I walked towards the fountain at the middle of the palace and didn't see our carriage there anymore, it has perhaps been taken to the royal shed to be prepared for the journey back home, which I could wait for no longer.
I stared into the rippling waters and saw my distorted reflection, I smiled at it and it smiled back. How sad both our smiles must be looking right now, I decided to take a walk for fresh air and wondered if mother would get worried when she doesn't see me for a while.
She sure won't, not with the Oak King being as he is. He gave me the impression of being overly active, laughing loudly at everything and anything being said that it irritated me and now I just wanted to be left alone.
I didn't realize I had walked towards the gardens until I perceived the sweet smelling perfume of daffodils, rose and tulips. I looked around and admired how the flowers were arranged in rows and according to their species and colors making a kind of pattern on the carefully mowed field.
I noticed something red bobbing up and down few paces to my left and walked cautiously and quietly towards it, my vision got obscured by some tall flowers which I pushed away from my face with both palms to get a clearer view.
By a bed of cherry blossoms, a form knelt with some sort of pickle shaped knife, slicing through the stems and leaves carefully. I tiptoed a bit to the left to get a better view of who's there, the red I saw was hair, shocking red hair and a sort of green overalls covering every other part of it's body that it kind of blended with the flowers and leaves,maybe this was the palace gardener.
Wouldn't have noticed anyone was there if it weren't for the red hair that stood out, I backed down as quietly as I came, turned around and walked about two paces forward.
"Evening Your Majesty", The greeting floated with the wind toowards my ears, equally by one of the most melodious voice I have ever heard, must be a lady then. I turned right back around and saw the red haired person already courtsying with a slight bow. I didn't reply back waiting for her to look up so I could get a good view of her face, but she remained slightly bowed.
"You may rise", I managed saying after clearing my throat silently.
She looked up at me from her lashes angle, making her look so demure and sweet. Then she stood to her full height.
She had long curly red hair that probably stops at her waist level but has been held up in a ponytail, with eyes that lifted sharply at the edges giving her a catlike look, they were a green shade, her nose stood firm and strong accentuated by her full lips painted a bright red. The green overalls starting from her neck till it covered every other part of her.
"I suppose you are the much awaited Prince Arden of the Snow Dom" She said quietly. Her teeth were...kind of nice looking
Well yes I am, I thought. But why was she looking like she'd rather be somewhere else, I wondered. Who is this this anyway?
" I suppose you are right, mi lady" I said while giving my best smile.
"Well, you're welcome to the Oak Dom" She continued while picking up her knife and other instruments that were nearby. I had to say something, looks like she wants to go away and I wouldn't want that now, would I?
" I'm happy to be here, I'm really stunned by the beauty of this palace", I turned around to see it once more. "Compared to our kingdom, I'd say...." I turned back and stopped talking when I saw her there no longer. I looked around, walked around but couldn't find her anywhere. I didn't even ask her name.
"Where had she gone?".