A Court of Water and Shadow

5

On Friday I finally found the courage to visit the market again.

My nerves had formed a tight knot in my stomach as I looked curiously at the different vendors, but really the florist was on my mind. Maybe my mother was right. Maybe I should just fall in love with a male and let that be it. Having a mate has always been my dream, but maybe I would never have one. Maybe it would be centuries before I find my equal. Would it really be worth it to not explore in the meantime?

When I passed the fish vendor, I finally spotted Milvec. He was rearranging the tulips in their box with careful hands. I approached him slowly, feeling that knot tightened as I got closer. What would I even say? What would I do?

Before I got too close, I debated turning back and just walking home. But Milvec turned before I could and caught my eye. "Evelyn, it's nice to see you again." He wore a bright and welcoming smile, undoing the knot in my stomach.

"It's nice to see you too." I smiled as I closed the distance between us.

"What brings you to the market today?" Milvec looked down to see I wasn't holding anything. Normally I would always have a purchased item in my hands, so I found it interesting that he noticed.

"I came to see you." I smiled shyly at him as my cheeks grew red. Damnit I'm such an idiot.

"Oh?" He gave me a teasing smile. "Well would you like to go for a walk?" I glanced at his small florist stand, then back to him. "My sister will be here to watch the flowers. Come, let me take you somewhere fun."

I smiled at him and took his arm as he guided me through the market, then towards the heart of Adriata. We laughed and spoke about how he became a florist and how I started helping my mother in the school. He was an incredible flirt, peppering me with compliments along our journey which kept me blushing and smiling. I think this male could be easy to love, but I can't help but think about what my mate would be.

As we turned the corner, Milvec stopped me where a large tree grew. "It's called the Glittering Oak." He looked up at it with awe. "When the sun sets, the leaves shimmer and the flowers brighten so beautifully. It's the only tree that does this. My mother told me it's because an old High Lord blessed this tree thousands of years ago."

"Beautiful." I breathed as I took in the light pink blossoms that decorated the deep green of the oak's leaves.

"Beautiful indeed." Milvec whispered.

I turned my head with a smile to see him staring at me. I watched in stunned silence as his blue eyes darted from mine to my lips. Then, he leaned in slowly. I was terrified to kiss him, but not because I didn't want it. I was terrified because I did and what if I wanted more? Pushing my fears aside, I leaned up to press my lips against his. It was a gentle kiss, one that melted my heart.

When Milvec pulled away, we smiled at each other. "You truly are a vision Evelyn. Can I walk you back to your house?"

I nodded, afraid to use my own voice, then held his hand as we walked back to my house. By the time we reached to cobblestone steps, the sun was low in the sky. "Maybe you could show me the tree at sunset?" I asked.

Milvec gave me a bright smile. "I'd like that. How does tomorrow sound?"

Tomorrow. Shit.

"Oh—tomorrow I'll actually be showing a friend around Adriata." I quickly shot out, hiding the waver in my voice.

Luckily Milvec's smile didn't falter. "Okay, does Sunday work?"

I beamed up at him. "Sunday's perfect."

Milvec chuckled as he placed a kiss to my forehead. "Goodbye Evelyn."

I watched him leave with a small smile on my face, then I quickly ran inside, eager to tell my mother about my day.