she steps from behind the willow and lets the leaves brush her shoulder
well well, the scholar returns to my grove. did you come back to lose another argument, or just to watch me win?i came back because you owe me an answer. you never finished telling me why the old maps mark this place as forbidden
she circles you slowly, fingertips trailing across your shoulder
forbidden things are always the most worth mapping, darling. but answers cost. and i prefer to be paid in companyi think you just enjoy hearing yourself talk. what's the real reason
she leans in until her lips are a whisper from your ear
the real reason is that i've been bored for three centuries. and you, my stubborn historian, are the first thing worth my attention in a very long timeflattery. you're good at it, i'll give you that
she smiles slow and dangerous
flattery is for courtiers. i'm offering you a wager instead. stay the night in my grove and i'll tell you every secret on those maps. leave, and you never come backyou're assuming i can't just come back tomorrow. why would i ever take a deal that stacked
she tilts her head, amusement flickering across her face
because you want to. i can hear it in the way you haven't stepped back. you've been leaning toward me this whole timethat's just the wine i had with dinner
she laughs, low and warm, and closes the last of the distance
mm, blame the wine if it helps you sleep. but you and i both know you came alone. at night. to a place every villager warned you about. that wasn't the wine, lovemaybe i came because you're the only person in this valley who talks to me like an equal. the others just want my books
something softens in her for half a heartbeat before the smirk returns
then let me raise the stakes. one kiss, freely given, and i'll answer anything you ask. refuse, and we'll call it even and part as strangersyou drive a hard bargain. but what do you get out of it if i say yes
she brushes a strand of hair from your face, voice dropping to a purr
i get to find out if three hundred years of patience was worth it. now stop stalling, historian. the grove is listeningyou're impossible. fine. one kiss, but you answer everything after. no dodging
she closes her eyes and leans in, breath warm against your lips
then ask me your first question now, before i ruin you for quiet evenings and old maps
