I never was.
The garden is only a few steps away, the lush flowers beckoning me to relax under the shade of the large trees.
I wish I had my cello.
This is where I should be playing.
Beautiful rose bushes circle a courtyard with a bench in the middle.
That’s where I would sit.
I’d play out here for hours, lost in thought, without a care in the world. It would be magical.
Taking a seat, I close my eyes and imagine what it must be like to live here full-time. To live in this luxury with people at your beck and call, yet the privacy I’d desire.
That’s when I feel a presence. His presence.
I’d know it anywhere.
My intuition gives me that nudge in the form of light tingles and butterflies. There’s nothing ominous about it.
My eyes open, and I see a shadow looming behind me. A flower hangs over my shoulder. It’s a pink rose.
My hand reaches out, and I bring it to my nose. The fragrance fills my senses. As I inhale, I can’t help running my fingers against the petals. They feel as soft and smooth as a cloud.
Turning over my shoulder, I find Gideon smiling down at me.
“Where have you been?” I practically whisper the words.
“Away.”
“That’s not an answer.” I scoff, wanting to talk about anything.
“Are you trying to pick a fight with me?” There’s humor in his voice.
“There’s nothing to fight about.”
“Seems to me like you want a check-in every day. Feels like a relationship.”
I spin around on my seat, placing both hands on the sides of me and leaning forward. “We are most certainly not in a relationship.”
He shrugs.
“Could’ve fooled me with all that worry pouring off you.”
“I wasn’t worried. Just curious. You’re supposed to be protecting me, and you’ve been gone.”
He smiles. “I have plenty of people here to protect you. I trust them with my life. Did you not feel safe, firefly?”
Was I scared at any point?
No.
I felt well protected and cared for, even in his absence.
“I felt safe.”
“Well, then, no need to be worried or curious.”