The first night bloom of the twin gardens

The first night bloom of the twin gardens.

“You do realize we must keep this secret, right?” Prince Stephen looks into Princess Anna’s eyes. She regards him quietly. They have only just been able to find time to talk. After the events on the Bridge of Last Resort Prince Stephen knows they have been set up. The question is, by whom?

“What do you mean secret?” Princess Anna’s look is one of incredulous shock. “I will have three companies of my finest guard here by the end of the week! Furthermore, they will raze this place into the ground.” She looks at him angrily, then her eyes soften and she looks away before the tears begin to fall. Not twenty minutes ago she thought she had lost Prince Stephen forever. Now, as he stands before her, she is sorely relieved. However, she also feels furious. It is now plain to see that they are up against a formidable enemy. How can they keep such a thing secret?

The First Night Bloom

Prince Stephen softens his own voice and steps closer to Princess Anna. If the fates were just, he would be sweeping her up in his arms and holding her. Furthermore, they would not be in this dreadful excuse for an Inn, and their kingdoms would be joined in peace. Fortunately, he was able to catch a handhold on the bridge as he fell over the edge. (Pushed over the edge) Two of Princess Anna’s guards were not so lucky. Now, as he stares into her eyes he knows they must do something. He takes her hand into his.

“Whoever tried pushing me off the bridge, has an agenda. In fact, they will come for you next, my Lady.” He pauses while she absorbs his words. “If they know I survived the fall, we may never find our villain.” He watches her as she quietly stares back at him. Their kingdoms need communication. Similarly, their kingdoms needed them. Princess Anna looks back into Prince Stephen’s eyes and she grins. Then, she smiles wide. She knows exactly what they will do. In fact, it’s perfect. They will do everything with a night bloom. Prince Stephen watches her closely. He may think that she lost her mind. However, the more she thinks about it, the more sense it makes.

The Twin Gardens

“We do everything the way we’ve always done it. Only now, we do it at night. We use the night bloom. Her cheeks flush red. And she speaks with a quick and passionate tone. Prince Stephen is momentarily lost in her charms. He shakes his head slightly, so that he is able to catch up. Night Bloom? What is she talking about? No garden blooms at night. He is just about to ask her when a loud knock sounds at their door. Instinctively they draw their swords.

Prince Stephen looks at Princess Anna and raises his eyebrows. She, widens her eyes in return and subtly shakes her head. Neither of them were expecting company. Furthermore, the remainder of Stephan’s guard continued across the bridge. They went to escort the last of Princess Anna’s guards back here. Cautiously and quietly they step back away from the door and move to either side. At least this time he will have the chance to fight back, he thinks, as he prepares for the onslaught. Princess Anna smiles at him and blows him a quiet kiss. He almost trips, but manages to keep his feet, as the knock at the door sounds again.

Night Bloom Shuffle

Wesley hears the door open and turns around. When she steps onto the porch his pulse quickens and he feels his thoughts scatter. In fact, he has been out on the porch trying to work through his nerves. This is the first evening he has spent with Mary. Although it has been good beyond his wildest hopes, he wants to have a date with just the two of them. This evening is largely thanks to Mr. Conner and Miss Garrett. Furthermore, it shows how strangely fate works sometimes. They met on a bridge just after an earthquake.

The strangest part is the way Mr. Conner and Miss Garrett reacted to one another. As though they were old friends. Very close, old friends. The day became even more profound when they all discovered they had mutual interests. That was one week ago. Today they are at Miss Garrett’s place. Wesley has to admit that Miss Garrett’s garden is every bit as impressive as Mr. Conner’s garden. Likewise it is in full bloom and ready for harvest. Now, as Mary joins him on the porch, he is curious to know how the meeting goes.

The Backup Plan

“Did they forget you were there?” His tone is lighthearted and he can’t help but notice the way the afternoon sunshine lights up the speckles of green in her eyes. She smiles at his jest and replies in an equally lighthearted tone.

“I think they will do okay without me as their third wheel,” she smiles sheepishly and moves to stand beside him at the edge of the porch. “Besides they are in a deep discussion. Something about a night bloom and the town council ordinance. Have you ever heard of such a thing?” Mary looks up at Wesley with real curiosity. He is about to answer when two things happen simultaneously.

The first is a loud, but ecstatic, shout from inside the house. The second, is that an all too familiar vehicle pulls up in front of Miss Garrett’s house. A moment later the driver’s door opens and Miss Anderson steps out of the vehicle. She turns toward Wesley and Mary and gives a short curt wave and begins walking to the front porch. Although Wesley knows he is imagining it, he can’t help but notice there is a brief sound of fluttering wings. Large, monstrous wings. It’s brief, but unmistakable. Instinctively he reaches for Mary’s hand, and finds it seeking his.

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