Page 22 of A Rose Among Snakes

Kezara waved a hand. “No, no, nothing like that, but it’s just… it’s hard to explain. It’s not the right time.”

“Well, I hope you two find your happiness together soon. Let people talk. Only you know the truth, and that’s all that matters.” I reached across the carriage and patted Kezara’s hand. She gave me a tight smile, squeezing my hand in return.

We rode the rest of the way home in silence. Kezara walked up to her room and I agreed to meet her in two hours to help her get ready for supper. Wolf greeted us at the front door with a loud bark and plodded up the steps after Kezara. Instead of retreating to my room to rest, I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and explore the grounds further.

I made my way to the back door and followed the path toward the greenhouse. I skirted around it and noticed another path around the gardens that led into the trees. A strange sensation swept over me as the distant rush of waves reached my ears—the ocean, tugging on an invisible string tied to my gut. Feeling adventurous, I let it pull me along. Beneath the sweeping boughs, the air was cooler and light could not break through, but the darkness was short-lived and the end of the grove showed the path curving down a hill. Canyon walls of rock and clay rose above me as the trail declined, and I struggled to navigate the loose stones in my heeled boots. Sound seemed to be simultaneously swallowed up by the walls but also echoed, bouncing from side to side. Aroundthe next corner, the canyon walls came to an end without warning, revealing a breathtaking beach.

Smooth, golden sand merged with the vibrant turquoise water. The breeze was soft, flirting with me as it brushed across my face and hair, stirring my gray skirts into play. The scent of seaweed and salt tickled my nose as the sun warmed my cheeks. I hadn’t been aware of how tumultuous my thoughts could sometimes be until I stood in front of the ocean and they disappeared in the roaring waves, like flames under a bucket of water. Perhaps that’s what the thread in my belly was pulling me toward—peace.

I had no idea how much time had passed as I basked in the warmth and silence when I heard rocks skitter behind me. Velian marched down the path, a deep frown settled on his face. He was wearing a white button-up shirt and tan pants with a brown waistcoat. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows and his hair was disheveled, like he had been running his fingers through it.

My first thought was one of alarm. How long had I been down here? It could have been hours. Perhaps Kezara sent her brother to find me and he was mad at me for shirking my duties. However, the thought dissipated when he looked up and the frown dissolved as his lips parted and his eyebrows raised.

“Mihrra?”

I offered a tentative wave.

“What are you doing here?” he asked as he walked toward me.

“Kezara wanted some time to herself, so I thought I might explore the groundsfurther.”

Velian didn’t say anything. His eyes were fixed on mine, a muscle in his jaw working, but not out of anger; more like he was deep in thought. Either way, I had the sense he wanted to be alone.

“She will be expecting me any moment now, so I should head back.”

He opened his mouth only to shut it again, giving me a terse nod, and turned toward the ocean, shoving his hands into the pockets of his pants. His reaction stung, but I reminded myself it was for the best. Sucking on my teeth, I headed for the treacherous climb back up the hill.

My emotions were tempered by the strenuous hike, and once I was back in the manor, I was collected enough to check in on Kezara. When I knocked on her door, I didn’t hear a reply, so I knocked a second time.

From inside, I heard a muffled, “Go away.”

“Kezara?” I knocked a third time, and when she didn’t respond, I opened the door anyway. Kezara was lying face down on her bed, her body heaving with silent sobs. I rushed to her side and placed my hand on her back. Wolf was lying on the ground next to her, his head between his paws, watching me with his big, brown eyes.

“Kezara, what’s wrong?”

She rolled to her side, brushing back the curls stuck to her face, now damp with tears and snot. The image was so childlike it made my chest tighten. She tried to speak, but unable to stop the tears, she pulled out a wrinkled piece of paper from underher pillow. After handing it to me, she buried her face in the silk comforter. I smoothed the page out and began to read it;

My sweet Kezara,

I am afraid I have terrible news. My father has informed me that he has selected a bride for me, and we will be wed in two months. I have fought back for as long as I can, but he does not care about love and has told me I must do as he says. He will be holding a ball to announce the engagement. I would not blame you if you chose not to attend and wished to never see me again, for that matter.

I am a coward and cannot stand up to him. You deserve better than me. I wanted to give you the world, but alas, I cannot.

I would love to see you and I will be waiting at our favorite tavern on the evening of the first of June. I will understand if you do not come, and I will leave you be.

I love you. I am sorry.

Ever yours,

L

Chapter Twelve

Isucked in a breath.

Flipping the envelope over, I examined the seal; red wax stamped with a lion’s profile, the mouth open wide, and the letter L placed between its teeth.

The royal crest.

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