Chapter 193: Equality is key to furthering a healthy relationship
In the end, the druid went back to the mansion after Natha told Panne and the guards to take care of her. It was also his way of saying he wanted to be left alone with me.
Jade was sulking, but I promised the bird I’d play with them tomorrow, so Ignis dragged the bird somewhere else, probably looking for babysitter Lesta. I bid them goodbye as Natha took my hand through the garden once again.
It was weird; I had just came from this garden before, but it felt different walking with him, hand in hand. His skin was still very cold, a remnant of his own fear. So this time, I became the talkative one. I told him all about my ’dream’, meeting Valmaier and Mother.
"...Mother," he muttered. "Is that how you all call her?"
"I don’t know," I shrugged. "Ignis and Jade call her that too, but I know Sarterians call her Lady, just like you."
"She seemed nice,"
I nodded in confirmation. "Well, I didn’t speak much, but...she felt warm and familiar? I don’t know how to explain it..."
"It’s fine," Natha raised my arm and kissed the back of my hand. "She led you to fix your soul, so it’s good enough."
I pressed my lips to hide my fluster and asked him about the winter flowers again, even though I already asked Panne earlier. What was this...I felt so easily flustered so suddenly. Was it because he had been looking at me with unmasked affection? Those silver eyes that gleamed in the afternoon light were making my heart beat faster. I thought I had already gotten used to his intense gaze and gentle smile, but...
He stroked my cheek suddenly, and I almost flinched in surprise. "Are you tired?"
"N-no?"