Journey of a Girl

Secrets We Keep: Chapter Thirteen

Credence didn't know what she expected from dinner.

It certainly wasn't for Ajo to release her from the promise that bound her to him.

Now, as he sat before her in his flattering attire, with a rather charming smile on his lips, she felt they both had changed for the better. She was free, for the first time in her life, and he wasn't angry by that fact—he'd been the one who made it possible.

And he only asked for time, not demanded or bargained. It was an easy thing to give, for time was all she had in the world.

This even ground felt honest. Right.

When they finished eating, Ajo asked Credence to join him once more in the sitting room, but Credence shook her head.

"Fetch your book," she told him, "and let us walk outside."

She wanted to get out of the warm, romantic atmosphere of Ajo's castle, which muddled her thoughts. Some fresh air, she decided, would help her decipher the complex feelings that swirled inside. John was absent when they left the hall, and Credence led them on an idle walk through the mock towns. She knew exactly where they were going, but didn't want to give the game away just yet.

She wanted to keep things pleasant for as long as possible.

They stopped in the field of flowers and mushrooms, and when Credence indicated this would be their place to rest, Ajo waved his hand towards the grass. From the ground sprang a beautiful white jasmine tree, its thin trunk leaning over, with a canopy of leaves and blossoms that swayed under the breeze.

Credence sat against the tree and looked at Ajo expectantly.

"Read to me."

The wind swept over Ajo, making his hair move in a manner that reminded Credence of a valiant knight. He joined her and opened the book.

"I grew a home for her.

Alone, I cut and pieced the wood together.

From the sea I grew flowers of salt that would never wilt

and planted their seeds in the clouds,

so the rain would carry petals to kiss her face.

I dream that she will walk with me

to undiscovered lands or familiar places.

Lady of my heart,

to feel you near tames the savage.

To know you are happy I would climb from the darkness

with the speed of wing and claw,

to tell everyone the news:

The world has been born

For I am in love."

Credence sighed.

"I hope she walked with him," she murmured and Ajo turned the page to show a picture of a spectacular sky, its stars lighting upon a world of brilliant colors, and the outline of two figures walking.

"She did, after all," Credence whispered. "Lovely."

Ajo closed the book.

"It's more than just words," he said. "I would build a world for you—"

"And you have." Credence motioned to the view around them.

"Yes."

Feeling bold, Credence lowered her head to Ajo's shoulder. He shifted, discomforted by her sudden intimacy, but quickly settled.