Chapter 16
"May I join you, My Lady?"
With a smile Iliana looked up to see the fairy king watching her expectantly. "Of course, Your Majesty, it would be my honor."
"Come now my dear, I believe I have already requested several times that you need not address me so formally. Adair will do nicely."
"As you wish, sire," she replied with a chuckle.
"Ah, I should have known the woman my son would fall in love with would be as stubborn as his mother."
Upon hearing his words, Iliana felt her breath hitch and her heart stop. Unconsciously her eyes wandered the meadow until they rested upon him. "I...I know not of what you speak, sire."
"Come now, my dear, there is no need to hide the truth. I have been watching the two of you all week and I am certain there is much to tell." Shifting uncomfortably, she glanced sideways at her companion as he continued. "There was too much animosity between the two of you during your introduction to believe it was a first time meeting. Then of course after you came across him accidentally at his favorite hideaway you have been nearly inseparable."
"So you knew he was at the spring," she said accusingly to which he only grinned. "You sent me there on purpose. Why?"
"It was clear to me that you were both hurt by the actions of the other and I could not stand by and let either of you suffer. I care too much about my son and your aunt to let that happen. Of course, now that I have finally met you, I find myself caring about you as well. Every pair of lovers has their spats, yet I could not allow the two of you to start such a festive holiday on bad terms."
"You are too kind, sire, but you are wrong," she said, a note of despair in her voice.
"Would you care to elaborate on that, My Lady?"
"Your son does not love me. Since it has been so obvious to you, I will not hesitate to admit that Eavan and I have previously met, yet we are nothing more than friends. That is all we could ever be."
"I disagree with you. However, it is not my place to interfere in matters of the heart."
"Is that not what you are attempting to do right now sire?" She asked, one brow raised in disbelief.
Laughing, he patted her knee, "not at all my dear. I am simply seeking answers and wishing to supply them in return."
"What is it you wish to know?" She asked in resignation, her eyes once more seeking Eavan as he continued to mingle with the other guests.
"How long have you known him?" Adair asked with a note of seriousness in his voice.
"We met two winters past, sire. I came across him in our forests as I was leaving for my annual hunt."
"Would that be the same winter he was delayed a week due to a troupe of druids?"
"Yes, sire. I was able to sneak up on him as he was quite distracted by their harvest celebrations."
With a dark chuckle of displeasure Adair said, "I am sure my son did not take kindly to being caught so."
"No he did not," Iliana said as her eyes lit in humor at the recollection. "He at first believed me to be a youngling and tried to intimidate me into releasing him."
"Oh?" Adair inquired. Before long, both were laughing as she shared the events of that day in the forest. By the end, he was wiping tears from his eyes as he tried to picture his staid son hanging upside down, wrapped in branches. "Well I will have to remember to never upset you, my dear. I would not wish to find myself thus captive." Taking a deep breath he thought back to the day his son had finally returned from that trip. "I am surprised my son did not arrive home in a state of displeasure after such an occurrence. I know he is slow to forgive others their offences against him, yet he seemed happier than I had seen him in a long time when he returned." Turning a questioning look upon her he watched as she blushed.
"We did indeed meet two weeks later, as we were both caught in the first winter storm and sought shelter amongst the same grove of trees." With a smile, she trailed off as her mind returned to that night and the sight of him trying to force the trees to do his will.
"I am glad to know that you were able to resolve some of your differences that night," he said with a knowing smile. "I then assume that the two of you have met up once every season since then?"
Nodding, she glanced at the king in great confusion. "Yes sire. We both have duties that take us from home at the same time every season, so we had agreed to meet up at the same grove where we sought shelter from that storm. How were you aware of our meetings sire? By your own admission you did not know of my acquaintance with your son until I arrived with my aunt's party and Eavan assured me he had told no one of our meetings."
"I may not be in my son's confidence when it comes to this one matter, but I am not blind. Although he has always been anxious to leave the home tree every season, it has always been more of an escape for him. Now, he views his duties as the highlight of his life. The excitement he shows every time he leaves was absent before he met you. He also has become more withdrawn, yet unable to hide the ridiculous grin he wears every time he returns home; the same grin I have seen him wear all week while in your company."
"Forgive me sire for doubting you. I had no idea that we had been so obvious."
"There is nothing to forgive, my dear. And I believe that I can safely assure you that the two of you have not been as obvious as you may think. I just happen to know my son better than anyone else. His mother and your aunt may suspect something, yet I do not believe they have made the connection. They will though I am sure; I know no other women as clever as those two."
Nodding, Iliana watched as a young nymph dragged Eavan out to join a line of dancers. Giggling, she watched as he caught her eye to express his displeasure. Shaking her head, she nodded towards his partner who did not seem pleased by his inattention before turning back to her own companion. She was arrested by the sight of love and happiness shining from his father's eyes.
"I ask again, My Lady, why do you believe my son does not love you? I see the way his eyes seek you out as yours do him and no one can deny the pleasure you display towards each other."
Sighing, Iliana looked down at her hands in her lap. "Your son may be my closest friend, sire, but he has made it very clear on several occasions how he feels about marriage and the fairer sex."
Seeing the hurt and despair in her eyes, Adair made a quick decision for which he hoped his son would forgive him. "Come my dear," he said as stood up and held out an arm for her. "I find I am in need of stretching my legs and I would greatly appreciate your company."
Confused, she rose and accepted his arm. When he began to lead her away from the meadow, she stopped hesitating slightly. When he turned to her in question she darted a quick look back before speaking. "Is it wise to leave your guests, sire? Would you not be missed?"
"No indeed. Everyone is much too merry to notice my absence and I find I have a story to share with you which I would not wish any others to overhear."
Glancing back once more, she took a deep breath and indicated that he should continue to lead on. After they had walked some distance from the meadow in silence, he finally began to speak.
"What do you know, My Lady, about the original five?"
Shocked at the topic he chose, she considered her words carefully before answering. "The five were chosen from among the first fifteen magical beings to be our leaders over a millennia ago when magic was first brought to the earth. There were three members from each of five races; elves, fairies, giants, dwarves, and goblins. It is from these fifteen that all other magical beings descend from. Of the three per race, there was a leader who could control raw magic, and a couple who were blessed with the gift of love in order to populate the earth."
"Yes, and populate they did," Adair scoffed. "That much is known by all, however what is not known, is how the five lived their lives. You see, while their brothers and sisters were given the gift of love and companionship, the five were left to live a life of loneliness. They watched as the others had children and then as their children had children. They were surrounded by love and began to desire that above all else, yet it could not be found. They were the most powerful beings in the world, yet no amount of power could replace the loneliness in their lives.
"As time went on, four of the five eventually found love amongst the mortals and desired to share their lives with them. However, they discovered that although they must beget heirs, the heirs could not descend from mortal blood; they must be pure magic. The four were heartbroken, and attempted to use their magic to change their loves, to bestow power upon them. They were successful, but the cost was far too high. As a punishment for using their magic to change the laws of nature, all four were stripped of their abilities to control the raw magic. Eventually they died of madness.
"Although their heirs, of which you are one, remain amongst the most powerful beings of all the magical realms, they no longer can control raw magic."
"That is so sad! To give everything up for love, only to be punished for it. Surely they did not deserve such a fate."
"No they did not," Adair said with a faraway look. "Love truly is the greatest gift of all, one to be cherished. If I had been faced with the same decision, I believe I would have done the same as they."
"As would I," Iliana said. Wondering what this story had to do with her and Eavan, she realized that he had yet to share the fate of the fifth member of the original five. Quirking her head, she inquired as to the final members story feeling there was more than what she had been told.
"Yes there is much more than is generally known," he answered with a sad smile. "Being the only member of the five to not fall in love with a mortal, he was given the full powers taken from all the others. He had gone from being a member of a council, to being the most powerful being to ever live. The other four accused him of usurping their own powers and war broke out. He watched in despair as his friends slowly withered away, leaving him feeling utterly alone. After two centuries of war among the realms, and the deaths of two generations of heirs, he was finally able to secure peace among all the magical races."
"Yet he died never having found love."
"That is where you are very wrong, My Lady. Eventually he did find love, and was lucky enough to find it among his own people. As for his death, well, it has not happened yet."
"You mean to tell me that one of the original five is still alive?" Iliana asked in amazement. "But, sire, although I know all races to be immortal, no one has been recorded to have lived for more than eight hundred years! We are all susceptible to life threatening injuries, and with the many wars between both us immortals and the mortals...No sire, you must be in error."
"I am not in error, My Lady. I can personally assure you as to the truth of my story."
"But how? Every story I have ever heard of the five tells of his dying alone. No one even knows which race he was a member of."
"Have you ever considered that maybe he shared that story in an attempt to protect himself? I know the records from that time are hazy, yet perhaps he has used that information to his advantage."
"How is it that you seem to know so much, sire?" She asked suddenly suspicious. "My aunt herself has stated that she knows him to be dead, yet you stand there insisting he is not. Will you not tell me how you know what no one else knows?"
Stopping, he removed her hand from his arm as he grasped her shoulders as though to brace her. "Lady Iliana, although Lareina is a dear friend of mine, she cannot be told this story as I would not wish her to come to harm."
"Then why tell me, Your Majesty?" She asked as fear began to creep into her heart.
"Because if I am correct in thinking my son cares for you, this knowledge will forever affect your life and decisions where he is concerned." Taking a deep breath, Adair looked deep into her eyes forcing her to do the same with him. "Eavan is the first and sole heir of the remaining member of the five. As such, if I should ever die, he will be the only being on earth who is capable of controlling raw magic."
Stumbling backwards upon hearing his words, Iliana found herself being lowered down upon a fallen log. Doubts, accusations, and anger clouded her mind as she processed this information. Looking up at the fairy king, she was immediately calmed by the concern present upon his face. Sudden dawning of Eavan's issues towards love and marriage came upon her.
"The fairies know who you are, correct?" She finally asked hoping her suspicions were correct.
"Regretfully yes. While it has been easy to alter records of my existence among the other races, I have not been able to do so successfully among my own people. I do not hide out of greed or spite, but out of love and concern. The fourteen others were more than just my friends; they were my brothers and sisters in every meaning of the words. When they turned upon me out of greed and jealousy, my heart shattered. I saw the desire they had for the power I wield, the power I have been entrusted to protect. There are too many out there who would use such power for evil, and I cannot allow anyone else to suffer for it. And now with the druid's new abilities, I cannot take the risk of them stealing my power."
"I understand, sire, and I assure you that your secret is safe with me. I thank you for trusting me. However, I feel as though you have yet to tell me what this has to do with my concerns regarding your son. Who was she and what did she do to him?"
Chuckling, Adair ran his fingers through his hair, much as she had seen his son do whenever he was distressed. The similarity between the two struck her with much amusement, and she was grateful that he had such a loving father. "Clever as well as stubborn. I should have known," he said. "May I?" He asked indicating a spot on the log beside her. Nodding in acceptance she scooted over to make room for him.
"Eavan has grown up witnessing a wonderful marriage between his mother and myself. Anthea is truly my hearts greatest desire and my closest companion. There is nothing I do not share with her, nor do I do anything without seeking her counsel. From years of watching the mortals and other magical beings, I knew I could only marry a woman whom I deemed my equal in every way. Knowing what you now know of me, I am sure that such a declaration would seem strange, yet it is the truth. She will never be my equal in power, yet in every other way she is. I would do anything for her because I love her and wish only to see her happy in life.
"During Eavan's twentieth year, he and his friend Tavi met a young fairy from the far north. Her name was Keelia and she was very beautiful. Both young men immediately took a liking to her. Eavan, having never fancied himself in love before, began to bestow upon her many gifts as he had seen me do with his mother. It did not take her long to realize that he would be willing to do anything she asked of him. For months he catered to her every whim, sure that she was the one he wished to marry.
"One unfortunate day, he discovered Keelia in a passionate embrace with Tavi. Heartbroken and betrayed, he confronted the couple. It was then that she told him that she had always preferred Tavi over him. Many other things she had said of him that day but the most hurtful was that she had only pretended interest in him because she wanted his position in life as heir to the most powerful magical being. Hurt and angry, he turned to Tavi who told him much the same thing.
"From that day on, Eavan has shunned any friends. He is wary of all because he fears being used for his position as he once was. As for the relationship I share with his mother, he no longer sees it as something to aspire to. Please do not doubt his affection for both his mother and myself as he has never doubted our love for him. He does not, however, look upon our displays of affection with a kind eye. To him, my giving my wife anything she desires is my weakness and her taking advantage of my love. He fails to see that when two people are truly in love, they will do anything for each other."
"No wonder he mistrusts women. He has blinded himself to the sacrifices Anthea has made for you and sees only your side of the relationship." Looking up, Iliana saw Adair nod in agreement. "It is no wonder he constantly misunderstands me and misconstrues my actions. If I truly wish to continue a friendship with him, then I need to do something for him."
Nodding, Adair bestowed a smile upon her. "May I ask, My Lady, why it is so important to you for my son to think well of you?"
Brows knit, Iliana thought back to the many times she had spent with him. "Eavan is my only true friend, sire, and I wish for him to know that I truly care about him. He needs a friend he can trust with all his heart, and I want to be that friend."
Smiling, Adair thought that although she did not say it, the love she was beginning to feel for his son was shining through her eyes. "In that case, My Lady, what do you plan to do?"
Lifting her hand to her mouth, she began to bite down upon her thumbnail as she thought of many possibilities. Sudden memories of his gaze upon her as she danced in the meadow of wildflowers inspired an idea.
"I believe, sire," she said turning to face Adair, "that tomorrow's summer solstice is also the anniversary of the day of his birth?" Seeing him nod in confirmation, she smiled brightly and said that she wished to give him a gift in celebration, yet she would need help. After relating her idea, she was pleased to see the king throw his head back in laughter and declare it to be perfect. Standing up he once again offered her his arm as he led her towards the spring where she would create the perfect gift for Eavan.
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"Where are you leading me, Ellette?"
"Do you not trust me, milord?" She asked and he could hear the mocking tone in her voice.
"On the contrary," he replied with a large grin. "I would not have agreed to such a scheme if I did not. There is none other I would rather trust my life to than you."
Without warning, he found himself running into her. Opening his eyes, he saw that she had stopped and was staring up at him with a distinct shine in her eyes.
"You...you trust me Eavan?"
Bringing the hand that held his up to his lips, he kissed her knuckles refusing to break away from her steady gaze. "I do. I know not how I have gained your trust and friendship for I have done nothing to deserve it but I will be eternally grateful that I have it. In return for your good faith, I find myself unwilling to offer anything less in return." Reaching up with his other hand, he gently brushed the tears falling down her face.
"You know not how your words have eased my heart," she replied leaning into his touch. "My father has often reprimanded me for my stubbornness saying that it would one day lead me down a path of misery. I have found myself acting in ways quite unbecoming a lady of my station around you due to my stubbornness and feared my father was right; I worried that you could never feel for me the way I do for you."
Wondering if her words held deeper meaning, Eavan pulled her into his comforting embrace. Glancing around the trees to make sure they were alone, he leaned down to whisper into her petite pointed ear. "What little I have seen of your father during our peace talks and hearing you finally speak of him, I know not how you could believe a single word he says." Feeling her stiffen slightly in his arms, he pulled away enough that he could look once more into her alluring emerald eyes. "It has become obvious to me, that your father does not understand the treasure he truly has in you. The name 'Superior' suits him nicely, as he has failed to recognize the worth of those around him, especially that of the one person who should truly matter in his life.
"Iliana, you are truly the most remarkable woman I have ever met. You have such a goodness and kindness about you that all who come into contact with you are forever blessed. I have been amazed at the love you have inspired in those gathered here this week. While you may claim that any woman could accomplish the same, I disagree. It is your differences that set you apart from all others and allow you to accomplish what others can never do. It was your stubbornness as you call it that first recommended you to me. My entire life I have been pandered to by women wishing to obtain me as their prize. You saw me as the flawed being that I am and that is a favor for which I can never repay you."
Squirming uncomfortably under his ardent gaze, she looked away. "I insulted you, milord. I made fun at your expense. It is I who should owe you a debt of gratitude for having overlooked my offenses. Your father last evening confirmed my suspicion that you are slow to forgive others."
"While my father speaks true, there has been nothing between us for which you had need to atone for. From the very beginning, I was the one who insulted you. Everything you have said to me in anger was done out of defense against my attacks. Of all the women in this world, you are the only one who has seen me as merely Eavan; all the others can see is an heir to the greatest power on earth."
Gasping, Iliana looked up into his blue eyes. "Eavan, lest you think ill of me, I can assure you that I knew nothing more than that you were son of Adair, Prince of the fairies. Until last evening I was unaware..."
Chuckling, Eavan quickly placed his forefinger against her lips to silence her. Momentarily distracted by the softness of her lips, he forced his eyes back to hers and away from the greatest temptation he had ever faced. "Fear not, my dearest Ellette. My father informed me last evening of his stroll with you. That he has confided in you our greatest secret is of great comfort to me." Seeing the relief in her eyes furthered his admiration for her and he felt the last barriers around his heart give way. He knew then that he could love no other, yet he still feared that they could never be.
Wishing to once again bring back the mischief in her eyes that was present when she first met him that morning, he released her from his arms, stepped back and closed his eyes. With a hand outstretched he said, "Perhaps now, My Lady, you would be gracious as to continue to lead me in a blind manner towards the spring."
Hearing her pleased laughter and the pressure of her fingers around his, he fought against the smile that threatened upon hearing her reply. "Our destination was to remain a surprise for you, milord."
"It is not my fault that I know these woods and meadows so well, Ellette. A fairy does not require eyes to hear the music of the earth surrounding him."
"Very well. We are indeed heading towards the spring." As he began to open his eyes in victory, he was amused to find her quickly reaching up to once again cover them. "While you may now know our destination, I would beg of you to not peek as all is not ready for your arrival, milord. You must trust me in this."
Pulling her hand holding his towards him, he once more kissed her knuckles before bowing mockingly. "I am your servant, My Lady. I shall do as you bid."
Following the gentle pull of her hand and whisper of her laughter, he allowed her to lead him towards the spring. Upon their arrival, he was amazed to discover all in eerie silence; everything about the area seemed out of place. About to open his eyes in concern, he was arrested by her stern reminder to trust her.
With a gentle hand, she helped him to sit upon a rock before releasing his hand and walking away.
"I once again need your assurance, milord, that you trust me and as such will keep your eyes closed until instructed to open."
Nodding, he settled into his seat awaiting whatever it was she had in store for him. Suddenly, a soft sound was heard from near the water. It was a note of sadness and loneliness, the feeling it evoked in him one of great discomfort. As he listened to the quiet melody, he heard other voices join in.
Eventually the song of sadness was interrupted by notes of celebration before being joined by a new melody full of confrontation. As the confrontation grew, the sadness changed to include more anger. Eventually the confrontation won out before changing to one of great amusement as it faded leaving the sadness behind it.
As the sad melody continued on its way, notes of danger joined in. Fighting against the danger, the confrontation soon returned, and began to work in tandem with the sadness, both changing to tunes of hesitant companionship.
Amazed, Eavan was barely able to breathe as he heard the story of his friendship with Iliana played out in song. As the notes of sadness and confrontation gave way to more pleasing melodies of friendship and camaraderie, he felt a joy like nothing he had felt before spread throughout his entire being.
As the song grew in volume with the light of the dawning sun, Eavan found himself being drawn from his perch towards the source of the music. Struggling to keep his eyes closed, he carefully stepped forward until he could feel the air surrounding her changing in time to the movements of her arms. Reaching out, he grasped her waist and pulled her against him as the music culminated into a final chord of pure joy and happiness.
Feeling her arms drop to her sides as she turned in his embrace, he hesitatingly opened his eyes. Standing before him, she was bathed from behind in the glow of the rising sun, her eyes shining with great emotion. "Happy Birthday, milord," she said with a shy smile as she looked down towards the ground. Following her gaze, he stumbled backwards in surprise at what he saw.
All around him, the ground was blanketed in the most exquisite flowers he had ever beheld. With petals displaying a wide variety of colors from the deepest blue to the darkest red and the sweetest most intoxicating scent, Eavan was unable to find a defining feature in the flower to which to compare them to another. They were truly the most remarkable and unique species he had ever seen.
Looking up at her, he was unable to form any words to express his delight. Unused to being unable to read his features, she was unsure how to interpret his silence. "I am sorry if they are not to your liking, milord. I knew not how they would turn out, yet I see now perhaps my ambition was too great," she said as she began to turn away from him.
Without hesitation, he reached out and grabbed her hand. "You truly did all this, for me?" He asked. Seeing her uncertain nod he gently pulled her slightly closer. "Why?"
Biting her lip, she refused to meet his eyes as she gazed at the flowers around her. "I wished to give my closest friend a gift on this day of his birth in appreciation for all that he has done and means to me. Your father provided me with pure blank seeds that I could then influence to my will. You taught me to listen to the music of the earth and draw out the parts I wished to share with the world. Well I wish the world to know how much I lo...care for you and your friendship. What better way than to lead a song that tells of our journey to this point."
"It was the most beautiful song I have ever heard, Iliana, and the flowers are the second most beautiful thing I have ever beheld." Reaching out with his other hand, he gently cupped her chin and lifted her face so that he could see her eyes. "What shall you name them?"
"I was thinking 'Eavan's dawn' as they were born with the solstice's dawn much as you were." Swallowing her sudden emotions, she struggled to maintain his gaze. "Your father informed me that if I succeeded then these flowers would forever bloom as long as our friendship remains strong."
"Wonderful. They shall then bloom forever more. However, while I thank you for the great honor you have bestowed upon me, I do not believe the name you have chosen serves these incredible flowers justice." Pulling her even closer until he could feel her breath upon his neck, he licked his suddenly dry lips. Seeing her eyes drawn by his action, he let out a loose chuckle when she asked what name he had in mind. "I do believe 'Iliana's Kiss' to be perfect."
Before she could respond, he leaned in and claimed her lips with his own. Shocked at first, she resisted for less than two seconds before she willingly gave in to the burning emotions inside her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer as he deepened the kiss. Lost in their sudden passion, Eavan forgot about his scruples regarding a marriage to her and allowed his love for the woman in his arms to burst forth from his heart.
While the two friends rejoiced in their newly discovered shared love, they failed to realize that they were being carefully watched. Five pairs of eyes watched the couple from various trees surrounding the spring. While three of the watchers felt great relief and happiness in the joy radiating from the couple, two watched with barely restrained fury and envy. However, as they walked away from the spring, the two realized that they had unwittingly stumbled across the opportunity they had waited for for so long. They were determined to at last achieve what they most desired.
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"I need to know exactly what the gentleman said, Georgiana."
Looking across his desk towards his younger sister, Darcy saw tears beginning to form in her soft grey eyes. Standing abruptly, he stood up and walked around the desk so that he could pull the young woman into his arms.
"Oh my dearest, you have done no wrong. I am not angry with you for conversing with a man who claimed an acquaintance with me; how would you have known him to be honest or not. While I do not recognize the man you describe, I feel as though I must see him to remember. Yet his identity is not what concerns me. I simply wish to know what story he told you as I believe he was using you to deliver a message to me."
Hoping that the words he spoke would reassure and calm his sister, he was surprised when she began to weep openly. Gently leading her to the sofa by the fire, he pulled her down next to him and allowed her to cry into his shoulder.
"William, I have done you great wrong. First I believed Wickham's lies then allowed myself to fall prey to a man who wishes to use me for his own purposes."
"Dearest, I do not fault you for either instance. There are many men out there who know how to take advantage of even the most experienced of women. You are in no wise to blame for having such a gentle heart and kind spirit," he reassured her as he stroked her back. "This man who gave you the flower did not wish you harm. What his exact intentions are, I am unsure, yet I feel as though if he could have come to me he would have. He needed to deliver a message I would understand, and as such approached you in my place. If anyone is to blame it shall be me. I have once again failed you, Georgiana. I should have been here to protect you." Feeling his heart break slightly with his words, he hoped his falsehood would be enough to restore Georgiana's faith in herself enough to allow her to share any information she might have.
"You have nothing to apologize for, brother, yet I see the wisdom in your words." Pulling herself out of his embrace, Georgiana wiped her tears from her face and sat up straight. "He told me a story about a young couple who were in love." Hearing Darcy's sharp intake of breath, she looked up at him to see an expectant expression cross his face. Cocking her head, she watched as his eyes changed to a light blue full of pain as she continued her tale.
"The couple had overcome many trials and personal prejudices on their journey to happiness. So deep was their love, that on the morning they finally declared themselves to each other a grove of flowers appeared around them. These flowers were the ultimate symbol of their love. Despite their wishes to marry, there were those who tried to keep them apart. One day he entered their grove to discover the flowers were dying. Worried for his lady love, he left to go find her, but when he finally discovered her he was too late. In his misery, he took his own life.
"With his death, the dying flowers were revived; the couple were together once more and the flowers have continued to bloom in their grove ever since under the care of the couples loved ones. But the old man told me that the flowers are beginning to die. He said that although he believes their love to be as strong as ever, those caring for the grove will not be able to maintain it much longer. As such, he wished to give of their love to as many as possible before the flowers disappeared forever."
Standing abruptly, Darcy began to pace as he attempted to understand the message. Confused by her brother's reactions to a simple story, she asked if he believed the story to be true. With a harsh chuckle he insisted that while many aspects may be based in some truth, not all could be believed. With a nod, she asked if there was anything else he required.
Seeing the hurt in her eyes, Darcy paused in his pacing to draw her once more into his embrace. "I thank you Georgiana for sharing this with me. I know that while I may seem distracted, I would hope you know that your happiness and comfort is of great importance to me."
"I understand William, and I am sorry it was my actions that drew you back home sooner than you had planned."
Kissing her forehead, he assured her that he was happy to attend her at any time. As she began to reach for the flower she had brought him earlier, he stopped her and asked if he might be allowed to keep it. Smiling, she agreed saying that since she now knew it to be a message for him, she had no claim to it. "It truly is a remarkable flower, William. I have never seen the like nor can compare it to any other. Yet, I do not care for the feelings it evoked in me. It seems to have some strange power over those in possession of it. Promise you will be careful brother."
Giving her his word, Darcy watched as she left his study leaving him alone. Immediately he removed his coat and cravat as he continued to pace the room. While some of the old man's tale had held truth, the majority was mere misrepresentation of the true facts.
Shaking his head, he carefully considered the last part of the story. Their flowers were dying because those who watched over them would soon be unable to do fulfill their duties. While the story gave no indication of the man's identity, Darcy no longer doubted that they were in great danger. Those who had spent years supporting him and Iliana were either losing the battle against their oppressors, and as such, would no longer be able to protect the two of them.
Walking over to his desk, Darcy collapsed in his chair as he picked up the 'Iliana's Kiss' twirling it reverently in between his fingers. Tears falling freely down his face, he realized that he must stay away from Miss Elizabeth for the time being though he hoped their separation would not be long as the message in the story was clear; this was their last chance to break the curse.
