Sweet is Her Love (Sapphic Sweet) by Isabella Eden

Author:Isabella Eden [Eden, Isabella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Isabella Eden
Published: 2023-10-29T16:00:00+00:00

The picnic blankets were strewn across the grassy shore of their little island in the middle of the Vltava. The Big Top was a silhouette behind them in the twilight and the atmosphere was filled with the smoky aroma of the barbecue and the happy chatter of the circus folks. For once, they were all off-duty – thanks to the outside caterers – and the mood was one of lazy, unadulterated relaxation.

Avriel felt a sense of satisfaction watching her circus family laughing, eating, and enjoying themselves. A few musicians from the show appeared with their instruments, and soft melodies floated through the air. She had footed the bill for the whole event, and every penny felt well spent when she looked at the happy faces around her.

Demi came to sit beside her as the sky transitioned from the fiery hues of sunset to the gentle purples and blues of early evening. With a contented sigh, Demi laid her head in Avriel's lap. Avriel's fingers found their way into her hair, stroking softly.

She adored the peaceful sigh that slipped from the woman’s lips.

They watched the river in companionable silence.

After a while, the tone of the music shifted. A solo violin began a haunting, lilting Romani tune – old music – a song from when the circus had been a smaller family thing and Avriel had been just a child. Across the group, Giselle met her eyes, and gave a wry smile. Avriel felt a bittersweet melancholy curl around her heart. She hadn’t heard this for a long time. Almost instinctively, she began to hum.

“What was that?” Demi asked, as the tune came to an end. Her voice was soft and tinged with curiosity.

“A folksong, I guess,” Avriel said. “My mother used to sing it. Giselle probably sang it to her.”

Demi squeezed Avriel's hand gently, wordlessly offering comfort. Avriel felt grateful for the silent understanding, for the space to remember without having to explain.

“I’m trying to wrap my head about family and circus life.” Demi broke the silence, a gentle puzzlement in her voice. “I mean, I can absolutely see how this crazy, wonderful group of people can become just like family. I already feel like I’m part of that family. I feel like I’ve known them forever.”

Avriel smiled, warmly. “You do? I’m glad. You fit right in.” She tickled Demi’s ribs.

Demi looked up to see if Avriel was being cheeky. She poked the very tip of her tongue out and gave a coy smirk.

“You fit right in,” she drawled.

“Later,” Avriel promised.

There was silence for a moment, but Demi seemed to have something on her mind.

“But not everyone stays with the circus forever, do they?” she asked. “I mean, people move on, cast and crew must come and go, right?”

“Some people stay,” Avriel said. She tilted her chin at Noémie who was kneeling in front of Giselle having her cards read. “There are some here who’ve been with us for years. Some whose parents were part of the original circus. Not many, though,” she admitted.

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