Chapter 2 The Garden
Verena
3 Days until Coronation
T he coronation was getting closer. The court whispers of my queenship constantly, the chatter filling my ears as I walk the halls. I fist my hands in my dress, trying to maintain my breathing so they don’t know how nervous I truly was as I walked.
Hadeon stays by my side as we leisurely stroll through the palace garden, a place of beauty that never fails to captivate me. Blossoming flowers of every hue embellish the lush greenery in a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry. The air is filled with the sickly sweet scent of roses and peonies, carrying us along like a fragrant breeze. I can’t help but pause at each familiar flower bed, admiring the intricate patterns and vibrant colors that dance together in perfect harmony. It is a serene oasis within the bustling palace grounds, and I can’ imagine a more peaceful escape from the demands of royal life.
With just the two of us, I twirl my hands nervously and ask Hadeon, “Do you think I have what it takes to be a good queen?”
A deep, rumbling chuckle escapes from Hadeon’s lips and I found myself unable to look away. His features are strikingly handsome, with chiseled cheekbones and hazel eyes that seem to gleam in the sunlight. Even though I had always been dedicated to Dryston, I can’t deny that Hadeon was undeniably attractive. Without the looming pressure of my engagement hanging over me, I would consider pursuing him without hesitation. “You never fail to ask me that question every week, princess,” he remarks, his voice smooth like velvet.
I sigh, “I told you to call me Verena when we are alone, Hadeon.”
He came to a halt, and I mirror his actions, facing him as he reaches out and grasps my arm. His voice drops to a hushed tone as he spoke, “We are hardly ever alone, princess. As a protector, it is my duty to see things that you do not.”
My brows raise, looking around now in suspicion. “Am I alone when I am in my quarters?” I ask in a whisper, staring at his handsome face.
His eyes peruse my face, before nodding, “I would never allow someone to disrupt your peace, my Queen. You are always safe when I am around, and I am always around. I swore my loyalty to you , no matter who hired me to protect you.” Chills ran through me, goosebumps tickling my skin. I only nod in response to his ominous statement. He stands straight once more and starts walking. “Yes, you’ll make a wonderful queen. One that people will remember for centuries past your rule.” I smile, nodding in thanks. He gave me the same answer every time I asked and never once complained about me constantly doing so.
As his words settle into me, I thought about the specifics he spoke; no matter who hired me to protect you . What an odd way to phrase that sentiment.
We continue in silence walking through the floral arrangements as I choose some for our coronations and our wedding— just a few days until he is crowned. “What about you? What is your dream? You know I am becoming queen but what do you want?”
He chuckles and I can sense the unsure feeling he has about answering. “I don’t have anything.”
I scoff, “That is ridiculous. Everyone has a dream.” I smell pink flowers, sighing in content at the scent.
“Fine then. Your happiness.”
“What? That is not a dream!” I laugh, smacking him softly on his muscular chest .
“Yes it is. My dream is to see you happy. Thriving.” We stop walking for a moment and face one another. “I dream of everlasting happiness for you. If there is anyone in this world to deserve it, it is you, Verena.”
Silence ensues once more and my heart is full of love and appreciation. He truly is my family in this kingdom. “I just worry, you know? I know everyone’s expecting me to become queen, they have since I was born. But…” I trail off, not wanting to say what is actually on my mind. The air around me changes and suddenly, I do not feel as if I can say what I think. A bird flies into my walk path from the bushes, making me jump out of reflex. I breath heavy, placing my hand over my heart as if it will help calm myself.
“But?” He asks me in a smooth voice, as if the bird did not faze him. I shake off the bird’s presence and look at him, giving him eyes that say I shouldn’t say and he seems to understand. I’ve spoken to him before about my dreams of the aurora borealis— dreams I definitely should not be having. “If I may, I think you are more complacent than you should be. You’re a smart, skillful, capable fae. Prince Dryston should feel lucky he has you as his queen, even if you are too amenable with him. I know you’re not always quiet about your opinions, but I think you could be louder.” His eyes bore into mine, almost as if he were daring me to do so.
“Then it is a good thing you do not get paid to think, Hadeon.” A jolt of fear shoots down my spine as a deep, familiar voice pierces the air. I grip my dress tightly between my fingers once more, heart racing. His intense gaze remains fixed on Hadeon, sending shivers down my arms and making my palms slick with sweat.
Hadeon takes a step from me and we both bow. “Your Majesty, Hadeon did not mean-” I start and Dryston raises his hand to stop me and out of reflex I obey rolling my lips together, knowing Hadeon was mentally rolling his eyes at me as I look to the ground in submission.
“Hadeon meant what he spoke, but I do not care for the trash coming from his mouth. I know you obey me and you are proud to do so. As a queen should.” His eyes sparkle with something I can’t place, but I know it made me nervous. “Walk with me.” It’s not a request but a demand and I link my arm through his awaiting one while Hadeon steps further back before trailing behind us.
“I want to speak to you about your duties. My coronation is in a couple of days and you’re doing well with the preparations.” My heart wants to sing the praise. “But,” He starts back and my heart stops singing and starts screaming, begging him to just see me for all that I am and do for him instead of the mistakes I might make. “I notice the colors are not what I want.” My brows furrow.
My heart races as we came to a halt, my mind reeling with anxiety. He releases his grip on my arm and I immediately began rubbing my hands together and picking at my fingers, a nervous habit that had plagued me since childhood. Those vivid shades of color have consumed my life for as long as I could remember, seeping into every aspect of it and fueling my obsession with understanding them.
“I told you red was going to be the main color. I see barely any.” I stare into his eyes, waiting for him to tell me it was a joke. No one chose different colors. Tradition has been using green and silver since the beginning of the kingdom. And if he told someone, it wasn’t me.
“Dryston, I assure you I have heard no such thing.” Confusion marking my face until I recognize my words when he stares at me, eyes darkening in fury. Not only did I just tell him he was mistaken, I called him by his name. My eyes widen and subconsciously took a step back to brace myself for the hit, my hand flying to my stomach to keep my lunch down. I look at him, watching the anger dance behind his light green eyes. My eyes flick to Hadeon, thankful he was here but I also know the punishment would be worse later. “I am so sorry, Your Grace. I meant no disrespect. I know you are busy and there has been much on your plate. I just mean, are you sure you hadn’t told someone else and they forgot to mention it to me?”
He scoffs, “I am no idiot, Verena. You are the future queen of this country. You are supposed to be in charge of these tasks. If you can’t even take care of minuscule things such as color schemes, how can I trust you to take care of my kingdom? Why do you always have to be so confrontational and opposing? Fix it before the coronation or there will be no crown and no wedding for you.” He shook my arm off of him like it disgusts him and struts off but before he can get far, he turns to look at me. “I will see you tonight.” He whispers but not low enough for my royal guard to miss it.
Chills wrack my body when he leaves our sight. Hadeon and I are the only two left in the garden when my knees give out, my chest heaving in rapid breaths as I try to regain myself. My body hadn’t had time to slap against the rock, though, as Hadeon’s arms wrap around my slim waist, hold me up. “What meeting does he mean? I wasn’t told of any.” His voice was firm. “Answer me, Verena.” Softer this time but I know he won’t give up.
After regaining the strength to stand on my own, I shove his large muscular frame. “As if you do not know. I arrive sore and wincing to session after session of training before we even begin. I miss out on half the galas we throw or get invited to because I can barely walk let alone dance.” My voice breaks at the end making me clench my fists in anger at my weakness.
His eyes darken in anger, and I only hope it’s not because of me, “Are you telling me he hurt you?” He steps closer, eyes assessing me as if I was bruised now. “Because if you are confirming that he deliberately sets out to harm you, I will take care of the prince.” I want to believe him but he took an oath to the throne, to the king. Even this talk is treason enough for Dryston to execute him.
I blink and scoff, “Dryston is our soon-to-be king. He does whatever he pleases— whomever he pleases. And I am his betrothed. You should not say things you do not mean.” I start to walk away and he follows in silence. I build my internal walls up as I walk, attempting to hold myself together.
* * *
I stand by the grand door at the front of the castle awaiting the carriages pulling up to come to a halt in front of the steps. The palace sits on a hill, overlooking the bustling city. Even from here, I can hear vendors at the market calling out their specials. Cheerful chirping birds fly around, singing their tunes to each other. And the mouthwatering scent of fresh food from our chefs fill the air. As I wait, the feeling of someone dangerous lurking wracks my body, sending chills through me but I try to push the thought from my mind. I am safe here.
The first carriage pulls up, it’s luggage following it in another as it breaks me from my reverie.
“Good afternoon, Lord Bishop. It is an honor to host you for our grandeur festivities. I hope you find everything to your liking, Antoine will take you to your chambers and his team will escort your luggage.” It was the same speech I gave every guest as they came to the doors. Two hours and one hundred guest arrivals later, I can finally take my leave. The smiles are bright and I never let up on my cheery demeanor to add to the hospitality. I wish they’d arrive at the same time but I know they all travel from different places and it would overwhelm my staff if they did.
Each guest typically has been here before and as future queen, I see to it that all their preferences are met as an assurance of their continued support.
It, on top of all the decorating, has been consuming all of my time and energy. I am exhausted but I know everything will pay off. It has to.
* * *
Metal clangs together before slinging apart as I direct all my weight and force into the blade, forcing him back a few steps.
Anger surges through me, as it did when I train. My blood pushing and pulsing amid my body.
I can feel the heat radiating off my face and know that my cheeks are bright red.
Sweat rolls down my hairline, begging me to wipe it before sliding across my skin in a race to the floor. At this point, I had been training for hours and my lungs feel like they were seizing up. I definitely don’t want to train today after all my hard work but my stubborn guard convinced me. He says ‘If you can fight tired, you can fight refreshed’.
Hadeon lunges for me again, trying to slice through me. But I’m quick in my smaller size and dart forward, sliding against the ground under his blade as mine scrapes the ground. I push back up on my feet, twisting and aiming for his back.
Our blades clang again when he turns, the force so fast and strong, that they push against each other, and our hands twist, releasing our swords and letting them clang to the ground.
Immediately my hands are up, a small dagger I usually keep in my belt is placed in my right and I don’t hesitate to go forward once more.
We go back and forth, getting the better of each other before he trips me and we tumble down as I take him with me. My muscles finally giving out.
Both of us grunt out air as the oxygen is knocked from our lungs by the force. I’m almost wheezing from the energy coursing through my veins.
I stare at his face and when I see the little gleam of liquid seep from his hairline and down his cheek, I gasp and slap him, trying to grab the droplet from his skin. “Sweat! A-HA!” I jump up, holding my now wet finger to his face as he stands and looks at me with confusion in his eyes.
“What?” He asks trying to play off his exhaustion.
I shove my finger in his face, “Sweat! I finally got through enough training to make you sweat.” I start laughing and squealing in delight, jumping excitedly up and down. For years, I was never able to fully keep up with him. He’d never even break a sweat from what I could tell. But, today is a great occasion for that alone. He let me have my cheer, holding back a smirk as he caught his breath too.
“You’re insane, princess.” I laugh at that too before walking over to grab my dagger from the floor as he grabs the swords, feeling better already.
“You’re just upset now that I’ve gotten the better of you.” I stick my tongue out.
“I still beat you. I tripped you to pin you.” He gives me a pointed look.
“Yeah, but you have perspired from training with me so I feel like I won.” He rolls his eyes at me and hands me a rag for the sweat pouring from my skin.
“What’s got you so angry?” He changes the subject and I freeze. My body goes rigid and I turn from him in the wooded area we train in .
“I have no knowledge of what you mean,” I say, stretching out my tired limbs. His fingers wrap around my arm before I even know he was close. “I’ve known you long enough to know something is wrong.” I know he says that. But how do I know if he knows the real me? Does he truly know me well enough?
“Do you?” I ask, trying to brave the possible answer. My eyes meet his, and I know my indigo ones are practically begging him to say yes. I am exhausted from being quiet. From holding my tongue. From keeping myself locked away. But I know it’s what I must do for this kingdom and as its queen it is a price I am willing to pay.
A rustle of leaves breaks us from our stare. He drops my arm and we step apart.
A raven flies out from the trees, toward the river to grab a drink. How very odd. I didn’t realize Zorya had so many native ravens. I shake my head, clearing my thoughts as we both continue packing up our things before heading back to the castle.
On the way back to the castle grounds, I realize I never got his answer.
* * *
By the time the sun drops behind the horizon, I’m dressing down for the night and sitting at the vanity desk. My golden jewel-encrusted brush glides through my long black hair as I brush out any knots and tangles.
A knock sounds at the door as I finish up, running my fingers through my silky locks. and I freeze. Only one person visits at night and it’s never good.
I walk to open the door, knowing he’d want me to greet him. I try to take steady breaths, slowing my heart rate and trying to stop my shaking hands. I raise my chin, feigning confidence, and open the door. “Your Highness.” I curtsy. I open the door wider for him, placing my hands behind my back to hide the tremor before smiling.
“Verena. You look lovely this evening.” He steps in, closing the door .
“Thank you.” I wasn’t sure how he would punish me tonight and I don’t like not knowing.
“Do you understand your mistake from the garden?” He rolls up his sleeves. He did it every time he punishes me and I never understood why other than to keep any blood off his shirt. I nod at him. “Words, Verena.” He demands in a louder tone, making me jump in my spot.
“Y-yes, Your Highness.” He looks at me expectantly and I feel like a child being chastised. “I did not use your title when addressing you and I understand it’s disrespectful.” He nods back. “I truly am sorry. I have been doing a lot better but today was a complete accident.”
“I understand. Thank you for your apology.” His hand slices through the air like a razor, catching me off guard. The sharp sting on my cheek is enough to make me flinch, and I know better than to try and dodge his blows. He never strikes me in the face, but this time he makes an exception. My head snaps to the side from the impact, a red-hot heat spreading across my skin. A whimper escapes my lips before I can stop it, and I curse myself for showing any sign of weakness. “Now. I figure I will go lighter today since I noticed the decorations are looking better already and you apologized.” He violently yanks my hand away from my cheek and grips my face with an iron grip, forcing me to meet his cold, unyielding gaze. “You know I hate having to discipline you, but it’s for your own good,” he sneers through gritted teeth before his facial features change like magic, revealing a joyful smirk and playful eyes. “Now, come relieve my stress. I’ve had a long day.” With a wicked glint in his eye, he maneuvers us toward the chaise lounge and forcefully pulls me onto it. I feel myself begin to disconnect from my body as I prepare for what is about to happen — a painful detachment that has become all too familiar under his twisted idea of love.
“Take down my trousers, make up for what you did today.” The threat of tears burns behind my eyes, but I swallow hard and force them back as I take a deep, shaking breath. With trembling hands, I unzip his pants and push them down,. My knees buckle beneath me as I lower myself to the ground, ready to perform my task at hand. A single tear escapes from my eye, betraying the mixture of fear, disgust, and resignation that consumes me.