Desert Flower

Chapter II

For centuries, the relationship between fae and nymphs had been in fragile balance. Elion, however, was the first to intertwine his fate with that of a nymph in marriage.

Not driven by love, but by political reasons, Elion selected from fifteen nymphs. Genevieve, however, was not among the chosen. The choice fell on Samantha, whose intelligence, strength, and education set her apart.

Elion Pelaios was an enigma wrapped in courtesy and elegance, but shrouded in a mantle of evasion. His faerie gift manifested through grandiose black wings, intertwined on his back. His most trusted ally, with whom any scheme of Elion would inevitably intertwine, was Ren, the Lord of the Solar Lands.

In the realm of the Faerie Lords, friendship was a rare exception, a game of power and intrigue. Only two lords had displayed true friendship over the centuries: Elion and Ren. Although Kairon and Cerise were trustworthy, they did not share the same brotherhood as the two.

Ren Baptiste, Lord of the Solar Lands, was a playful and daring spirit, the most human-like among the Faeries, often distant from the iron masks others adopted. His gift was the transformation into any feline, canine, or mammal—a shapeshifter, whose metamorphoses defied the limits of nature.

Cerise Lucille, Lady of the Lunar Lands, was a figure of deep serenity and extreme reserve. Little was known about her, and she had recently ascended to the position of Faerie Lady, becoming the youngest among the seven realms. Her gift was vision, a power few understood.

— How are the plants, Genevieve? — Elion’s voice sounded, sharp and impassive, as always.

The blonde turned and faced the striking image of Elion, standing, austere and solemn.

— The plant is Comfrey, a remarkable healer but with a deadly poison. Exposed to the air, it can contaminate the environment, causing delirium and paralysis. The other, called Wormwood, is equally lethal.

Elion continued to observe her with an unperturbed expression.

— Have you planted it yet?

— What do you wish to use it for? — Genevieve asked with notable audacity.

Elion frowned, visibly annoyed. He had never had to justify his decisions to his servants; he considered any questioning a disrespect to his authority.

— This is not a request, Genevieve. It was an order. Answer me immediately.

The blonde shrugged, defiant in the face of his threatening tone, and gently caressed the bushes.

— Feel free to dismiss me. You won’t find a better botanist than me.

Elion remained impassive, but a slight wrinkle of irritation appeared on his forehead.

— You are extremely bold, Genevieve. I am only not dismissing you because you are a friend of my wife.

Genevieve smiled cynically, while Elion took a deep breath, as if having to justify his actions to a maid was a burden.

— I need the plants for both medicinal and toxic purposes. The silence that permeates our current time is unsettling, and I believe this calm is about to break.

Genevieve’s eyes widened in surprise, but she maintained her composure.

— Is this the reason for the meeting?

— It seems my wife lacks the ability to keep secrets.

— Her mouth serves for more than just talking. The one who loses is you.

Elion’s eyes widened, and he blushed slightly.

— Aren’t you ashamed to discuss such intimate details about your lord and lady?

— No, I don’t care.

— You don’t care, do you?

— No.

— Get back to work.

Elion left with heavy steps, and Genevieve struggled not to let a smile escape. In the castle, where few things provided pleasure, her greatest pastime was provoking Elion and Samantha.

The following days were chaotic with the arrival of the Faerie Lords. Servants ran from side to side, arranging guest rooms and cleaning the main hall from top to bottom. Genevieve devoted more time to household duties than to the garden, as the weather did not favor plant care. The sun was weak, shrouded in constant mist.

The weather in the Faerie Realm was quite variable. The Solar Lands and the Desert Lands, neighboring and consistently hot, were situated in the North. In the South, the Lunar Lands and the Mist Lands offered a milder climate, with snow and occasional cold.

There was also the Winter Land, ruled by the cruel Zarnak; the Shallow Waters Land, under the command of the vain Ushara; and finally, the Storm Land, ruled by Luthok, known for his vulgar and perverse life.

Among these Faerie Lords, the last three were often considered the most feared.

Finally, the day of arrival came. The weather was pleasant, without extremes of heat or cold, just a moderately comfortable temperature. Samantha woke up earlier than usual, visibly anxious. Genevieve arrived soon after to help change her clothes and arrange her hair.

— They will arrive today, Genevieve — Samantha murmured as the blonde arranged her hair. Genevieve watched her through the mirror.

— You’re visibly nervous. Try to relax. Everyone says that Ren and Cerise are charming people.

Genevieve braided Samantha’s hair into loose braids, leaving them partially secured rather than tied up. Samantha wore a simple but elegant salmon-colored knit dress.

— And what about Kairon?

— Ah, with him, worry is inevitable.

Samantha let out a light laugh.

— All done — Genevieve said, placing her hands gently on Samantha’s shoulders, offering comfort — You look stunning.

The castle gates were open, and the Mist guards were at their posts, watching from the towers. Everything was meticulously prepared to welcome the esteemed visitors. It wasn’t long before the first Faerie Lord was spotted.

Ren Baptiste was the first to arrive. He appeared on four legs, in the form of an imposing wolf, accompanied by the dignitaries of the Solar Land. By his side was Ovak Nasir, a dark-skinned man with striking teeth, and his advisor Malik Krusk. Ren’s army positioned themselves right behind, like a disciplined shadow.

— Elion!

Ren’s transformation was a fascinating spectacle. Seeing his appearance shift and take on a human form was surreal for Genevieve. She had never seen a shapeshifter up close, and the phenomenon was nothing short of fantastic.

As everyone said, Ren was indeed a ray of sunshine. His charm and physique were a stark contrast to Elion, and the idea that they were friends seemed almost comical, if it weren’t so true.

Some servants were lined up a little behind Elion and Samantha.

Elion stepped forward and extended his hand to Ren.

— How are you, Ren? — Elion offered his hand, which was declined for a bear hug.

— You’re becoming less receptive every day — Ren said playfully, casting a merry glance at Samantha.

— You must be Samantha Rieta, aren’t you?

Samantha nodded and made a courteous bow.

— Don’t feel so embarrassed.

Ren placed his hands on Samantha’s shoulders and enveloped her in a warm hug.

— It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady.

Ren, with his outgoing and polite nature, offered a warm greeting. While they were still in this process, Cerise Lucille arrived.

She and her companions arrived on horseback, riding majestic black and silver steeds. Cerise possessed an ethereal beauty, with grayish-white eyes and dark hair flecked with purple hues. Her flowing purple dress floated with her lightness. Beside her was Henri Lucille, a man who shared her features, and Yevelda Volen, her advisor. Her army remained at a respectful distance.

Cerise dismounted from her horse with a grace that seemed to defy gravity and walked toward Elion with an almost ethereal lightness.

— Elion, my lord, how are you? Thank you for the invitation. And Samantha, my lady, it’s a pleasure to meet you.

Cerise’s voice was sweet and soft as she made a bow, inclining her head slightly. However, when her gaze met Ren’s, her face flushed intensely.

— Ren, I... I... It’s a pleasure to see you again.

She lowered her head again, as if she could no longer bear the eye contact.

— Cerise! It’s been so long! It’s wonderful to see you again!

Ren smiled widely and hugged her with an intensity that almost crushed the young lady’s delicate bones.

Certainly, Ren seemed oblivious to the effect he had on Cerise. Her face turned so surprised and red that everyone feared she might faint.

— You look marvelous!

Ren stepped back, looking her in the eyes with a radiant smile.

Genevieve watched the scene with a certain tenderness, finding it charming how Cerise dealt with her clear admiration for Ren.

— Cerise-san, this is my best friend and lady-in-waiting, Genevieve O’Hara. She will assist you during your stay here.

Samantha, noticing Cerise’s discomfort, hurried to introduce Genevieve as a form of relief.

Cerise, with a grateful smile, gradually moved away from Ren and approached Genevieve.

— Genevieve, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Please, take good care of me.

She made a bow. Genevieve, a little embarrassed to see a Faerie Lady bowing to her, held back her shyness and returned the bow firmly.

— Miss Cerise, the pleasure is all mine. If I may say, you are truly magnificent. Aren’t you, Lord Ren?

Cerise had a shy smile directed at Genevieve but blushed intensely

upon hearing Ren’s name. The blonde, visibly airy, also blushed as she responded:

— Oh, truly, Miss Genevieve.

Samantha, with a light touch, drew Ren’s attention, while Elion merely rolled his eyes, clearly used to the blonde’s insinuations.

Kairon’s absence from the Desert Lands fueled rumors of a possible rupture in the alliance with Elion, Ren, and Cerise. However, Ren assured everyone that there was no cause for concern. After all, even during the legendary Faerie War, Kairon had been delayed; at a meeting, the same was to be expected.

During these days, Elion and Ren spent hours locked in their office, engaged in training and discussions. Cerise, in turn, spent most of her time in the company of Samantha and Genevieve.

It was impossible not to be enchanted by Cerise. She was a fascinating contrast to the image Genevieve had of a Faerie Lady. The brunette revealed herself to be humble, intelligent, and extremely shy.

Samantha and Cerise often spent most of their time in the garden, talking with Genevieve.

— I’ve never seen a garden so beautiful in my entire life, Genevieve-san.

— Ah, Cerise, thank you very much.

In the following two days, Genevieve learned a lot about Cerise, both through intimate conversations and the information shared by the castle’s staff.

Cerise, at only 18 human years old, had recently assumed the title of Faerie Lady and still felt daunted by this responsibility. She had known Ren and Elion since she was a baby, but their eternal youth was a mystery to her.

— I have no idea of their real age either. They always seemed so unchanging, with no signs of aging — Cerise confessed, her voice laden with a mix of curiosity and perplexity.

Samantha, a bit disappointed by not knowing her husband’s exact age, nodded with a thoughtful look.

— But, Cerise... What is there between you and Ren?

Cerise immediately flushed, her discomfort evident.

— Please, Cerise, forgive Genevieve’s lack of manners. Sometimes she doesn’t have a great sense — Samantha intervened, making a face at Genevieve.

— Oh, don’t worry, Samantha-san. I know my behavior with him arouses much curiosity.

Cerise sighed deeply, her shoulders falling as if revealing a weakness.

— Obviously, it’s no secret that I have feelings for him.

Genevieve and Samantha smiled upon hearing Cerise’s confession, their enchantment with the young newcomer growing with the sincerity of her words.