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

Chapter Forty-one: Gifts

"Flying!" Fenella exclaimed.

Cressida shook her head, and began pecking at the air, scratching her feet in a comical manner.

"Fenella!" Jasper guessed, earning a round of laughter from the group, and an embarrassed giggle from the countess.

Cressida, undeterred by the failed attempts, flapped her arms, mimicking wings, and then pointed upwards.

Conitine leaned back with a smirk. "I believe I know, but I'll let you all continue guessing."

"Bird!" Both Mint and Illian called out at the same time.

With a mischievous grin, Cressida nodded and then pointed at Callidus.

"That's against the rules!" Arden laughed while at the same time Jasper declared, "A falcon!"

"Close enough," Cressida finally spoke, slightly winded. "It was 'Bird of Prey.'"

"Cressy, how come you can break the rules, but I can't?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Yapper."

The gathering continued with Cressida and Jasper leading various games for the rest of the group. They followed up charades with a round of Merossian cards at the dining table - the Merossian Queen herself teaching everyone how to play.

Meanwhile, Callidus retreated into the role of observer.

He sat next to Roslindis on the loveseat, her tense posture indicating that she was uncomfortable sitting beside him. Callidus was equally tense; anxious with worry, doubts, and dread.

As he watched Cressida laugh with Fenella, a pang of longing gripped him, a desperate desire to join in, stained with the bitter knowledge of how wonderful it had been to be included. But until he knew how to proceed, he remained trapped in the prison of his own indecision.

As the latest round of cards drew to a close, Jasper's exhaustion became more evident, his usual energy waning as Physician Sakira stepped in, voicing her concerns about his health. Jasper rubbed at his temples, admitting that his head was pounding. "But Cress..." he protested, "We're celebrating your engagement."

"Jasper, your health is more important."

Jasper let out a dramatic sigh, but he ultimately relented. "Fine, fine. But only if you promise to save some games for me later."

"Of course, I promise," Cressida replied warmly, her gaze briefly meeting Callidus's before returning to Jasper.

Callidus noted the shift in her demeanor, recognizing that she was no longer asking for permission but rather informing him of her intentions. It felt strange, contradicting his understanding of relationships based on what he had observed in his own family dynamics. (His mother always asked his father for permission.)

As Jasper made his way to the bedroom with Physician Sakira's assistance, he paused by the loveseat to playfully tease Callidus. "Don't think I've forgotten it's your fault I'm like this."

Callidus's expression sobered. "I know."

Jasper patted him on the back. "Lighten up, Friend. I'll be back once my head stops playing the drums." With that, Jasper and Sakira disappeared into the bedroom, leaving Callidus to wrestle with his conscience.

In the quiet of the room, he overheard Fenella let out a conspiratorial giggle, "Well, I, for one, am in no hurry to leave. I've left Marchioness Arwine to deal with all the problematic guests. Would you deal us another round, Your Majesty?"

"It is a pity we lack another deck of cards," Conitine remarked, "if we had two decks, I could teach you all a game called 'Merossian Honey.'" As interest in the new game grew, Conitine's gaze shifted to Illian. "Ah, how could I forget? I gifted someone a golden deck of cards. Illian, would you mind if we borrowed them?"