Cerdery stared at her, displeasure clearly settling onto her features. It was obvious the woman was unaccustomed to being told no, or even being asked to restrain herself, least of all by someone like Evangeline.
Had the words come from Hades, Cerdery would have withdrawn at once, masking her pride without protest. But this was different. This was her. And though Cerdery tried to smooth her expression, the chill in the air was unmistakable, an unwelcoming presence seeping through her smile.
"I can see where you might be right," Cerdery said at last with a soft chuckle, rising from her chair as she turned her gaze toward the empty garden. "Even if there are no flowers here, I would still love this place all the same." She paused, then glanced back over her shoulder. "Tell me, Evangeline, would you love this garden whether it blooms or not?"
