Stolen by the Rebel King
Chapter 162: A Belated Gift

Chapter 162: A Belated Gift

Daphne’s eyes widened as she caught sight of the gift in his hand. It was a long chain, similar to Daphne’s necklaces, but there was no pendant or metal she could see. Instead, it seemed to be predominantly made out of... plants?

"Prince Nathaniel, I couldn’t possibly accept a necklace like this―" Daphne started, but Prince Nathaniel easily held up his hand to stop her.

"It’s not a necklace, this is a three-lapse seed bracelet. It’s one of the items Raxuvia is famous for," Prince Nathaniel explained. "May I put it on you?"

"Oh..." Daphne paused. If it was simply a bracelet, then there shouldn’t be any harm in accepting such a gift. It wasn’t anything as symbolic as a ring, or as intimate as a pair of earrings or a necklace. She didn’t want to offend Prince Nathaniel by spurning his souvenir.

Especially not when it didn’t even look particularly extravagant. It wasn’t anything like the necklace and earrings Atticus had given her. her. Of course, that was not to say that it wasn’t well made― every bead was the same size and they were in various shades of green, placed randomly along the chain.

If it was made entirely out of seeds, it was an absolute marvel, even if it wasn’t very beautiful.

Prince Nathaniel continued to wait patiently for an answer. Daphne nodded, and he held one of her hands in his, using the other to gently loop the long bracelet around her wrists. Daphne sucked in a breath as his bare skin touched hers, but Prince Nathaniel barely seemed to notice, so she didn’t make a fuss either.

Prince Nathaniel was simply too focused on his task. She could understand why when she finally gazed down at her wrist, where three perfect loops were now formed.

To Daphne’s surprise, the colors that seemed to be placed haphazardly on the chain were now painting a stunning picture.

The deep emerald green beads softened into a tranquil forest green, while the soft, soothing sage green beads found themselves next to the delicate mint green beads. Seeing them together, Daphne had the sudden feeling she had a glimpse of the forests and grasslands Raxuvia was so proud of.

Clearly, a lot of thought went into its craftsmanship! She couldn’t help but smile in amazement.

Prince Nathaniel smiled back. "I’m glad you are pleased with my gift. This was initially prepared for you as your first welcome gift to Raxuvia. While we cannot change past events, I am very pleased to know that I can at least deliver the gift I had prepared for you in person."

"Thank you for this," Daphne said, awed. "Are these truly made out of seeds? I have never seen seeds in this color!"

Most seeds tended to be in various shades of brown. Green seeds were rare enough on their own, but they tended to signify unhealthy seeds. The ones on her bracelets were brimming with life force! And there were so many of them, in various shades of green.

"Yes they are," Prince Nathaniel said. "They are harvested from our very own Temporal Elderwood tree."

Daphne blinked in confusion as Prince Nathaniel waited for an appropriate response to his statement, like a child showing his parents a new piece of artwork. Daphne sensed that he wanted some awe and amazement, but she did not know enough about plants to react.

"May I know what that is?" She asked politely, finally having enough of the silence.

Prince Nathaniel closed his eyes briefly, but he continued to explain, "Do you recall seeing a giant tree in the center of the Royal Palace?"

"The one that helps you tell the time?" Daphne asked, recalling Atticus saying something similar. She recalled the loud cracking sounds, as though there were thunder strikes above her head, and the movement of the branches and how the leaves danced in the wind.

"Yes, precisely!" Prince Nathaniel smiled wider, evidently pleased. "The seeds from the tree are our prized treasure since the tree only produces them once every decade in all shades of green. Raxuvians believe that the very first seed of our Temporal Elderwood fell from the heavens above, as such trees are only found in distant lands. "

Daphne’s mouth fell open at this new information. This was such a priceless gift!

"Ever since the tree bloomed, Raxuvia has enjoyed prosperity. In fact, the royal palace was specifically built around the tree. That is why we believe that the seeds will bless the wearer with good fortune."

"And you’re giving me this?" Daphne couldn’t help but squeak in surprise. "Shouldn’t you take it back... what if you require more seeds for your new tree?"

What if Prince Nathaniel needed more luck? After all, he was the one that had to find Eugene Attonson.

"We have already harvested what we need," Prince Nathaniel said reassuringly, "the nicest seeds are made into this bracelet for you."

"Then I thank you for such a lovely gift," Daphne said graciously, running her fingers over the bracelet loops. They felt so smooth to the touch, and she felt more lively after wearing it. She didn’t want to take it off.

"No thanks is necessary. To see you smile in happiness is enough for me. I’m very glad there is something from Raxuvia that has brought you some joy after all the grief you endured," Prince Nathaniel replied, and gratitude welled up in Daphne’s heart.

The rest of the ride was spent in peaceful chatter, as Daphne enjoyed the changing scenery with Prince Nathaniel’s commentary. In no time at all, they arrived at the Heavenly Glade. Daphne’s mouth fell open as she caught sight of the majestic willow trees, their cascading branches forming a natural canopy. When she turned around, she spotted the crystalline waters of a huge lake a short way from the willow trees. It was a stunning sight.

"We’re here," Prince Nathaniel said. The footmen quickly opened the door, and Prince Nathaniel exited first, before holding out a hand for Daphne. "Careful, the ground here isn’t dry."

Daphne exited gingerly, her hand in Prince Nathaniel’s grasp. The cobblestones weren’t uneven, but they were slightly damp and slippery. She took a deep breath as she peered around; a fragrant floral scent enveloped her.

It didn’t smell like any flower she knew of. However, before she could go and take a closer look at the vibrant blooms on the bushes lining the side of the path, she heard Atticus’s voice.

"Sunshine!"

Daphne whirled around― to her astonishment, Atticus was already floating behind her! He landed smoothly, sinking into a quick, theatrical bow. Daphne beamed in joy; she quickly slipped her hand from Prince Nathaniel’s hold, not noticing the pained look that crossed Prince Nathaniel’s face.

"How did you get here so quickly?" Daphne asked wonderingly. "And why are you sweating so hard?"

"Magic, darling," Atticus said cheerfully, giving Prince Nathaniel a smug look from the corner of his eye.

His carriage was slower than Prince Nathaniel’s — most likely because that scheming bastard purposely instructed his coachmen to drive slower — but Atticus had many talents. He wasn’t going to simply watch while another man approached his wife. If he had to escape through the window and leaped through the air and the trees to arrive more quickly, then so be it!

While Daphne looked impressed by the display of skill, Prince Nathaniel’s eyebrow twitched in irritation. Atticus now had Daphne’s full attention and she was fussing over him, using her handkerchief to dab at his temples.

To her surprise, Atticus frowned, his eyes narrowed in distaste as he gazed at her.

"Atticus?" Daphne asked worriedly. "What’s the matter?"

"Daphne, what is this ugly thing on your wrist?" Atticus demanded.