Page 22 of Quest

Aripple of magic stirred the air, abruptly waking me from a shallow slumber. I blinked blearily into the darkness faintly illuminated by Lumis’s soft, golden glow for any sign of what had woken me but the night was quiet, the only sound the gentle snores that echoed throughout the chamber from my sleeping comrades.

A sense of foreboding tightened around me. Fearing that the silent alarm that had awoken me was a warning, my gaze immediately sought out Prince Darcel, still at his night watch. I had stayed awake as long as possible to observe him, vigilance that had nothing to do with the fact that I’d been unable to tear my gaze away from his face, relaxed in solitude.

Has he moved at all?My tentative question was tinged with a reluctance borne of the fear I might not want to hear Lumis’s answer.

“As convenient as it would be for you to maintain your pretense of disdain because you can’t face your growing feelings, he has remained steadfastly at his post.”

At Lumis’s unnervingly accurate insight I released a mixed breath of frustration and relief that so far Prince Darcel hadn’t succumbed to the trap I’d laid for him. I stole another tentative glance his way, lingering on the soft contours of his face illuminated under the lantern’s light, his thoughtful and sincere expression somehow making him more handsome.

I truly want to trust him. This secret wish whispered from a corner of my heart I was still reluctant to explore.

Lumis didn’t respond, but the magic filling the chamber gave another strong pulse, more insistently this time. I examined the enchantment filling the air, slowly unraveling its layers to analyze them one by one. At first I detected nothing unusual, but gradually a subtle pull directed my attention down a corridor stretching into the shadowed unknown beyond my line of sight, urging me to follow it. The magic’s whispers were too compelling to ignore.

Now was neither the time nor place to go exploring, but as always it was impossible to resist the siren call of my natural curiosity coupled with the tug of magic. As I quietly rose to follow the call, Prince Darcel’s keen senses detected the slight movement beneath the night’s stillness—his gaze swiftly found me, an eyebrow raised in silent query when he saw me half risen from my futon.

“Going somewhere?”

My mind raced for an acceptable excuse before settling on the least desirable. “I just have to, you know…” I trailed off in a suggestive manner, hoping he'd grasp the unspoken implication; discussing such delicate matters—especially with someone whose opinion I inadvertently valued—was embarrassingly difficult.

“Your modesty is unbefitting your current disguise,” Lumis commented dryly. I ignored him.

An awkward silence stretched between us. My guilty conscience shifted beneath his discerning gaze, as if he were parsing my words for deceit. Eventually, he sighed. “Don’t wander too far.”

Considering I had no idea where the magic wanted to lead me, I couldn’t make such a promise. I offered a vague nod anyway and slowly stood.

“And try not to get lost,” he added, his voice tinged with tired amusement. “I’d rather not have to come looking for you.”

My chin lifted defiantly. “Whatever I may lack in stamina, I am perfectly capable of navigating my family’s temple.”

The corners of his mouth twitched, almost a smile—an unexpected and disarming reaction to one of my usual sharp retorts. “You certainly like to make an argument out of everything.” He waved a dismissive hand, granting me leave to explore the mysterious call.

The magic gave another beckoning pulse. With His Highness’s permission now secured I eagerly accepted its silent invitation, trusting that wherever I was being guided, my ancestors who had protected this place for generations wouldn’t lead me astray.

Lumis's light remained a steady beacon in the dim, shadow-filled corridors as it guided me deeper into the heart of the temple. Eventually we came to a door hidden in the quieter recesses, almost imperceptible against the ancient stone walls, easily missed if not for the faint luminescence Lumis cast upon its outline.

I tilted my head, listening to the instructions contained in the enchantment that had led me here. At its quiet encouragement, I slid my fingers along the crack before they fit into place and I was able to push the door open. The hinges whispered with a soft sigh, as if relieved to fulfill their purpose after long years of silence.

My breath caught at the vision that greeted me, the scene that unfolded like a breath of spring air cutting through the scent of moss and musty antiquity of the temple. A tranquil garden sanctuary opened up, centered around a magnificent cherry blossom tree in full, glorious bloom. Its delicate petals were a vivid burst of life against the grey stones, each one fluttering lightly in the gentle breeze that somehow stirred within the enclosed space, as if the blossoms themselves were alive with a quiet, whispering chorus.

“What is this place?” I breathed, awestruck by the unexpected beauty found within this hidden garden.

“The Sanctuary of Renewal,” Lumis replied, its light softening to match the tranquil ambiance. “It was created as a space for reflection and meditation, a place where the monks of old would come to contemplate.”

The air around me seemed to pulse with a subtle vibrancy as I stepped closer, drawn irresistibly to the tree’s outstretched branches. Beneath the boughs I found a stone bench perfectly positioned for contemplation. The cascade of pink petals fell around me like gentle snow as I settled, each touch light but resonant with meaning.

Beneath the cherry blossom tree, the fleeting beauty of the blooms instilled a moment of pause, each falling petal seeming to contain a memory. In the quiet serenity of the garden, I contemplated my interactions with Prince Darcel, measuring them against the arbitrary standard I’d set to judge his worthiness.

The whispers carried by the cascade of blossoms as each petal fluttered to the ground weren’t formed in words, yet they conveyed emotions and impressions—the promise of renewal, suggestions of trust, and the natural cycle of releasing the fears and insecurities that burdened me. These murmurs resonated with my lingering doubts and hopes filling my heart, echoing against the barriers guarding my family’s ancient secrets and my own hidden desire to open up to the prince.

The petals’ gentle rustling combined with the tranquil energy of the garden instilled a profound and grounding clarity that allowed me to reflect on the prince’s earnestness, respect, and consideration. Thus far, it had been not his actions but rather my own suspicions fueled by our initial friction, the need to prove myself worthy of my father’s mantle, and my insecurities that had sown my doubts.

This newfound understanding made me realize that my antagonism towards Prince Darcel had been an excuse to withhold my trust, a shield for my own fears of failure and inadequacy. While honoring my family’s legacy was crucial, I recognized that I was more than just an herbalist or a guardian of tradition. Perhaps my ancestors had guided me here, not just to guard old secrets but to embrace the legacy of growth and risk that had enriched our magic and knowledge for generations.

Though there would always be a need for caution, I couldn’t allow the weeds of doubt to entangle my resolve a moment longer…which meant it was time to make a more earnest effort to extend my trust to Prince Darcel. With the peace that came with this new resolve I rose to leave, feeling more grounded and assured than I had in days. Lumis’s glow seemed to warm in approval, its light bright and encouraging as the lantern guided my steps forward.

I tensed as frantic footsteps suddenly sounded. The next moment the prince burst into the room, panting. “Ren! I’ve been looking everywhere—” He hunched over to catch his breath, evidence of his hurried search so different from his calm composure.

I blinked in surprise that he’d not only been able to locate where I was without the guidance of the temple or Lumis’s enchanted light, but that a such a dutiful man had strayed from his post. “There’s no reason to be so worried for a mere herbalist.” My sharp words couldn’t keep my heart from lifting at the thought he’d gone out of his way forme.

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