Missing Lily (Tales of Dalthia) by Annette K. Larsen Read Free Book Online Page B

well as the way you treat me. You are a man worthy of respect, My Lord.”
    “But still young,” he said.
    “And wise enough to acknowledge that you don’t know everything.”
    He smiled, reaching over to take my hand. “Thank you.” He kissed it and then ran his thumb over my knuckles. “I appreciate your insights.”
    I opened my mouth to speak but found my voice missing and simply nodded as he pulled his hand from mine, grazing my fingers in the process. My hand fell to my lap, where I clenched my fingers around his lingering touch.
    As our meal drew to a close, a steward stepped into the room and bowed.
    Rhys looked up. “What is it?”  
    “Shall I light the lamps in the sitting room for you?”
    He didn’t respond right away, but sat back and seemed to mull over the question for far longer than it deserved.
    “No, Blakely. No, I believe we will be visiting the gardens tonight.”
    “The gardens?” I wondered out loud, but Rhys just raised his eyebrows and pushed his chair back.
    “Yes.” He stood. “This will be a perfect time to see the sights of the gardens.”
    Despite the glint in his eye, he seemed completely serious, and I was left baffled. What sights could possibly be seen in the solid darkness of a garden?
    “Shall we?” He pulled my chair out without giving me time to get to my feet, so I clutched the armrests as I was dragged backward. He came around, plucked the napkin from my lap and reached for my hands, helping me to my feet.
    I remained in a state of perplexity, which made me less than graceful as he escorted me from the room. When Rhys drew a cloak around my shoulders, I finally managed to form a question. “Would you like to enlighten me on the sort of splendid sights we are bound to see in the utter darkness that has no doubt saturated the garden?”
    “No.”
    “No?”
    “I have complete faith in your ability to be patient for the time it will take us to walk outside.”
    I gave in to the surprise and let Rhys lead me outside. We strolled into the gardens, our way lit by two lanterns held by Juliann and Cora. Giles trailed behind us, a large bundle in his arms.
    “You’re very mysterious, you know.”
    He tried to hide a grin. “I’ve always wanted to be mysterious.” He came to a halt. “Here we are.”
    We stood on a large patch of grass. Giles walked forward and flung a blanket out, letting it settle to the grass below. The maids settled on nearby benches.
    “Come on,” Rhys said as he sat down on the blanket. “Enjoy the sights with me.” He lay on his back and laced his hands behind his head, gazing up at the stars.
    I was grateful for the dark night, as it hid the enormous smile spreading over my face. Rhys was blatantly unconventional and completely unapologetic about it. I found it enchanting and couldn’t resist joining him in it. I sat down, adjusting my skirts without thinking, and then lay down next to him, though not close enough to touch.  
    The lanterns were extinguished, the sudden dark revealing the splendor of the night sky. It was cloudless, the stars seeming endless, and I just lay there, breathing in awe.  
    Rhys let the silence hang for several minutes before breaking it. “Do you approve of my evening visits to the garden?”
    “Unequivocally,” I answered, breathless, letting the quiet of the night take over. I wanted to bask in this moment, to enjoy the beauty sparkling above me, and the man by my side. I sensed his gaze on my face, making my stomach tense. “Do you do this often?” I asked.
    “Not often enough.” He voice was soft, calming. “Though it’s usually just me.”
    “I hope you don’t mind the company.”
    “On the contrary. I enjoy being able to share the view.”
    “Do you know anything of the constellations?”
    “I’m afraid my knowledge of the heavens extends only to the location of the North Star.”
    “Let’s start there, then.” I launched into an exposition of the constellations, knowledge I had gained