Une offre inattendue (phrase) an unexpected offer

After contemplating how best to ask for their help, I decided to host a dinner party for my friends in my greenhouse.

From what I knew about my own family, the right amount of wine and good food had a way of making everyone more amenable. And even though there were more luxurious rooms within Chateau Rose to host a fancy dinner, I was more comfortable in the company of plants.

I glanced around the space, wanting to ensure every detail was perfect.

Snow fell outside the glass panes, but inside, the greenhouse was cozy and warm.

Candles burned from inside glass orbs that hung from ceiling beams while black and burgundy tapers flickered away on the trestled table that had been brought in. Ivory plates and bowls detailed with gold damask patterns set at each place setting. A simple glass vase of freshly cut moonflowers sat in the middle of it all.

There was nothing left to do except wait for them to arrive.

I stood impatiently behind my seat, hands clasped behind my back to keep them from trembling. My nerves and doubts were getting the best of me.

In the time since I'd suggested asking for my harem's help, Bastien's misgivings about the idea had wiggled into my brain and refused to leave.

I mean, who was I to take away what little safety they'd found here at the castle and ask them–not only to join me on a trip to the Lawless Lands–but to protect me as well?

What if they laughed at the ridiculousness of my plan?

It was too much to ask of anyone. Wasn't it?

Bastien might love me despite the dark thing that was festering away inside of me, but he was my mate. Tansy said she was my friend, but how far did that friendship extend? Surely not beyond the walls of Chateau Rose.

I picked at the skin around my nails until I was sure it was bleeding.

Part of me wanted to run back to my room and forget the whole thing. But I couldn't. Not after I'd stood my ground with Bastien.

I tried to focus on the cheerful melody that the quartet of musicians was playing instead of my doubts when, finally, I saw the three of them approaching. Tansy and Devlinn laughed as they raced through the snow drifts and rushed inside the door in breathless giggles. Alec sauntered in behind them.

A gust of frigid air blew inside, rustling my black tulle skirt.

I smiled despite the chill. It was always good to see them, no matter the circumstance. They were like sunlight dancing off the surface of the water on a hot summer's day.

"My lady," Alec said, bowing deeply. He wore an impish grin that caused a flush to spread across my cheeks.

While the others admired my decorations, Alec only had eyes for me.

Tonight, dressed in the gold tunic and black trousers that marked him as part of my harem, his reddish brown eyes seemed to shine as he looked upon me.

Snowflakes clung to his short, dark hair, and he carelessly shook them off as he closed the door.

Meanwhile, my nerves were wound so tight I thought I might explode.

"Welcome!" I practically shouted.

Tansy didn't waste a second with pleasantries. She raced over to where I stood, arms spread wide, her white hair billowing behind her. But the smile on her face faltered when she saw my neck.

"What's happened now?" she asked, frowning.

I lifted a hand to my injury, trying to cover it. But realized it was my injured hand.

Bastien had done his best, applying salve and fresh linen to the wounds, but by the look on her face, I was sure blood was seeping through the bandages.

I tried to ignore the queasiness that sprung up in my gut.

"I'm fine," I told her, forcing a smile.

"No, you bloody well are not!" she exclaimed, sweeping my hair back to examine my neck. "By the goddess, every time I see you, you're hurt."

Her exclamation drew the others, and soon, I was surrounded by my harem's concerned faces.

"What's going on, Claire?"

"What happened?"

Their questions came at me fast, and before I could answer, they were all speaking over each other, discussing dark magick and curses and swearing vengeance against the one responsible.

I stared back at them agape. I didn't call them here to make them feel bad for me.

"You're making this into a bigger deal than necessary," I told them. "I invited you here for dinner."

I winced as I spoke, and Tansy glared at me in a way that rivaled my vampire prince.

"What do you mean we're making a big deal about this? Claire, I've never seen a sanguine partner bleed as much as you do."

I tried to laugh and paid for it with more pain. "I'm perfectly fine."

"No, you're not," she argued, hands on hips. "First, you disappear, then you come back from some ritual bruised and battered, and with two wolves, and now you're actively bleeding. Something is going on."

"Wolves? What wolves?" Alec inquired.

A look passed between Tansy and Devlinn, and I knew they hadn't told him their suspicions about my heritage.

I pressed my lips together, not knowing what to say besides, "Two wolves followed us home. A souvenir from our trip to visit the Kemps." 

Alec looked more concerned than angry, and I knew I'd sidestepped an uncomfortable conversation for now. I didn't want to give him a reason to hate me when I needed him.

But I knew I would need to be at least a little honest with them. It was the least I could do if I was going to ask for their help.

"You're right. A lot has been going on," I admitted. Then, I gestured to the table. "Please, sit. We can eat, and I promise to tell you what I can."

The three nodded, and Alec extended his arm for me to take and escorted me to my seat at the head of the table. Meanwhile, Devlinn pulled out Tansy's chair before sitting across from me.

Wine was poured, and the first course was served–hard-crusted bread soaked in onion soup.

I could hardly believe how fond I'd grown of my friends–especially Alec and Devlinn. A human and a Witch of the Darkness. But I was.   

We made small talk and drank more wine than Bastien would approve of. Then we laughed as hard as the wounds on my neck would allow.

All the while, the candlelight flickered, and the music played. 

I wished the night would stretch on forever, and there was no need to travel to the Lawless Lands, but neither of those things was possible.

After the dessert course was cleared and I was full to bursting, I excused the musicians and the servants, opting for a more private audience with my harem.

Or...should I say...with my friends?

Once the greenhouse was quiet and the table cleared, I spun the crystal stem of my glass between my fingers, grateful for the courage my third glass of wine had given me.

When I glanced up, all eyes were on me. Curiosity in Devlinns. Concern in Tansys. And a dark heat cradled in the reddish brown color of Alecs. The intensity of it had me looking away.

"Have you heard that we leave for the Lawless Lands tomorrow night?" I asked, my voice low.

"Of course," Devlinn said, reclining back in his chair. Hands folded behind his head.

"It's all anyone can talk about," Tansy added, taking another sip of wine.

Suddenly, I felt silly for thinking this was a surprise to them.

Then Tansy covered my hand with hers, and the heat from her hand melted into me. Surprised, I lifted my gaze to hers.

"We're coming with you, right?" she said.

"I'm sorry, what?"

I glanced around the table again. If they knew I was traveling with Bastien to the Lawless Lands, they must know how dangerous it was.

"We're coming with you," Tansy said again. "At least, that's what we've been planning for."

I stared at each of them in turn to see if they were joking, but they were perfectly serious.

"You want to come?"

"Well, want is a strong word," Devlinn quipped. I heard Tansy kick him hard under the table, and he yelped. "I only mean nobody wants to go to the Lawless Lands. But we also don't want you to go alone. Tansy's right. You get all banged up when we're not around."

My mouth hung open in shock.

Tansy nodded, staring at me with confusion, scrunching her nose up. "We thought this was the last fancy dinner together."

I swallowed hard and wetted my lips, feeling almost uncomfortable in the presence of their support. There wasn't even a question of staying behind.

"Thank you," I said meekly, tears springing to life in my eyes, blurring my vision.

Tansy squeezed my hand and then released me. "What are friends for?"

I dabbed the side of my eyes with a napkin. Their support meant so much to me. I couldn't quite put it into words.

The sight of me crying drew them all out of their chairs, and seconds later, I was surrounded by the three of them. Tansy with her arms gingerly around my shoulders. Alec and Devlinn kneeling in front of me, each holding a hand.

I feared my next request might turn them away, but I'd come this far; I couldn't turn back now.

"The road will be dangerous, and I fear I may become a target as Prince Bastien's Sanguine Partner. I was wondering...and of course, feel free to say no, but..."

I paused, regarding Devlinn and speaking directly to him. "Would you be willing to...charge your powers and use magick again?"

Tansy stiffed behind me. Devlinn gave me an unreadable look. Meanwhile, Alec's hand slipped from mine.

This was too much. I didn't know their stories, but I knew they came here to avoid magick. Now, I was asking them to recharge their powers.

I watched Devlinn's eyes float up to Tansy. I barely dared to breathe.

He nodded once. "We'll do it."

I turned to face Tansy and paid for it with the pain in my throat. A scab had definitely broken open.

"Fuck!" I gasped. Then followed it with, "I'm sorry. Not about the cursing, but about asking this of you."

"I know," she said softly. Then she pressed a kiss against my hair. "Devlinn and I should go back to our room and discuss how we'd make this work. It'll be another week before the full moon, and he'll need a relic."

They linked arms and shared a long look.

"Thank you again," I said. Emotion rising in my throat and burning alongside the pain. "I'll find a way to pay you back. Bastien will give you whatever you want for the trouble. I'm sure of it."

Devlinn grinned wryly. "It's not about the money, Claire. It never has been."

With a bow and a curtsey, they departed the greenhouse, leaving me alone with Alec, who had remained quiet.

I scooted forward in my seat and took his hand in mine. I'd pushed him too far, which I didn't want. I knew how he felt about dark magick.

He glanced up at me with so much passion in his gaze.

"I'm good enough with a sword to keep you safe on the road."

I didn't know what to make of his statement but hoped it was one of promise.

"I-I'm sure you are," I said. "And I'll appreciate your bravery in the Lawless Lands."

He shook his head and clasped my hand, holding it between his warm palms. His thumb traced a line across my wrist.

"We don't have to go to the Lawless Lands," he said, voice nothing more than a dark whisper.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"We could go back to Nightfall. I could help you find your family. And if we can't find them..."

He paused, and the ensuing silence was deafeningly loud. I cursed all the wine I'd drank because it made my heart pound in my ears.

The greenhouse felt smaller than it had been moments ago. The vines and the tree limbs closing in on me.

"I could be your family," he said.

I was speechless. This man wanted to run away with me?

"I know I'm no prince," Alec continued, "but I've made enough money to give you a good life."

I stared back at him in disbelief. I'd come here tonight anticipating he'd laugh in my face, but instead, he was doubling down on our relationship. Like we were playing Dépouillier and he was all in on my heart.

"Let Prince Bastien fight his war," Alec said.

He let go of my hand to cup my face. His thumbs tracing lines across my cheekbones.

"We can live in peace. Have a home. You can have your garden. We could have children. It would be a beautiful life. You and me. Away from magick. Away from all this pain. I hate seeing you like this."

Everything Alec said was sweet. It was a pretty picture painted with strokes of budding pink love, luscious green gardens, and a bright blue sky.

A beautiful life.

But as I watched the painting come together, the bright colors faded to gray.

Alec wanted a life far away from here and away from magick. But what he didn't know was that I would never be free from magick. It bound my very life.

And even if it didn't, I could never be content living in a little house and tending a garden if my sister was shouldering the burden of war against dark witches. She still believed, as Mama did, that all dark witches were bad and hunting relics was the only way to maintain peace.

But, all the same, I couldn't deny the draw of his proposal.

A quiet life. No more pain. Children.

It's everything I ever wanted and thought I'd never have.

Y'ALL.

What. Happens. Next?

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