Chapter 262: The Peaceful Night.
"A flower," Heappal said simply. "Delicate, rare, and beautiful. But strong enough to grow even in the harshest places."
Thalia’s breath hitched at his words, her fingers stilling over the basket. She shook her head, her voice trembling as she said, "I’m not strong."
"You’re stronger than you think," Heappal countered firmly.
He reached out, his fingers brushing hers as he gently took the flower she was holding. "And if you’re not... I’ll be strong enough for the both of us."
Thalia’s cheeks burned, and she quickly stood, clutching the basket to her chest like a shield. "You’re saying too much," she mumbled, her voice almost scolding.
Heappal laughed softly, rising to his feet as well. "I can’t help it," he said, his smile disarming. "You make it impossible to stay silent."
Thalia turned away, the flowers in her basket trembling slightly as her hands shook. "I... I have to go," she said quickly, taking a step toward the servants’ quarters.
But Heappal wasn’t ready to let her escape just yet. "Wait," he said, reaching out to gently catch her arm. She froze, her heart pounding in her chest as she turned to look at him.
He held out a small wildflower he had plucked from the garden—a simple bloom, but its petals were a vivid shade of red that matched the blush on her cheeks. "For you," he said softly.