The Tale of the Lotus Heart novel Chapter 27

*Yong's POV*

Aivi was leaving me again. I wanted to complain and argue with her for her choice to study in the Floral Realm, but the look on her face stopped me. She tried her best to put on a brave, nonchalant face, but I saw what she was trying to hide. Aivi was anxious and scared. Being pregnant made her protective and highly cautious. I could respect and understand that. She was worried for our child. We stood at the boarder of Floral Island as she faced me. She wouldn't be bringing Ixia this time either so I had no way of checking how she was really doing other than visiting. I held her hands in mine gently as I held my tongue. I wanted to ask her not to go, but I knew that wasn't an option for her. Once Aivi made up her mind, there was no changing it.

"Don't forget to write me as much as possible. I'm going to be lonely without you. How long do you plan to stay?" I asked instead.

"I'm not sure," she answered honestly.

"A thorough knowledge of plants and herbs takes at least a thousand years, but I'm sure it wouldn't take the prodigy Princess nearly as long," the Floral Goddess Peony said, coming from beyond the barrier flanked by two other immortals.

"Aivi's spirit is a white lotus naturally, so I'm sure she'll fit right in," I said longingly. I didn't want to part from her. Tase let me take her myself to give us some alone time.

"Lily, will you show our new student to her living quarters," Floral Goddess Peony said to the immortal on her right. Lily smiled and curtsied before taking Aivi away. I could only watch her back until it disappeared beyond the barrier.

"First name basis... you seem close with the Princess," Floral Goddess noted. I sighed and finally took my eyes off of the place Aivi disappeared to look at Goddess Peony.

"We are... very close. I need to ask of your help with something," I started.

"Let me hear it first," Peony said wisely. I sighed before I caught myself glancing at the barrier again.

"I'd like to visit often, to check on Aivi. In truth, she's pregnant with my child. Only my brothers know. I think she's using the Floral Island as excuse to run away from the conflict that will arise once people find out, but I don't have the heart to tell her no. I'd appreciate your help looking after her and our child, if you wouldn't mind," I admitted. Peony sighed before clasping her hands in front of her.

"I've watched you grow up. You've always done things by the book except that one time. You must really love her to be willing to do something this risky," she responded.

"Aivi is the reincarnation of Zyanya," I admitted. Floral Goddess chuckled lightly.