The gardens of the Summer Palace glowed in the amber light of the descending sun, spilling over marble fountains and ivy-laced trellises.
Wildflowers planted in a deliberate, careless riot bloomed alongside neat rose hedges it was as if Spring and Summer had made a truce just for this hour.
Lady Cynthia Liora Aurelius wandered among them with bare feet and a glass of chilled wine, the hem of her gown tucked up slightly. Her black wavy hair was pinned high came undone and her expression was one of mild exasperation and concealed amusement.
Behind her, King Cyrus was attempting to follow her while arguing with a very determined butterfly.
"No, absolutely not. I don't care how sacred Spring considers you, you cannot nest in my hair. I'm a king, not a hedge."
Cynthia looked over her shoulder, one brow arched. "Talking to insects again, Cyrus?"
He caught up to her, brushing a leaf from his shoulder. "They started it. I was simply responding with diplomatic courtesy."
