Sparrow: A Novel

Chapter 2

I woke with a start. I knew it couldn't be morning yet. I should have tried to sleep while I could, but something unseen drew me towards the garden. The midnight air greeted me as soon as I embraced the outdoors. It fingered my hair with all gentleness and kissed my face with serenity. Oh, how I cherished this! The scene before me as still. Not a thing moved except for the occasional persuasion from the wind. I did what I had always done. I took a seat and simply rested. I didn't want to braid flowers. Honestly, I only wanted to fall asleep out here, but if I didn't wake in time someone would find me, and absolutely no one could see me like this. If anyone knew who I really was...

Pacing footsteps pulled me back to reality. Must there always be someone else in the garden? Why can't I ever be alone? The unidentified feet continued to pad softly away from me and then back my way again. I wouldn't be able to escape anytime soon. As if to play on my misfortune, the person finally came fully into my view and it was-- Alexander!

He had likewise seen me. "Sparrow?" He blinked as if he was reliving a bad dream. Since I had already gone to bed for the night, when I ventured outside I had yet to suitably dress as "Sparrow". Instead, I looked more like the young woman I was. My stomach sunk. Think! What could I say? I scooted out of the dirt. "Your majesty? Sparrow?" It was foolish but it was something.

"Are you not?" A flicker of something crossed his face before his features became expressionless.

"No, my lord. I am Shalom." It was a truth. I couldn't tell if he believed me.

"Shalom?" He rolled it around on his tongue. "Why are you here?" His emerald robe swished, catching the light as he planted his feet. The silk looked almost heavenly. I steeled myself before I touched it.

I hadn't thought of my next answer. What wouldn't get me killed? I considered just scratching it all and telling him the truth but I couldn't be as nonchalant about dying. "I like your gardens, my lord." I sounded small in my own ears.

"Do you?" I jumped. He was distracted and I realized my answer really didn't matter at this point. His eyes traveled the length of me. I suppressed the urge to panic. I knew Alexander from his other side, but this one was new. "What do you like so much about my gardens, pray tell?" He titled his head, almost as if he knew that by doing so it would put his face at the perfect angle for the moonlight to lace his jawline and set his hazel eyes aglow. Why had I never noticed how handsome he was?

"I haven't figured that out yet," I replied. I couldn't help but fidget with my tunic a little.

"Maybe I could help you?" His tone held no note of helpfulness. I didn't need much help. I studied his face from this foreign angle. He really was something to behold. An odd sensation bloomed in the pit of my stomach spreading like a warm burst of energy, leaving behind what felt like butterflies. The feeling was overwhelming, I had never felt this way before. I leaned my head back to gaze at the stars overhead. Anything other than looking into his eyes. It looked like a trap. Besides, in the daylight, I was still Sparrow. No matter what half-truths we whispered tonight, it would never be.

He rubbed my arms. "What do you see?" The sincerity of which he asked, startled me. I knew I had his undivided attention and the realization made me sway.

"Stars," I whispered. I felt him move closer. I also noted the fact that I had exposed my neck to him. It wasn't on purpose, but I felt his breath fan my neck and I flinched. Part of me wanted to pull him closer but the other part wanted to push him away. Far, far away. I didn't have the time nor suitable opportunity to fall in love with him. "You're so beautiful." He whispered into my ear. I could feel the definition of each muscle against my back as he wrapped me in his arms. A voice I couldn't quench screamed warning bells as I laid my head on his chest. I shouldn't be here, but I couldn't resist.