Chapter 6: Black Dahlia

Lillian and Selena travel together to Gordowe. It seats just southeast of Vincent's and Selena's home. Before the roads were improved it used to take a day to travel to the town from the capital, but now it only takes half and for Lillian and Selena a few hours.

Selena directs Lillian's driver to a florist shop near the original market area.

"Is this it?", Lillian asks as they exit the carriage.

"Yes. I'm sure she can give the information we need. Perhaps then we can unlock the secrets of your dream.", Selena says to her confidently.

They enter the shop and spot Selena's friend looking over a group of flowers. Lillian begins to question her decision. She thinks perhaps maybe it isn't a good idea to get others involved in her problems. Selena seems to notice her change and takes her hand with comfort and assurance.

"Allow me.", Selena whispers to Lillian suggesting she does the talking. "Rachael! How are you?", she says making her voice louder. Rachael lifts her head and turns in the direction of Selena's voice.

"Selena...! Welcome.", Rachael says with a smile. Her eyes are hazel and her loosely, curled hair black. She makes her way to them and notices Lillian. Rachael's eyes widen and she quickly bows respectfully to her. "Your majesty."

"Hello.", Lillian says acknowledging her. "Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure and honor is mine.", Rachael replies.

"What are you doing here with Queen Lillian, Selena?", Rachael asks, turning her attention back to Selena.

"We came to ask you a question about a flower.", Selena tells her.

"Oh, okay.", she replies with an interested look. Lillian remains silent as Selena describes the flower from her dream. The urge to know growing steadily inside her.

"What we want to know is does that flower have a particular meaning?", Selena finishes. A contemplating look covers Rachael's face with her hand on the side of it.

"Hmm, that plant is indeed called the black dahlia, but it's actually burgundy. Anyway, it usually is seen as the flower of deceit or betrayal. That is why it is rarely used in arrangements despite its beauty.", Rachael informs them. Lillian is shocked by the explanation.

"Are you sure?", she says worriedly. Rachael looks to Lillian with steady eyes.

"Yes, I am sure.", Rachael responds. Lillian looks at Selena. Though they say nothing, the news definitely has them both thinking.

"If I may ask, why did you want to know?", Rachael says, sensing the odd change in mood. Selena turns her head back to her.

"Um... Queen Lillian was thinking about some new flowers for the royal garden and came to me to ask about the flower's meaning.", Selena responds thinking of an excuse quickly. "I told her you know more about flowers than I."

"Oh, well I am honored I could be of assistance to our beloved queen.", Rachael says buying the lie.

"Yes, you have been of great help, Rachael. Thank you.", Lillian says gratefully refocusing her mind. She is nothing but anxious to get out of the shop and speak to Selena. "Shall we get going?", Lillian says to Selena.

Understanding Selena nods her head. "Yes, your highness. Thank you again Rachael. I'll be by again to see you later.", she says addressing her friend.

"Sure. Tell Vincent I said hello and please send my regards to the king.", Rachael says to both women with a respectful bow.

With that Lillian and Selena exit the shop and enter the carriage. As they begin to move Selena waves goodbye to Rachael and turns to Lillian.

"Well...we have our answer...", she speaks awkwardly. Lillian says nothing at first. She takes what she has learned and thinks of her dream again.

"That flower... It's petals covered the room...and was whole on the bed where we consummated our marriage.", Lillian speaks as if it hurts her to speak. Each word is let out forcefully. She looks to her hands in her lap.

"Queen Lillian...", Selena speaks, simply placing her hand gently on her friend's. Lillian seems to not notice.

"Is it really possible that our marriage is now tainted in betrayal? Would Winston really do that to me?", Lillian goes on in disbelief.

"I don't know. I really hope not though.", Selena responds unsure if Lillian was expecting an answer. "Perhaps it just means he is hiding something that you both should now?", she goes on to offer.

"But what could it be then?"

Unable to answer Selena shakes her head silently. It is then something catches her eye out of Lillian's window. It's Vincent. The idea to find out if Vincent knows anything comes to her mind. She contemplates sharing her idea with Lillian, but seeing her now. She decides not to.