Chapter 215: Snowdrops
Besides the morning drama, the group left without any further arguments. When they passed the lake, Evanna’s cheeks heated, and a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips when she met Arawn’s knowing gaze. His flashed with mirth, and he started to approach her, a seductive and teasing comment apparent on his lips, but Garrett pulled him away to talk of the upcoming journey.
The elves switched language so they could interact with Axel and, surprisingly, Ger as they walked ahead. After what happened first thing, Evanna was relieved to see the men weren’t acting childishly and ignoring the prince or something. For some reason, she thought they might act like so, but they put their differences and opinions aside to discuss their next course.
It was likely because of the treacherous journey ahead. Evanna happily followed after the others, letting her mind wander once or twice from the plains that started to gradually incline and the wind picking up with a frosty chill in the air to her night with Arawn. She tried not to think so much about the prince. They were, after all, on a dangerous trail full of monsters lurking nearby.
The princess knew them to be nearby because her sixth sense hadn’t stopped tingling icicles down her spine. But these creatures, whatever they may be, had not come forth for some reason. It made her worry that something else much more perilous may be among them. Something that might be harder to kill.
"Raven," Ronan spoke so softly it took Evanna a moment to realise he had called her name. He looked at her, waiting for her attention. Her cheeks heated slightly from getting caught by her friend. She had been watching Arawn, who had shared another glance with her before continuing with his conversation with Garrett.
Caught for what, though? Evanna looked at Ronan innocently, but he scoffed, rolling his eyes and shook his head, making it apparent he had ’caught’ her and Arawn sneaking glances at each other.
"You do not have to hide what is unmistakably between you two. The others may not see it yet, or are clouded by their own desires to see what is right before them," said Ronan in a hushed voice. His eyes were on Ger and Axel, Ronan’s expression kind yet serious.
Evanna watched him for a moment, deciding it better not to deny anything he said. "I do not want to cause a deeper divide in the group. Now more than ever, we need to be united to face whatever else is out here," Evanna replied, watching her breaths puffing out in white smoke. There was a lasting sharpness deep in her chest now, and it was from the crisp air that had started to cling to her face, almost numbing it.
They were definitely going further north. It excited Evanna that she might see snow, but the cold was not at all welcome. "Believe it or not, princess. But they aren’t utterly foolish. It might be uncomfortable for a while, but when the time comes, when it really matters, they would not let lives perish because of their broken pride or other feelings." He patted her shoulder comfortingly, a small smile revealing his dimples.
Evanna swallowed past the lump in her throat, her gaze flicking to Ger and Axel, who still spoke among themselves. Ronan dropped his hand and flicked his wrist swiftly, revealing a new flower she had only seen sparingly on this part of their journey. He held it out for her, making a dramatic sigh. "It is a shame, though. I hoped you might help this battered heart of mine. How a dashing man as myself cannot charm you, I do not know." He winked, and before Evanna could retrieve the white flower, he intertwined it with one of her locks in her hair.
Ronan’s hand remained near her ear, his eyes on the flower, as his smirk and charm slowly dissipated. "I do know and understand," he said quietly.
"How could anyone deny a prince. Even I can admit he is better looking than I. Do not worry. I know what is between you is more than his looks. There, beautiful." He pulled his hand back, eyes dropping to look at her sadly.