Chapter 19: The Arrival and the Riddle

As soon as we arrived in Bulgaria, the very first thing that greeted me was the smell of roses. Roses are indeed in bloom and are quite popular in this country. We were standing in what-seemed-to-be a rose plantation; plantation, meaning it's an extremely large farm. Viktor was standing near a rose bush holding a single white rose. His father, beside him, was also holding a red rose. They both approached us. I gripped Edmond's hand, he squeezed it signaling assurance.

"Zdravaite, Gospozhitsa Herze1," Mr. Krum shook Ianthé's hand, after handing the red rose to Mrs. Krum.

"Dober vetcher, Gospodin Krum2," Ianthé replied.

Viktor kissed her in the cheek and gave her the white rose, "I'm glad you picked up a little Bulgarian during your last vacation here."

Ianthé smiled at him and blushed. Bloody face, come on, do not blush! I repeat, do not blush! Aaaaaaa!

Edmond greeted Viktor's father with a handshake, and greeted Viktor with a pat in the back, "I don't mean to be rude or anything, but Théa's3 trunk is really heavy."

Viktor laughed at him, "Now, let's go to the house."

We walked a few meters uphill, and I felt my jaw drop. Overlooking the whole plantation is a large house, even larger than the Herze mansion in London. Fairy lights4 were hung to give the house a festive mood. We stepped inside, and two house elves got my school things. We went to the side porch where there was a large table set in the lawn.

"Do sit down, Ianthé" Viktor gestured to a chair.

Ianthé sat down, "Thanks."

Viktor sat down beside her, "Can we talk after dinner?"

Ianthé nodded at him.

During dinner, Mr. Krum told me that I was to stay with them until the last week of August. We talked and laughed at some of Edmond's jokes regarding Viktor when they were still in Durmstrang. I asked Edmond what he would do know he's out of school. He shrugged and said he would take the time off, for now. He's just staying for the night because he'll be leaving for France the next morning to spend the summer with Andy. Edmond asked Viktor what he would do. Viktor told us that he might take a break from Pro-Quidditch for a few years to help his father with their many businesses. He told me he might frequent visit England. We evaded the topic of what happened in the Triwizard Tournament and Dumbledore's announcement. I anticipated what would happen after dinner.

"So, what's this about?"

"I just missed talking to you like this, in secret."

Ianthé smiled at Viktor, "You seem to be troubled by something."

"During the time when I was Imperiused, the fake professor told me he will kill you, and I was very afraid of your safety. I do believe the Dark Lord is back. I guess your father knew this, that's why he insisted on getting you here. He knew you would be safer here."

Ianthé's eyes were glistening with tears, "What do you thing will happen with us?"

Viktor inhaled deeply, "I know our fathers are matching us up. Your father declined your match with Draco Malfoy because of their alliance to the Dark Lord."

"Do you mean my father refused to submit to their cause?"

"Not just your father, but mine. We are indeed in great danger if the Dark Lord finds out. Your other male relatives joined them to spy on them. Your father refuse does not want to destroy the business empire he had created, my father too."

"You mean to tell me, they're waging a secret war against You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters?"

"Yes. And we are caught in the middle of this."

Ianthé sighed.

"Our fathers might announce our engagement as soon as possible, probably right before you go back to school."

Ianthé looked at him like he had suddenly gone mad, "Are you serious?"

Viktor held her hand, "I'm not joking. They want to, in their words, join forces, ever since the World Cup. What happened there was a sign for them."

"So, we are arranged so they can officially combine their financial power and connections to fight You-Know-Who?"

"Yes."

I felt my knees weaken. Deep in my heart, I was happy of the arrangement but I don't want to force Viktor into something he might regret later.

"Ianthé, I know you like another guy. Edmond told me you weren't feeling well during the Yule Ball because you got broken-hearted. If you're not ready for the engagement, just tell me."

Nooo! You're the one I truly liked! What Eddie told you is partly true because you broke my heart. It's you! It's you!

Ianthé shrugged.

"I want to know who he is."

Ianthé raised her eyebrows, "Really?"

"Yes. I don't want to force you into some arrangement that you would regret later." That's what I feel!

Ianthé put her hand into her right pocket. She handed Viktor a folded parchment.

"What's this?"

"It's a riddle. Once you solve it, you will know who I liked."

"Can I open it now?"

Ianthé smiled, "Sure."

If you want to know the truth,

I will warn you clear and sound.

Bonds collapse by this riddle's fruit,

My world might even burn to the ground.

I have searched the far and wide,

I hope it won't be for naught.

I have lowered my pride,

I know I would soon get caught.

He is the epitome,

Of the knight who's good and kind.

With him I cherish to be,

There's no one else I can find.

He's the only driving force,

For me to chase all my dreams.

I want love to take its course,

But it's harder than it seems.

Others deemed it impossible,

For me to be with this knight.

I staked large for this gamble,

No, I won't yield without a fight.

You want to know who he is?

Only you can see him, where?

It will not be hard to miss,

On the skin of Neptune's lair.

"You do know I will solve this easily."

Ianthé smiled, "Give your best shot." She walked inside the house and into the guest room.

1 "Hello, Miss Herze."

2 "Good evening, Mr. Krum."

3 Théa is Ianthé's nickname given to her by Edmond.

4 Fairies are placed in large balls of paper in different colors.