Page 50 of Crown of Hearts
“Maybe, maybe not,” I agreed. I was so far gone into my head these days, it seemed like the last thing I needed was more time to overthink. “Either way, it would be nice to get it reclaimed from the weeds and overgrowth. Then at least the garden could be put back into use.”
“With discretion, of course.” She looked around as if she could already imagine the water flowing from the water features again and the rose bushes that would no doubt be planted.
“What do you mean?”
“Didn’t you say you had a secret hiding place like this as a child?”
I’d forgotten I’d told her about this place. It seemed like it was a lifetime ago. Much less did I think she would remember.
“You’re right. It used to be my secret hiding place, but I haven’t been here in ages.”
Elara looked around again, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “If I had a place like this to hide as a child, I don’t think I would ever come out.” That I could believe.
“I’ll see what I can do about getting it cleaned up.”
“I bet it’s going to look really beautiful.”
“I had a thought.” I changed the subject before my nerves got the better of me.
She looked over her shoulder at me. “Yes?”
“Maybe we could go for a picnic sometime? Only if you want to, of course.”
“You’re not otherwise occupied with your duties?” She referred to the schedule that had been keeping me from spending time with her.
“They can wait,” I assured her.
“I’d like that very much.”
“Excellent, I’ll have a servant arrange it.”
“I’ll arrange it,” Elara suggested, surprising me.
“Are you sure? You don’t have to.”
“I want to,” she affirmed.
“Very well, then. I look forward to it.” I couldn’t help the smile on my face.
Chapter 15
Elara
Having left the bow and arrows somewhere in the gardens, I made my way through the palace halls. How could I have been so stupid as to agree to an archery competition, knowing full well that I was going to achieve nothing apart from embarrassing myself? Not to mention the knot that seeing Cai and Lady Meredette created in the pit of my stomach. Convincing him to agree to this alliance already carried great difficulty without the additional obstacle of beautiful potential suitors.
I stepped into my chambers and asked Anesta to draw me a hot bath. Slowly, the room filled with steam and the scent of roses and lavender, which she’d added to the hot water.
The archery may not have been a success, but at least Cai had made an attempt to spend some time with me.
I undressed and sank into the bath. Whatever the soaps were made of in Norrandale, they smelled heavenly. Anesta undid my hair while I washed.
“Should I ask about the archery competition?” she enquired, and I shook my head.
“I have single-handedly managed to continue to humiliate myself in front of the King of Norrandale and his courtiers. Of all things, why did it have to be archery?”
“I’m sure King Cai doesn’t care about such simple things.”
“Speaking of which, I must ask your assistance,” I mumbled through the water while washing my face.
