Nia was busy in the garden as she repotted the plants that they had brought from Princess Eleanor's maternal family's estate.
Although she did not know why The Princess loved these flowers, she knew that the flowers were very near to Princess Eleanor's heart.
The flower of Salvia. A flower that came in many colors but Princess Eleanor loved the purple and blue variety.
There was one particular variety that the Princess loved and treasured a lot. One that was only found in Princess Eleanor's maternal estate. Along with others.
'I had no idea this flower came in so many types. Some have large petals while some have small. Even their shoes differ.' Nia thought with a smile as she worked hard, trying to minimize the damage to the roots.
Nia knew that the plants would be damaged due to frequent transfer but she also knew that she needed to keep preventing the damage.
"Huff…" Nia said as she rubbed the sweat from her forehead. "Finally some work done."
Nia moved towards the basin of water that she had filled prior. No matter what happened, Princess Eleanor had always advised her to wash her hands thoroughly when dealing with the flowers.
Although Nia forgot it at times, but Princess Eleanor never forgot it. She would ask Nia again and again if she had washed her hands or not.
But a few nagging, Nia had become a pro and would always wash her hands no matter what happened. Nia signed as she looked at her now clean hands. But her thoughts were interrupted by a deep low voice.
"Have the Lady decided?"
Nia's eyes widened in shock as she looked around only to see Sir Kit standing.
Her hands had automatically moved over her heart as she tried to maintain her breathing. Nia was frightened and it was visible on her face.
"You?" Nia asked in a questionable tone. Her surprise was evident as she took a few steps back.
Sir Kit looked at the stack of pots at the side as he smiled. His lips curled up. Although the man was wearing a mask it did not change the fact that it made him look terrifying.
"I hope the lady is well aware that we will be leaving tomorrow. I am here to know that you have decided on my proposal." Sir Kit's words were straight, leaving no way out.
Nia had already kept her answer prepared but when she looked up at the man she felt guilty. It was a sudden realization that she had.
'Why am I feeling guilty about using Sir Kit's name but I felt none when I was using Princess Eleanor's name?'
Nia felt a heavy burden in her heart as her eyes teared up. "I have decided." Nia's tone was a little shaky as she tried to control the tremble in her voice.
She cannot show her true emotions in front of an unknown man. Sir Kit was from the Empire and she had hardly known her. How can she show her weakness so openly?
Nia's gaze softened as she took a few deep breaths. "We will take up Sir Kit's offer but I hope that the price the Princess is paying will be less."
Sir Kit smiled. "The Lady does not have to worry. The Princess is not paying any price. Maybe it is me who has to pay the price in the long run."
Nia did not understand Sir Kit's words. What was the meaning behind this? What was he trying to say? How would Sir Kit pay a price when he laid out the conditions.
Nia was sure that it was Sir Kit's own idea, and it was natural that he would lay out the conditions too. But his words were totally opposite as if he was at a loss and yet….
'Don't think too much.' Nia told herself again and again as she started to pick up the plants.
"Let me help." Sir Kit saw Princess Eleanor's lady in waiting struggling and came forward to help. He could not let her suffer, not until they left the Angevin Kingdom.
"Is Princess Eleanor planning to take the plants with her?" Sir Kit asked as he raised his eyebrows. There was a tint of amusement in his tone.
"Yes, Princess Eleanor had grown attached to plantations and especially Salvia flowers. She likes their smell." Nia smiled as she thought back.
Although Princess Eleanor was not someone who liked to grow plants or have any hobby in gardening. But somehow she had picked it up over her stay in her maternal family estate.
"I heard the Empire has Salvia flowers as well?" Nia asked in excitement. She knew that Princess Eleanor had grown obsessed with them over a few years.
"They do." Sir Kit nodded his head as he looked down, "But there is a limited variety of them. The other varieties do not grow there."
Sir Kit looked at all the different types of flowers in the pot. They were vibrant colors. "Does the Princess want to take these with her to the Empire?"
Nia nodded her head. "Yes, The Princess has grown fond of it. It reminds her of her family."
Sir Kit was confused but he knew it was not his place to talk. Princess Eleanor had lost her family and was struggling to cope. Given the fact that her Uncle is trying to send her to the Empire, he could at least allow the Princess to take something that would remind her of her home.
'This might help her to remain strong in the Empire.' Sir Kit thought as he asked, "Will Princess be gardening there? The palace does not allow invasion of plants."
Nia bit her lips. "Princess can keep the plants in her room."
"And you think the Royal family will allow it?" Sir Kit asked in a sarcastic tone. His gaze was unsteady as he tried to understand what Princess Eleanor was doing.
Usually, when Princesses are called in the Empire, they are thoroughly checked. Nothing of an unknown origin is allowed to come inside, not even plants. The Empire takes pride in the plants that only grow there and hates invasion.
Princess Eleanor should be knowing this. All the Princesses from all the kingdoms are taught this from a very young age then why would the Princess decide to do something like this.
'I need to talk with the Princess.' Sir Kit thought as his gaze sharpened.