Chapter9: Barriers

Maerilee My pulse races as I storm out of the council meeting, the heavy doors slamming behind me. I don’t bother slowing down, my steps quick and sharp as I head toward the gardens. Stifling air presses in on me, the weight of Permiton’s words echoing in my mind. Who does he think he is anyway? Even if he is a seer, he’s new to the council. He had no right to interject his thoughts so soon. The moment I reach the gardens, the cool air and scent of blossoms offer a brief, fragile reprieve. My spot among the flowers, where I’ve sought solace more times than I can count, is just ahead. I quicken my pace, eager to be enveloped in the calming silence of nature, away from politics, away from expectations, away from everything. But when I round the final bend, I freeze. There, lounging in the middle of my sanctuary, is River of all people. Of course he is. Because my morning isn’t annoying enough. He’s leaning casually near the coneflowers, looking every bit the arrogant fool I know him to b