Chapter 23 - The Eternal Garden [Part 3]

I removed my gloves taking a biscuit, it was lined in a pink color that made it look so enticing I couldn't resist, I took a bite humming to content as the flavor got to my taste buds, it tasted delicious, I resist the urge to gather more in my mouth, I just settled for one, for now of course.

Cedric and I were in our tent dressed for us with a table filled with all kinds of snacks, at first I was puzzled about who did all the arrangements because none of our maids came with us.

I got the answer to my question when I saw maidens in white attire, dressed formally, Danette whispered to me earlier that were keepers of the Eternal Garden, sprites she called them, funny because they didn't have any wings, I just shrug the thought off.

I turned to Cedric who was before me, helping himself to a book, and here I thought I was the only one who brought one. His entire focus centered on it, We both relaxed on a couch of smooth brown woods and futon.

My gaze traveled to the rest of the couples in their tents. James was launching himself at any snacks he could find as if the ones on the table weren't enough, Camille fanning herself as she would faint from embarrassment. I almost snort at the view.

Danette sat alone in their tent while Dalton was off to speak to one of the other men, I felt sorry for her that she was left all alone in her tent just watching, her husband should have just sat there and kept her company or something, this was supposed to be a romantic picnic right?

My gaze came back to Cedric, or not! The question bugging me finally got to me.

"I thought there would be other silver-haired, I mean everyone here is from different houses of sorcery, how come other men are married to regular women?" I asked finally breaking an hour of silence between Cedric and me.

"Silver-haired's are rare" he began not sparing me a glance.

"They are married only to the Ambassadors"

"Oh" I made a sound and then I thought back to Mother's lecture about the four houses being held amongst the highest privilege because their heirs are natural-born warlocks, not other houses who are humans practicing magic... that explains it all.

Then does their marriage to silver-haired have to do with... ranking? Because I suddenly remember Lord Lawrence not married yet, but then I was given to Cedric instead, could it be because he had a higher ranking cause of his previous status as General or his favor to the Emperor.

Still, the possibility of Lawrence being my husband instead of Cedric crossed my mind.

"Marriage has... ranks in the Empire by my guess, so... if it wasn't for your status as a General then I would have been given to Lord Lawrence instead".

Dear Lord! Did I just say that out loud?

Cedric's eyes instantly drift to me, they pinned me down, a frown against his features, a frown? I wondered why.

I shrugged.

"What?"

"Would you prefer to be married to him?"

I was taken at-back by his words.

"Well..." I paused, and then a wicked idea crossed my mind.

"In my opinion of a good husband," I began emphasizing the word good specifically.

"I settle for those who don't try to get rid of their wife," I add smirking, chewing on another biscuit.

"Lord Lawrence is a good example"

I know for certain he's not as cruel as the man before me.

Cedric's green eyes darkened, the color draining from it... I froze at the sudden color change, seems like I struck a nerve.

I cautiously reach for another biscuit but he grabs my hand making me gasp, he yanked me to him like I weighed nothing other than a feather, I fell on his side due to his action, lying on the couch, my head rested on his arm, his other hand pinning my wrist down in a tight grip.

My heart slammed a thousand thud, being this close to his body made butterflies settle in my stomach. Our gazes were glued to one another. I just couldn't take my eyes off him.

"You would speak of being with another man in my presence?".

His tone sounded pissed but calm also, I gulped, okay that was a mistake on my part but why was he angry, earlier he didn't even stand up to me when Dalton scolded me, why was he angry then? Ugh, this was frustrating.

"Let me go," I said faintly, shifting uncomfortable, but he pinned me down just where he needed me, he always had the way of showing just how dominating he could be, I should be pissed by that but it gave me a strange feeling I didn't like, it was almost like I was excited by it.

His green eyes darkened more, I couldn't tell if it was anger or something else like... hunger?

"Do not speak of being with another man in my presence" he said in a warning tone.

I frowned at his words, was he giving me orders now, I refuse to let that happen.

"I won-"

His lips were on mine before I could finish my words, my eyes went wide in shock, my brain shut off any thoughts, was he kissing me right now and his lips... they felt so heavenly on mine, oh the feeling. I shut my eyes, the movement of his lips against mine was wonderful and hot?

Before I could register more he pulled away leaving me flushed, I was then brought back to reality.

I quickly sat up, two fingers on my lips reminiscing his lips on mine, did it really just happen?

My gaze met his and I quickly looked away, blushing hard, I also found it hard to breathe, I needed some air.

I quickly got up rushing out of the tent.

I took a harsh breath as I came to a stop, calming myself down, why was I feeling this way?

I shouldn't think much about it, I'm sure my face was red as a tomato right now.. I spotted Danette still alone in her tent, I hurried there still making sure I composed myself.