Dahlia in Bloom: Crafting a Fresh Start With Magical Tools Volume 3

Volf was instantly reminded of how he’d swept Dahlia off her feet the previous night—in a strictly literal sense. She’d fretted about her weight, but he’d been struck by how feather-light and soft she was. He remembered it all so clearly, from the feeling of warmth in his arms to the tickle of her red hair brushing against his neck.

“Volf, will you quit grinning like that? We’re about to go into battle. They’ll be calling you the Dark Lord forevermore if you keep that up.”

“Huh? I was grinning?”

“From ear to ear.”

“I won’t let it happen again.”

A sense of guilt fell heavily over the young knight. Why was he having thoughts like these about a dear friend?

“Well, it was the sköll bracelet that let us get away, so in a sense, it was you who saved us, really.” With a slightly sheepish smile, Volf held out his left hand. “I know it’s a little improper, but I’m still worried. Would you mind holding hands until we get to the carriage station?”

“Oh, um, no. Not at all.”

Hand in hand, the pair walked briskly down the quiet lane. The night sky above them was surely sparkling beautifully, but this was no time for stargazing. The view from the rooftops had been gorgeous. Perhaps, Dahlia thought, on another clear night like this, she could bring Volf up to the tower’s roof to admire the heavens and—Hold on a minute. Right now, Volf was doing his utmost to lead her away from danger, while she was just strolling along with her head in the clouds. Pull yourself together, she told herself sternly, focusing her attention on walking. After they had safely traversed a few more streets, the carriage station finally rose into view.

“Will you be going out tomorrow, Dahlia?” Volf asked.

“No. I’m just planning to work in the tower all day.”

“Would you mind if I sent a servant over tomorrow morning to make sure you’re safe? I’d come myself if I were free, but I’ve got joint training.”

“Please do. I’d appreciate that.”

To be honest, she felt he was being overcautious, but she doubted he would back down even if she said as much. It would be easier just to indulge him. Being constantly on the alert since leaving the restaurant had left her feeling rather jittery; she didn’t want to argue.

“If you need shopping or anything else fetched, let the servant know; they’ll take care of it for you. From the day after tomorrow, I think you’d better arrange for a carriage to pick you up from the tower if you’re going out anywhere. I expect you’ll have company business to attend to.”

“I understand,” she replied meekly with a nod. “For the next few days, at least, I’ll make sure to take a carriage to and from home.”

Volf gave her a gratified smile, her reply seeming to have put his mind at ease. While taking care to match Dahlia’s pace, he cast his strengthening magic and listened carefully to the sounds around them. The multitude of voices and noises jangled uncomfortably in his ears, but he would keep this up until they had safely boarded their carriage

Dahlia could also imagine a day when she felt more than friendship for Volf. However, she knew that if she confessed those feelings and found that they weren’t mutual, that could sever the bond they shared. Volf would surely think she was just like all the other women he’d known and distance himself from her. She would do anything to avoid that.

I’ll take them.”

“Volf!” Dahlia shouted as she heard Volf’s unhesitating reply.

“Oh, I beg your pardon. You are husband and wife?”

“No, no, we’re not married,” Dahlia hurriedly explained.

“Please forgive my mistakes. I make many of them in my old age. But it is true, I find, that people become more alike the more they share each other’s company. Be they friends, lovers, or husband and wife, it is the same.” With a kind smile, the old man half filled both their cups with the remaining estervino from the serving bottle. “You two appear very similar to my old eyes.”