Dreams of Spring (Tamlin x Hyacinth Novella)

Chapter Sixteen

"Must we visit these fields in every village?" Aeson's sigh carried a weight of reluctance, his steps heavy as they left the lavender field.

Cin knew that the kids would grow tired of moving from place to place eventually, the constant journeying and resettling, yet there was little that Cin could do to remedy that. Aeson and Aetlani adamantly refused returning to the Mansion, and Cin didn't have the heart to force them away.

"Yes, dearesr one," Cin replied with a soft chuckle, intertwining her fingers with Aeson's, her grip firm and reassuring. Poppy strode alongside them, her vibrant locks serving as a makeshift nest for a cluster of lavender stalks, cradling Aetlani on her hip.

"Listening to women complain is all you seem to do," he snapped, his tone sharp and cutting. Aeson avoided meeting Cin's gaze, he was visibly annoyed.

Ignoring the soft chuckle coming from Quiet Jon behind her, Cin understood the allure Aeson's defiance held for him. Quiet Jon loved how bold Aeson could be, he almost reveled in it.

Cin stopped, a deliberate pause to ensure she had Aeson's attention. "Do you actually hear their grievances?" she inquired, her voice measured and patient.

"They complain over things they cannot have. Why can't they just be happy with being cared for?" Aeson's eyes rolled skyward in exasperation. He wasn't just annoyed, he was restless too. Cin couldn't help but wonder if this restlessness was a natural consequence of Aeson's late-night games with Tamlin, or perhaps, she wondered, if this was her punishment.

Feeling a twinge of irritation herself, Cin snapped, "Because what they have often comes with strings attached."

"I don't understand," his brow furrowing in genuine confusion. Aeson turned his gaze toward Cin with a sincerity that surprised her. The notion of actively paying attention in the Lotus Gatherings had never crossed his mind; after all, he was just a child. However, the concept of trading goods for safety resonated deeply with him.

Cin looked at Aeson, truly taking in his features, she understood the source of his frustration. For years, they had carved out an existence on the streets of the Summer Court, bartering whatever they could scrounge for necessities that should have been freely given. From Aeson's perspective, the women of Spring seemed to effortlessly enjoy abundance that he and his sister had been denied. It grated on him that while he had to beg and plead for the basics—food, shelter, someone to care—these women appeared dissatisfied with their bounty. They possessed what he had only dared to dream of, yet it wasn't enough.

So, Cin ushered him away from the bustling street, leading him to a nearby bench where they settled side by side. "Well, let's see. Remember that wooden horse Tamlin gave you last week?"

"Yes," Aeson replied.

"What if I decided to take it away because you're a boy, and I don't think boys should play with toys?" Cin proposed, her tone gentle yet firm. She wanted to highlight the differences between Aeson's experiences and those of the women they encountered—both important, but not the same.

"But it's mine," he protested, a defensive edge creeping into his voice.

"Ownership aside, my stance remains. I don't think boys should play with toys. So, I'm going to take it from you," Cin explained with a nonchalant shrug.

"But that's not fair," Aeson countered, his brows knitting together as he crossed his arms defensively.

"Why not?"

"Because it's mine," he asserted, his tone growing sharper with each word. "Just because you don't approve of my playing with it doesn't give you the right to take my toy. It belongs to me, not you."