On the west ridge a massive tea farm stretches across the hillside, hundreds of well-kept plants being tended. To the east a large pen holds in a dozen or so heads of cattle, chickens roaming free across the field.
A man in a gaudy tropical shirt, shorts, and sandals greets us, pulling the floppy brim hat from his head to reach out for my hand.
“You must be Lady Sully,” he offers warmly. His hand is hot, calloused, and strong. It reminds me of my foster dad’s hands. Rough from years of farming.
“I am, and you are?”
“Apologies, I’m Henry Murray. I’m the foreman of the ranch.”
He shakes Liam’s hand and they exchange introductions.
“I’d be thrilled to offer our new mistress a tour,” he says, putting his had back on.
“I’d love that.”
He leads us around the main ranch, the breeding stock, which is more than just cattle but also sheep, through the far, even lets me sample the latest batch of tea. “We export mostly to England and France,” he tells us. “The elevation and the good soil here means we can produce a much softer blend, it’s mostly made into white tea.”
He explains the roasting process, how teas are categorized, and the basics of caring for the plant. From there he leads us on a long walk back toward the old temple site, pointing out the sacred lotus plants as they grow between the bamboo trees.
There are three other farms on the property, each leased by their own families. We collect the rents twice a year and inspect to make sure they are stewarding the land well, not overgrazing or harming it. He introduces me to the tenants, all of whom seem genuinely pleased to meet me. Then we walk back to the ranch, and a groom fetches us three horses to make the rest of the journey.
“The best way to see the rest is from horseback,” he says, helping me saddle my milky white mare.
“Can you ride a horse?” Liam asks.
“Unless it’s pulling me in a carriage through central park, no,” I admit.
“You can ride with me,” he says, mounting his own chestnut colt. “Put your foot in the stirrup and take my hand, then mount it like a motorcycle.
I obey, taking his hand. The creature shuffles under us and I cling to Liam’s waist.
“Won’t we be too heavy for him?”
He chuckles, “He’ll be fine. Trust me. Just hold on and try not to panic. Deep breaths.”
Inhaling slowly, I nod, not loosening my grip around his waist as we trot along behind Henry.
Soon enough we’re galloping through the trees, and while I’m nervous at first, Liam is clearly an expert horseman. Leaping over a small fallen palm tree, we land as if on a cloud, riding until the trees part and the sky around us opens. The horses stop and we dismount. There’s a cliff in front of us, and leaning over it I see that it’s obscenely high. But I also see the tell-tale shimmer of water below.
“Is there a pond down there?” I ask.
Henry nods, “It’s an underground grotto, it’s the same spring we draw the water for the ranch from.”
Intrigued, I look for a way to climb down to it. Stepping carefully, we hold tight to the trees and we make our way down a steep embankment to the pool below.
The cave is a gaping mouth, not unlike the waterfall cave I’d seen with Aiden. Only there’s no waterfall here, just a damp cavern with a crystal blue still pool in its jaws. Bits of fern and moss grow along the jagged walls, dripping condensation like a spring rain across the surface.
“It’s so beautiful,” I say in a breathy voice.
“There are many caverns on the island,” Henry tells me. “It’s mostly limestone, you see, the water eats away at it, and the water pools there.”
“What’s the name of this one?” I ask.
He shrugs, “It has no name that I’m aware of, My Lady.”
“You should name it,” Liam suggests.
I rock back on my heels, “Can I do that?”
Henry smiles, “It is your land, My lady.”
“You should call it Haven,” Liam suggests. “Haven means safe place, after all. I can’t think of a better name for it.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to name it after myself, that’s kind of pretentious.”
He grins, “Then let’s vote. All in favor of Haven’s Grotto? Raise your hand.”
He lifts his hand and I look to see Henry has done the same.
“Well, who am I to argue with the popular vote?”
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I slide in next to Liam, with Henry and the grotto in the background. “Alright you guys, three, two, one, smile.”
Snapping the pick, I examine it. Beside me, Liam looks bored, but happy, and in the distance, Henry is waving and smiling.
“Perfect.”
We ride back to the ranch, and by the time I climb off the horse again, I’m starving. Henry invites us in for lunch and we share a simple meal of baked fish and rice with the rest of the hands. As I get to know everyone, it’s clear Liam is right in his element—maybe more than I’ve ever seen him. He’s smiling and relaxed, cracking jokes and even taking time to play kick ball with a few of the kids hanging out with the animals.
Seeing him like this, all I can do is watch in awe. If Onah-Napor didn’t’ already have a king, Liam would certainly get my vote.
The day is drawing to a close when we ride back to the palace. I head back to my room to shower and change for my dinner with Aiden but before I can even get out of my jacket, someone knocks. It’s Sarah.
She steps in without invitation.
“You’re not going to believe what happened today,” she begins cheerfully.
My eyes widen, wondering what on earth could put her in such a good mood.
“What?”
“It passed.”
“Wait, what? The motion to change the qualification laws?” I ask, hardly able to get the words out before she’s nodding.
“Yes. Can you believe it? And it was all Genevieve’s doing.”
My elation morphs instantly to doubt.
“I don’t understand.”
Tossing herself on my sofa, Sarah motions for me to join her. “I have no idea. She only said that she’d spoken to you and that you’d convinced her of the value of allowing the monarch to choose his own partner—without requiring that they be of noble bloodline or carrying a title.”
My suspicions flare. “Why would she do that?”
“What did you say to her?”
“I told her that she didn’t deserve to be queen,” I admit. “And she seemed pretty dead set on getting me out of her way.”
Beside me Sarah deflates like a balloon. “Damnit. I knew it was too good to be true. What is she up to?” she mutters, tapping her finger on her chin.
“I don’t know how any of this benefits her, but I assure you I did not convince her to do the right thing,” I say. “Even I’m not that good.”
“Well, the law is being presented to Aiden tomorrow for him to officially ratify it. He’s already signed your house application, by the way. It arrived just as the council was packing it in for the day. You’ll be getting our official invitation tomorrow, and we’ll welcome you Monday morning.”
“She must have something up her sleeve,” I say again.
“Well, if you think of what it could be, let me know. In the meantime, consider this a minor victory and try to have a good weekend.”
“I found an estate,” I tell her. “It’s just over the hill, a lovely little manor house. Though, with the law change, I suppose the land deal—and my seat on the council isn’t strictly necessary. Do you still want to go ahead with it?”
“No reason to change plans now. The land is a drop in the bucket of the Norwood estate, and to be completely honest, having some new blood on the council can only be a good thing. Besides, I find I quite like having you around, Haven. I’ll call the agent and get all your accounts set up, and I’ll send you the name of the man I use to keep the books. He’s brilliant with finances and he can help y
ou work out your income.”
“Thank you again, Sarah. I owe you so much, I don’t know how I’m ever going to pay you back.”
Standing, she waves me off. “I like you, Haven. I don’t have many friends, and I’m glad to count you among them.”
“And I’m glad to be part of such an exclusive group,” I say, walking her to the door. Before she can leave I throw my arms around her, hugging her tightly. She tenses for only a moment before squeezing me back.
An Offer She Can’t Refuse
Once she’s gone, I clean up and change, my mind reeling the entire time. Opting for something far less formal for tonight’s private meal, I slip into a short, white boho drape dress. It’s soft cotton, comfortable and casual while also being just a little flirty—so basically exactly what I’m hoping to be tonight. Wishing I’d thought to pack more of my jewelry, I settle for a simple silver cuff and pull my hair into a messy bun at the top of my head. A pair of strappy tall wedges complete the look, and when I spin in front of my mirror, nervous butterflies flutter in my belly. It’s not a first date, but somehow every moment with Aiden feels new—like an experience I’ve never had. I can’t help but wonder if that feeling will fade with time, and if I’ll be sad when it does.
For now, I’m going to do exactly what Sarah suggested, enjoy my weekend. Whether a victory, or just a clam before the storm, I don’t want to waste another moment so I head upstairs to find Aiden.
The guard at the top of the royal floor stops me, holding out one arm.
“His Majesty has asked me to show you to the conservatory,” he says.
“Thank you,” I say, accepting his arm and letting him lead me down the stairs and out back, down a lit path I’ve never noticed before, stopping outside a cathedral like greenhouse made of scrolling iron and shimmering glass.
Releasing me with a bow, he opens the door and motions me inside.
The conservatory isn’t huge, or maybe it just looks small because of the sheer volume of plants covering the walls. A narrow path from the door leads to a central urn, carved stone with angels in relief that holds a bubbling dark water fountain, the top skimmed over with miniature lily pads. The path forks around it, and continues back. From behind a wall of lush tropical greenery, a soft light dances, casting shadows around the forest. Following the light, I pass a row of potted orchids in full bloom, pink and white and red, and then other flowers, some bright and bold, others soft and small. Gardenia, freesia, plumeria. A fragrant bouquet that seems to hang in the air, welcoming me into their home.
At the end of the path Aiden stands at a small garden table draped with red cloth, flickering lanterns scattered around to offer light.
Spotting me, a wide grin stretches across his flawless mouth, his dark eyes twinkling in the glow. Without wondering if I should, I rush into his arms, kissing him soundly. He holds me, melding against my body as our kiss deepens, languishing in the sensation. All my earlier fears melt away, as they always do when he holds me like this, and all I can think of is how our hearts are beating in near perfect synchrony, how perfectly I fit against him as if we were made for one another.
Reluctantly, I release him.
“I take it you’ve heard the good news?” he says, taking my hands in his.
“About the motion passing? I did,” I force a smile, hesitant to share my suspicions when he’s looking so exuberant. “Congratulations.”
His mouth twitches, “Just between us, it doesn’t change anything—for me at least. The woman I plan to spend my life with today is the same woman I planned to spend it with yesterday, and the day before that.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, my tone teasing. “I mean, there are a lot of fish in the sea, and now you could take your pick. There’s like three billion women in the world—I’m sure any of them would happy to come be your queen.”
He shrugs, “I mean, I suppose I could start accepting resumes, put an ad on Craigslist or something. But I already have a candidate in mind, and I’m sincerely hoping she wants the position.”
“Well, I suppose you won’t know until you ask,” I say, laying a hand against his chest. “I also heard you signed my application today.”
He grins, pulling out a chair for me. “I did, in fact. I’ve never been quite so thrilled to sign a document into law. How was your trip today? Successful?”
“It was,” I say, taking a seat. Aiden plucks a bottle of champagne from a silver ice bucket and pours us each a glass before taking his own seat. “I found a place, just over the hill, actually. Close enough that someone could make clandestine evening walks to it from the palace, if they were so inclined.”
Aiden smirks, “Is that so?”
“It’s so perfect, Aiden. When I was little and I used to imagine where I wanted to live someday, I mean, it’s almost exactly what I imagined. It’s got the most beautiful fireplaces and a secret passage to the library and…” I trail off. Aiden’s chin is tilted and he’s looking at me with an odd expression.
“What?” I ask.
He shakes his head, “Nothing. I just love the way your whole face lights up when you get excited. I can’t wait to see it.”
“I won’t have to give it up, will I? If I become queen?”
“No,” he promises. “You’ll never have to give up anything. I will lay the whole world at your feet, Haven. And you deserve no less.”
Taking his hand across the table, I look into his eyes. “I don’t want the world, Aiden. I just want you.”
Bringing my hand to his lips, he kisses my knuckles. “I am already yours, and I always will be.”
“Good,” I say, sitting back. “Because there is something I’d like your help with.”
“Anything,” he swears.
“I need you to help me study this weekend.”
He raises one eyebrow, “Study for what?”
“I’ve got two hundred plus years of history to catch up on, plus I need to learn the legal processes and review the most recent code of laws.” When he smirks, I add, “I’m being inducted to the council on Monday and I’d like to be as prepared and informed as possible. Will you help me?”
“Of course, it would be my pleasure, Lady Sully,” he says formally. “But first, dinner.”
“I’m starving,” I say, lifting the silver dome in front of me. The sight below makes me laugh out loud. “Is this a footlong Coney?” I ask, admiring the meal.
Aiden beams, “A little something to remember our first date. I flew in a chef from New York just to prepare this.”
The gesture is beyond touching and I lift it to my mouth, instantly washing I’d worn anything other than white. Taking a careful bite, the chili and cheese and onion hits my tastebuds and I’m transported back.
“This is amazing,” I say. “You did not have to go to so much trouble.” I pause, “I mean, I’m glad you did because this is totally worth it.”
Aiden lifts his own dog and takes a bite. “We have cotton candy for dessert,” he says, grinning.
“You’re on dangerous ground now,” I warn him. “You’re setting the date night bar really high. You’re going to spoil me.”
“That’s the plan.”
We eat and I manage to keep the food on my plate and not on my boobs, which is a victory in itself. After dinner, a maid delivers two giant spools of cotton candy on paper cones, as promised.
As we snack on it, he leads me around the conservatory, pointing out various flowers and plants.
“You know, if this whole king thing doesn’t work out for you, you have a bright future in botany,” I say, waving my now empty cone. “I once bought an air fern—the kind you never have to water and doesn’t need soil? Dead in three days.”
He laughs, “I don’t see how that’s possible.”
“Black thumb, truly. My foster mom had this huge garden, she’d grow all sorts of things—many of my formative years were spent canning and pickling and preserving food she grew. But I was never allowed to help with the planting. I was a tota
l plant jinx.”
“I don’t believe that for a moment.”
“No, no. It’s true.”
“Well, I suppose it is comforting to know you aren’t good at everything. That might be a bit intimidating. I suppose you won’t be taking an active role in your new tea farm, then?”
“Oh, speaking of the farm, check this out.”
Slipping my phone from my dress pocket, I open the selfie from earlier.
“We were hiking around and fount this beautiful grotto on the edge of my property. Liam made me name it after myself. We’re calling it Haven Grotto.”
Examining the photo, Aiden smiles softly, “It looks lovely. You should show me in person some time.”
“Of course. We should camp there for our honeymoon.” As soon as the words are out, my head snaps up, “Not that we will for sure have a honeymoon or a wedding or that you’ll even propose. I didn’t mean to assume—” flustered, I clamp my mouth shut. “This is crazy, right? We’ve only known each other a few days, I mean in total, but here we are. I feel like I’ve known you forever.”
Aiden grins, taking my hand. “I feel the same way.” He sets our empty paper cones on the table and leads me back to another small, lantern lit path. “Come here, I want to show you something.”
Leading me around, we come to a white wooden bench setting on a patch of green clover. Behind it three wide lemon trees have been carefully wound in twinkle lights, softly glowing like stars in the sky.
Aiden sets me on the bench, walking to one of the nearby gardenia bushes and plucks a single, white bloom, his back to me for only a moment before he returns.
Sitting beside me, he stares down at the flower for a moment before looking up at my face. His cheeks are rosy, a flush I don’t usually see but that manages to bring a warmth to my heart just the same.
“Haven, I know that all this must seem overwhelming. Discovering who I am, coming here, making a place for yourself in a strange and foreign land. Yet everything you’ve done, every obstacle thrown at you, you’ve overcome it all with such grace and strength. I want you to know that I see you, and I’m in awe of you. We’ve only known each other a short time, but it feels like I’ve been waiting for you my entire life, and now that you’re here, I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I don’t even want to try.” He takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “You are the most fiercely honest, kindest, most genuine person I’ve ever known, and when I’m with you—the way you look at me—it makes me want to be worthy of every piece of you. It makes me reach to be my best self. They say that Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition, and I feel that when we’re together. You make me a better man. And if you’ll have me, I promise to strive every moment to deserve your love, and to honor you in all you are and in all you will become.”
Once Upon A New York Minute: Part 1 Page 18