For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
The rose garden had never stopped existing.
It had simply waited.
A gentle breeze wandered through the towering hedges, carrying with it the sweet perfume of blooming roses and the comforting aroma of tea that had long since cooled.
Somewhere overhead, a blackbird resumed its cheerful song, answered moments later by another farther away.
Mirabelle remained where she was, her breathing gradually evening out as she stared at the endless blue sky above.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves overhead, painting shifting patches of gold across the white lace tablecloth.
Only now did she realize just how quiet the afternoon had become.
Not empty, but peaceful.
She smiled to herself.
"...The tea's probably cold."
A quiet laugh escaped Lucien.
"That seems to be your biggest concern."
She turned her head just enough to look at him.
"It was very expensive tea."
"I apologize."
"For the tea?"
"For... everything."
