Freed by Samantha Britt

Author:Samantha Britt [Britt, Samantha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-19T16:00:00+00:00

24

“What do you make of Prince Finn’s behavior at breakfast?” Erwin and I were walking through the gardens, having just left the king and Finn after the meal. The prince’s official welcome to King Aquin’s Court was to take place later that day, and both went off to prepare for the occasion.

Erwin’s fingers traced the lines on a wide leaf from a tropical tree. “I think His Highness was flirting with you.”

I lightly punched his arm.

“Ow,” he feigned injury. “Hey. You asked. Why am I getting hit for being honest?”

I shook my head and rolled my eyes, pulling a wide grin from his lips. “What I wanted to know is what you think was the reason for his flirtatious behavior? What’s his motivation? Surely, he knows King Aquin might disapprove of such familiarity.”

“Perhaps Prince Finn is trying to get a rise out of the king.”

“But why?”

Erwin shrugged, walking down the path until he reached a bush covered with bright pink roses. “Maybe the prince wants the king to act against him. It would give him cause to retaliate, and perhaps his retaliation will allow him to follow through on his dear daddy’s orders.”

“No,” I said strongly. “Finn wouldn’t kill him. Not after our conversation last night.”

Amusement lit Erwin’s features. “You think you have that much influence, do you?” His implication was obvious. I ignored it.

“I’m being serious, Erwin.” I tugged on his arm when he took a step to move farther down the pebbled path.

“As am I, Lissa. Prince Finn is either instigating an argument with King Aquin, or he is flirting with you because he harbors feelings for you. Which would you prefer I speak about?”

I cringed. “Neither.”

Erwin raised a brow. “Then instigating an argument, it is.”

I averted my eyes, resting them on the bright roses. “They’re my favorite flower.”

“Your mother’s too.”

I looked back at him. “Really?”

His mouth curved up. “Yes. Lassandra loved roses. She would trim the bushes herself, cutting away excess foliage to allow for her beautiful roses to thrive.”

A memory of a man bringing a bundle of wildflowers into our home played in my mind. “I know they aren’t roses, Sandra, but I hope you like them just the same.”

I took a deep breath. That was the first memory of my father I’d had in a very long time. He brought my mother flowers, and I remember her fawning over the gesture before she kissed him deeply. There was no denying the affection between them.

Erwin watched me. “Lissa?”

I blinked to clear away the memory, returning my attention to the roses. “It’s nothing. Just thinking about my parents,” I admitted.

Understanding crossed his face. “I didn’t mean to cause you distress.”

“You didn’t,” I assured him with a smile. “It’s nice to learn things about her. You said she tended the roses. Did she also take care of the herbs?”

“She did.” Erwin gestured towards the side of the garden pressed against the palace wall. “That entire section is dedicated to growing medicinal herbs, roots, and leaves. Any elf with a healing affinity is allowed to browse the selection, taking what they need.

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