Chapter 874

Rosalind turned to the innkeeper with a determined expression. "We're not tourists. We came searching for something rare."

The innkeeper leaned against the wooden counter. "What exactly are you looking for? Maybe I can help."

"The Frostbloom," Rosalind said without hesitation.

His eyebrows shot up. "That legendary flower that blooms once every half-century? Well, you're in luck! Just yesterday, a man named Marcus returned from the mountains with one."

Lucian felt Rosalind's grip tighten on his arm. "Are you serious?" she breathed, eyes sparkling. "We need to speak with him immediately. Name his price—we'll pay whatever he asks!"

The innkeeper chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Got his number right here. Let me call him for you."

As he dialed, Rosalind turned to Lucian, practically vibrating with excitement. "Can you believe our timing? The Frostbloom is right here!"

Lucian brushed his thumb along her flushed cheek. "I haven't seen you this animated in weeks."

"Because this changes everything," she whispered.

The innkeeper hung up with a satisfied nod. "Marcus agreed to meet you this afternoon. Said he'd bring the flower straight here."

Rosalind's smile could have powered the entire village. "Thank you! We'll be waiting."

Back in their room, she paced like a caged tiger. "No matter what he demands—gold, properties, my firstborn—we're getting that Frostbloom."

Lucian caught her wrist mid-step. "Breathe, darling. It's ours."

By sunset, their optimism waned. The innkeeper checked his antique pocket watch for the fifth time. "Strange. He's never been late before."

Rosalind's nails dug into her palms. That flower wasn't just rare—it was vital. "Please call him again."

The innkeeper redialed, then frowned. "Marcus? Where are—what? You're not selling anymore?"

Rosalind lunged forward. "Tell him we'll triple any offer! Just let us negotiate!"

After a tense exchange, the innkeeper lowered the phone. "He sold it an hour ago to another buyer. For a staggering sum."

Ice flooded Rosalind's veins. "Who bought it?" she demanded.

The line went dead before he could ask.

Rosalind snatched the address the innkeeper offered. "We're tracking him down. Now." She dragged Lucian toward the door. "Whoever has that Frostbloom won't know what hit them."