Chapter 77

Night had fallen, and there were a million dazzling stars in the velvety black sky above them. Elaine and Renard walked hand in hand in the palace gardens, strolling the cultivated paths. Their breath steaming in billowy clouds in the cold air. There were hundreds of varieties of flowers and herbs: lavender, roses, rosemary, hibiscus, lilies, and thyme. Their aromas mingled in an intoxicating way, making Elaine feel just the slightest bit dizzy. It was either that or the wine. Although it was winter, all of the flowers and plants had been kept alive by the queen's magic.

"I suppose they'll die now," said Elaine, motioning to the flowers. "Now that the queen is gone."

Renard stopped and plucked a lily to give to her. "Or, now actual work will be involved in cultivating them," he said. "It won't be easy, and it won't come without a lot of sweat and labor. But I suppose that's how most relationships are."