The air brushed against Maeva’s face gently, as if caressing her. An open field of flowers laid in front of her. Petals of various colors were scattered on the wind. She clasped her hands behind her back and swept her gaze over the scenery. They were only a few hours away from reaching the palace of Jora. Although the scenery was beautiful, it wouldn’t last. Jora’s weather was typically swamped with ice and snow for ten months a year. These two months of spring were the only warmth this terrible nation ever experienced. Unlike Krashna’s consistent warmth and beauty, this place’s springtime weather was momentary. These flowers would all wither away soon enough. 

Mother and Father were relaxing beneath a tree, their heads huddled together as they spoke to each other. She longingly watched them shift away from their children’s’ gaze for additional intimacy. She gritted her teeth together. She would never have a love like theirs. No, she would marry the third prince of Jora and save her country. Her mouth filled with ash and she swallowed the lump in her throat. Love wasn’t meant for someone as spoiled as her. When they were children, Darri used to scream at her that someone as rotten as her would always remain unloved. It appeared that his childish words from back then were coming true. 

Her lips twisted into a frown. It was annoying being dutiful to her country. She was used to selfishness and getting her way. Nothing was fun when she was forced into a situation. 

But she wasn’t stupid; refusing this marriage meant war, and war meant death. As selfish as she was, she couldn’t wish war upon her country. 

“These flowers are annoying me,” she said to Darri. He had been the one to request a break. They were scheduled to arrive at the palace by early evening, and Darri’s request was a small gift to Maeva. He gave her this moment to enjoy her last breaths of freedom. However, the only thing it did was remind her of what she was losing. “Flowers remind me of love, and that’s something I’ll never have.” 

He stood still like a statue, as if he was honing his senses on his surroundings. The air rustled against his mane of red locks. In the light, his gray eyes almost looked cerulean and they matched his blue silk tunic. “You’re too pessimistic,” he said. 

“If I have an affair with a handsome servant or with a nobleman, I’ll be cursing my own country into war,” she said with a shrug. “Thus, I can’t ever find love because you and I both know the useless prince won’t satisfy me. There will never be love between us.” 

He ran a hand through his thick hair. He usually kept it tied back, but it was free and wild right now. Just like the flowers, it swished in the wind without a care. Even that pissed her off. “They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” he said. 

“Too bad they don’t last very long,” she said. 

“True, but some things are beautiful because they’re fleeting.” 

“Is that supposed to be a deep poetic line with a double meaning?” 

“Perhaps.”

“I think I’ll miss summer more than I’ll miss you,” she rolled her eyes. 

He pressed a hand to his chest, “You wound me, dear sister.” 

She hooked her arms around her elbows. Even though it was spring and the weather was nicer than it was in any other month in Jora, it was still chilly. The weather in Krashna was warm, inviting, and all encompassing. Jora was frigid and lifeless. “I hate cold weather, and Jora has nothing but coldness.” 

“You can always visit Krashna.” 

“Only if he gives me permission.” 

He rolled his eyes, “I thought you said you were going to wrap him around your finger?”

“I’m glad you have such trust in my charms,” she said dryly. “Unfortunately though, it really comes down to whether he allows me to do so or not. Everything I do will depend on him. Hopefully I can completely ensnare him, but if not, he’ll only grant me what he feels like allowing.” 

“You’re too gloomy today. Lighten up.” 

“I’m getting married in a week to a defective loser,” she muttered. “Of course I’m gloomy.” 

“Defective loser? That’s new.” 

“I’m only repeating what I heard Father say. Apparently, he doesn’t do anything. Who wants a man that has no ambition? Definitely not me.” 

“Anyway, how about we enjoy ourselves in this weather? It only comes around two months out of the year here in Jora. We might as well enjoy it while it lasts, Maeva.” He slipped his hand in hers before pointing to the field, “How about we frolic in the flowers? For old time’s sake?” 

“I’d rather not.” 

“Why not?” 

“Because I simply can’t be bothered to do anything right now—,”

He didn’t let her finish before he shot through the field of flowers. Weeds and petals snapped as he barreled through them. His hand was secured in hers as he yanked her along. She let out a scream of surprise before running after him out of fear of falling face-first into the ground if she slowed down. His laugh resounded into the sky like a musical melody. It was only in these brief moments that his laugh transformed into a melody befitting the Gods, unlike the usual darkness it seemed to encompass. If she wasn’t around, who else would make him laugh like this?

He released her hand and grinned at her, “Try to enjoy life a little.” 

“I was, before you dragged me here.” The flowers danced in the wind and brushed against her hips. Weeds and tall grasses obscured half their bodies. “Shouldn’t we be careful? Anything could be hiding out here.” 

“You scared?” 

“Of course not.” 

“We won’t be far!” Darri shouted to their entourage. The dozens of men meant to protect them stood at the edge of the field. A few were on the brink of following them, and a few were already preparing to stay back. She recognized the stiffness of their shoulders and the panic playing on their features. Playfulness during times like this was dangerous. Anything could snatch away their momentary happiness. Darri seemed like he could handle anything; he was smiling and strong. “Let’s go!”

“Where to?” 

“Don’t worry, we’re not running away. Even I’m not stupid enough to do that. Even though I don’t want you to marry that scum, I know that it’s the only option for our country.” He pushed through the thicket of weeds and flowers that surrounded them. They swayed and tickled her legs. “This place is pretty, isn’t it?” 

“You’re repeating yourself.” 

“I know. I don’t know what else to say.” 

“We could just silently enjoy the view.” 

“We could, but I don’t like silence.”