspended in magic. Unlike before this journey began, I hadn’t come in search of the rare ingredients legend claimed were hidden within this sacred place; instead I sought a moment alone with the man who had captured my heart.

“So much for the woman who once claimed she wouldneverhave any interest in the prince.”

I glared down at Lumis, wishing I’d left it behind, but out of habit I’d brought my satchel in case we came across any useful herbs.

Thankfully Darcel was oblivious to our exchange, his expression awed as he took in the surrounding wonder, his usual guarded demeanor softened beneath the blossoms’ gentle glow. “It feels like we’ve stepped within a dream, legend made manifest.” His voice was barely above a whisper, as if afraid to break the enchantment that the grove projected around us.

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