Chapter 20: Laying out the Cards

That night, I couldn't sleep. What if he solved the riddle at once? What if he cannot solve it?

Ianthé felt someone poking her.

"Miss? Miss?"

A house elf was trying to wake her up, "Master wants you to get dressed immediately."

I checked the window. The sun has not even risen yet! I slowly got up, took a quick shower (the house elf, bless her soul, dried my hair and made it glossy), and got dressed.

Viktor was waiting for me in the front porch, his wand illuminated. I quickly walked to his side.

"What's this about?"

"Come on, before anyone sees us!" Viktor grabbed Ianthé's hand and sprinted towards the rose bushes.

Ianthé saw several people picking the roses carefully, "What are they doing? Can't they do it by magic?"

Viktor smiled at her, "They can't do it by magic or the roses will lose their essence. They are picked early in the morning because of the oil content of the roses. This is my mother's business, they will make attar of roses with the ones they picked."

"Attar of roses? That's supposed to be the purest rose oil!"

"Yes. It has many uses. That's why every drop is precious."

"Oh…"

"I have solved the riddle already."

Just like that. The whole thing came out of nowhere. I think I'm going dizzy again. Oh no, oh no, oh no…

"And?" Ianthé's voice quivered.

Viktor grabbed her face gently and kissed her. It seemed like time had stopped. The kiss lasted for several minutes before Viktor let go.

Ianthé stood flabbergasted. Breathe Ianthé! Breathe!

"So, am I right?"

"Downright correct… but how?"

Viktor grabbed her hand and they walked towards the house, "When I took a bath. The last verse was the real riddle. The verses above were just supplementary to the last. I asked myself what could possibly the 'skin of Neptune's lair'. I know that Neptune is god of the sea, and his lair would probably be the water. I imagined when I was still in the ship. I often looked in the surface of the water, and I just knew. The skin of Neptune's lair is the surface of the water. That's why it's only me that can see the mystery person… because I'm looking at my own reflection!"

I could do nothing but squeeze his hand. Thank Merlin for Viktor's brain power! Whew!

Ianthé stopped walking, "What about Hermione?"

Viktor looked into her eyes, "Is she the reason why you weren't responding to my letters?"

"Yes. I got really really jealous. So, what about her?"

"We talked before leaving Hogwarts. She asked if we could just be friends. I know there's someone else she liked but she tries to hide it. Remember her friend with red hair?"

"Ron Weasley?"

"Yes."

Ianthé laughed. Viktor looked at her and joined in the laughter all the way to the house.

"I heard you two laughing outside," Edmond told Ianthé and Viktor while they were having breakfast.

"I'm glad my son makes you feel welcome," Mrs. Krum smiled at Ianthé.

"Has your father talked to you about anything?" Mr. Krum asked.

"No, Mr. Krum. Is there anything wrong?"

Mrs. Krum whispered something to him, and he nodded, "Alexander apparently left you a letter. You can read it after breakfast."

Edmond looked at Viktor and Ianthé, and whispered, "What's that about?"

Ianthé mouthed, "Later!"

As soon as we were done with breakfast, Mrs. Krum gave me a letter. I recognized my father's handwriting. I quickly opened it in front of Viktor and Edmond.

My darling Ianthé,

I am writing this letter for you to understand the situation we are forced to face. We are now in the darkest part of our lives. It is confirmed that the Dark Lord is back. I cannot possibly go back to being with the Death Eaters as I have you and your mother. I plan to fight for what I had built. I refuse to have alliance with a madman. If, in case, I would get killed, I leave everything of my share to you and to Edmond. Please forgive me for arranging your marriage, I know, you, with your rebel heart, will flatly refuse it, but I see no other choice. This is the only way I can guarantee your safety. I am sorry I cannot show my emotions to you and your mother, but you are the greatest treasure I have, and I will fight tooth and nail to preserve what we have. I have convinced our other relatives regarding the matter of protecting the family fortune from the Dark Lord and his followers. I have enlisted their help to spy on the Dark Lord and convince him that our family is on his side. Forgive me of my weakness. I do this in the hope that he will be permanently destroyed.

Your father

Ianthé gave the letter to Edmond as her tears fell.

Edmond paled as he read the letter, "Uncle Alex is gonna do it! Dear Merlin!"

"Look, Ianthé, I will not force you into anything if you don't want to," Viktor held Ianthé closer.

"I want to… but not like this…" Ianthé's tears were glistening in her face as she kissed Viktor.

"Wait… wait… You two?" Edmond pointed at them.

Ianthé nodded and choked a sob as she hugged Edmond.

"I should have known!" Edmond thumped Viktor at the back, "That's why you two were smiling ear-to-ear this morning!"

They laughed and laughed until a moment came that their laughter died out.

"So, what do you think we do?" Ianthé plopped down the couch.

"Théa, what do I always advise you to do?" Edmond asked her.

"Go with the flow."

Viktor spoke up, "So, it is settled. Do you think we should announce it to my parents?"

"As soon as possible. They need to be the first one to know."

"It's nice to stay here longer but I have to go to Andy. She might kill me for being late."

Ianthé laughed at him.

The three of them went to the study where Viktor's parents were waiting.

"Mr. Krum, I have read Papa's letter."

"Father, Ianthé already agreed."

Mrs. Krum walked towards them and hugged Ianthé, "Welcome to our family."

"Mr. and Mrs. Krum, take good care of Théa for me." Edmond said before leaving.

"See you, Eddie!"

"I'll be in London before your school year starts!" he yelled, "Viktor, I'll kill you if you hurt her!" as he grabbed the portkey to France.

"So, what next?" Ianthé asked Viktor while they walked to the rose plantation, overseeing the workers.

"There will be an engagement ceremony to be held next week. Your parents will be here."

Ianthé kissed his cheek, "After that?"

Viktor shrugged, "As part of the engagement, we'll be together during the summers and Christmas."

We spent the day talking about our plans for the future. I have never been so happy in my entire life!