Chapter 33

Queen Isabel

I walked through the hallway, taking a deep breath as I halted at the doorway that led to the garden. The air felt so fresh and soft, and I could smell the faint scent of the roses just coming to bloom. I turned and gave a last glance at the guards standing silently in the hall, and then closed the gate behind me.

At last, I was alone. I untied my robe and let it fall to the ground, letting the soft sun rays dance on my bare skin for a few moments before I put on a simple white tunic. I used to wear such robes when the fate of the world did not yet rest on my shoulders. In those times, I ran through the unpaved city streets with my friends and played frolics, the rules of which still lingered in my mind.

I smiled as those happy memories passed by and then took off my shoes, letting the soft grass caress my tired feet. How many years had passed since…? I sighed.

I wish I could come here more often, I whispered to the weeds overtaking the daffodil beds in the far corner of the garden. It was plain I could not rid them all today, however diligent my hands.

Then there was the timid pink rose that I so carelessly had planted between the mulberries such a long time ago. She always struggled to bloom like the others planted next to the fountain, where sun and water were plentiful.

I sighed and picked the plain woven basket from the ground and took a few careful steps towards the flowerbeds, trying to avoid stepping on the thorn bushes that hid in the grass. The day was hot, so I would rather spend my time with the roses next to the fountain, but I felt guilty about the daffodils. I had neglected them long enough, and I could not forsake them now.

Even the mirror could not tell me when I could dedicate a whole afternoon to come here and take care of them the next time.