Delphinium, or A Necromancer's Home (TCoLaD Book 2)

Engagement

~ Dvoday, 27th of Iovilios, 11831 ~

Near the end of Iovilios, Elizabeth and Pierre walked through the gardens around the estate, arm in arm. It was her nineteenth birthday, and she was determined to finally shake off the gloom and ill feelings that had plagued everyone for the past several weeks. They would be going into town this afternoon, Pierre saying he intended to buy her anything that caught her fancy, and having lunch with Síofra and her family. That evening would be a dinner with the advisors, along with Wolfram and his beloved. The boy had asked to attend with Salome, saying they were both comfortable enough now to join the court (and also wanting to celebrate with her), but she thought it was more likely they worried about Pierre.

She could see Jourdain and Sabine's deaths weighed on her love heavily. He went to bed early, slept in late, and did not talk with her about magic or her day anymore. He would often start conversations with Vivien and then leave the room. When Elizabeth had gone to pray for the dead the day after Sabine's hanging, Pierre had gone with her to church for the first time. When she finished her prayers he escorted her home, arm wrapped around her tight and their hands clasped together, before returning straight to the city after. She did not see him again until the next morning.

It was still sullen when the advisors gathered as well. Charlot was worried about his fiancé. Tibault was too new to the group to offer any aid or perspective, and the young man felt guilty for suggestion so publicly to spill blood. Everyone understood that while Vivien's mother had been involved, the steward himself was not, and they did not blame him. He had perhaps lost the most in this tragedy. Both a friend, in the case of Jourdain, and his mother. Too, he was kin with Perdita, his wife Maiolaine her cousin, and another link that was shattered with these tragedies.

At least Elwin was more welcome. A new friendship between him and Vivien had emerged, and the margrave came by more often with his new home in the city. He was growing closer with all of the advisors and they no longer saw him as Other.

They continued to walk, and when Elizabeth saw Pierre frown and the signs that he was thinking again of all that had happened lately, she kissed him and tried to distract him.

When he broke away, something caught his attention, and he straightened and looked behind her.

"Look, my dear," he said before she could ask what was wrong, already turning her around by her shoulders.

A fairy ring. It was in the gardens, in the more wild area, but oddly a part of the estate and not the forests. A closed ring, one signaling a fée's entrance, and then return, to Faery. It was only a few days from the fée's Autumnfinding, and the Summer Queen was finishing her rule. It seemed the château was being given special consideration for the event.

"We should make a wish," she said, already walking towards it and tugging Pierre along after her. They stepped over the toadstools, careful not to damage any and break the circle. When they both stood in its center, she turned to face him, holding his hands in hers and squeezing tight.

"Ready?" she asked with a smile.

"Of course, dear Lizzy."

"Alright." She closed her eyes, silent, her smile subsiding to become a look of prayer.

I wish for Pierre to smile again. To be happy. For all of the terrible things to pass. For us to be happy together and for Spadille to heal.

"What did—Oh, Pierre..." When she opened her eyes, he was kneeling before her.

He pulled from his pocket a small jewelry box and she pressed her hands to her face, already blinking back tears.

"Elizabeth Anne," he said, opening it to reveal her aunt's ring. "Lady d'Eichel. I wish for you to become my wife."