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GARDEN OF POISON
The escape plan(Chapter 16)
Anastasia used her hands to suppress the sneeze, while her back pressed against the pillar behind which she hid. To her relief, after two minutes, the Mother Queen and the minister left the abandoned place, and she quickly slipped out of this side of the palace.
Dodging two guards on her way, she returned to her room. During the remaining hours of the night, she slipped in and out of sleep, somewhere worried that she would sleepwalk again.
The following day, the Flores sisters met in one of the music rooms assigned to the courtesans to use. As today was Marianne's turn to use the room, the sisters met in the closed space while Anastasia had the task of cleaning it. But instead of the courtesan, Anastasia was the one to pluck and release the harp's strings.
Marianne softly hummed along with the music. On noticing Anastasia yawn, she said, "I think you should nap, Anna. I will wake you if I hear someone outside the room. You have yawned twelve times in the last five minutes."
"Sleep is for the privileged," Anastasia stopped playing the harp and brought her hand to cover her mouth. "More importantly, I wouldn't be able to spend time with you."
Marianne thoughtfully replied,
"To think there was a time when we used to spend every hour of the day with each other. Now we steal time for it. But something is better than nothing, isn't it?" She smiled, consoling Anastasia and herself with that thought.
Anastasia turned to look at the door and then turned to her sister, saying, "Lady Sophia's birthday celebration is in four days, and I was thinking… The celebration will last for three days and two nights. What better day to leave, when the entire kingdom will be busy with guests and entertaining each other?"
"Did you arrange the camels…?" Marianne asked, and Anastasia shook her head.
"I am hoping to arrange it during my next visit to the Bazaar. But I don't have the money to buy the camels," Anastasia said, biting her bottom lip. Noticing the look of worry on her sister's face, she smiled, "Don't worry, Mary. I will find a way out for us. We can leave on the first night of the celebration. Pack your things and be ready."
Marianne pursed her lips before nodding, "Okay."
The days were quick to pass in the Blackthorn Palace, where everyone was preparing for the grand celebration, ensuring every guest room was ready to be used. A day before the celebration, Anastasia was sent to the Bazaar with the other maids for a last-minute errand.
Anastasia was at one of the shops in the corner when she heard someone remark,
"Do you think these are pretty?"
Anastasia's eyes widened upon noticing Prince Aiden disguised as a commoner, as he examined a trinket in his hand from the shop. She tried hard not to bow, the way she and the other servants were taught to show respect to the members of the royal family.
Prince Aiden turned and offered a smile to Anastasia. He said, "I am glad that we got to meet again. I didn't see you around for the last few days, and wondered where you went."
Did this mean that the prince had no idea of her being a maid in the palace? Anastasia asked herself.
"It is good to see you too…" Anastasia carefully replied.
He said to her, "I am looking for something unique. A present for my mother, as it's her birthday tomorrow."
Wanting to test him, Anastasia said with a surprised look, "I heard that even King William's wife's birthday is tomorrow as well."
"Haha, it is a good coincidence, isn't it?" Prince Aiden turned slightly nervous, as if not wanting to be caught. He quickly switched the subject and said, "I realised that I don't know your name."
Anastasia didn't want to meddle with the royal family members, but it was hard to get rid of the prince when he had an earnest look, which reminded her of a small puppy that one of the princesses owned but was later killed.
"It is Tasia," Anastasia answered.
"Tasia? That's a pretty name." Juan nodded, looking over his shoulders for someone. He leaned towards her and whispered, "Why does it look like you are hiding something, Tasia?"
"I could ask you the same," Anastasia replied, turning her back to one of the royal maids walking by the shop, and looking through the metal jewellery. At the same time, a palace guard appeared, and Juan turned along with Anastasia. She had picked up a hairpin with only one butterfly wing and green stones on it. She asked, "How about this?"
"This is pretty! I wonder how I missed it."
Prince Aiden took a closer look at the hairpin with a grin, and he turned to the shopkeeper and said, "I will take this one." Being a prince he didn't inquire about the cost and handed fifty buckles to the shopkeeper. "Keep the change," he said, before slipping the hairpin into his pocket. He turned to Anastasia and asked, "Tasia, you found me a lovely gift. How can I repay you?"
"It is nothing. Anyone would have been able to help," Anastasia responded. Unable to resist, she bowed, before biting the inside of her cheek.
Prince Aiden didn't notice Anastasia's bow, as his eyes had fallen on the palace guard walking in the direction where he stood as the guard searched for him. He quickly caught Anastasia's hand and pulled her to a narrow alley that wasn't too far from where they had been standing.
Anastasia had not expected the prince to drag her to an alley, and the grip of his hand around her wrist was tight. He exclaimed,
"Phew! That was too close. I thought I almost got caught today," he laughed, looking in the direction they had come from, before realising what he had just said and done. He cleared his throat and explained, "I don't get along with the palace guards. We have bad blood between us, as I am not very fond of them." At the same time, feeling Anastasia's calloused hands, he remarked, "Your hands…"
Anastasia quickly pulled her hand away from his hold and said, "I should return… home now."
"Wait!" Prince Aiden stopped her. He quickly apologised and said, "Forgive me if I have upset you. It wasn't my intention. I really meant it when I said I would like to repay your kindness. Being a Blackt—black sheep, it is the least I can do."
The prince found this commoner woman interesting, ever since he had seen her hit the drunk man with a wooden ladle. He didn't know where she lived or who she was, because he couldn't get past the Bazaar without being followed and chased by the guards to return to the palace with them.
Anastasia stared at Prince Aiden as if he had given her the opportunity she had been waiting for. She carefully asked him, "Then… Can I borrow two camels?"
Prince Aiden blinked at her request. He then laughed, "The camels! How could I forget that! Let us have you ride a camel right away. Follow me!"
"Not now!" Anastasia replied, and he gave her a look. She said, "My sister… She's coming to town tomorrow evening. I would like to ride along with her…"
Prince Aiden pursed his lips and murmured, "But I will be busy tomorrow with my family." He then said to her, "I can ask my uncle to have two camels arranged for you and your sister to ride then."
Anastasia asked, "Really?"
"Mm," Prince Aiden nodded pridefully.
"Then perhaps you can ask your uncle to bring the camels near the end of this alley? I wouldn't want to draw any attention from my neighbours that we have two camels," Anastasia requested, her eyes filled with hope.
"I will have the best camels arranged here so that you and your sister can enjoy the ride. Riding when the sun sets and no one can see you, yes?" Prince Aiden asked naively, without suspecting her true intentions. "I can relate to you. This is why we are friends. Not to mention, you and I share a secret."
Friends? Anastasia wasn't sure about it, but she offered a nervous smile.
Anastasia didn't know if Prince Aiden, who was now disguised as a commoner, would keep his word. He could forget or get busy. But she hoped that tomorrow night when she would arrive at this alley with her sister, the camels would be here.
"Thank you, Juan," Anastasia offered a deep bow. She wouldn't see him here after tomorrow night. "I will forever be indebted to your generosity and will never forget it in my life. I hope God blesses you with what you want."
Prince Aiden smiled at her words, his eyes reflecting the same emotions as hers, and he replied, "I hope you enjoy your evening ride with your sister tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you here again in the Bazaar."
Anastasia watched the prince leave the alley and disappear from her sight.
________
GARDEN OF POISON
Words behind the bush (Chapter 17)
The day of Lady Sophia Blackthorn's grand birthday celebration had finally arrived.
Guests of high and respectable status began to pour into the kingdom from faraway lands and also from Versailles.
At the back side of the royal palace, carriages lined up after dropping their owners at the front of the palace entrance. Mr. Gilbert was in charge of attending to all the guests, and at that moment he was giving orders to the servants about carrying the luggage to the guest rooms.
Anastasia stood next to Theresa with a few other maids behind them, paying attention to Mr. Gilbert, as it was their turn.
"Take Mr. and Mrs. Lumbard's trunks to the first floor, third room on the right. Their daughter, Miss Amara's room has been assigned on the second floor, three rooms from… "Mr. Gilbert took a closer look to see if the name was written correctly before he finished his sentence, "from Prince Dante's room."
The Mother Queen and Lady Sophia were the ones who had allotted the rooms for the guests. The rooms were assigned according to the relationship the guests had with the Blackthorns, as well as the benefits that could be exchanged between them.
Mr. Gilbert already knew about it, which is why the expression on his face didn't change. Looking at Anastasia and Theresa, he ordered, "See to it that two flowers are placed on the pillow." He dismissed them, moving to the next guest's trunks.
Anastasia and Theresa walked in front of the four male servants, who carried Miss Amara's trunks. This was one of the few times when the lowly maids were allowed to step closer to the heart of the palace. When they reached the front of Miss Amara's room, Anastasia lightly knocked on the door.
"Miss Amara, your luggage has arrived," Theresa announced.
"Come in," someone from the other side of the door gave permission.
Upon entering, the male servants placed the trunks on one side of the room and excused themselves from there.
"You should wear the blue gown tonight, Amara. It will go well with your grey eyes, and first impressions are everything, as you will be meeting the King and the Mother Queen tonight," Mrs. Lumbard advised her daughter, while Anastasia and Theresa opened the trunks and began folding the clothes and placing them in the room's cupboards.
Anastasia couldn't help but take a quick glance at Mrs. Lumbard's daughter, Amara. She looked like an angel with her sweetheart face, thin lips which were tinted pink, and her skin appeared smooth and soft. Her dark blonde hair was combed to the side and loosely braided to rest on her shoulder.
Mrs. Lumbard picked up the blue gown and held it in front of her daughter's body. She said, "Prince Aiden is too young for you, and from what I have gathered, he isn't interested in sitting on the throne. But on the other hand, Prince Dante is the eldest prince."
"Then I guess I should get close to Prince Dante?" Amara offered a sweet smile. She was no more than nineteen years old.
This wasn't anything new to Anastasia, as she had seen plenty of parents ready to marry their children to the princes and princesses for their own benefit.
"You there," Amara called Anastasia, who had walked towards the bed and was placing two flowers on it. "Where is Prince Dante's room?"
Anastasia wished to tell the young lady that whatever she was thinking, it was a bad idea. Approaching Dante was nothing less than trying to enter a lion's den and trying to pet it with the hopes of taming it. Anyone who worked in the palace knew that this lion was untameable.
But Anastasia also knew that most of the young ladies didn't like to be advised. At least, not by a maid. She raised her hand towards the door before pointing it in the right direction.
"What?" Mrs. Lumbard questioned, not understanding what the maid meant.
"Forgive me, milady, but she cannot speak," Theresa apologised with a bow for speaking out of turn. "Prince Dante's room is on this very floor. It is three rooms to the right."
"Looks like even Heaven is trying to match you both, Amara," Mrs. Lumbard smiled, before praying, "I hope by the end of the celebration we can have you both married."
Once Anastasia and Theresa finished placing all the items in the cupboards, they excused themselves and stepped out of the room.
When they had crossed one corridor, Theresa muttered, "Seems like the matchmaking season has begun. There will be at least one royal wedding." Noticing Anastasia take a different turn, the woman asked, "Where are we going? The way to the first floor is the other way."
Anastasia replied, "I need to give Mary something."
Theresa looked behind them as they walked and asked, "Are you sure that the camels will be waiting for both of you? What if the man fails to fulfil his promise?"
"Hopefully he doesn't fail."
Since Anastasia had woken up, a ball of nervousness had come to settle in her stomach and she was anxious. After all, what she was going to do, no one would even think of attempting to do, after what had happened recently to one of the late courtesans. She said in a low voice, "If he fails to keep his promise, we will return to the palace. The palace gates will be open tonight and tomorrow because of the celebration. It is our best chance."
Theresa was unaware that it was Prince Aiden who was lending the camels, as Anastasia had not mentioned it, knowing the stress it could put the older woman in.
"I will cover for you until midnight. Until I know for sure that you have escaped from here, so that no one is suspicious and follows you," Theresa knew how much Anastasia had longed to leave Versailles to return to her home. But at the same time, she was worried about the Flores sisters being caught and punished.
When they came upon the courtesans coming from the other side of the corridor, who were laughing and having a good time as if looking forward to the evening celebration, Anastasia and Marianne's eyes met. As they passed each other, Anastasia slipped a small folded piece of paper into Marianne's hand and continued to walk without stopping for even a moment.
Marianne purposely fell behind the other courtesans to read the little paper. The note read—
'Our ride is arranged. We shall meet before the gates of the palace at sunset.'
A smile graced Marianne's lips, and she murmured, "Of course you did." Over the years, if there was one thing she had understood, it was that her sister never gave up.
"Marianne, are you coming?" One of the young courtesans turned back and asked her.
"Yes." Marianne quickly crumpled the paper and slipped it inside her dress pocket.
"Did you get lost in your thoughts? Thinking about Prince Maxwell?" The courtesan teased her.
Marianne only smiled before her lips fell as she realised something.
As the evening approached, Anastasia was ready with her small cloth bag, which held a spare dress and a water bag. She and Theresa were in her room when the older woman picked up her hand and placed something cold in it.
"Take this. You will need it for your journey."
When Anastasia looked down at her palm, she saw coins. There were a total of fourteen buckles of coins. She looked up and shook her head, "I can't take them, auntie."
"Hush now, child. I have no use for them here. But you, you will need it. Trust me," Theresa covered up the coins by pushing Anastasia's fingers.
Anastasia didn't know how to repay the woman's kindness, and she put her hands around Theresa. She whispered, "Thank you for everything you have done. I will never forget it."
Theresa smiled, patting Anastasia's back before she said, "Hurry now. The sun will be setting soon, and you cannot afford to be late. Please be extremely careful. If the guards stop you, use a guest's name to slip in or out of the palace today. They won't suspect you."
Anastasia could feel her nerves jittering. She said, "If we get caught… you don't know anything about it. Okay?"
Theresa nodded, and her breath shuddered. She replied, "I remember… Good luck, Anna. I will miss you."
"Me too…"
On stepping outside the room, Anastasia watched Theresa walk in the direction that led further inside the palace to continue her work. Taking a deep breath, she finally began to make her way out the back side of the castle.
With every step she took to leave the palace, her heart beat so loudly that she could hear it drumming in her ears. She entered the kitchen to make use of the back side door. Her eyes and ears were on alert, and though everyone was busy preparing for the upcoming feast, she felt as if they knew what she was up to.
The head cook, on noticing Anastasia in the kitchen, called her,
"Anastasia, if you have no other task to do in the inner palace, we need help here."
Anastasia dropped the bag behind a counter. She raised her hands and moved them to respond,
'Forgive me, but one of the guests wants flowers from the garden. For her hair,' she pointed her finger to her hair.
"Oh, well then, go on! We don't want the lady to be left waiting," the head cook said, shooing her with his hand.
When no one was looking, Anastasia picked up the bag and finally stepped out. Though there were candles and torches lit around the place where she walked now, she went unnoticed. All she had to do was act normal.
Finally, they were going to leave Versailles… and the thought roused nervousness in her because she knew she and her sister still had to cross the initial white pillar gates. Walking through the path of the garden, she tiptoed, feeling the tension rise in her body.
On seeing Marianne standing at the side, waiting for her, Anastasia smiled. She quickly made her way to where her sister stood.
A worried Marianne said in a hushed voice, "I am glad that you are here, Anna! I was worried that someone would catch you."
"Mr. Gilbert and the senior maids are busy. There is no way they would pay attention to me," Anastasia replied, and then turned to look at the guards who stood next to the wide-open gates, where the carriages and other people passed through. On noticing many people heading towards the gate, she said, "Now is our time. Come."
But when Anastasia took a step forward, Marianne caught hold of her hand. The elder daughter of the Flores family said, "Anna…I cannot."
"What do you mean?" Anastasia's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Marianne pulled her sister behind a large bush, hiding out of people's sight. She softly replied, a little ashamed, "I don't want to leave Versailles or the palace."
"Why?" Anastasia asked, not expecting her sister to change her mind. "I thought you wanted to go home..."
Marianne's eyes lowered halfway in shame, and she answered, "I did want to go home… but that was in the past. This is my life now, Anna… I know it can be hard to understand, but I am a courtesan. A woman who has been touched by and has spread her legs for many men."
"That doesn't define you, Mary," Anastasia whispered. She pursed her lips and said, "We won't tell anyone about the life we have lived here until n—"
"I am tainted," Marianne replied. "Do not confuse it with the idea that I don't want to leave because of the so-called luxuries that the palace offers. I have sold my soul and body, and there is no return for me. Also, someone came along… and he offered to marry me, because he loves me. It doesn't happen often to courtesans, you know that." She held Anastasia's frozen hands and said, "I won't stop you, Anna. Because I know how much you have wanted to go home."
Anastasia became sad, because she had promised to leave this place with her sister. She replied. She asked, "Who is this man? Who promised to marry you? Is it Prince Maxwell?"
A slight blush appeared on Marianne's cheeks, and she nodded. She said, "You cannot tell anyone. It is still a secret." Noticing Anastasia's stare, she asked, "What is it?"
Not knowing how else to frame her words with the little time they had, Anastasia said, "I do not mean to discourage you Mary, but what if he is lying?"
"He said I was different. That he's never felt this way with anyone before," Marianne's eyes held hope.
As much as Anastasia wanted to be happy for her sister, she was heartbroken at the thought of leaving her behind. After years of waiting, the opportunity to leave stood right in front of them, just beyond these gates.
Closing her eyes to gather her thoughts, Anastasia asked, "Why didn't you tell me until now? That you didn't want to go home?"
Marianne offered a sad smile and replied, "I—I have wanted to tell you about it for a while, but it was hard… when you were so excited. And I didn't want you to change your mind for me. This life chose me, and I cannot change what has happened… all these years."
"You are young, Mary. You are beautiful, kind, educated and… I am not sure if Maxwell is right for you. You deserve to be seen, and not hidden…"
"Like some dirty secret?" Marianne completed the sentence that Anastasia had trouble finishing. "I know it feels and looks like that, but he's the only one who has cared enough for me, apart from you and Theresa."
Anastasia noticed how her sister was deeply in love with Prince Maxwell. Something told her that even if Prince Maxwell was not in the picture right now, Marianne would have still refused to come.
Marianne had always tried to protect her younger sister. She was happy that Anastasia was a servant and had never been turned into a courtesan. She continued,
"The closer you move to the heart of the inner palace, the more pain it will cause you. Leave now, Anna. I couldn't help myself, but you still can." She took out a pouch from her dress pocket and handed it to Anastasia, "Here is a necklace and a hairpin. Sell them and you will have enough buckles."
Anastasia's thoughts had become disoriented as she tried to process the situation. They had already begun walking towards the pillared gates when she caught her sister's hand to stop walking and stated,
"I cannot leave you behind, Mary." Anastasia turned to meet her sister's eyes and said, "I have spent many years here. A little longer won't hurt… until I know you are married."
_______
GARDEN OF POISON
Butterfly out of cocoon(Chapter 18)
As Anastasia and Marianne started to walk away, a part of Anastasia wanted to cross the pillar gates of the palace and leave behind the tall walls enclosing the towns of Versailles.
But she knew Marianne needed her as much as she needed her elder sister, and leaving her behind was not an option. She didn't judge her sister's life and knew she was forced to do something she had grown comfortable with.
When Marianne's footsteps slowed, Anastasia stopped walking and asked, "What's the matter, Mary?"
"I wanted to apologise to you… I am sorry," Marianne's expression looked guilty, and it didn't sit well with Anastasia.
Anastasia raised her hand and bonked it on Marianne's head. She said, "You have nothing to apologise for, not to me."
She knew things were different for her elder sister, even though she didn't say what she had to experience when her courtesan life began. She also understood that the people of the palace and its atmosphere had affected her sister, as it did to others. By nature, Marianne was softer, more obedient, and out of the two of them, Anastasia knew that Marianne was more naive than her.
Taking hold of Marianne's hand, Anastasia said, "You have protected me, and I shall protect you. Isn't that how it goes?" She offered a smile at the end.
Marianne's eyes moistened, and she nodded, saying, "Because we are sisters, and you are my other half in blood," repeating what Anastasia often told her.
"That's right," Anastasia smiled, squeezing Marianne's hands.
"It feels like you are the elder sister, Anna," Marianne stated, and she finally smiled. She didn't know what she would have done without her younger sister's presence in her life. Then, as if thinking of an idea, she said, "Come with me."
"Where?" Anastasia asked, with a question in her eyes.
"You said Theresa is covering for you until midnight, which means you are free until tomorrow morning. No one will come looking for you," Marianne caught hold of Anastasia's hand, and pulled her along before they entered the palace.
When they reached the Paradise Tower, Anastasia stood at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for Marianne to return. A few minutes later, her sister finally reappeared with two bags in her hands. Anastasia took one of the bags from her.
"The palace library is not being used right now, let us go there," Marianne said, turning back to make sure no one was following them.
"I don't think this is a good idea, Mary. You are braver than I thought," Anastasia said, while following Marianne in the corridor.
"It is just for one night, and no one will know that you were at the celebration. This way, you will also see Prince Maxwell and me together. There will be good food, and music," Marianne replied with a smile before adding, "I never got to doll you up since we left home… it will be a good change, no?"
Once they reached the vast library, which was built in a circular fashion, they made their way to the floor above, where there was a spare room. Anastasia helped her sister get ready first. Marianne's lilac dress had half-sleeves that were cut to reveal her arms.
Every time the sisters heard a distant noise, they stopped what they were doing and listened to it until it could no longer be heard.
Once Marianne was ready, Anastasia warmly said, "You are the most beautiful woman in the palace."
"Surely there are many other women who are prettier. You are partial to me because you are my sister," Marianne responded, while pinning the two little braids of her hair over the crown of her head. The ends of her straight hair were pinned to form a neat bun.
"That may be true," Anastasia smiled.
"Now it is time for you to get ready," Marianne said, turning to her sister, who looked apprehensive.
"Don't you think someone will realise that there's an extra courtesan in the tower, which neither Madam Minerva nor the Vizier know about?" Anastasia asked, when Marianne pulled a dark green gown from the second bag.
"Who said you are attending the celebration as a courtesan?" Marianne asked, and then explained in a hushed voice, "This gown has never been worn before. It was a gift from some minister to one of the old courtesans who passed away long ago. Some of the things are stuffed in the storage room, and I found it by chance. You will be a guest today, Anna."
"A guest…" Anastasia murmured.
"Wear it!" Marianne urged her.
Anastasia slipped into a long thin beige petticoat before stepping into the half-transparent dark green gown made of silk, which revealed the beige petticoat underneath it. The sleeves of the gown were long and covered her arms to her wrists. There were two folds on each side of her waist, which showed the dip and curve of her waist. There were intricate gold geometrical designs imprinted on the skirt.
"I don't think I have felt my back in a while," Anastasia remarked on feeling the air touch her bare back. She then said, "I feel nervous," unsure if she should wear an expensive-looking gown like this one.
"You weren't nervous earlier about being caught by the guards?" Marianne raised her eyebrows as she wrapped a thin dark green belt made of silk around and above Anastasia's waist to reduce the depth of the back of her dress, before pinning it.
"That was different. It was with the knowledge that I would be far away from the guards and the royal family members. Not meeting them instead," Anastasia answered, looking down at her dress.
Marianne untangled Anastasia's hair, which was usually in a braid, and it had made her hair even more wavy. After she finished styling her hair, the courtesan, who was experienced in using makeup that was provided to her and the other courtesans, painted Anastasia's lips for the first time.
Anastasia asked, "What if someone finds out who I am?"
But Marianne was busy staring at her sister and said, "Oh, sister. I don't know if I should be worried now or not…"
"So you do agree that someone might catch me," Anastasia remarked, feeling a slight dread.
But her elder sister shook her head, "It isn't that." Marianne then smiled and said, "You are beautiful. I worry if Madame Minerva finds out, she will take you to be a courtesan." As much as Marianne wanted Anastasia to enjoy this night, she didn't want her younger sister to go through the sufferings of what she went through, no matter how strong she was. "Today you can speak as much as you want with anyone. One last thing."
"Mm?" Anastasia asked, carefully touching her pinned hair, while feeling pieces of her hair hanging on the sides of her face. She saw Marianne pick up a thin transparent golden veil with two golden hooks at the ends to fix on the ear.
"I believe no one will know you are a palace maid, but if it still worries you, here," Marianne said as she fixed the veil on Anastasia. "I will be going ahead. Don't forget that the celebration is taking place at the main hall that lies near the centre garden." She kissed her sister's cheek before leaving the library.
Anastasia turned to look at the clock that was on the floor below, and she noticed there was still a good half hour before the celebration would begin. Bending down, she put on the shoes that belonged to her elder sister. As they were of the same size, Marianne's golden shoes fit her perfectly.
When she stood up, she almost stumbled and lost her balance for a moment.
"Woah!" She caught the chair beside her for balance and said, "Feels like someone pulled the carpet under my feet."
Anastasia straightened her body and took a deep breath, "That wasn't hard...Now I need to hold my head high and fit in."
Descending the stairs, she finally left the library and made her way towards the main hall.
On the other side of the palace, the Mother Queen, Ginger Blackthorn, walked proudly as she left her room. She wore ruby earrings, and they matched her hair and her fiery dress. The crown on her head felt slightly loose, but instead of fixing it with her hand, she raised her chin to balance it, and a smile spread on her lips.
The two maids who followed the Mother Queen noticed the smile on the older woman's face and wondered what it was about.
"Did everyone arrive at the main hall?" the Mother Queen questioned, while she walked at the front.
"I heard King William and Lady Sophia have already made their way twenty minutes ago. Though not all the princes and princesses have arrived," the maid on her left replied.
The Mother Queen softly huffed, "It looks like my grandchildren are trying to compete with me when it comes to the grand entrance." Her lips set themselves in a thin line before she paused and asked, "Where is the gift that Aziel brought yesterday?"
"I will go bring it right away, my Queen!" The maid offered a deep bow.
"And you," the Mother Queen said to the other maid. "Bring my staff and coat. The one with the bear fur. It would be a pity if I died today when there's so much I need to do."
The two maids walked as quickly as their feet allowed without running, as that would result in no meals being provided to them as a form of punishment.
The Mother Queen heard the receding footsteps of the maids and then murmured to herself, "I suppose a little stroll should be fine. It's not like they are going to start the celebration without my presence, hmph. The later, the better," she hummed before taking another corridor.
But as the Mother Queen walked in the quiet corridor all by herself, when she looked down at her dress, her crown slipped. To catch it, she bent down, but when she tried to reach it, a muscle in her back pulled, making it hard for her to stand upright again.
"Ow! My old back!" The Mother Queen winced.
Anastasia, who was trying to make her way towards the main hall, had stepped into a corridor when her eyes fell on someone.
"Ah…!" The woman groaned in pain, and when Anastasia got closer, she noticed it was the Mother Queen. "This damn back!" She heard the elderly woman curse.
Anastasia wondered if she should turn around and bolt from there, but it seemed like the woman was in pain, and no one else was around. She quickly walked to where the Mother Queen was and said,
"This might hurt, but please bear with it."
The Mother Queen's eyes widened on feeling the woman place one hand on her shoulder and another on her waist. She asked in alarm, "What are you doing?!"
"I will be quick," Anastasia said, pulling the Mother Queen back upright while hearing her complain,
"My broken back! Oh..." the Mother Queen placed her hand on her back, relieved now, and said, "I do feel much better now!" She turned to the person who had saved her from further pain.
Anastasia picked up the crown, offering it back to the queen, "My Queen. Forgive me for not informing you before stepping close to you."
"Raise your head, child," the Mother Queen ordered, taking the crown back and placing it on her head. Her eyes fell on the young woman, and the sight pleased her. Even with the veil on her face, the older woman could tell she was beautiful. She said, "If it weren't for you, I would have been stuck there for some time."
Anastasia politely replied, "I was fortunate enough to be passing by when I saw you. I am happy to be of your service."
The Mother Queen smiled after taking a glance at the young woman's fingers, which had no rings on them. At the same time, footsteps could be heard. It was the Mother Queen's minister, who had come looking for her,
"My Queen!" At this, the older woman briefly turned away from Anastasia to look in the direction of her minister, Aziel. "Are you alright?"
"I was talking to this young woman here, who helped me with…" The Mother Queen noticed her minister looking confused, and when she turned to look, the woman had disappeared. "Huh? Where did she go?"
"Who, milady?" Aziel asked, looking at the empty corridor ahead of them.
The Mother Queen stared into the corridor and then turned to her minister. She stated, "It seems like this year is a promising one, Aziel."
It seemed like the Mother Queen was busy matchmaking for her grandchildren, the minister thought to himself.
_________
GARDEN OF POISON
End of the dark passage (Chapter 19)
Anastasia stood behind the wall of the next corridor so that she could avoid the Mother Queen questioning her. Earlier, when she found the older woman struggling to stand, she couldn't get herself to walk away and felt compelled to help.
Placing her hand on the wall for support, Anastasia leaned to take a look at the Mother Queen and the minister walking away in the other direction. She heaved a sigh of relief.
"That was close," she said, pressing her hand on the wall, ready to head towards the main hall when a brick moved back, a part of the wall next to her opened like a door. "A hidden passage?"
Anastasia looked left and right before staring at the narrow passage that invited her. Curious, she stepped inside, and when she began to walk, she heard the wall automatically close behind her.
The hem of her green gown brushed the ground behind her as she walked through the passage for a little while, before catching sight of the light at the end which was blocked by creepers. Pushing them away, she stepped outside and noticed it was a balcony.
Anastasia stared at the sight as she murmured, "To think I have spent eight years here without knowing the existence of this place."
The walls and the arch of the balcony had green creepers running on them with little red flowers that gave off a sweet fragrance surrounding it. But it was the view of the sea that shone under the moonlight that captured her attention.
The cold wind greeted her as she walked towards the short railings, and she had to mind her steps. Wondering if the royal family had ships or boats at the bottom, a curious Anastasia craned her neck to look below.
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"Lean any closer, and you will see the water closer than you want to," a voice spoke behind her.
Startled by the sudden voice against the silence that had accompanied her until now, she turned on her heels. Her eyes fell on Prince Dante.
"…!" One of her feet moved backwards, and she felt a hitch in her breath when she felt she was about to fall over the railing, when Dante grabbed her.
Anastasia gasped, feeling her heart slip from her ribcage. Her body was no longer leaning towards the sea, as Dante had grabbed her by the waist.
Anastasia noticed how the breeze on the balcony gently moved his dark hair in front of one of his eyes, the eyes that now intently stared at her. He wore a blue shirt that had a circular collar with intricate gold designs that moved down the buttons of his sh— Her throat felt dry when she noticed her hands resting on his chest. She wanted to move, but she felt his firm hold that had prevented her from falling.
"I didn't mean to lean that far," Anastasia whispered, her brown eyes still wide in surprise.
"Surely, you didn't," Dante responded, his eyes slightly narrowing at the young woman standing before him.
He had come to the place to get some fresh air when he caught sight of the female guest leaning over the railings. The balcony was secluded, which is why he hadn't expected anyone to be here at this hour.
The prince's stare wasn't absent from glare; it was another matter that it was how he mostly looked at people. Did he recognise her? Clearing her throat, Anastasia parted her lips,
"Thank you for helping me…"
Dante's eyes fell on her full, pink lips as they moved beneath the veil. Her voice reminded him of the sweet berries at the beginning of summer.
Anastasia finally felt Dante release her waist and was about to step away from the prince to maintain distance when he did it himself. He stated,
"You will miss the commencement of the celebration if you don't hurry to the main hall."
At the same time, Anastasia watched him step away from her and move closer to the rails. He started to watch the scenery ahead of him.
Anastasia nodded even though he didn't pay attention or look at her. She turned when the little belt around her waist loosened, and she caught hold of it and whispered, "Oh no..!"
Moving to the side, Anastasia started to wrap the belt around her waist, trying to push the straight pins, but the position wasn't right, so she fiddled with it.
On the other hand, Dante had come here for some time alone before going to the main hall. But the woman on the balcony fiddled with her dress belt. His eyes moved away from the sea and fell back on her.
The breeze on the balcony moved the thin veil that tried to cover part of her face, revealing her delicate face beneath it. Her dark, wavy brown hair was let down, cascading over her shoulders and back. A half-crown braid ran over the top of her head, which had three shiny pins fixed at the side.
A sigh escaped from Dante's lips, and he said, "I will send a maid to attend you."
"No!" Anastasia quickly exclaimed, not wanting any maids to recognise her. The probability of lower servants recognising her was higher than that of people of high status, as they had never paid any attention to her. Raking through her mind, she politely said, "It would put me in a difficult position if my family knew I was here, away from the main hall. They want me to meet suitors, but I have no intention to. Please… Prince Dante."
On hearing his name roll out of the young woman's lips, Dante's eyes narrowed. He wondered if this woman had purposefully called his name in such a tone, and if she was trained in the art of seduction because every word was a tickle to his senses. Those were also the kinds of women he despised deep down in his bones.
Anastasia offered him a bow before returning to fix the belt, this time not bothered if it was sitting right. All she wanted to do was bolt from here.
"Who are your parents?"
Her hands stopped what they were doing, and she looked up at the prince. She answered, "Mr. and Mrs. Flores."
Flores? Dante hadn't heard that last name and wondered if she was Lady Sophia's guest. He questioned again, "What's your name?"
Anastasia turned nervous with his questions. After all, they did cross paths closely twice, and he was angry both times. Instead of giving her name, she asked wide-eyed, "Why?" Five seconds later, it dawned on her that instead of answering, she was questioning the Blackthorn prince; she quickly gave a part of her name and bowed, "Tasia. It is Tasia."
Dante noted how young women, who were often quick to reveal their names and get near to him, was for once seeing someone who didn't give it right away. But then the woman mentioned stalling meetings with the possible suitors. He tilted his head to the side while watching her and tested her name,
"Miss Tasia."
"Yes?" An anxious Anastasia replied, dropping her hands back to her side.
As a maid, Anastasia was so used to lowering her eyes in front of the royal members, that she tried hard not to look away from Dante's piercing gaze as if he were reading her.
"I believe you know your way to the main hall and won't try to take another look at the water below," Dante remarked as he walked and exited from there through the door, not the narrow passage she had used.
___________
GARDEN OF POISON
Evening celebration in the palace(Chapter 20)
On watching Prince Dante leave the balcony, Anastasia brought her hand to her chest and gently patted her beating heart. She breathed the words,
"Quiet now."
Anastasia didn't know why, but her heart didn't calm down for several minutes, and only after that did she leave the balcony in the same direction as the one the prince had disappeared to.
Upon reaching the main hall, her eyes fell on the many pillars that stood away from each other to form a circle. Thin golden curtains hung from the ceiling, which were fastened to the pillars to create a wall-like appearance.
"… to be blessed with such a loving family, subjects," Anastasia heard the loud and authoritative voice that belonged to King William. Passing the curtains, she stood at the back along with the other guests. At the centre of the room stood King William and his wife. He addressed her, "My dear Sophia, I wish you a happy birthday and on the same occasion, I have a present that might please you." He waved his hand for a minister who held a box in his hands.
All the guests, including Anastasia, as well as the other members of the Blackthorn family, who stood not far from the King and Lady Sophia, watched the minister step forward.
When the box was opened, and King William picked up the gift inside it, there was a murmur of appreciation around the hall when their eyes fell on the delicate golden crown with ruby stones.
"Is that a high crown?" Someone near Anastasia asked in a whisper.
"I thought only two crowns existed of that size until now," another person whispered. One was worn by the King and the other by the Mother Queen. "This one looks more than an inch or two higher, so it must be significant."
King William's words were proud as he said, "This crown was specially made for Lady Sophia as my lawfully wedded wife. I want to elevate her to a higher status as she has given birth to the heir who will lead Versailles."
Lady Sophia was more than impressed by her husband's words, and soon her thin crown of an inch was replaced by the three-inch crown. She murmured with a smile, "I never expected this gift, my King."
Slow and soft music began to play from one corner of the room, under the light of the chandelier candles hanging from the ceiling.
And while Lady Sophia, her two children, and the King were pleased, some members of the Blackthorn family had tight smiles, while a few faces were expressionless. It was because Lady Sophia's position was elevated to Queen Sophia, and she was no longer the same status as the other three women who had children with her husband. And with status came power.
King William then said, "Everyone can now enjoy the celebration!"
Some of the guests were quick to go to where the King and Queen stood to congratulate them and wish both of them a long life. The princes and princesses were the first ones to offer their wishes.
"How dramatic," the Mother Queen remarked when she noticed her son's two concubines leaving the main hall, as they were upset with the King's actions. "I should be the one who gets to be dramatic for not knowing about it," her lips setting in a thin line, while Dante accompanied her.
To Dante, his father's actions didn't come as a surprise. Since he had been unable to trigger his Crux, he and his mother had become unfavourable in his father's eyes.
The Mother Queen wasn't pleased that her son had not uttered a word about it and was changing traditions. She asked Dante, "How is your mother? I didn't find the opportunity to visit her."
"She's been doing better than yesterday. The physician's medicine is working well," Dante answered. It had been three days since Lady Lucretia had fallen sick and was resting in her room this evening.
"I am glad to hear that," the Mother Queen replied before they finally reached where the King and the Queen stood. "Happy birthday, Sophia," she wished her daughter-in-law.
"Happy birthday, Queen Sophia," Dante wished his father's wife, who raised her hand forward, and he kissed the back of her hand.
"Thank you," Queen Sophia smiled in pure joy, knowing that her and her children's future was secured.
"Queen Sophia," The Lumbard family came forward and wished, "Congratulations and happy birthday!"
"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Lumbard. Welcome to Versailles," Queen Sophia welcomed them. Her eyes then fell on their daughter, "You must be Amara. You look like a doll."
Amara had worn a blue gown as her mother had advised her. To cover the lower half of her face, she had worn a golden long tassel veil mask. She offered a deep bow to show her appreciation.
"Indeed, she has grown up," King William nodded and turned to Dante, "Isn't she beautiful?" His wife had already mentioned the hope of a potential alliance between Dante and the Lumbards, who were close relatives to one of the Kings in the East.
Amara hadn't been able to take her eyes off Prince Dante since she had caught sight of him. She was instantly smitten, and couldn't wait to gain his favour.
"Maybe if she chose another colour."
The young woman's face fell instantly on hearing Dante's words. Queen Sophia softly laughed and said, "Dante likes to joke."
"Joke by handing out the truth. My grandson is very honest with his words," the Mother Queen nodded, only to receive a look from Queen Sophia.
Amara fixed her fallen face and asked, "Prince Dante, if I may ask, what colour do you think would suit me?" Even though she was a young lady, she was raised to be able to handle such situations and move on gracefully.
But Amara had never met anyone like Prince Dante before, and he deadpanned,
"I would have chosen one if it existed, Lady Amara. Excuse me, I have to talk to the Vizier about something," offering a slight bow, he left.
King William laughed, and so did Queen Sophia with a little nervousness. The King said, "Don't mind Dante's words. Unlike his two brothers, he has spent most of his time on the battlefield or planning it, rather than learning how to speak to a beautiful lady like you, Amara."
Amara smiled softly, "I can understand, my King. I don't feel offended by the prince's words." She turned to look at where Prince Dante was, who was now talking to the Vizier.
Once the King and the Lumbards had left their side, Queen Sophia tried to keep her tone as polite as possible when she asked, "Mother Queen, may I know what that was?"
The older woman tucked a piece of red hair behind her ear, and with a look of obliviousness, asked, "What? Oh, you mean the Lumbards daughter? Yes, I decided not to go with her."
Queen Sophia pursed her lips before saying, "The marriage alliance with the Lumbard family will be beneficial. It will be good for Versailles, and the King agrees to it. The Lumbards agreed to come this far to cement the relationship."
The Mother Queen stopped a servant walking nearby with a tray of glasses and took one from him. She finally replied, "How unfortunate, as I found another suitable lady. I will let you know once I find her," she took a sip and walked away from her, leaving her daughter-in-law with a gobsmacked expression.
On the other side of the main hall, where the celebration continued, the curious eyes of the men and women followed Anastasia. Most of the young women attending the celebration had chosen to wear soft colours to make them look innocent and mild in nature.
But the green gown that Anastasia wore stood out from the rest, while the veil that covered the lower half of her face raised questions of who she was and where she had come from.
Having never been stared at this much, Anastasia wanted to cave in and leave. But she had come here to see her sister. When she caught sight of Marianne and Maxwell, she moved a little closer. Her sister looked happy, and the prince seemed to be giving her all his attention.
"Milady, would you like to drink something?" A servant asked her.
Anastasia had worked with the servant before, and she quickly took the glass from the tray, "Thank you." But when the servant didn't recognise her, she felt relieved.
Taking a sip from the glass, Anastasia took another step closer behind where Marianne was; she heard Prince Maxwell say to her sister,
"I think the crown will look beautiful on your head."
"I would not dare to dream of it," Marianne shook her head and pointed out, "Your glass is empty. Let me get you another one."
Prince Maxwell caught Marianne's hand to stop her from leaving and said, "You don't have to. A servant will come here. I want to spend my time with you," he offered her a smile. "So, have you decided your answer to my earlier question?"
Question? Anastasia asked herself, simultaneously finishing the drink in her glass.
Marianne smiled and said, "I am still thinking about it, Prince Maxwell."
When Anastasia caught sight of the Mother Queen moving near to where her sister stood, she quickly hid behind the pillar. At the same time, the empty glass in her hand slipped. It was about to fall to the floor, but was caught in time by someone else and given back to her.
"Lady, you should be careful with glasses, because it could hur—Tasia, is that you?!" Prince Aiden blinked when his hand touched her palms, staring at the young woman's face that was behind the green veil.
"Prince Aiden." Anastasia felt blood beginning to drain from her face, "I mean, Juan…"
This time even Prince Aiden's expression fell before a deep frown settled on his face. He exclaimed, "Oh my God! I thought you were a maid of some high-class family, but you are a lady of a privileged background and your family has been hurting you!"
What? Anastasia's speech had temporarily disappeared. She touched her veil in shock and whispered, "Was it my face?"
Aiden stared at her before he replied, "Your hands." Damn glass! He pulled her behind the curtains and a pillar. He said, "Wow, to think you have been hiding your beautiful face so well. And I thought I did it better! Do not tell anyone that you saw me outside the palace!"
"If you promise not to tell anyone about you seeing me out in the city," Anastasia wondered if she was hanging on a thin rope.
"I promise," Aiden nodded, and as his excitement settled down, he stared at the beautiful woman before him. He said, "I thought I was the only one who loved to escape the walls of my house and be a free bird. It is good to know that there's someone else apart from me who feels the same. Wait, what happened to the camels?"
Anastasia bowed at him and apologised, "Pardon me, Prince Aiden. My sister didn't want to ride a camel, so I accompanied her here."
"I see," Aiden gave a solemn nod. "Tasia, you can call me Aiden."
"I dare not," Anastasia nervously smiled. She had no wish to have her tongue severed from her mouth.
Aiden said thoughtfully, "I think it would be strange if someone saw you with me like this. We should go back to the celebration."
"You can go ahead, Prince Aiden. I will come in a while," Anastasia responded, urging the prince to walk back inside, but the young prince frowned.
"Your secret is safe with me, Tasia,' Aiden patted the pocket of his maroon shirt and then asked, "Wait, where have you been staying? In the palace?"
Anastasia quickly replied, "In Versailles. Let us get inside," she smiled before stepping back into the main hall. As if the looks she received earlier weren't enough, some of the guests turned to look at them. After all, Prince Aiden was the next in line to the throne.
Not too far from them, like many other princes and princesses who were surrounded by guests, so was Dante. Families with daughters spoke to him, waiting for the prince to ask them for a dance. And though he could feel a rising headache, he managed to wear a calm and poised expression.
"Prince Dante, I hear that you will be leading the war again? You are a really brave man!" One of the elderly male guests praised him.
"Indeed, Prince Dante. I always tell my daughter, Leilani, about it. To wage so many wars and flourish, it must be so difficult. The entire kingdom of Versailles knows about it," said an older female guest. She then added, "This is my daughter, Leilani. She has excelled in the art of dance and poetry. Come, Leilani, let Prince Dante hear your poetry," she pulled her daughter to the front.
Dante stared at the young woman, who was dressed in gold. As patient as he was in dealing with the guests by now, the prince didn't wear a smile and he remarked,
"That won't be necessary, Mrs. Sharman. I bet your daughter is well versed in it, but perhaps Mr. Gervile would be interested to hear it instead?" he turned to look at the man, who nodded.
"Prince Dante, are you busy tomorrow? I was thinking of taking a stroll in the garden. Would you like to join me?" a young lady eagerly asked him. Dante despised celebrations such as these, as his family thought they could send young women his way so that he could pick one of them for his wife. As if dealing with the concubines and courtesans wasn't enough, Dante thought in his mind.
Another man spoke on behalf of his daughter, "Isla would like to see all the inner gardens with you as you are knowledgeable."
Amara had made her way through the little crowd as she smiled and said, "Prince Dante will be busy strategizing for the upcoming war and doesn't have time for it now. Isn't that right, my Prince?"
Dante wasn't the least bit interested in the woman's words. When he looked away for the briefest moment, his eyes fell on the woman he had met on the garden balcony, who now stood next to his brother, Aiden.
At the same time, King William and Mr. Lumbard appeared. King William remarked, "Young Amara seems to be very thoughtful about my son." He then turned to look at Dante and said, "You should ask her for a dance, Dante."
Amara said, "Prince Dante, if not me, you should at least ask someone for a dance, no? I would be hurt if someone said you are only good at the battlefield and not adept at leading a lady for a dance."
Dante finished the drink in his hand, and handed the glass to the servant, before he said, "I should."
The King had already said what was needed, and Amara was confident with her beauty and status. Amara got ready to be asked but her face fell the second time for the evening, when he walked away from there.
Anastasia was discussing the Bazaar with Aiden when she sensed an intense gaze on her. When she turned to look in that direction, she met Dante's eyes, who now walked towards her.
Dante stopped his footsteps right in front of her, before which Aiden had taken a large sip from his drink and stared at his brother.
Captive under Dante's gaze, Anastasia felt her heart skip a beat. She softly gulped, not knowing what Dante wanted, until he brought his hand forward and requested with a slight bow,
"Dance with me, Tasia."
Aiden spat the liquid on a guest not far from him before coughing, as this behaviour was very unlike that of his brother.
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