Chapter 37 - Misrule

**Midwinter, 5 and a half years ago**

Auden takes a steadying breath as he stands at the doorway to the terrace, his eyes fastened on the girl before him who stretches her hands out above the warm brazier. His fingers clench hard around the two glasses of mulled wine in his hands, betraying his anxiety.

God, does she even like wine?

What if –

But then he growls, shaking his head in frustration and forcing himself to take that first step forward. Because he’s being ridiculous, and it doesn’t even matter. The wine is just an excuse to talk to her – she can throw it off the balcony for all he cares.

Auden begins to cross the terrace to her, his footsteps echoing on the stones.

She turns when he’s about halfway across, just at the precise moment when her scent hits him again.

He has to grind his teeth, resisting the urge to flinch, or groan, or drop the cups – because god damn it, but that scent –

It’s incredible - black violets, and saffron, and plums, somehow spicy and sweet – conflicti