The Curse of the Goblin Prince

Chapter nine A conversation

When darkness fell, she raced to Len's room. He had the biggest smile on his face as he announced, "I have good news." He pulled her over and they sat down on his bed. "I have successfully obtained the items from the kitchen that you asked for."

She lunged forward and hugged him. "Oh, Len. That's wonderful news. Now I can make the rose-infused oil for you." She leaned back and tapped her finger on her chin. "I should probably show you how to dry the petals as well."

Dahlia gathered the soft petals from one of the blood roses. As she was showing him how to make the infused oil; she began telling him some of her favorite memories of her life in the Azalea Kingdom.

"There is this small stream behind the castle and Everest Sage and I would go fishing in it early in the morning." She carefully poured the filtered oil into the small glass container. "If we were lucky enough to catch something, we would take it to Violet. She's the best cook."

Len studied her as she rubbed a rose petal between her fingers and then lifted it to her small pert nose. She closed her eyes as she inhaled the velvety soft petal.

"I absolutely love her cookies and cakes. In the spring, we always go flower picking and bring her baskets full. She adds them to everything."

Dahlia held the petal out in front of Len. As he leaned in to smell it, she pushed it between his lips. He pulled back in surprise only to find a smirk grace Dahlia's freckled face. She picked up another crimson petal and placed it in her mouth. Savoring the delicate flavor.

"Violet even sugars them and places them on top of her desserts. Ev and I would sneak them when we were little."

Len laughs and it is like music to Dahlia's ears. She watches him; completely mesmerized by the sight of his happy face. "What do you mean? You are still little."

She places her hand on her chest as she feigns offense. "I'm not that little." She smirks. "The last time I tried; I got caught!"

This caused him to laugh even harder. "I can just see you." He doubled over; clutching his sides. "Trying to be sneaky." He wiped a tear from his eye and glanced up at her.

She just stood there smiling sweetly.

"What?" His sober eyes held concern. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

She shook her head. "I'm just glad that you are feeling better. I've never seen you laugh before."

He turned to face the closet room. "In all honesty; there hasn't really been much to laugh about." Pain fell from his words.

She reached out and took his hand in hers. He offered her a sad smile in return.

"Well, Everest Sage is always laughing at me. So as long as I'm around, you will have plenty to laugh about." She put her nose in the air as if that was something to be proud of. She stole a peek at him while wearing a satisfied grin.

"Then I hope you stay forever, Dahlia." His expression held so much more emotion than he had ever expressed to her before.

As she looked into his crimson eyes; she could feel his sincerity. "Me too."

The wind howled as it rattled the glass windows; trying to come in but that didn't cause them to divert their attention away from each other.

Len was the first to break their silent conversation when he looked away. He picked up the silver brush and smiled at her. "Would you like me to brush your hair?"

Dahlia nodded emphatically. "It's my favorite part of the day." She walked over to his bed, turned away from him, and sat in the middle of it. Placing her hands in her lap, she tilted her head up as she waited patiently for him.

He ran the brush down the length of her hair. "So how did you like your lessons?"

"Ugh! They are so boring. I would much rather learn about the kingdom from you."

"I see." His voice was low as he continued to brush her hair. "My great-great-grandfather was a mighty ruler. He founded this kingdom and built this castle. At least that is what the history books say."

His hands smoothed the frizzing curls. "But don't believe everything that you read, Dahlia. There is some truth mixed with lies."

She felt like he was trying to tell her something important but it was too vague for her to understand and he didn't continue to reveal anything more than that.

As the silence grew between them; Dahlia played with the comforter in front of her. She sang a folk song from Azalea.

'Lay your head beside me
Sing of days long passed
    Dream your lovely dreams
Of things that will last

Fingers laced before me
  Lift your eyes to mine
   Be my one true love
   And let our hearts entwine

   I'll lay my head beside you
    Sing of days long passed
    We'll dream our lovely dreams
  Of things I know will last'
           
"My mother used to sing to me." His voice was hushed as she continued to hum the tune. He breathed a heavy sigh and put the brush down. "I spoke with the head nurse today about not having any more infusions."

Dahlia turned to face him. "You did? That's great! How did she take it?"

Len laughed dryly. "Let's just say she was not thrilled. Instead, I soaked in rose petals and drank three cups of rose tea today. And you know what? I feel so much better than I usually do."

"Oh, Len. I'm so happy for you."

They spent the remainder of the evening sharing stories and playing with Trinket, his gargoyle cat.