Book Two: The Larkspur's Longing ~ A tale of deep obsession and devotion

Chapter Seventeen: Distraction

(TW: Suggestive. Suffocation.)

The Queen's Garden, basking in the soft glow of the late summer evening, was a haven of serenity within the palace grounds. The pond at its heart shimmered with a mirror-like surface, its water reflecting the deepening hues of the sky as the sun began its descent.

Callidus watched as Cressida held Varyan's tiny hand in hers as he pointed at a duck in the water with his other hand. He could faintly hear Cressida responding positively to his babble, praising him for something.

Queen Roslindis stood several paces away, her hands tightly clasped in front of her, not taking her eyes off of her child. She'd been standing like that for the last twenty minutes.

"You should be pleased." Callidus murmured, "I remember you mentioning how Varyan missed the garden."

"I...I am, Your Highness." Roslindis said immediately. "I am grateful to see him so happy."

"Then how about you take a seat?" Callidus gestured towards a nearby stone bench.

Roslindis tensed, before she slowly made her way to the bench, as if she were about to sit for an interrogation. Callidus crossed his arms as he watched her, Jasper's words flickering in his mind, 'It's like you're prepared to attack at any second.'

"Do you think I am going to hurt you?" Callidus asked, curiously.

The queen's eyes widened at the sudden question, and she placed her hands on the backrest of the bench, standing behind it, as if using it as a shield. "Of course not, Your Highness." She replied after a beat too long.

Callidus observed her defensive posture and the delayed response, and his expression hardened with annoyance. Since he had taken Varyan out for that afternoon several weeks ago, Roslindis seemed constantly afraid of him. In the past, he used to enjoy evoking fear in others. It used to reassure him that he was not being ignored, that his presence was acknowledged, and that people were compelled to look his way.

But for two grey-eyed reasons, it only annoyed him now.

Callidus took a deep breath, trying to suppress his frustration. "You don't need to stand like that," he said, uncrossing his arms and gesturing to the bench. "I'm not here to harm you. Or your son."

Roslindis hesitated for a moment before finally sitting down on the bench, her posture still guarded. "I apologize, Your Highness," she said, "I am simply worried that I am distracting you from more important duties. Your Coronation Banquet is nearly a week away."

"One reason for my visit is to discuss the Banquet with you," Callidus said, joining her on the bench.

Despite his effort to maintain a respectful distance, Roslindis's back seemed to become stone as she rasped, "Yes, Your Highness?"

Callidus attempted to relax his posture, trying to appear less intimidating. "You and your sons are to attend the Coronation," he said calmly, "My advisors believe it would be wise to show a united front, but you are to excuse yourself and Varyan from the Banquet itself. Illian is to remain. Is that clear?"

Roslindis nodded, her face impassive as she processed the information, "...yes, Your Highness. It will be an honor to attend the Coronation."

"I appreciate your understanding." Callidus replied with a curt nod, as he turned his attention back to Cressida. She pointed out a jasmine flower nearby and Callidus wondered if she was telling Varyan the meaning.

(Modesty)

As Callidus and Roslindis sat on the stone bench beneath the blooming crepe myrtle tree, the gentle evening light bathed the garden in a warm, golden glow. Clusters of vibrant flowers adorned the garden in a rich tapestry of colors. Hues of deep red, fiery orange, and soft pink blossoms intermingled, their petals reaching out toward the setting sun as if yearning to soak in its last warmth.