Page 49 of Beyond the Faerie Gate

She rolls her eyes and presents me with the roses.

“And they’re the best ones?” I check, staring at them.

How do you tell if flowers are good or not? They look soft. Does that count? Wait, she took the thorns off? Why would you ruin good flowers by taming them?

Before Kitarni can say anything, I snatch the bunch from her and blink them over to where Rose is still sitting, clutching the blanket and wearing my hat.

When I present her with the pink bouquet, she takes them, completing the adorable picture.

Too late, I realise Kitarni has followed me into the room. The priestess bows low before Rose, who looks so adorably confused by the entire situation.

“This is Kitarni,” I mumble. “She’s been following me around since she had to go into hiding, but she’s not that bad. The other day, she actually asked me to kill someone!”

Kitarni ignores me completely, abandoning her bow and heading towards the bed.

“My Queen, I’ve been waiting for your return. I am your High Priestess.” The dryad’s long, leafy hair swishes over her shoulder, smacking me in the face when I try to hover behind her. “I’m at your disposal.” She turns to me, raising her eyebrows. “I’m sure the Nicnevin would like to dress in peace.”

Is she turfing me out of my own room? My indignation flares, only to blow out like a candle when Rose turns her purple eyes on me and says: “Please?”

I don’t even realise I’ve blinked out of the room until I’ve done it.

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