Chapter 5. Lorelia: Flower Trouble
The first lesson went pretty well. Palace etiquette isn’t familiar to me, but it doesn’t seem that much different from basic etiquette. And now there were fifteen of us. Florentia Callum came today. I don’t know her personally, but I know her fate, which is to die in execution when her father’s plans to commit treason come to light. She was so quiet and meek that it was hard to believe she would take part in treason. She kind of reminded me of myself with her calm behaviour. But, as I have said, looks can be deceiving.
I get along with Milna pretty well, so that’s a positive thing. I have talked a little with other candidates, but I keep my distance. I mean, of course I will try to converse with them enough so that I don’t stick out as a complete outsider. But I don’t want to form any meaningful connections. It’s easier to die and start over when you have fewer people you care about. I only keep my family close, that’s enough. If my curse sometimes comes to an end, I don’t know if I would still just die in the end anyway and remain dead, without coming back in time. Oh, how much I wish that would happen. The burden of keeping this world from moving on is too heavy to bear, to know that my family will never be able to see Belia grow up because of me.
If I need to die so this world can move on, I will do that happily. If the price to pay for my sins is dying, I will offer myself to God. Every time the end comes to me, I pray for nothing else but not to open my eyes again. But my prayers have never been answered. I don’t deserve redemption yet.
I’m now heading to the greenhouse again, this time without Milna. I think I need the peace that flowers offer me. When I step into the greenhouse, I see that there is one gardener still there. I politely nod at him, and he does the same. I crouch next to the beautiful roses and just take in the delicate scent.
I notice that the gardener is about to water the plants. I really would like to do that too. It calms me even more. Then I spot the flowers that he is about to water and halt. They are orchids, and you should not water the soil directly like that. But I don’t think it’s my business to advise him. So I turn my head back to the roses. When I hear the water pouring from his watering can, I can’t stop my mouth from moving.
“Stop!”
I yelp and cover my mouth with my hand, as if trying to take it back. The gardener stops and turns to face me.
“Yes?”
I stay silent for a while, not sure if I should say something or not. But since I already stopped him, I think I should at least explain why. I get up and walk toward him.
“I apologize, I didn’t mean to yell like that. It was really impolite of me. I just got a little worried since you shouldn’t water orchids like that.”
“Oh? Well, I’m glad you stopped me then. I’m actually not a gardener, you see. I’m just covering while he is absent.”
Oh. Well, that surely explains why he didn’t know what to do. He smiles at me a little awkwardly.
“Thank you so much for your help, Lady…?”
“Lorelia,” I say with a gentle smile.
“Pleasure to meet you, Lady Lorelia. I’m Hans. If you don’t mind me asking, do you happen to know how I should water them?”
I feel a tiny excitement rising within me.
“Of course. You should actually just sink them in water for a short while, or just spray a water mist on the leaves. I’ll show you.”
I look at the orchids, and they actually are pretty well watered. I only spot a few that could use a little dip in the water. I give one to Hans, and he watches and listens to me carefully before doing the same with his flower.
Hans is in his forties, a very kind-looking man with warm hazel eyes. He asks me about the other flowers too, and I tell him what I know. It doesn’t take long for us to start working together in the greenhouse, side by side. My mood just keeps rising while we work.
“You really are pretty knowledgeable about everything. Have you always liked flowers?” Hans asks while we continue tending the flowers.
“Yes, pretty much. Back home we have our own greenhouse. I used to always go there in the morning, loving the fresh scent of the flowers. In time, I started taking care of the greenhouse with our gardener, and he taught me everything I know.”
“Well, he clearly had a smart student. And that explains your presence here. Nobles here rarely visit the greenhouse, they only tend to flock around the garden.”
“Of course I love the garden very much too, but I thought this place could be calmer since there aren’t many people.”
“So, do you enjoy spending time alone?”
I fall silent for a while, since I don’t know. I have a habit of distancing myself from people, just so I don’t get too close. I don’t want to have deep relationships. But would I rather spend my time alone or with other people if my situation in life were different? I honestly don’t know.
“Let’s just say that it’s easier that way.”
He looks at me with a curious expression, clearly wanting to probe more, but he doesn’t, which I do appreciate.
“Well, you are free to come here whenever you visit the Palace,” he says in a warm tone.
“I’ll definitely take the offer since I’m going to be here for a long time.”
He raises his brow. “How so?”
“I’m taking part in the Queen Selection.”
“Oh, I see. But why do you say it like it’s a bad thing?”
“I don’t desire to be a Queen. I just want to go back home.”
He looks a little sad for a moment before he smiles brightly.
“If you ever feel homesick, you can always come here. Maybe we can even make changes so it reminds you of your greenhouse back home.”
I smile at him. I'm a little surprised and amused by how kind this man is.
“I appreciate the offer, but I like this place just the way it is. And I don’t think the gardener would be too happy about us making changes in his turf.”
He chuckles. “Well, if you change your mind, I don’t mind getting the gardener’s wrath upon me.”
There are a couple of flowers that seem a little withered, so I place my hands against the soil and let my magic flow, trying to give them power to grow beautifully again.
“Was that nature magic?” Hans asks.
I nod.
He continues, “Are you good with magic?”
“No, not really. I really haven’t practiced much. I only know how to use my magic when it comes to helping nature.”
“Magic can be powerful even without knowing a variety of spells.”
I glance at him, and his words make me pleased. I do like my magic too, and I’m happy with it.
We finish watering the plants, and I go wash my hands before heading back to my room. When I turn to face the door, I see the Crown Prince leaning against it. I freeze and feel my heart rate spike.
Why is he here again? I don’t want to see him or talk to him. I want to avoid him. This makes no sense. Is the greenhouse a place he visits often? I really hope not, since I don’t want to lose my hiding place. I look at him, and he smiles. Then suddenly, when I blink, he is just gone.
What?
Did I just imagine that? I turn my head around to make sure he isn’t anywhere, and he really isn’t. I guess my head does feel a little light after all the work here. Maybe I just forgot to drink enough water. I turn to talk to Hans before leaving.
“Thank you for today, Hans. It was a pleasure.”
He smiles at me brightly. “The pleasure was all mine, Lady Lorelia. Remember that you are free to visit anytime.”
I slightly bow to him and leave. While I was there, I even forgot that I was in a place where I don’t want to be. I forgot my worries for a while. That is the power of flowers.
Back in my room, my mind drifts back to the greenhouse and the Crown Prince. When I was there, I was actually a little afraid of him coming in since I saw him there yesterday there. So was my imagination just playing tricks on me because seeing him was something I had thought about a lot and feared? I’m just so glad he wasn’t there. Hans seemed so nice and easy to talk to, so I just pray I can keep going there regularly without worrying about bumping into the Crown Prince.
It’s Friday, and I have successfully survived the first week of training. I learned about Palace etiquette quite easily, and the exam was very easy. I, of course, made a couple of mistakes here and there on purpose. Not too many to raise any bad thoughts in our teacher, but enough not to stick out in a good way either.
I have kept going to the greenhouse every day, and Hans has been there too. I like talking to him. He is a pretty happy person, but not in a loud way. He is gentle and easy to talk to. And he actually is quite talkative and curious. I’m not one to talk about my life very openly, so I have struggled a little bit with his curiosity. But he has the talent of noticing when it gets too heavy for me and backs away.
I am heading there right now, eager to get back to where we left off. Yesterday, we started moving the roses from the greenhouse and planting them in the garden. We did only a small section, and I hope I can finish the rest today.
I walk inside the greenhouse and greet Hans, who is working with other flowers. I grab a big box where I can easily move the roses outside and start loading it. When it’s full, I lift it up and start walking toward the door. When I step outside, I see a squirrel running toward me, but I spot it too late. And when I try to stop myself from kicking it with my foot as I walk, I end up stumbling forward, the box slipping from my hands. I let out a yelp as the ground gets closer.
Then something wraps around my waist, and one hand grabs the box to keep it from falling. A heavy sigh of relief escapes my lips. I’m so glad the roses are okay. I start talking as I slowly straighten myself and turn my head toward my savior.
“I apologize for my clumsiness. Thank you so much for saving the roses.”
My whole body freezes as my eyes land on the Crown Prince, who is smiling at me brightly.
“I’m more glad that I saved you from falling, Lorelia. I would hate for a pretty flower to get hurt.”
What? That’s a little contradictory. Was he more worried about me or the flowers? I notice that his hand is still around my waist, and it feels weird, uncomfortable even. I mean, that’s understandable since I know that hand is going to end up killing people in the Palace in the future. I don’t want it anywhere near me.
“May I ask you to let me go?” I ask in a calm voice and with my usual gentle smile. Hiding my increasing panic within me.
He withdraws his hands, lifts them up like surrendering, and chuckles.
“Sorry. My bad. Didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
Well, he did exactly that, but how does he know that I felt uncomfortable? I’m pretty sure I kept my expression calm. I bow to him gracefully, though of course the box in my hands restricts my movement somewhat. And I realize I didn't even greet him properly.
“Greetings to the little sun of the empire. Thank you once again, Your Highness. I need to move these roses, so if you excuse me.”
I start to turn away, but suddenly he grabs the box from my hands. I look at him, and he keeps smiling.
“Please, let me help. Where do you need to take this?”
I just stare at him. I’m pretty sure carrying flowers isn’t part of the Crown Prince’s duties. I really don’t understand his behavior at all.
“I could never let someone of your status do that. I’m sure you are a busy man, Your Highness. Please, let me take the—”
“I insist. Now, just order me where to go.”
What? Me? Order the Crown Prince? Is he insane?
He tilts his head, and his smile turns more teasing.
“Or are you perhaps jealous? Do you prefer me to carry you instead of flowers? I’d gladly do that too.”
What the he— I mean, what is this man saying? Is this really the Crown Prince? Why would he carry me? I understood his suggestion on the day I arrived since I said I was tired from walking. But I haven’t said anything like that now. Or does he think I hurt my leg when I almost fell? That actually makes sense for him to think that. Better correct him.
“No need for that, Your Highness. I didn’t hurt my leg. I’m perfectly healthy.”
He looks slightly amused, though I’m not sure why. And then he just starts walking.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“Don’t know. Just wandering aimlessly since no one tells me where to put these roses.” His voice is odd, like he’s being theatrical or dramatic.
I just keep watching him, and he keeps acting even more dramatic.
“Destined to just walk and walk and walk, never allowed to stop. I wonder if there is anyone to save me from my endless walk around the garden. Some pretty flower to guide me to my right path.”
He looks and sounds rather amusing, and I almost smile at his playful act. But I shove my amusement down. Remember, Lorelia, he is going to destroy the Palace. He is not the one to be played with.
I let out a heavy sigh. I guess I need to actually let him help me, since I can’t exactly force the Crown Prince to give me the roses back.
“Follow me, Your Highness,” I say as I start walking toward the destination.
He hurries to walk next to me.
“I’m forever in your debt for saving me, my lady,” he says, his voice still teasing.
He is just too weird. I don’t even know how to answer that. So I just decide to stay quiet.
“So, how was the first week here? Were the lessons traumatizing?”
I turn to look at him. Traumatizing? Why would they be that?
“No, not at all, Your Highness. I learned a lot during the week.”
“Please, call me Felix.”
I halt in my steps. What the hell? Did he really just ask me to call him by his name? Oh crap! I cursed. Twice! What is wrong with me? I know how to contain my language, even inside my head. I should know better than to say things like that. I shake my head and keep walking.
“I respectfully decline, Your Highness.”
He hurries to walk in front of me and turns to face me while walking backward. He sulks.
“Why not? You know if I ask that, it’s totally fine to call me that. Even if I am the Crown Prince.”
My brain really doesn’t comprehend this discussion.
“With all due respect, Your Highness. It’s not because of the fact that you are the Crown Prince, I just don’t think we are close enough for me to call you by your first name.”
“Oh?” He suddenly looks happy, and his face turns into a smirk. “Then that means we just need to get closer.”
“What?” I didn’t mean to say that out loud. I think half of the thoughts in my head are just “what” with this man.
He moves to walk next to me again. “I will definitely get you to call me Felix one day.”
What? Why? What does it matter what I call him? I decide to just ignore him again, since we arrive at the spot where we started planting the roses yesterday with Hans.
“You can put the box down here, Your Highness.”
He does exactly that. I face him and bow.
“Thank you for your help, Your Highness.”
I sit on the ground and take the first rose from the box just as I see him kneeling down next to me. I just stare at him. Please don’t tell me he’s going to stay with me.
“Excuse me, Your Highness. But what are you doing?”
He takes a rose from the box. One thorn clearly stabs his thumb, and he reacts far too dramatically to it.
“Ouch!” He blows on his finger before continuing. “I’m helping you plant these, obviously.”
“Have you ever planted flowers?”
Is he fond of gardening too, or something?
“No. Never. I trust your guidance.” He lifts his hand in a salute. “Felix, at your service, my lady.”
I stare at him, not sure what to think. So I guess he isn’t fond of gardening after all. He looks pretty silly while doing that, and again one part of me wants to laugh a little. But I can’t laugh at the Crown Prince. That definitely wouldn’t be polite. So I keep my face and voice calm.
“Why?” I ask.
“I just like my pretty flower so much.” He tilts his head again and smirks.
What? So he’s not fond of gardening, but fond of flowers? But I don’t think I can exactly say no to the Crown Prince. I grab the trowel in my hand, show him what to do, and instruct where exactly the roses need to be placed so that they have enough room to grow. He listens to me with furrowed brows, clearly concentrating. I have only seen him being so loud, so seeing him like this is rather odd. He is so silent, so serious as he focuses.
When he understands the assignment, we start working side by side.