Surprisingly, the morning routine went better than expected. The maids handled you carefully and had done their best to give you a pleasant, long-lasting and natural scent. After that, you were given a simple dress. You figured the king was not going to be joining you for breakfast, which was a relief. Nicholas had been kind enough to escort you to the dining room and keep you company while you were eating.

"Nicholas," you called as you settled the utensils on the side of your plate, "is it possible for me to write letters to my friends?"

The butler gave you a questioning glance. "Well, His Majesty, the King had given me specific orders that I am to send him every letter you write. It's up to him if he will actually send it for you or burn it," he replied, standing up beside you. His hands gracefully lifted the plate, along with the utensils and glasses. "In addition, you're also prohibited to leave the castle grounds without permission or any form of supervision."

You frowned at his words. You had hoped to at least exchange letters with Eini, considering that she acted so recklessly. She didn't really think about the consequences of her actions. History had been altered enough as it is, and you weren't ready to take chances.

"Can you elaborate on that last thing you said?" you asked, now hoping to visit your friends.

"Of course. You will directly ask for his permission, which needs a valid reason. If he agrees, you will be sent off with at least one personal guard and Miss Huntington to protect and assist you. If you are to have a conversation with a person outside the palace, Miss Huntington will be listening in to be able to report to the king and make sure that you are not planning anything against him."

You slumped back on the chair, taken aback by Nicholas' words. "Are you serious?"

"Why, I don't think I seem like I'm joking at all," the butler chuckled.

"Well, [---]," you muttered.

"What was that?"

You looked at Nicholas, not the slightest bit bothered by your words. "What? Did he tell you to report every word that comes out of my mouth too?"

"Not at all, Madame," He smiled while slightly tilting his head to the side, "only the suspicious ones."

You let out an exasperated sigh. "Okay."

Nicholas stayed silent. He cleared the table with one of his gloved hands. He stared at your despondent demeanor and cleared his throat. "On the bright side, you're free to roam the castle without an escort. I suggest you visit the gardens. It's certainly a sight to see." He picked up the tray and balanced it with 5 of his fingers. He then took his leave through the back door. "I will see you at lunch, m'lady."

~*~

You inhaled the ardent scent of the garden. Arms stretched out from every direction, holding green plants that covered the garden. Roots grew into and out of the soil like snakes. Vines dangled and swayed from trees like nymphs playing in a forest. They crawled through the pebbles like snakes through bushes. Gold shone through the canopy and embellished your skin. Red blossoms were like jewels that adorned the whole place.

Step by step, you walked towards the heart of the yard. You arrived at a clearing. A fountain stood at the center, a seraphic statue guarding it. The clear water gushed forth from its scepter and continued down her bosom. You stared in awe at the figure who resembled a goddess more than it resembled an angel.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

You flicked to your right.

A seraphic face greeted you. The sun's tears directly hit her gleaming, brown eyes. Her rouge lips were curved into a grin, stretched up to her rosy, freckled cheeks. that complimented her ivory skin. Her long eyelashes curved out of her lid, gracefully dancing every time she blinks. A melodious giggle sounded from her lips. "Good morning, my lady," she said. Her mellifluous, treble voice soothed your body.

"Good morning, um..." you trailed off.

She let out a small squeak before curtsying. "It's Emily, my lady. Emily Jackson, at your service." She looked up and placed her hands on her chest. "I tend the garden."

"Oh. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance

"And what the [---] is a peasant doing here?" a snobbish voice lashed out from your right, and you already knew who it was.

You looked to the direction of the voice, a smile gracing your features. "Aurelia, what a pleasant surprise."

"Yes, indeed."

"Your grace!" Emily exclaimed, immediately bowing in front of Aurelia.

The brunette glared at the servant, evidently showing her status and prowess. However, she turned to you shortly after and gave you an unusual smile. "My, (Y/n), you look so miserable."

You rested on the fountain's edge. You were as calm as ever with no intention of letting Aurelia into your life. "Oh, but I'm not."

"Shush! Nonsense, my dear. I know a dissatisfied woman when I see one," she insisted. "Tell me now, (Y/n), has my dear cousin, His Majesty, the King, not been treating you well?"

Her words caught you by surprise.

"I thought so."

You looked up at the duchess.

"How pitiful are we women for the predicaments we must face with our men!" she whined, exaggerating her distress with a swoon. She immediately caught her composure back and took hold of your shoulders. "We don't have the freedom to choose for ourselves or to go about our day! It is hell! Absolute hell!"

You looked at her, stunned. "Uh, are you okay?"

Her lips puckered into a pout. She carried the fabrics that composed her skirt and ran a few steps from you. Reaching up to the sky with one arm, she exclaimed, "No, my dear (Y/n)! I wish to escape!"

"What do you mean by that?"

She turned around and lit up. "Let's leave the castle! I'll buy you new dresses, accessories and ball gowns galore!"

"Aurelia..." you trailed off, not knowing what to say. "I can't leave the castle— His Majesty, the King said so."

"Well, my dear (Y/n), you're in luck! I can persuade my cousin into anything!" she exclaimed. She took hold of your hands, her eyes gleaming at you with excitement. "Soooo? What do you say?"

You looked down, hesitant to answer. You wanted to go out. You wanted to see Xalvador and Eini again. You wished to run away with them where George couldn't get you. However, you didn't know if you should trust Aurelia. The two of you started at the wrong foot, and she did not seem like someone who would be fine with anything without a price.

"(Y/n), this is a one-time offer. Please accept." Aurelia pouted her bright red lips as she tried to coax you into giving in.

You bit your lip before nodding timidly.

"Ah! Brilliant! I'll go inform His Majesty, the King!" Aurelia dashed off into the pathway and back to the castle.

You softly sighed as you turned back to Emily, who had been standing in the background the whole time. "I'm sorry about that. Anyway, you tend the garden?"

"Yes, my lady. I am responsible for the life that surrounds you right now," she said softly. She twirled her dress with her hands clasped on her chest. "The beauty and grace of nature is truly amazing, isn't it?"

You giggled. "It is."

Emily let out a little hum as she twirled around the garden, running her hands through vines and caressing each flower. "Let's see here," she pondered. She continued to dance with grace as she plucked flowers and small branches from their respective plants. With a soft, dulcet voice, she whispered their names, "Pink roses... stargazer lilies... lilacs... white snapdragons... pink daisies... olive leaves..."

She rested beside you and arranged the flowers like an expert. She took the ribbon that held up the cloth on her hair. Her brown locks smoothly draped on her shoulders. The maid cap slid down her hair and was about to fall on the fountain when you caught it. Meanwhile, Emily lifted her hand and wrapped the ribbon around the bouquet, and gave it a small bow in the middle.

She looked up at you, eyes shining with happiness. "Here, my lady," she said as she handed you the flowers, "for you."

You blushed. You hesitantly took the bouquet in your hands and inhaled a whiff of it. "It- it smells nice, and looks so beautiful," you muttered, running your hands through the flowers' petals. You looked up at Emily and gave her a warm smile. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

You blinked. "Oh, but your cap," you said as you gave her the maid cap in your hands. "Isn't it required to have your maid cap on at all times? Won't you get scolded?"

"It's fine, my lady," she replied, taking the soft cloth from you, her fingers gently brushing against your skin.

You stared at her for a moment. A smile formed on your lips. "Okay. But let me make it up to you tomorrow."

"But—"

"No. Shush," you whispered as you took her hand in yours, "it's an order."

She looked down shyly. "Okay, my lady."

You both sat quietly on the fountain. The sun's rays danced around you both and reflected on your eyes. None of you uttered a word. But you would sometimes meet each other's eyes. Emily would show you a small smile and look away in embarrassment, and you'd just stare at her before looking away as well.

You turned your body that was facing Emily before, and just faced the entrance of the garden. Your hands were propped up from behind, supporting your weight. The bouquet was laid down beside you. Emily stared at your face for a few minutes.

"My lady?" she whispered softly.

You turned your head towards her with a smile.

It didn't take long for her to return it. "You look really beautiful, lady (Y/n), especially up close."

Your cheeks turned pink. "A-ah," you stuttered out, "thank you, Emily. That's very sweet of you."

You both stared at each other. It wasn't awkward or anything of the sort. It was just calm, and serene. The happiness you felt was genuine, and it warmed up your heart as if it was wrapped in a thick fluffy blanket amidst the winter. However, your dream was immediately interrupted by a shout.

"My lady!"

You turned you head towards the sound to find a servant catching his breath. He panted as he was squatting down, his hands on is knees. He tried his best to speak. "H-his Majesty...the King... he- he wishes... to speak with you..."

You were taken aback. "May I ask why?"

The servant shook his head and looked up at you with a concerned face. "F-forgive me, my lady... I do not- I do not know... but His Majesty, the King... he- he does not look pleased."

====[Author's Note]====Psycho: Hello! Wow, it has certainly been a while. Sorry. I made you guys wait so long. This is all I can muster up in my short time. I hope you guys understand if I update with shorter chapters from now on. Things have been really busy, heh. Anyway, question!

Is Emily a love interest?

Yes, siree! She is. :)

Psycho: Recently, I've been more open to the prospect of having a diversity in my characters' sexuality, so there you go! Emily! :) That's all for this chapter. Wash your hands, people! And stay at home as much as possible! We're all on quarantine, so I'll be doing my best to entertain you folks! Bye bye! :)