Page 10 of Keeping a Nymph’s Heart

As Chrys entered the room, Owain waved his hand, putting a sound shield in place on the door. They would have to meet with Lord Patrin and the others this evening, but Chrys was the only one he trusted to talk candidly about their plans.

“I thought that went well.” Chrys took the glass from Owain and lounged on the settee.

“Ah, yes, do make yourself comfortable,” Owain said as he rolled his eyes at his friend.

“Happily.” Chrys smirked as he raised his glass to Owain before he downed it in one. Chrys was right; it had gone as well as could be expected. The king appeared not to suspect anything amiss. He talked about the ways their kingdoms could improve diplomatic relations and seemed earnest about having Owain see the kingdom.

“How lucky for us that he assigned you to be guarded by the Hero of Fontina; that should make the job much easier. We might make it back to Edam before the infernal ball even takes place.”

“Lucky indeed.” Owain knew it hadn’t been luck that had gotten them this far but careful planning. Still, better to credit luck than to put all his cards on the table. “It would be obvious if we showed our cards too soon. Stealth is our advantage here,” Owain said.

“True, we will need to come up with a plan. You know Lord Patrin and those eager nobles will want to see the job done quickly. They have waited years for this; they won’t want to draw it out.”

“Good thing I am in charge, not them.”

“Much to their chagrin. Tell me, what do you think King Mikki really wants from us?”

“I don’t know,” Owain said truthfully. Like King Vernon, King Mikki had always been interested in remaining powerful. It’s how Emmental has maintained its status as the most powerful kingdom on the continent for centuries.

“Whatever game he’s playing, we have to make sure our plans are put in place first. Emmental won’t get anything over on us again.” Owain raised his glass towards Chrys before drinking it all. “Now get ready, Chrys, you have some spying to do.” Chrys smirked again, knowing his changeling power would be most useful for the mission at hand. “You know I always love a bit of roleplay,” Chrys remarked, winking at Owain.

“Cheeky bastard,” Owain replied with a grin.

The two males discussed who Chrys would be impersonating first. While their goal was to spy on King Mikki and Orla, Owain didn’t trust the lords he brought with him, and he set Chrys to spy on them as well while posing as a member of the king’s staff.

* * *

A few hours, and a few glasses of whiskey later, Owain waited outside for Orla to appear for their tour. He expected her to come out of her room, but she was walking in from the southern walkway.

Curious.

She walked towards him, shoulders straight, face set in an impassive expression. He had to steel himself as she approached since their meeting had not gone well. It was clear she didn’t remember him; he didn’t think she would, though a part of him hoped. He’d had many years to think about her, and he had heard rumors about the female walking towards him.

In Edam she was portrayed as vicious, bloodthirsty, vain, and self-important. That wasn’t how he had remembered her, but he had never actually talked to her, only seen her from afar. He knew that the rumors must be true, though, and her barging making demands of him was confirmation.

She had killed Gwayne, but he was a monster, and Owain had no love for his eldest brother. Aengus, for all his faults, would have made a much better king anyways. Of all the crimes she should have been held to task over, it was killing so many innocent warriors. Owain struggled to understand how the female in front of him could have been so cruel. Yes, Elves were ruthless, but surely killing your own warriors had to be beyond the pale. Though, King Mikki spoke about her with such reverence, unfazed by her wiping out so much of his army.

Clearly Owain’s memory was faulty; he had been seriously injured the first time he saw her, after all.

But he had been tasked with a job. And the bargain he had made with his father, King Vernon, meant that if he succeeded, that he would be legitimized and recognized as his father’s true heir. Right now, he was heir in name only, given the title of Lord when he should have been styled as a prince. But once this bargain was fulfilled, his dreams of being accepted by those of his kingdom would be realized. He couldn’t let one warrior get in the way of all he had hoped for. But as she walked towards him, her full hips swaying, long black braids flowing down her back, a small part of him still hoped the rumors were wrong.

“What would you like to see first?” she said in a clipped, matter-of-fact tone, not meeting his eyes as she spoke.

“Still no apology, I see,” he said with a teasing air to his voice. The several double shots of whiskey had clearly taken effect. “How about this, Lady Orla, take me to your favorite part of this palace. You are the realm’s hero after all; I’m sure you’ve spent a lot of time here.”

“Don’t call me that,” she snapped.

That got her attention. She was looking him in the eyes now. Her dark eyes narrowed at him.

“What, hero?”

In Edam, it was always said with contempt. Who in their right mind would fashion themselves a hero after killing thousands of warriors, including their own, to take down one male?

“That and Lady. I’m just Orla. And have it your way. I’ll have you back to your rooms by supper.” And she set off without telling him where they were going.

She led him through various carpeted hallways before reaching an exit to the palace that led down a gravel path. It was a warm day for autumn, the way Owain preferred it, the sun still high in the sky. Floral scents enveloped him as they walked farther along the path towards the garden.

The garden she had taken him to was the rose garden. It was laid out in a circle with roses of all hues, the brightest yellows to the deepest reds surrounded the large marble fountain. Benches could be found on all sides of the garden. The layout was similar to a large clock with twelve different varieties of roses set out in the large circle.