Tea Leaves and Truths

The Blooming Sanctuary was dazzling, like a fever dream in full bloom. The flowers here weren’t just alive—they were glowing, humming, practically sparkling as if someone had sprinkled them with a dusting of magic and overconfidence.

“This place is intense,” I said, shielding my eyes from the overly bright petals. “Is this what happens when you crank up the saturation setting on reality?”

Vin, my ever-serious guide, didn’t even flinch. He just kept walking with the same stiff posture, unfazed by my attempts at humor.

“Don’t strain yourself laughing,” I muttered, trailing behind him and carefully stepping over a root that looked like it wanted to trip me.

“This is the Blooming Sanctuary,” he said without looking back. “The heart of the Rose Realm. Show respect.”

“Show respect?” I repeated, gesturing at the flowers around me. “You want me to bow to the begonias? Should I curtsy for the chrysanthemums?”

Vin stopped abruptly, turning to glare at me with a look so sharp it could have cut a petal in half. “This is sacred ground,” he said evenly. “It would do you well to remember that.”

Sacred or not, it was hard to take anything seriously in a place where the flowers were literally glowing. I mean, come on. How was I supposed to concentrate on the monumental task of saving an entire realm when the scenery looked like it belonged in a fantasy perfume commercial?

Before I could come up with another sarcastic comment, we were interrupted by a voice so smooth it felt like honey being poured over silk.

“Welcome, Rose Queen.”

I turned to see the speaker—a woman with hair made of golden blooms cascading down her shoulders and a soft glow around her. She had the kind of presence that demanded attention, but in a quiet, graceful way.

“Ah, great,” I said, throwing up my hands. “Another fan club member.”

The woman smiled, unfazed by my sarcasm. “I am Fleuris, keeper of the Blooming Sanctuary,” she said, bowing her head slightly. “It is an honor to meet you.”

“I’m sure it is,” I replied, crossing my arms. “But just FYI, the honor’s all mine. I mean, how often does a florist get whisked away to a magical flower realm to become a queen? Happens all the time, right?”

Vin muttered something under his breath, but Fleuris simply chuckled.

“You have much to learn, Rose Queen,” she said, gesturing for us to follow her. “Come. The tea leaves will show you the truth of your path.”

Tea leaves? Fantastic.

---

The clearing we entered could have been pulled straight out of a whimsical fairy tale—or a fever dream, depending on how cynical you were. A massive teapot sat at the center, steam curling lazily from its spout, and tables and chairs made of twisted vines surrounded it.

“Tea leaves?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Are we doing a séance or something? Should I call up my great-grandmother to ask how to get this stupid veil off my head?”

Fleuris smiled patiently. “The tea leaves reveal wisdom to those who seek it. They will guide your steps and illuminate your destiny.”

“Yeah, because tea is obviously the best way to figure out my life,” I muttered.

Ignoring me, Fleuris poured steaming crimson liquid into three delicate cups. She handed one to me, one to Vin, and kept one for herself.

“Drink,” she said softly, her voice calm but commanding.

I glanced at Vin, who was already sipping his tea like it was a perfectly normal thing to do in this bizarre, glowing garden. Rolling my eyes, I took a hesitant sip.

The tea was warm and sweet, but not overwhelming. For a moment, I felt… calm. It was an unusual sensation, considering my usual emotional range included sarcasm, mild panic, and occasional rage.

“What do you see?” Fleuris asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I looked down at my cup, expecting to see nothing but soggy tea leaves. Instead, the crimson liquid began to swirl, forming shapes and patterns that shifted and changed. At first, there were roses—beautiful, perfect roses—but then the thorns appeared. Dark, twisted, and alive, they reached out, curling around the roses like they were trying to strangle them.

And in the center of it all was a shadow.

“What is that?” I asked, frowning.

“That,” Fleuris said, leaning closer, “is the Thorned Monarch.”

Vin stiffened beside me, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

“The Thorned Monarch?” I repeated, my voice low. “Who—or what—is that?”

“He is the ruler of the Withered Court,” Fleuris explained. “A being of shadow and decay. He opposes the Rose Realm and seeks to destroy everything we hold dear.”

“Great,” I muttered. “So not only am I stuck in a magical flower world, but now I’ve got a villain with an edgy name gunning for me? This just keeps getting better.”

Vin shot me a sharp look. “This is no joke. The Thorned Monarch is dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” I scoffed, setting my cup down. “What’s he gonna do? Prick me to death with thorns?”

But before anyone could answer, the shadow in my tea rippled—and then it moved.

---

It started as a swirl in the liquid, but it quickly grew, spilling over the edge of the cup and pooling on the ground. The shadow twisted and stretched, reaching upward like smoke.

“What’s happening?” I gasped, pushing my chair back as the shadow took shape.

Vin was on his feet instantly, his hand on the hilt of a sword I hadn’t even noticed he was carrying. Fleuris stepped back, her serene expression replaced by tension.

The shadow solidified, and from its depths emerged a figure—a man with sharp features, dark hair, and eyes that gleamed like polished obsidian. He wore a dark cloak that seemed to shimmer like liquid night, and his presence filled the clearing, commanding attention.

“Well,” he said, his voice smooth and rich, “this is a pleasant surprise.”

“Who are you?” I demanded, though I had a sinking feeling I already knew.

He inclined his head slightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I am Xianric Ziero Lauric, though you may know me better as the Thorned Monarch.”

Vin’s sword was out in an instant, its blade glowing faintly in the golden light of the garden. “You have no right to be here,” he said sharply.

Xianric didn’t even flinch. “Relax, guide. I’m merely here to… introduce myself.”

Fleuris moved to stand beside Vin, her eyes narrowing. “You are not welcome in the Blooming Sanctuary, Thorned Monarch.”

“Perhaps,” Xianric said, his gaze flickering to me, “but I think our Rose Queen may feel differently. After all, destiny has brought us together, hasn’t it?”

I stared at him, my mind racing. His voice was smooth, charming even, but there was something dangerous lurking beneath it.

“What do you want?” I asked, my voice steadier than I felt.

He smiled—a slow, deliberate smile that sent a shiver down my spine. “You,” he said simply. “I want you, Ayehtta Rozie Solera.”

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