Chapter 115: The new face.
At Salviana’s question about the garden, Jean glanced around, studying the bare soil, the freshly pruned hedges, and the emptiness that awaited Salviana’s touch. "It does, my lady. Though it seems it’s waiting for something... or someone."
Salviana’s smile deepened as she glanced down at her teacup. "It is. I have plans to bring it to life with flowers and herbs. It’s barren now, but in time, I think it will become a beautiful space."
Jean’s eyes sparkled with interest. "What sort of flowers do you envision here?"
"Oh, a variety," Salviana replied, a touch of excitement in her tone. "Roses, for their boldness. Lavender, for the calm it brings. Perhaps even wildflowers, to give it a bit of whimsy. I want it to be a garden that feels... free, you know? A place where one could forget for a moment that they’re within the castle walls."
Jean nodded thoughtfully, taking a sip of her tea. "It sounds like it will become a sanctuary—a place that speaks to who you are, my lady."
Salviana glanced down with a shy smile. "That’s the hope. It’s strange, though, to think that something so simple as a garden could mean so much." She looked out across the space, a bit of wistfulness in her eyes.
"But it’s always been the small things that give me peace—the wind, painting, looking at books, a patch of sunlight, a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon."
Jean tilted her head, observing the princess with admiration. "You appreciate life’s little beauties. I can see why His Grace admires you so."
Salviana’s cheeks flushed at the mention of Alaric, and she covered her reaction by lifting her teacup to her lips. After a small sip, she glanced back at Jean. "And what of you, Miss Goliath? Have you found such peace in your own life, or do you long for it?"