Rose Lover: Lolovivi Part Two(special preview)

Genevieve sighs as she elbows him in the side. “Don’t think of this as an ending yet, Lolovivi, because as soon as you do, that’s when it is lost. Think of the Knight of Lilies when he thought he had lost Princess Ruby forever. Did he give up? Did he go back to his garden? He wanted to so badly return to his old life and, despite the chance, he went running for what he learned he truly wanted.” She takes hold of Fortescu’s hand and beams up at him. “Isn’t that what you want as well?”

“I--.” I go quiet as I imagine Salome’s face, how their long fingers touch me, and how their soft lips feel. I squeeze my hands on my knees. “What if this means I have to stay in Pirlipat?”

“There are worse places to be,” Fortescu replies. “Such as, without them.”

I gasp softly at the revelation. “You’re right. All this time, I’ve been so miserable.” I nod my head. “You’re right, it’s a new act.”

Arriving in Pirlipat, I notice right away the sweet fragrance that hangs in the air. It is as if powdered sugar makes up part of the atmosphere. Here, everything has a more pastel shade to it and there is a twinkling glow to everything. 

The royal palace is made of rose quartz and amethyst, and the tall spires are twisted together to look like candy canes. The drawbridge is solid jade and, as we cross it, the sound of the horses’ hooves is like gentle bells.

“Make sure these roses are top priority!” Fortescu fusses at the staff who has come to collect our luggage. “Make sure you put it near a window so it gets sunlight!”

Genevieve stands beside me, placing her hand on my shoulder. “This is the first time I have ever been outside of Miror,” I confess shyly. I look around me at the courtyard, my eyes fixating on a tree that looks like it is made of frosted sugar.

“Pirlipat is very nice, I always enjoy coming to sing here. Rather than giving me flowers, I get bouquets of chocolate and sweets.” She then leads me as we follow behind a mouse wearing a fluffy pink dress.

We are taken to a parlor where the furniture is completely clear then decorated with mint green accents. The cushions on the chairs are very soft and, when I look through the clear armrest, I see sparkles moving inside. 

Moments later, another mouse comes in with a serving tray and starts setting up a royal tea. Only thing is, what they serve isn’t tea, it is rich hot chocolate.

Genevieve catches the mouse’s attention with a gentle touch of her hand. “My friend cannot have hot chocolate, do you mind if we could get some tea or warm water for them?”

The mouse bows her head. “Yes of course, Princess. I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you,” I say softly as Genevieve takes her cup, stirring it with a cinnamon stick.