Chapter 62
Lucian took his mother's advice to heart.
Later that afternoon, he wandered through the palace gardens alone. The fragrant breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and colourful blossoms swayed gently beneath the warm sunlight.
He stopped before one flowerbed after another, studying them with unusual seriousness.
The royal gardeners watched from a distance, exchanging puzzled glances. Never, had they seen the Crown Prince examining flowers with such concentration.
"What does, these flowers mean?" Lucian asked one of the elderly gardeners.
The old man smiled warmly.
"The bright yellow daffodils represent rebirth, hope, and new beginnings, Your Highness."
Lucian nodded thoughtfully before moving to another flowerbed.
"And these?"
"White roses, Your Highness. They symbolize sincerity, innocence, respect... and the wish for a fresh start."
Lucian looked at the delicate white petals for a long moment.
A fresh start... Wasn't that exactly what he wanted?
Not to erase the past—because he knew he couldn't—but perhaps to build something better than what they had before.
"I'll take these."
The gardeners carefully arranged a bouquet of bright daffodils and pristine white roses, tying them together with a simple ivory ribbon.
Lucian accepted the flowers with surprising care; almost afraid he might crush them.
Back in his study, he sat quietly for several minutes before taking out a sheet of fine parchment.
He wasn't used to writing letters. Especially not letters of apology.
After rewriting the first sentence three times, he finally smiled faintly.
It wasn't perfect...But it was honest.
He folded the letter carefully and handed both it and the bouquet to Theo.
"Please deliver these to Lady Aurora personally."
Theo accepted them with a grin.
"I never imagined I'd live long enough to see the day the Crown Prince sent flowers instead of royal decrees."
Lucian gave him a dry look, "Leave before I change my mind."
Theo laughed and quickly disappeared.
Back at Emberforge Duchy, Aurora sat on the manor's balcony, her gaze wandering over the estate below.
The late afternoon sun wrapped the rolling hills, manicured gardens, and ancient stone walls in a warm golden light.
A gentle breeze stirred the rose bushes, carrying the sweet fragrance of blossoms into the air as birds sang from the branches overhead.
It was the kind of peaceful afternoon that made the troubles of the world feel wonderfully distant.
Several ledgers lay open across the table.
She was carefully reviewing the budget for the blacksmith workshop.
After much discussion, her father had agreed to convert the old stable into a workshop where the blacksmiths could craft farming tools, jewellery, and other goods for the Duchy.
Aurora wanted the project to succeed.
More importantly...She wanted every craftsman to know they were valued.
"I would like to write each blacksmith a personal letter," she had told her father earlier that morning.
The duke had looked at her with quiet admiration.
"Most rulers send orders," he had said, "You wish to send invitations."
Aurora had smiled softly, "I want them to know they are helping build the future of our Duchy, not merely working for it."
The duke had proudly agreed.
As Aurora finished another draft, Philip appeared on the balcony carrying a silver tray.
Resting upon it was a beautifully wrapped bouquet and a sealed envelope.
"My Lady," Philip announced with a curious smile, "this has just arrived from the palace."
Aurora blinked in surprise, "For me?"
Philip nodded, "It was delivered with great care."
She gently lifted the bouquet from the tray. The moment she saw the flowers, her breath caught.
Daffodils...
White roses...
She knew the language of flowers.
Rebirth.
A new beginning.
Respect.
Her fingers unconsciously tightened around the stems.
Why these flowers?
Slowly, she picked up the envelope.
Breaking the royal seal, she unfolded the letter.
Dear Lady Aurora,
I hope you are recovering well.
While walking through the palace gardens today, I came across these flowers, and they reminded me of you.
I know our past was far from pleasant, and I cannot erase the mistakes I have made.
But when I looked at these flowers, I thought of hope... of new beginnings... and I wondered if perhaps we, too, could begin again.
Please accept these flowers, along with my sincere apology for the hurt I caused you.
I do not expect your forgiveness today.
I simply hope that one day, you may allow me the chance to earn it.
Sincerely,
Lucian Du Maurier
Aurora read the letter twice. Then a third time.
She wasn't shocked by the apology... Nor by the flowers. What truly unsettled her was the signature.
Not...
Crown Prince Lucian Du Maurier.
Not...
His Royal Highness.
Simply...
Lucian Du Maurier.
Just his name.
No title.
No rank.
No authority.
For the first time since she had known him, he wasn't writing to her as the Crown Prince.
He was writing as a man.
Aurora lowered the letter slowly, her heart unexpectedly unsettled.
"What are you trying to do, Lucian?" she whispered to herself.
For the first time in a very long while...
She found herself unable to understand him.
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