chapter five: Stolen conversation
854 Words
It had become something of a routine.
Every few days, Elara would find another reason to visit Blackthorn Manor.
Sometimes she returned a book Nerina had lent her.
Other times, she came to invite the princess for tea at Valencrest Palace or simply to spend the afternoon together.
Whether the excuse was convincing or not, Lysette had long since stopped questioning it.
"You've become quite fond of House Ravenshire," Lysette remarked as the carriage rolled through the manor gates.
"I've become fond of Nerina," Elara corrected, though the smile tugging at her lips made Lysette unconvinced.
"If you say so, Your Highness."
Elara pretended not to notice the amused look on her lady-in-waiting's face.
---
The afternoon passed pleasantly.
Nerina had insisted they walk through the gardens before tea, claiming the white roses were in full bloom.
She wasn't wrong.
The gardens were breathtaking.
Stone pathways wound through carefully trimmed hedges, while clusters of white roses filled the air with a delicate fragrance. A small fountain sat at the center, its gentle splashing creating a peaceful melody.
"I've always loved this place," Nerina said.
"I can see why."
"It's where I come whenever I need to think."
Elara smiled.
"I might have to steal that idea."
Before Nerina could reply, one of the maids hurried over.
"Your Highness, Lady Beatrice has arrived unexpectedly."
Nerina sighed apologetically.
"I won't be long. Please, make yourself comfortable."
"I'll be fine."
After Nerina disappeared into the manor, Elara continued walking alone.
She paused beside a rose bush, gently brushing her fingers across the soft white petals.
"They're at their best this time of year."
She turned at the familiar voice.
Cassian.
He carried a small basket filled with freshly cut flowers, their fragrance drifting gently through the air.
"You startled me."
"My apologies, Your Highness."
He offered a polite bow.
"I didn't mean to."
She smiled.
"I suppose we're meeting quite often these days."
"It would seem so."
There was the slightest hint of amusement in his voice.
It made her smile even more.
She glanced toward the basket.
"Are those for the drawing room?"
"Among other places."
"You arrange the flowers too?"
"When needed."
"You seem to do everything."
Cassian gave a quiet chuckle.
"I assure you there are many things I cannot do."
"I find that difficult to believe."
He shook his head with a small smile.
"I appreciate your confidence in me."
For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence.
Elara's gaze drifted to the book tucked beneath his arm.
"I didn't know you enjoyed reading."
Cassian looked down, almost as though he'd forgotten he was carrying it.
"I read when I have the time."
"May I?"
He handed her the book without hesitation.
It was a collection of poetry.
Elara's eyes brightened.
"I've read this."
"You have?"
She nodded.
"My mother used to read some of the poems to me when I was little."
Cassian's expression softened.
"My mother introduced it to me as well."
Elara looked up.
"You were close to her."
"I was."
His answer was gentle, carrying both warmth and quiet sorrow.
"I'm sorry."
He offered a faint smile.
"Thank you."
She carefully closed the book and handed it back.
"I never imagined you'd enjoy poetry."
"And why is that?"
"I don't know."
She laughed softly.
"I suppose I assumed you'd spend all your time working."
"I do spend most of my time working."
"So when do you read?"
"Late at night."
"Doesn't that make you tired the next morning?"
"It does."
"Then why not sleep?"
He thought for a moment before answering.
"Some stories are worth losing sleep over."
Elara couldn't help but smile.
"I understand that."
Their eyes met briefly.
Not long enough to make either of them uncomfortable.
Just long enough to recognize something familiar in the other.
A shared appreciation for quiet things.
For stories.
For moments that didn't need to be filled with words.
Footsteps echoed along the garden path.
"There you both are."
Nerina approached with an apologetic smile.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
"Not at all," Elara replied.
"Cassian was just keeping me company."
Cassian inclined his head respectfully.
"I'm afraid I should return to my duties."
He bowed to both princesses.
"Enjoy the rest of your afternoon."
As he walked away, Elara found herself watching him disappear among the rose bushes.
"He seems kind," she said quietly.
Nerina smiled.
"He is."
"He doesn't speak much."
"Only when he feels there's something worth saying."
Elara looked toward the path where he'd disappeared.
For some reason...
She liked that.
Very much.
---
The journey back to Valencrest Palace was unusually quiet.
Lysette watched Elara glance absentmindedly out the carriage window.
"You enjoy talking to him."
Elara didn't deny it.
"Yes."
"What makes him different from everyone else?"
Elara thought for a long moment before answering.
"When people speak to me..."
She looked down at her gloved hands.
"They're usually speaking to the princess."
She smiled faintly.
"But when Cassian speaks..."
"It feels like he's speaking to me."
Lysette said nothing.
She simply smiled to herself.
Some stories...
Always begin with the smallest conversations.
- Writer
