FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins
It's From You

Why'd I say that? He’d meant it, but such idealistic comments were unnatural for him.

“How can I trust your word when you make such exaggerated declarations?” She eyed him askance.

Exaggerated! He met her gaze unblinkingly. Slowly lowering, he dropped to a knee. The bow at his back tilting as it touched the ground and his leather quiver creaked at the movement. He tugged her down into a crouch next to him.

Her plain green dress pooling around her knees.

Taking her hand in his, he used his free one to part the weeds. Flattening his palm, to the dirt, he closed his eyes. Blowing a slow breath which sent grass whispering in the slight breeze.

A hand flew to Chastain’s mouth to smother her gasp as a field of green rose from the ground to encompass the clearing. Plants peaked in unison in a splash of purple, so utterly out of character for the Fall season.

They peeled apart and unfurled to expose lovely lavender-blue blossoms.

Her eyes roved the clearing as every edge became bordered in an excess of Maybells.

“It’s beautiful. I never thought I’d see…” Her eyes fell on Acharius staring up at her with interest.

Now you have.

“There’s much we must talk about.” He murmured rising.

And still more I can’t yet tell you.

Her jaw moved as though she’d speak but only a squeak emerged.

I only channeled her power.

She has no idea what she’s capable of. Perhaps she should. He still held her hand. It was swallowed by his much bigger one. But despite its size and delicate make he felt the strength of her grip clutching him.

Mayhap I haven’t given her enough credit. She may be stronger than all of us. Coming to a decision, he pulled her along behind him. She followed awestruck as he led her toward the cave. They stopped on the rise of the hill. Where he turned her so she could see Meredith House as he often did.

The large pale wooden house was positioned cozily in the garden of flowers and trees.

“Do you know why there are so many flowers there, Chastain?” He leaned down behind her to whisper against her cheek.

“I’ve always wondered.”

“For the same reason there’s a trail all the way up here now.” He pointed to the white flowers dancing through the green grass marking the path they’d walked up here.

She blinked wide glittering eyes at him. Turning her head to give him a chocked look. “Why?”

“You.” He breathed. Sending red curls dancing next to her face.

“What?” She gasped.

“May I show you something?”

She nodded stunned.

He tipped to slip his hands under her draping brown cloak hovering just aside from her waist. Pausing to allow her to object if she wished.

She shivered at the nearness.

When she swung her arms from his way, inviting him to encircle her tiny frame, he gripped her slender waist.

Large hands wrapping nearly around her as he lifted her.

She squawked as she rose several feet off the ground.

He held her easily at chest height. “Calm down.” He said coolly.

She closed her eyes and blew a long breath. “No man has ever touched me.”

“I only wish to show you something.” He said warily.

I intend no disrespect.

When she softened in his grip and her cheeks flushed with the color she’d lost. He turned slightly and set her on the ground. Lifting her slowly and smiling to see the flowers and vines desperately reaching to encircle her heel. A space away he turned a little more and set her down again. Doing it twice more before righting her on her feet before him.

“Look around you, Dove.” His lips twitched with amusement.

She glanced down and saw the little patches of growth, her jaw gaped.

“It’s from you.” He explained. “All I did earlier was channel your magic.”

He knelt and cupped a white bloom of a small round flower. “This,” He looked up at her. “Is you…”