in her mind, and she enjoyed every second when she murdered our parents. She does not deserve any kindness or pity.”
Nicholas’s fingers tightened around mine at April's words. Releasing my fingers as he realised what he was doing. He
shook his head and sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
“April, organise it for three days’ time. I will watch from the tower. By all means, my three beautiful sisters, you may do
what you wish with her until then.”
All three of them smiled in unison. The same dark, sinister smile I’d seen placed along Nicholas’s lips before. They were
family in more ways than one. After joining their magics together, the three had yet to sever the bond, enjoying the magic
abilities that came with it. I wondered how much magic could corrupt a person.
“That is all for today. Everyone is dismissed. Do not disturb my wife and I, as we have a lot more catching up to do.”
A blush played on my cheeks as he helped me from my seat, leading me out towards the courtyard, the gardens, and then
finally the summerhouse. In the time everything had happened, many of the flowers of spring were starting to bloom one final
time as summer flowers replaced their colourful beauty.
“You know, my father built this place for my mother to show his undying love for her. She’d hide out here a lot during my
childhood, tending to the flowers, helping the staff, or just sitting here enjoying the tranquil sounds,” he told me as he gently
guided me towards a set of stone stairs hidden behind a large tree of wisteria.
As he guided me up each step, I looked at him tenderly and lovingly. When we reached the very top, there seemed to be a
small balcony that overlooked the hills.I could see in the distance you could make out the fate line of the sea as it met the
horizon.
Stars glittered the sky as the sun returned to its slumber and the moon greeted us with her light.
“I used to look at this place with sadness, loss and heartbreak.”
Turning towards me, he took both my hands and pulled me to stand in the middle of the balcony, to join him. I stared around
at the surrounding shades of purples. Lilacs, moon flowers, peonies and wisteria decorated every corner I looked in. They
were the same lilacs and wisteria as my wedding flowers as well as the white and light yellow roses hidden amongst the
purples. Each flower told a different story, held a different moment in time in this place.
“I cannot take back what I did on that bridge, but here, I commissioned this space for you. For us.”
Getting down on his knees, he continued to hold my hands tightly within his.
“I know you said a king does not beg, but I am no king without you. I am no one without you at my side. I wish I’d realised
that sooner before the day I firmly pushed you away, when I should have fought in your corner,” he paused, looking at me as
tears threatened my eyes, “I felt you die. That moment the water filled your lungs and it tried to take you from me. I felt all of
your pain and suffering. The heartache I had caused you.”