The Peace Offering

Kouen: Chapter 24

The smell of flowers filled the room and I knew Sindri had entered. I turned to greet her with a smile. She had on a cute yellow dress and her hair was up in a fancy updo. I pulled out a chair for her and she sat down.

"How was your day?" I asked as I sat across from her. The servers came and laid out the food for us. The hot food gave off a delicious smelling smell as steam rose from the plates.

"Tabul took me to the market today. It was so much fun compared to the boring room you have me locked in all day." Sindri replied as she served herself some rice.

"You know that's for your protection." I reminded her.

"Yeah, I know. I'm just getting restless."

Sindri then continued to chat on about her experience at the market and how she saw the parade. Her face seemed to glow as she talked. I was very glad her first journey out of the palace was a positive one. I was glad to hear about Tabul jumping to protect Sindri during the beginning of the parade.

"Oh, that reminds me! Tabul, do you still have sweet cakes?" Sindri asked while turning to Tabul. He nods and reaches for a box at his side.

"Sindri tried these and wanted you to try them as well. They are a gift from me." Tabul said as he scratched the corner of his right eye. I froze slightly, why was he doing a military signal? The signal signified that there was secret information somewhere. I silently took note of who was in the room, it was only the servers, Sindri, Hana and Tabul. Who was Tabul trying to hide information from?

"These cakes look good." I said as I did a quick glance to find the information.

"Prince, I recommend the the one with the coconut shavings." Tabul said. I picked up the only cake with coconut and took a bite. I chewed carefully. The sweetness of the cake nearly distracted me from the small tablet of wood that was in the bite I had taken. I exaggerated my chewing to mask the action of putting the tablet under my tongue.

"How is it?" Sindri asked, her face bright and cheerful. I smiled and told her it was good. I scratched the back of my ear, indicating to Tabul that I had received his information. He blinked and his eyes showed relief, but he kept his face neutral. I turned my head and tried to listen as Sindri continued to talk about her day, but my mind could focus on nothing but the information under my tongue.

As we continued our meal I found it hard to chew normally while keeping the tablet secure under my tongue. I contemplated discreetly spitting it out and hiding it, but figured it was too much of a risk. I didn't want anyone to know about it, and considering the trouble Tabul went through hiding it, it must be very sensitive information.

"I just wish we can spend more time together." Sindri sighed. I nodded in agreement. Sindri and I were now interested in each other, but we still had a long way to go before I could say we loved each other. The only way to get there was to spend time and get to know each other. Luckily, I had just the thing we needed.

"Well, we never went on a honeymoon. I suppose I could take a week from work and we could travel the scenic parts of Kou." I proposed. My face became a slight shade of pink. Would she accept?

"That sounds great, I'd like to see more of Kou." Sindri responded. I noticed the flower she had in her hair open wider in response to her excitement. That made me smile.

"Great, we'll leave in two days. Hana, help Sindri pack a bag. Just bring the basics, I plan to take Sindri shopping at all major cities we stop at."

"Yes my prince."

We finished eating and I dismissed Tabul and Hana. It was just me and Sindri. This was the first time in a while that we were completely alone. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful Sindri was. Her golden eyes pulled me in and her smile blinded me.

"You truly are beautiful you know." I said, slightly shocked that it had slipped from my mind and put my mouth. Sindri blinked in surprise and blushed.

"You aren't bad yourself." Sindri smiles.

"P-perhaps we should continue this conversation another time. I have some important matters to attend to." I stammered out. The tablet under my tongue suddenly felt heavy as lead. Sindri looked disappointed, but she nodded and left.

Leaving the dinning hall I went to my office. Making sure the door was locked I sat down and spat out the wooden tablet. Written on the tablet were a few words.

Beware the flower