“They’re called Moonlit Étoile Roses,” I heard him say, above my head. “They can’t be found anywhere else in the world as they've been cultivated exclusively in this garden for centuries.” They’re used in every major royal event… the Mating Ceremony, coronations, the presentation of heirs... even in our funeral rites.”
I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. My focus was fixed.
I didn’t know how long I stayed like that, just staring at them. Entranced.
Eventually, my legs started to cramp, and I pushed myself up to stand, wincing slightly as I stretched my muscles.
That was when I saw him. Sargis, sitting cross-legged on one of the bag chairs like it was his personal throne, with his hands behind his head and a toothy smile lighting up his face.
I quickly looked away.
I didn’t know why the si
