The Garden and the Goodbye

Chapter 26 – The Garden and the Goodbye

Ravena sat quietly by the window, slicing through a fresh red apple. The morning breeze drifted through the half-open window, brushing her cheeks as she chewed absentmindedly. A sudden knock echoed against her door. She paused, waiting for a voice or a follow-up. Silence.

She stood, opened the door no one.

But there it was a bouquet of soft lilac flowers tied with a velvet ribbon, and a folded letter tucked between the stems.

She blinked, then picked it up, opening the note slowly.

"Meet me in the garden, troublemaker."

Her brows lifted. "Who sent me this?"

She didn't wait for an answer. Without a second thought, she got dressed something simple but graceful and walked toward the garden, the letter still in hand.

And there he stood.

Prince Damiar, dressed in his battle armor. A dark green cloak fluttered at his side, and a sheathed sword hung at his waist. The look in his eyes was sharper than usual.

"Hello, princess," he said with a smirk.

Ravena blinked. "Are you the one who sent the note?"

"Yeah," he said casually. "I'm leaving for the kingdom… so I want you to stop sneaking around, okay, princess?"

Ravena folded her arms. "Do I look like a child to you? I can take care of myself. Why do you care?"

Damiar rolled his eyes. "I just don't want anything to happen to your pretty skin, that's all."

He turned and started walking away.

"Where are you going?" Ravena asked, following him.

He turned his head, a teasing smirk dancing on his lips. "Why do you care?"

"I'm just asking, okay?"

"I'm going to war."

Ravena's heart skipped. "With which nation?"

"Oh dear princess," he said, chuckling, "I never knew you were that nosy."

"I'm not nosy! I'm curious," she huffed.

He gave her a slow, amused look. "Kingdom of Oblivaron."

There was a pause.

Then Ravena blurted, "Can I come with you?"

Damiar laughed a loud, amused laugh that echoed through the trees.

"Oh princess, you never run out of surprises. Sorry, I don't have time to babysit."

"What do you mean by babysit?" Ravena snapped, eyes flaring.

Damiar grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "I don't want you hurt, princess. I'm a gentleman, remember?"

"Oh please," she rolled her eyes. "Don't assume I can't protect myself just because I'm wearing a dress. I wish to come with you."

He paused. Studied her.

"If you say so," he finally said, tilting his head.

Ravena beamed. "Yes! I'll pack my things!"

As she turned to run, she looked over her shoulder, raising a finger. "And don't you dare leave without me. If you do, I'll end you with my bare hands."

Damiar laughed again. "Oh really?"

"Really," she grinned.

And she ran off toward the castle, heart pounding with excitement.

I walked into my room and packed a few of my things. Standing in front of the mirror, I pulled my hair tight and tied it up. Just as I reached for my satchel, I heard a knock.

"Who's there?" I called out.

"My princess," a guard's voice replied. "Prince Damiar said I should give you this."

I opened the door to see him holding out a bundle of boots, clothes, and a sword with a green jewel glimmering on the hilt.

I took it without a word, dressed quickly, and stepped outside. The wind swept against me as I ran toward the field. I could feel eyes on me the soldiers turned to watch, curious and unsure.

I walked directly to where Prince Damiar stood. He turned, took one look, and gave a smirk.

"I guess I have a great taste," he said.

I allowed myself a small smile. "We'll see about that."

He tilted his head. "So, princess… do you know how to ride a horse, or should I carry you like the little troublemaker you are?"

"Of course I know how to ride a horse," I snapped.

"If you say so," he said with that annoying smirk.

Levi led a horse to me. I approached it calmly, pulled an apple from my pocket, and held it out. "Hey, boy," I whispered, stroking its neck. "We're going to ride like the wind."

I climbed up slowly, confidently. The armor shifted slightly around me. I glanced around; all the soldiers were mounted now, ready.

Prince Damiar raised his sword high. "We ride to destroy, to end, to rise in flames!"

The army raised their swords and echoed, "To flames!"

The air trembled.

"Damiar," I called, fire in my eyes. "Let's have some fun."

He looked at me, grinned. "Don't slow me down, princess."

We all moved. Hooves thundered against the ground. Dust and wind followed us. I didn't look back.

Oblivaron was waiting.