10. Rook

Chapter ten

Rook

Roses might be the most obvious flower of choice when courting a witch. But tulips, carnations, lilacs, orchids, and lillies all represent love. Look down below for each flower and it's meaning before gifting one to someone you are trying to court.

-Encyclopedia of Magical Flowers

C ool air caresses my face as I weave around the beautiful plants in the garden. Several Sinclair Coven members introduce themselves, thanking me for everything I do with my apothecary. I'm shocked and honored, not realizing that I even had a name within the witch community.

Witchlights and fairylights illuminate the garden giving the whole estate a magical ambiance. Movement catches my eye, and I glance up to see Autumn beaming over at me. He's breathtaking in his form fitting tie and vest.

I glance down at my own tie and chuckle. Somehow we ended up matching, both of us wearing emerald green silk ties. It almost looks like we coordinated it.

Autumn walks up to me. "You made it," he breathes. "I wasn't sure you would come."

"I'm sorry for making you feel that way. It looks like I have a lot of making up to do."

"No, its not that. I knew you'd be here for me. I just wasn't sure you'd want to be in front of a bunch of strangers. I know that big crowds make you anxious."

I smile. "I didn't realize you knew that about me."

Autumn's green eyes sparkle in the moonlight. "I want to learn everything there is to learn about you. I'm just glad you're here and we got to dance in private last night."

I chuckle. "And here I was ready to ask you to dance right now. Right here. So I can show everyone I intend to court you."

Autumn's eyes widen with shock. "Court me?"

"Mmmhmm." I offer him a smile before snapping my fingers, praying the spell works. A pretty blue orchid appears out of thin air, green wisps from my magic twirl around it. "For you."

Autumn blinks, happy tears brimming his eyes. "Rook," he gives me a watery smile. "Do you know what a blue orchid means in the witch community?"

"I do. It stands for strength, rarity, and beauty. It's a symbol of a love match."

"Well, now, isn't that romantic?" An older lady with long gray hair appears by my side. She's wearing a blue gown that drops to her ankles. She looks more like a goddess of wisdom rather than a mere witch.

"Nana!" Autumn smiles. "This is Rook. The man I was telling you about."

My insides warm at the knowledge that Autumn has been talking about me.

"It's nice to finally meet you," I place a kiss on her knuckles."

She giggles, a sound very similar to Autumn's giggle. "Oh my. Enough of that. We can meet some other time. Autumn go dance."

Autumn shakes his head. "Oh no, Nana. We don't need to dance."

Taking a deep breath, I extend out a clawed hand. "I would love to dance with you, Autumn."

He slides his warm palm into mine, and I lead him to the dance floor. Nerves start to overtake me, but as soon as I face Autumn and look into his eyes, something inside of me settles.

"Just pretend it's only us again," he whispers. "Remember the way we twirled and swayed under the raindrops."

"You're such a romantic," I chuckle.

"Only with you."

We sway to the beautiful melody of the violins. We dance like that for what feels like hours. It's nothing like in the movies where Autumn is forced to change partners. We aren't interrupted and at one point we sit down and rest, too tired to keep dancing.

We chat with his mother and Nana, and I briefly meet Autumn's dad before we wander into the garden grounds, hand in hand.

It hits me suddenly, if I never had the guts to show up here tonight, I never would have experienced the best night of my life.