Chapter 103: The Flower Lore
The new princess had much more to say about her favorite flower and Alaric dated not interrupt her, he absorbed every information like dry earth finally receiving water.
"Salvia’s incredibly diverse, you know—over a thousand species from all over the world. Each unique, each with its own story. There are culinary sages, medicinal sages, and some that bloom purely for beauty. It’s a plant with its own lore."
He raised a brow. "A thousand species? Impressive. Let me guess—this Salvia attracts all sorts of admirers?"
"Oh, absolutely." She grinned. "Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds—they all flock to it. But only the boldest of pollinators can reach its nectar. Just like how only the daring find their way to me."
Alaric loved the way she found a way to compliment herself in every sense while talking about the flower and he couldn’t agree more. His gaze was admiring as he replied. "Even the Salvia is selective. I can respect that."
"And it’s resilient," she continued, all her knowledge about it spilling endlessly but if she was a teacher she’d have been a great one, Alaric thought.
"Salvia grows in rocky soil and dry places—hardly needs any water. It’s built for survival, thriving in the harshest conditions and still blooming beautifully."
Alaric watched her, a hint of pride in his eyes. "You and the plant are practically indistinguishable."
She laughed, the sound soft and light. "Perhaps! But it goes deeper. Some varieties are so potent they’ve been used in spiritual rituals. The Mazatec people believed Salvia could open glimpses into hidden realms."
He tilted his head, taking in her words with newfound appreciation. "Mystical and resilient. There’s a strength to that which I admire. And the colors?" His mind was reeling with the flower now that she mentioned it’s ability to let one glimpse hidden realms.
His wife was really the solution to whatever question or problem he’d ever had.