Isabelle smiled as Cassian walked away. She looked at his back as he neared the castle. The sun reflected from his hair making it seem somehow even blacker than before.
Only then she caught a glimpse of Jane who smiled at her widely.
"Flowers in your hair definitely suit you!" Jane gesticulated vividly and with a wide smile. She started giggling. "Oh, he fancies you so much!"
"Don't be silly, Jane. He is married to me."
"And? He fancies you so much! It was so cute and romantic to see!" Jane continued. Isabelle blushed in embarrassment as she went to help Jane with the bedsheets that she brought outside. "We all knew that he married you because he wanted to, but seeing how he looked at you just now is so heartwarming!" Jane continued.
Isabelle stared at Jane in surprise. How could have Cassian married her because he wanted to? It sounded unreasonable. But then, he still thought her to be Adeline.
After hanging the second load of bedsheets Isabelle went for a walk, unwilling to hide indoors while the beautiful weather continued.
Exploring the gardens felt like freedom. The walls of the castle made for a refined confinement. And her marriage was the invisible prison. Or so she thought for a while. Cassian made it seem like a less of a prison in the recent weeks. He was nothing like her father or the duke that her cousin has married. She couldn't quite make up her mind about him. Sometimes he seemed distant and cold, and sometimes, especially when he smiled, he seemed charming and approachable. Sometimes this reminded her of Atlas and it still hurt. And sometimes she was able to see him as someone completely unrelated to Atlas.
She wandered around the gardens for a while, watching the blooming daffodils dance in a breeze. To Isabelle's surprise, she found a greenhouse in the far end of the garden. It was unlocked. She entered it to find that all the plants in it were dried out and dead, but it's structure was in almost perfect condition. She looked around the equipment and realised quickly that there was everything one could need to grow almost any plant they wish. It was obviously neglected and forgotten.
She decided to ask Jane about it during lunch.
"The greenhouse hasn't been used in a few years." Jane said.
"If you wish to use it, you're more than welcome to." Matilda chipped in. "It would be better used than not. I can arrange with either Rupert or Gilbert to get you anything you might need."
"Do you think it would be alright?" Isabelle asked as she already started planning the uses for it.
"Certainly." Matilda nodded, happy to see the excited glimmer in Isabelle's eyes. She noticed the flower in her hair but she didn't ask. She didn't have to. Jane already babbled about his majesty and how he must very much love Isabelle. Jane didn't even know how much it was, but Matilda did. She saw it. She didn't agree with him at all times but one thing she knew was how genuine his feelings were towards Isabelle. He was just an idiot.
"Good afternoon." Samuel walked into the servants quarter's with a smile on his face. A good weather definitely contributed to everyone's better mood. "Good afternoon, your highness." He bowed his head at Isabelle.
"Sir Asselin." Isabelle looked at him surprised.
"I thought I might find you here, your highness. I have this for you." Samuel passed her an envelope. "I will not disturb your meal." He bowed his head again and walked away. Isabelle held onto an envelope with no name on it. She was curious about the content but she wouldn't dare open it near Jane. She hid it quickly in her pocket.
After her lunch, she wandered through the halls as she opened the mysterious letter. She quickly realised the content and felt unsure.
Samuel invited her for an afternoon tea with an option of any topic to be discussed. She remembered his deal, or an offer, that he made during her visit to see Elisabeth. She didn't accept it. She was a little distrusting of him, still. But she was tempted now. If she were to accept his invitation, it would be an acceptance of his deal. But, he was most likely the best source of information in this castle.
Isabelle stood still, only now realising that her legs automatically brought her back to the picture of Atlas. She looked up at him as if she hoped that he would be able to give her all the answers that she needed.
She remembered his more open nature. He would have taken this opportunity without the second thought. Perhaps, she should be more than him.
Isabelle let out a long sigh and slowly made her way towards Samuel's quarters.
She was surprised with how quickly Samuel answered the door after her knock.
"Good afternoon, Isabelle." Samuel smiled at her. Isabelle looked around nervously but no one was within the earshot.
"Good afternoon, Samuel." She replied shyly. Samuel invited her inside and she slowly stepped in. The tea tray was already set up.
"I wondered if you'd come. You're always like a closed book. I am yet to work you out." Samuel admitted as he poured them tea.
"You must know my weakness to learning." Isabelle smiled nervously.
"And what is it that you wish to know today?"
"There are two things I am interested in. One of which might be a little odd."
"Go on."
"I wish to find out a bit more about Ariadna's aristocracy."
"That's a fair topic considering the duchess of Blamore is due to arrive soon." Samuel nodded in approval.
"I see that you've heard about it. I wish to know a bit more about her so that I can act accordingly and prepare myself the best I can."
"What's the second topic?"
"I have been keen on learning herbalism in the past. I wondered if you knew someone who can help me identify different herb that would be equivalents to what I might have used in Galbore."
"That is an interesting question." Samuel smiled. "I'm glad to see that you're trying to pursue your interests." Samuel picked his teacup up. "I do not know the answer but I will treat it as a request and I'll have a look for someone who can help."
"I really appreciate it." Isabelle smiled.
"As per a topic of the duchess." Samuel leaned back and placed a finger across his cheek, with the rest of his hand curled into fist supporting his chin. "She's very well educated and knows her etiquette. I give her that. But… I always thought her to be rather two-faced. She's impeccable in public and around those that she wants to impress, but I always thought that her blood was filled with venom."
"That's a harsh judgment." Isabelle furrowed her brows.
"Perhaps. I always thought I was good at judging one's character."
"You're just very judgmental." Isabelle decided which made Samuel chuckle.
"Well, you'll see for yourself. Maybe a word of caution if you accept it. She's had a crush on Cassian since forever. I think she might be a little too keen to come here and may take his invitation a little too far."
"Explain?"
"She agreed to tutor you instantly. This invitation might be misinterpreted by her as an open door to the castle and Cassian."
"And does Cassian likes her?" Isabelle asked curiously.
"He likes her like a sister. She was around us a lot when we were teens as her father did a lot of business for the castle and helped the king with the economics. I think Cassian is too naive to see her true colours."
"Just to clarify that I understood you. The duchess has romantic feelings for his majesty, which he doesn't replicate and only likes her platonically?" Isabelle asked looking sorrowed.
"Yes."
"That's quite tragic." Isabelle added.
"Tragic?"
"Unrequited love. It must be so hurtful for her."
"You can't be serious?" Samuel asked abruptly inhaling the tea a bit too fast and starting to cough.
"Why?"
"Because we're talking about your husband here!"
"It doesn't make it any less hurtful for her, does it? I can truly emphasise with her."
"What you should be doing is thinking of a plan to keep our naive prince out of her greedy hands!" Samuel said with frustration.
"Why?" Isabelle asked shortly as she raised her left eyebrow. Samuel went silent. He didn't have an answer.
"May I ask you a personal question?" He asked instead.
"Yes?"
"Why did you give Cassian a list of pure bloods?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Isabelle placed the tea cup down ever so gracefully. It was this subtlety that reminded Samuel that she was a princess. "It is the same reason as to why I will not attempt to interfere with the duchess and whatever cunning plans she might have to seduce his majesty." Isabelle answered honestly. She looked up at Samuel and her eyes locked on his. A chill went down his back. "I will never lower myself to that level again, where I have to beg for an ounce of attention in hope to remain in someone's mercy. I know that begging for love will only bring me sorrow and broken heart. If it is his desire to be with the duchess or the pure bloods, so be it." Isabelle's words came out eloquently, carrying much heavier weight that they sounded. Her calmness made it sound like an unquestionable statement. "Now, what kind of family is the duchess from? You've mentioned her father's input into economic development of Ariadna."
"Indeed." Samuel coughed as if he tried to dislodge something non existent from his throat. "She comes from a noble family. But the title was given to them based on her father's achievements and contributions."
"A noble family? I don't think I came across her name while researching the pure bloods."
"No, she isn't a pure blood. Her mother was from a noble family but her father was a merchant before he started excelling in trading."
"What did he trade?"
"Just about everything. At first it were many natural resources. Then luxuries. Absolutely everything. His son is now one of the most influential traders in Ariadna."
"That is truly impressive. So the duchess has a brother?"
"Two brothers. The other one is mostly interested in the overseas trades."
"I see. And she tutors women on etiquette?"
"Yes. Not only etiquette but she's known as someone who prepares young women for marriage within noble families."
"How old is she?"
"Twenty five."
"That's truly impressive." Isabelle nodded in approval.
"What are you thinking?"
"I will try to learn as much as I can from her." Isabelle nodded with a slight smile. She looked ahead of her, noticing the beautiful view of the gardens spreading out of the window.
"I've heard that you get along with Cassian much better these days. I couldn't be happier for you both." Samuel smiled at her.
"I suppose."
"How's your back?"
"Healing." Isabelle mumbled as she turned red.
"Actually…" Samuel stood up and rushed out to the adjacent room, coming back barely seconds later. "Advantage of training with the knights." He passed her a pot with dark green content. "This will take the edge off the stinging."
"Thank you." Isabelle opened it and smelled the pungent herbal scent of the ointment. "Aloe Vera, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha, Althaea officinalis and Melaleuca alternifolia." Isabelle quickly recognised the herbs in the ointment which astonished Samuel. "Also known as aloe, fennel, mint, Marshmallow, and tea tree oil."
"Let me introduce you to the royal alchemist." Samuel stood up in a hurry.
"Oh, now?" Isabelle looked surprised, but she quickly closed the pot and placed it in her pocket.
"What better time than now?"
"Is that how you make all of your decisions?"
"Pretty much."
"That explains a lot." Isabelle followed him out of the room and through many maze-like corridors.
"And who is judgmental now?" Samuel huffed at her as he marched quickly. Isabelle had to trot behind him to keep up.
"I never said I wasn't." Isabelle rolled her eyes behind his back. "I'm just saying that you shouldn't be."
"Double standards!"
Isabelle chuckled at Samuel's disgruntled tone. At last they stopped in front of the wooden door. Samuel knocked violently. His thudding echoed through the hallway.
"What do you want, you asshole?" A young man opened the door. His black eyes gave Samuel a deathly stare. "I've said that I ain't making you another hangover serum. Not after…"
"Hold your horses, Chiron." Samuel answered with a wide nonchalant smile of someone who had an upper hand. Samuel pushed his way in and waved at Isabelle to follow him. Isabelle hesitated but she walked into the darkened room. "What is this?" Samuel picked the nearest pot and threw it at Isabelle. Isabelle barely caught it, looking at Samuel in shock. "Go on."
"Echinacea or Coneflower." Isabelle said after she smelled the dried herb.
"Uses?"
"Minor illnesses and inflammation."
"This one?" Samuel threw another pot of dried herb.
"Hydrastis canadensis or Goldenseal. It's used for gastric irritation. Also some skin and eye irritations. But it must be used carefully because it can be poisonous in high dose."
"This one?" Samuel continued.
"Silybum marianum or Milk Thistle. Good for liver."
"Is she correct?"
"Well, yes." Chiron nodded, confused by the occurrence.
"Chiron is the royal alchemist." Samuel turned to Isabelle. "I'd say that he's a good start for your herbalism hobby. He could tutor you."
"I wouldn't want to impose."
"She gets it." Chiron rolled his eyes at Samuel as he straightened out the pots that Samuel messed up.
"A favour for a friend?"
"A friend? You're a leech, Samuel, and a parasite."
Isabelle tried to hide her sneer.
"Oh my dear, am I truly as bad as he says?" Samuel turned to Isabelle.
"Don't trust his sweet words. He's a liar and a fraud." Chiron spoke to Isabelle.
"I am starting to grow curious to know that story." Isabelle smiled as she tilted her head.
"A story like any other. A supposed friend that vanishes after he starts the fight, leaving the other to fend for themselves."
"You can't still have your feelings hurt by this?"
"I wish I've stabbed you on the battlefield and pretended that you were yet another victim of war."
"You are not the first one to say it." Samuel laughed again.
"Now, am I to entertain you and ask how you've learnt the herbs?" Chiron asked Isabelle grumpily.
"My grandfather and many other sneaky ways." Isabelle answered.
"And what is it that you want from me?"
"I don't want to impose unnecessarily. I only expressed my wish in finding help with identifying different herbs that would be equivalents to what I might have used back home."
"And where is that home you speak of?"
"Kingdom of Galbore."
"Cold and rainy and as grim as its many secrets. You don't look like a person from Galbore."
"You don't really look like a royal alchemist." Isabelle answered back. Finally a slight smile crept on Chiron's face.
"Did he train your sharp tongue?"
"I did not. She's had it all along." Samuel said defensively.
"That's why you get along?"
"Hardly. She enjoys my misery."
"You like her."
"Undoubtedly."
Chiron looked at Samuel with surprise. He did not expect his honesty nor did he expect Isabelle to look like she contained her laughter.
"You're good with herbs. But Hydrastis Canadensis is not poisonous."
"It's a low level poison. High doses or long treatment will cause sever side effects. It may cause hypertension, it can lower heart rate, and in some minor cases it can cause digestive issues, vomiting, abdominal swelling, and malabsorption."
"That's interesting." Chiron studied Isabelle who looked at him with equal curiosity. He was taller and slimmer than Samuel. He had black oily hair and a slightly crooked nose, probably from the fight that he mentioned earlier. His eyes were completely black, that you could not distinguish the iris from the pupil. He had thin lips that he pursed in thought. "And would you like to learn from me?"
"You seem meticulous with your treatment of the herbs. You are organised. I am yet to be a judge of the extend of your skills."
Chiron walked up to her, standing closer and looking into her eyes from above. Isabelle didn't nudge.
"What do you wish to learn?"
"Everything I can. I saw the greenhouse in the far end of the garden. I hope to use it to grow my own herbs. I wish to be able to heal people as well as any physician."
"Most of what I make is a healing ointment for the knights."
"Do you serve the city of Ariadna?"
"No." Chiron furrowed his brows.
"We shall do that then too. As much as knights appreciate the healing ointment, there's much that can be done in the city. You can diversify your tasks and skill set."
"You want to treat people in the city?"
"Many of the remedies can be made in bulk. You can make ointments for skin conditions, fever, and syrups for cough. They do not have to be made on one-to-one basis all the time. It's just like for knights."
"That's not how it works…" Chiron smiled at her as if he smiled at an innocent child.
"Why not? It certainly should."
"I am a royal alchemist."
"I thought alchemy intends to transform matter into gold and riches."
"That's not true. Alchemy is about transforming the substance into something else, as if by magic."
"Nevertheless, I shall ask Cassian about it later. It definitely should be a thing." Isabelle decided.
Chiron burst into laughter.
"Cassian? You speak as if you knew his majesty!" He laughed at which Isabelle only smiled, waiting for him to finish. But Samuel tapped him on his back.
"She does."
"Does she, now? Is that yet another trick of yours?"
"She's Cassian's wife." Samuel said in quite a serious tone. "I highly recommend you to treat her with respect." A hint of warning was in his voice.
"Hang on, are you serious?" Chiron stopped laughing and looked at Samuel.
"Your highness, what is the punishment for an alchemist that disputes your position?"
"As per books, a public apology. But I dislike punishing people. I suppose teaching me what he knows will be an appropriate punishment instead." Isabelle said calmly. She needed him to teach her more than she needed to act coyly. She was increasingly done with that act of innocent and powerless girl. She was going to get what she wanted by playing a new set of cards, the ones that Samuel has helped her reveal. Isabelle was aware that he knew exactly what he was doing. He pushed her to sit on the throne in front of the council. He tried to teach her how to be the princess he wanted her to be. The only question remained was what Cassian would do if he knew. Perhaps he would bat an eye as he did for the past few weeks, or perhaps he would decide that she overstepped. But… there were no executions permitted in Ariadna. She learnt of that recently. Cassian couldn't kill her publicly.