Page 75 of Crown of Hearts
The weather wasn’t exactly desirable. The sun remained hidden while the clouds covered the skyline in a blanket of grey. They gathered in the distance, accompanied by strong winds, foretelling a storm that was likely to arrive. Winter lurked around the corner.
We finally reached the ivy-covered wall, where I felt for the door. After I shoved it with my shoulder once or twice, it finally opened.
Elara took hold of my hand so that I could guide her inside, preventing the skirts of her dress tripping her over the tall grass and wildflowers.
“I see you still haven’t gotten a gardener in here.”
“It will definitely look a lot better once it’s cleaned up. I can’t decide if I should involve my mother in the process — the garden is her heart after all — or if I should surprise her.”
“Either way there is a lot of work to be done.”
I placed my hands on my hips as I took a look around. If I had any interest in horticulture I might have taken on the task myself. But I was likely to do more damage than good. “I do like being the only person who knows about it, though. I might keep it like that for a while.” A place I could go to be alone, to find a little peace amid all the chaos.
“One of the only two people,” Elara reminded me. She picked one of the flowers and twirled it between her fingers.
“So, are you going to tell me why you dragged me all the way out here, or is that a secret too?” Her mouth curved into a teasing smile.
Looking away, I scratched the back of my neck. “I figured it was time we talk about our situation.”
“Our situation?” Elara didn’t seem impressed by my choice of words.
“Well, yes?” I had thought she had wanted this discussion to take place for a while now.
She sighed. “All right, what do you want to discuss?”
The sky above grew darker, the smell of rain in the air.
I stated the obvious. “You need to marry me to strengthen your claim to the Evernean throne.”
“Yes?” Her tone was uncertain.
“And I need to marry you for soldiers to better protect my kingdom against Argon, if we should go to war.” There had been no discussion about the alliance since the last council meeting, and my noblemen would probably have my head if they knew what I was about to do.
She crossed her arms. “Are you proposing, Cai?”
“You didn’t let me finish.”
“Good, because if that is your idea of a proposal, I am really rethinking my choices.”
Where did she find the capability for humour at a time like this? My palms were sweating. I could feel my pulse in my throat.
“This alliance could have a negative impact on Norrandale if Everness is on the brink of a civil war. The same goes for Everness should Argon attack. Your kingdom isn’t the strongest it’s ever been and sending soldiers to Argon could sink Everness into greater poverty.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Elara confirmed.
“You have a knack for wanting to run away from everything and everyone all the time.”
“What?” She seemed more confused at the boldness of my statement rather than arguing against my words.
“And I give people the benefit of the doubt when I shouldn’t,” I admitted. “And you have very little experience of being a queen.”
Elara had a crease between her brows from frowning.
“Well, there is no need to twist the knife,” she said under her breath. A gust of wind, cold and intrusive, blew the surrounding fallen leaves into the air.
“I spend too much time away from home. You used to be a criminal. There’s been a lot of secrets and betrayal between us. Not to mention your family.”
“Is there a point to this or are you just making a list of reasons we shouldn’t be together? Because if that’s the case, you making a list in the first place should also be a part of it.”
