Chapter 39
I watched out the window.
The whole left side of the room was a full wall of windows. It looked over the gardens. Flowers of every color created a kaleidoscope of rainbows. It was truly breathtaking. The room was twice the size of my former room. I was mesmerized by several hummingbirds flitting around the garden dancing from one flower to the next. There were two of them and they seemed to be having a contest of which one could make it to the next flower the fastest. There was a gentle knock at my door.
“Come in.”
Cassius entered with a reserved smile on his face. I had changed into a flowing red dress. It had a lace bodice surrounding my chest and led to a mock turtleneck. My arms were bare and the skirt flared from my waist. It had been waiting for me on my bed. I brushed out my hair, leaving it in gentle waves. His eyes smoldered when he saw me.
“You look lovely.” I felt the familiar warmth of heat flow thru my face and neck.
“Thank you.” He walked over to stand near me. I had turned back to stare at the garden. He followed my lead. “I can’t believe there are still so many flowers blooming here. At home, most have died off for the season.”
*
Cassius wanted to postpone this moment forever. How he longed to just to have a few more moments with her before he revealed his news.
“Would you like to take a walk in the garden?” Her eyes lit up at his suggestion.
“Yes, I would love it.”
“Let me grab your cape. There is a chill in the air.” Her gaze lowered and her cheeks flushed crimson. The heat in her face warmed his heart. He walked over to the four poster bed. Hanging on one of the posts was a matching cape. It was made of a Wilit’s fur. The softest fur in all the kingdoms, a Wilit was a cross between a tiger and a bear. Incredibly warm and velvety, it was perfect to keep her safe from the cold on an icy day. With one fluid motion the cape was off the bed and enveloped her pale skin.
*
My body felt flushed. I wasn’t sure if it was from my new cape or from having Cassius’ arms tighten around me, as he helped me put it on. Maybe we could make this work. After all, it has been said, “Love conquers all.” Could our love conquer everything, including myself doubt? He walked around, to my side, and then offered me his arm. I wrapped my arm around his and felt as if it belonged there. He led me out of my room and over to the empty sitting room.
“When I was searching for Evver, I found this,” his eyes shone mischievously.
He moved a candle holder on the wall, and then suddenly a door appeared. It opened up to a spiral staircase, which led us right into the garden. As the door opened to the outside world my senses were assaulted by the fragrant blooms welcoming us. Walking thru the sea of rainbows of flowers, it was breathtaking. I was stunned by the most exquisite orange flowers. I had never seen anything like it. A mixture of a calo-lily and sunflowers it’s hue matched the ripest orange. And the scent was heavenly just like a orangesicle.
I was so caught up in the beauty of it all that I didn’t notice Cassius retreat from my side. Startled from my reverie, I felt the soft petals of a flower against my face. I turned toward it and could see Cassius. He had picked a rose the color of my dress. With the slighted bow he offered it to me. I took it and pulled it to my face, closing my eyes as I tried to memorize the scent.
When I opened my eyes, his face was only inches from mine. His eyes were on fire. His gaze erupted an inferno across the surface of my skin. He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. There are moments in life where if you could freeze it and live there forever you would. It would be like living in heaven, no pain—no pain and no problems just—bliss. This was one of those moments.
His lips touched mine and the world was gone only Cassius and I remained.