CHAPTER 200: BLOSSOMS AND BARBS

Josie

I took the bouquet of flowers from Marcy, the sweet fragrance of lavender and fresh peonies filling the air between us. She looked radiant—her golden hair tied into a loose braid, her cheeks flushed from excitement. I arched a brow, grinning. "You came in like a storm, Marcy. What’s the occasion this time?"

She giggled, the sound bubbling from her chest. "Do I need an occasion to see you? You’ve been hiding in this big house since you came back. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten your best friend."

I laughed and lightly smacked her arm. "Please, I could never forget you. You’re too loud to ignore."

She gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Loud? Excuse me, that’s called vibrant energy, Josie. Some of us were born to keep the world lively."

I rolled my eyes but smiled all the same. "Fine, vibrant energy it is. Now come on. Let’s sit before you wear me out with that mouth of yours."

We made our way to the sitting area. I motioned for one of the servants to bring us refreshments—tea, fruit tarts, and the little honey biscuits Marcy was obsessed with. She sat with an air of self-importance, crossing one leg over the other, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

"You’re glowing today," I teased. "What’s the surprise you’re dying to spill?"

Marcy clasped her hands dramatically. "You noticed! I thought you’d never ask." She leaned forward, whispering like it was some national secret. "I’m pregnant."

For a second, I froze. Then I squealed and threw my arms around her. "Marcy! Oh my goddess, that’s incredible!"

She laughed and hugged me back, nearly knocking over her tea in the process. "I know! I just found out two days ago. Can you believe it? Me! A mother!"

I could see the joy shimmering in her eyes. It made my heart swell with genuine happiness. "That’s... wow. I’m so proud of you," I murmured, squeezing her hand. "You’ll be the most dramatic mother in the entire realm, and that poor child will never get a moment of silence."

She burst into laughter. "You’re one to talk! If you had one, you’d probably turn the entire house into a fortress to keep them safe. Admit it!"

I chuckled softly, reaching for a tart. "Maybe. But I’d still be calmer than you."

Marcy leaned back, her smile softening. "I’ve always imagined it, you know? Our kids growing up together. Causing chaos. Driving everyone crazy."

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and smiled gently. "That sounds nice."

Her gaze turned teasing again. "So... what’s taking you so long, hmm?"

I nearly choked on my tea. "Excuse me?"

She waved her hand playfully. "You and Kiel! Don’t pretend. You two are glued to each other half the time. You’re telling me there hasn’t been any... progress?"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Marcy!"

She laughed until tears glimmered in her lashes. "Oh, don’t look at me like that! I’m just saying, with how he looks at you, I’d have expected you to be glowing by now too."

Before I could think of a witty retort, I felt familiar hands slide around my waist from behind. Kiel’s deep voice brushed against my ear. "Talking about me again, love?"

I turned, my breath catching slightly. His lips found mine in a soft kiss before I could respond, his touch confident and warm. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks.

Marcy gasped, pretending to fan herself. "Oh goddess, right in front of me? Scandalous!"

I playfully swatted at her. "You have no shame, do you?"

She winked. "None whatsoever. But seriously, if you two can’t keep your hands off each other like this, it’s only fair to start planning for the next generation!"

Kiel chuckled, his arm still snug around my waist as he pressed a kiss to my temple. "She’s not wrong, you know."

I turned to look at him, trying—and failing—not to blush harder. "You’re enjoying this too much."

He smiled, his eyes full of mischief. "I enjoy everything that involves you."

Marcy groaned dramatically. "Oh, please! If you two start whispering sweet nothings again, I’m leaving. But really, Kiel, if you want to do this properly, maybe you should marry her first."

I nearly dropped my cup. "Marcy!"

Kiel’s brow lifted, amused. "She’s got a point."

I glared at him, though a smile tugged at my lips. "You’re encouraging her?"

He shrugged easily. "I’m not opposed to the idea."

My cheeks burned hotter. Marcy laughed so hard she almost spilled her drink.

I finally stood and grabbed Kiel’s arm. "Alright, that’s enough of you both." I turned to Marcy with mock sternness. "You’re incorrigible. I’m sorry if she offended you, Kiel."

He chuckled softly. "It takes more than that to offend me." His hand brushed my cheek, his gaze tender. "Now, before I go, I wanted to ask—what will you wear to the party?"

I blinked, momentarily thrown off. "I haven’t decided yet."

His lips curved into a smirk. "Then I’ll decide for you. Something that makes it impossible for me to take my eyes off you."

I laughed quietly, shaking my head. "You’re impossible."

"That’s part of my charm," he murmured, kissing my forehead before finally stepping back.

When he left the room, I exhaled slowly, a smile still lingering on my lips. Turning back to Marcy, I asked, "Now, where were we?"

Marcy’s grin faded a little. "You’re really lucky, you know. Kiel adores you."

"I know," I said softly, playing with the petals of the daffodils she brought. "I just hope things stay peaceful."

Marcy nodded slowly, her eyes darting toward the window. "Speaking of peace... I haven’t seen Varen around much. How’s he been?"

I hesitated. "He’s... distant lately. But he’s fine."

Her tone shifted. "You sure? Because he called me this morning."

My head snapped up. "He did? What for?"

Marcy looked uncertain, like she regretted mentioning it. "He said something about not being carried along with the celebration. That he didn’t even know about half of the planning."

My heart clenched with guilt. "Oh no. I meant to tell him. I really did. Things have just been... chaotic."

Marcy sighed, brushing her hair off her shoulder. "You know Varen. He doesn’t like being kept in the dark. Especially not by you."

I rose from the couch. "Then I’ll go find him right now."

But Marcy grabbed my wrist before I could move. "Josie, don’t. Not yet."

I frowned, confusion flickering through me. "Why not?"

She looked at me seriously, her earlier playfulness gone. "Because if you go now, it’ll only make things worse. He’s hurt, and you showing up right after talking to Kiel? That’ll just add salt to the wound."

I stared at her, uncertain. "I don’t want him thinking I’ve forgotten him."

"I know," she said gently. "But give him space to come to you first. Sometimes, chasing after someone when they’re already pulling away only makes them run faster."

Her words sank into me, heavy and bittersweet. I sat back down slowly, my heart twisting with unease.

Marcy gave me a reassuring smile. "He’ll come around. He always does. Just... be patient this time."

I nodded, though my chest felt tight. I wanted to believe her—wanted to think that everything between Varen and me could still be fixed—but something deep inside whispered that the cracks were growing faster than I could patch them.

I forced a smile, taking her hand again. "You’re right. Let’s not ruin your big day with my worries."

She grinned again, her bright spirit returning. "Exactly! Now, tell me what you’re wearing for the party before Kiel decides on something scandalous."

I laughed softly, pretending to match her lightness. But even as we joked and planned, my thoughts kept drifting—back to the man who hadn’t smiled at me in days, back to the quiet tension I couldn’t name.

Something was wrong. And deep down, I knew Marcy was right—if I pushed too hard, I might just lose him entirely.

But waiting... waiting was its own kind of torture.