Part 57
Later that afternoon, I walked out into the central courtyard, carrying a basket of fresh lavender I had just gathered from the northern gardens.
The air was warm, filled with the lazy humming of bees and the sweet, earthy scent of the fertile soil we had cultivated so carefully.
In the center of the courtyard stood an ancient stone fountain, its clear water cascading gently over the smooth, weathered rocks.
I sat down on the stone bench beside it, sorting through the purple stalks, enjoying the simple, meditative peace of the chore.
For so many years, my hands had been occupied with maps, medical supplies, and the urgent maintenance of our survival gear.
To hold nothing but flowers was a luxury that still felt beautifully surreal, a sweet reminder of the quiet life I had always dreamed of.
I heard the sound of familiar, heavy footsteps on the cobblestones, and looked up to see Alexander walking toward me from the stables.
He had rolled up the sleeves of his linen shirt, his forearms showing the faint, silver scars of old battles, now historical marks.
He sat down beside me on the bench, taking a stalk of lavender from my basket and rolling it gently between his strong fingers.
"Thomas has returned from the valley," Alexander said softly, his eyes searching mine to ensure I was completely at peace.
"The delivery was made without any complications, and Marcus's representatives have already departed the region permanently," he confirmed.
I let out a long breath I didn't realize I was holding, leaning my head against Alexander's broad, dependable shoulder.
"It feels strange, doesn't it?" I murmured, watching the water ripple in the fountain. "To have no enemy left to outsmart."
May you like
Alexander chuckled softly, a deep, rich sound that resonated against my back, sending a wave of comfort through my entire body.
"It is a strange feeling, my love, but it is exactly the kind of strangeness we have spent our entire lives fighting to achieve."
