Chapter 462: Tears In the garden
"Oh, Flo, you’re glowing!" Salviana gushed, holding her at arm’s length, studying her as if trying to memorize every detail. "But oh, you look ready to cry."
Florence sniffled and wiped her eyes quickly, though it did nothing to stop the tears from spilling again. "I am crying. Stupid emotions. Stupid pregnancy."
Salviana giggled softly and slipped her arm through Florence’s, grounding her with her warmth. "Then let’s take these tears somewhere peaceful. My garden? I’m sure it’s completely dead by now, but at least it’ll be quiet."
She glanced over her shoulder, raising her voice. "Thalia! Bring us some healthy tea, please—and make it extra sweet!"
"Yes, my lady!" Thalia’s voice echoed as the two women walked arm in arm through the castle halls.
The sun painted the courtyard in soft golden strokes as they approached Salviana’s garden. Her smile wavered a little as they neared the gates—her heart sinking with the thought of seeing dried-up flowers, brittle stems, and the ruin of what she had once poured her heart into.
"I should warn you," she sighed, her fingers tightening slightly on Florence’s arm, "this might be depressing. I’ve been gone for more than fifty days, and with the heat lately... I’m sure it’s all gone."
But as they stepped through the archway, Salviana froze.
The garden was alive.
No—more than alive.