Chapter Twelve

Bet

Calian

By the fifth day at Gravitas Manor, I found a new way to be mesmerized by Nova. I snuck glances from the doorway of the ballroom. It was large and spacious with teal floor tiles, and pillars that swirled around the column rather than running straight up them. In the center of the ceiling was a huge chandelier with crystal drops hanging from its gold branches. The sunlight that shone through it caused spots of light to be scattered about the room. And as beautiful as that was, it didn’t hold a candle to Nova.

This woman shone brighter than any person I’ve ever seen. She had her hair pulled back into a high ponytail that swished in a way that was almost hypnotic. Nova wore a white fencing outfit that fit her to a T. And while it was only the second time I’ve seen her in pants, I wondered what she would look like in clothes from my world. I had the shake the thought away as I watched her work that sword. Nova held it in one hand and flicked it left and right while practicing her craft. I found myself reminiscing about our first meeting on the stairs. She held her weapon with the same authority and confidence that gave me a sense of amatory that I would not readily admit aloud.

After a few minutes, she swiped the sword down to her side, closed her eyes and tilted her head towards the ceiling. I found myself unable to stand at the doorway any longer. Without thinking, I headed towards her.

I clapped, amazed by her skill, but rather than flinching, Nova’s head snapped in my direction, blade pointed towards me.

“Calian,” she sounded bored. “Peeking again?”

My mouth scrunched up awkwardly. “I mean, not intentionally. I just happened to pass by.” I stopped just a bit before her sword. She still didn’t move it.

Honestly, it was impressive. She wasn’t even trembling. Was her arm not sore holding it still for so long?

“But you’re seriously so good!” I grinned.

Not that I didn’t know she was an incredibly skilled swordswoman. After all, she has been doing it since she was young. According to Mom’s stories, it was a way to keep her distance from others. To protect herself. But I only found myself drawn to her more.

Nova finally placed the sword by her side. “Yes, well,” I could see she was trying to be coy, but it was obvious she appreciated the compliment. “I could be better.”

“Should we practice together?” I suggested. Why I would suggest such a thing, I haven’t the foggiest.

Nova’s brows rose in surprise. “You can wield a sword?”

I chuckled, clumsily. “I can wield a sword, sure, but I’m not sure how skilled I am.”

YOU HAVE ZERO SKILL!!! I screamed at myself. ZERO! STOP BEFORE YOU EMBARRASS YOURSELF!

“Hmm,” she looked at me seriously, eyes examining every inch of me. “Alright then. I haven’t sparred with anyone in ages.”

***** 

It didn’t take long at all for Nova to call for Bailey. Bailey swiftly received a fencing outfit and gear for me to use. After managing to put everything on, and feeling very out of character in such attire, I faced Nova again in the ballroom. I picked up the borrowed sword and swiped it in the air to test it.

Yeah, I thought, confidently. I have no idea what I’m doing.

“Are you ready, Calian?” Nova called, amusement in her nebula eyes as she faced me.

Not at all…

“Of course, but how about a bet?” I countered.

“A bet?”

“Yeah. If I win, you give me something, and if I win, I give you something.”

Her brows pulled together tightly. “Like what?”

I smirked. “Something you think the other person will like.”

I could tell she was puzzled, but Nova agreed, and soon, we were clashing swords. She parried. I dodged… barely. She countered and then relentlessly clanged her sword against mine until I dropped it. I rushed to pick it up but got distracted when Nova laughed. It was barely a laugh, truthfully. More like a whisper of chuckle, but it was so charming, I wondered what it would be like to hear her truly enjoying herself. And just like that, Nova stepped on my blade with her foot. I glanced up from the knee I had taken. She smiled, victoriously, before gently tapping my shoulder with the broad side of her sword.

“You lasted longer than I thought.” Nova appeared pleased, and suddenly, I wished I could make her feel that way always. “Not bad for a novice… Cal.”

My heart raced at the sound of my name on her lips.

I blinked, momentarily speechless.

Be cool, Cal… Be cool!

“Heh, you win.” I grinned.

There was a light in her eyes as she bent over ever-so-slightly to say, “Don’t you owe me something?”

“Uh, right!” I rose to my feet. We were surprisingly closer than anticipated. “I’ll be right back.”

I hurried up to my room, grabbed the prize, and rushed out. I nearly ran into Jenna and Bailey. Jenna looked at me curiously, while Bailey only seemed annoyed.

“Mr. Verity, please watch your—”

“Sorry!” I spoke hastily. I felt a little guilty for practically crashing into them, but I couldn’t wait to see Nova’s reaction.

Jenna laughed in the distance, but I couldn’t hear what she said to Bailey.

As I approached the ballroom again, I slowed down. I was weirdly nervous, but that good kind of nervous that makes you want to do something crazy anyway.

I cleared my throat, hiding the gift behind my back. Nova’s eyes narrowed.

“Ta-da!” I carefully presented the bouquet to her. One hand on the top and bottom respectively.

She frowned, carefully taking the flowers from the middle. She adjusted the brown paper they were wrapped in. She didn’t touch a single petal. “They are… flowers.” There was a hint of disappointment in her timbre.

“Well, some people consider them forever flowers.” I smiled and eyed the colorful bouquet of strawflowers I purchased in Amber Hill.

“Why would you think I would like this?” her fingers tightened around the stems. Her voice was barely a whisper. “Don’t you realize I’ll only kill them?”

I tried not to frown at the despair in her voice. “Not these.”

She glanced up at me, bemused. “What?”

“You can’t kill something that’s already dead.” I shrugged. “If you don’t believe me, touch them.”

Nova looked down at the strawflowers. Her hand lifted, fingers trembling slightly. Just before she would touch their petals, her fingers curled into a tight fist.

I inched closer to her. With the broad side of the sword, I delicately tapped her upper arm. “It’s ok. I promise.”

“Promises mean nothing to me.” she said quietly.

“Then let mine be the first.”

“The first?” she countered.

“The first to mean something.” Then, I used the handle of the blade to push her hand atop the petals.

Nova gasped, trying to fling her hand away at first, but slowly, she stopped. Instead, she grazed her fingers along multiple blossoms.

“Heh…” Her delight came out breathy. “They really aren’t dying…” Her smile was the most radiate thing I’ve ever seen. She beamed towards me in a way I didn’t know she was capable of. “How?”

“They’re dried flowers.” I revealed. “If done right, they can maintain their color and even their scent.” Nova leaned down to sniff them and smiled wider. “But you’ll still need to be careful with them. They’re delicate.” I paused, taking in her joy before I asked, “So, do you like it?”

At my question, Nova cleared her throat, trying to compose herself, but it was too late, I saw it all, and I wanted more. “I suppose they shall suffice, Calian.”

“Cal.” I insisted.

Nova peered at me for a beat. The silence was almost deafening. Then, the tops of her ears turned red as she repeated, “They shall suffice… Cal.”

“Now, it feels like we both won.” I whispered.

Nova opened her mouth to speak but was immediately interrupted.

“Oh, my goodness!” Jenna exclaimed, causing me to jump and face her. She stood at the door, covering her mouth as she squealed, a wincing Bailey beside her. “Is this why you and Bazil were being so secretive the other day!?” The young maid practically pounced on us. “How did you know how to do that?”

I tried not to let the blood rush to my head as I replied, “Secretive is a bit misleading… Ah, but I learned it from my mom. She used to run an apothecary. She taught me a lot of stuff like this. I’m glad it came in handy.”

“That’s certainly a nice trick, Mr. Verity.” Bailey eyed me in that professional yet suspicious way. It was a look she thought I didn’t see, but one I’ve noticed from the corner of my eye all week.

What is her problem? I thought, peeved at her wording.

Before I could correct her, Jenna announced, “Lady Nova we must find a vase for this lovely bouquet! Come with me, my lady. Ms. Bailey, could you please help me with the selection?” If Jenna could, I think she would have dragged her mistress out arm-in-arm, but instead, she worked her charm on Bailey, and the three women left the room.