“Mother? Is there something troubling you?” Nicholas asked from the entrance of the garden which Elizabeth designed. Alexander had build this special garden for her after she gave birth to Nicholas, a lie that she wanted to believe so badly.
The garden started with a stone arch with versatile vines hanging down. In the middle was a marble table with craved blooming lilies on the surface.
Purple anchusa formed a triangular shape around each seat surrounded the table. White roses filled the garden with its fragrance as it bloomed from the near by pond. At the side of the walkway are Bleeding Hearts. Even though many suggested removing the Bleeding Hearts since it had such an ominous name, Elizabeth insisted on keeping it. No one knows why, except for Elizabeth. To her, the lilies symbolized Elizabeth’s lost daughter and the mark on the lost princess’ back, a blooming lily. The Anchusa was known as forget me not; purple was a royal color, Elizabeth didn’t want to forget her baby girl, the meaning of Bleeding Heart was even more clear if you would understand the pain Elizabeth went though to keep herself alive by sacrificing her daughter.
“Mother? Are you okay?” Nicholas asked again.
“Yes, I’m fine; but I wish to be alone now.” Elizabeth faked a smile and dismissed Nicholas with a wave of her hand. The smile disappeared the moment Nickels was out of her sight.
“Your highness! May I have a word with you?” A strong male voice said from the magnificent hallway that led to Nicholas’ room.
“Sir Thomas! What do you wish to discuss with me? And let me remind you once again... It’s Nicholas to you, no more ‘your highness’!” Nicholas smiled as he saw his good friend Sir Thomas of Blackston. Sir Thomas’ father once fought in favor of King Alexander, so it was natural that their kids became friends.
“Yes, your high... I mean ‘Nicholas’. This is such a beautiful day, why lock yourself in! Can’t you smell the sweet odor of the blooming flowers?” Sir Thomas grinned. Knowing that grin, a slight smile appear at the cornered of Nicholas’ lips. He and Sir Thomas had sneak out the castle a few times; they called it ‘Understanding people’s life’.
“What do you say? It’s a waste if you decide to study.” Sir Thomas tempted.
“How dare you even suggest an idea like that! Royalties don’t meander on the streets!” Nicholas tried hard to hold back his laughter.
“Well?” Sir Thomas asked again; knowing Nicholas too well.
“Let me change then we can be on our way.” Nicholas replied then ran back to his room.
“So... what shall we do today?” Nicholas asked while pulling down his dark blue coat to cover his gold belt as they walked out the side gate of the castle.
“I hear this new play in the theater is excellent!” Sir Thomas suggested.
Before Nicholas could reply, a tall figure blocked their way.