"Good morning, Your Grace," Sarah greeted with a respectful bow as Salviana stepped out from her husband's office and into the elegant parkour garden.
"Lovely morning, Sarah. How are you?" Salviana replied, a soft warmth in her smile.
"I am well, my lady. What may I assist you with?" Sarah asked as Emma, one of the more refined maids, entered and stood attentively by Sarah's side. Salviana settled gracefully into a chair, her gaze thoughtful.
"The basket of goods from yesterday, please," Salviana requested, deciding it was time to organize her recent purchases.
"Of course, Your Grace," Sarah replied, nodding before retrieving the woven basket. As she set it before Salviana, Emma's curiosity was clear, her gaze fixed on the items nestled within.
Salviana sifted through the basket until her hand paused over a delicate, golden hairpin. It was adorned with intricate filigree work, designed to resemble a delicate sprig of leaves winding around a small gemstone in the center, gleaming subtly in the light.
"Here, take this," Salviana said, holding the hairpin out toward Emma. "It reminded me of you when I saw it."
Emma's eyes widened as she approached, almost reverently, to accept the gift. "My lady…" she gasped, clutching the pin.
Salviana offered a small, gentle smile, continuing to sort through the basket. She took out a small packet of flower seeds and set it aside, planning for the day when she would start her own garden. As she looked up, she noticed Emma blinking back tears, her lower lip quivering.
"Oh no, Emma, please don't cry—it'll make me uncomfortable," Salviana laughed softly. "Do you like it?"
Emma sniffed and nodded, her voice breaking slightly. "Your Grace, it's the loveliest thing I own now. Truly."
"I'm glad you like it," Salviana said, laughing softly. "But isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?"
Emma beamed shyly, pressing the hairpin to her chest. Salviana continued digging into the basket, pulling out a set of fluffy hand gloves. She handed one pair to Emma and another to Sarah, both of whom accepted with delighted smiles.
"When the other maids arrive, I'll share some of these fans with them," Salviana said, eyeing the neatly stacked, colorful hand fans in the basket—there must have been at least twenty-five.
Sarah blinked, a touch of amusement in her expression. "That's quite an impressive number of fans, my lady."
"Aren't they lovely?" Salviana cooed, admiring the fans with a childlike enthusiasm.
Emma glanced at the array of fans, her brows lifting in gentle surprise. "Of course they are, my lady, but… why did you buy so many?"
"Oh, as souvenirs for guests who might visit," Salviana replied, her eyes bright with excitement.
"That is very thoughtful of you, my lady," Emma said, trying not to laugh. "But… well, don't you think it's an unfitting gift with the rainy season approaching?"
Salviana's face fell for a moment as she processed this, then quickly lit up with a smile. "You're right. Perhaps I shouldn't wait for visitors—I'll seek them out instead."
"Your Grace…" Sarah began, a touch of caution in her voice, but a knock interrupted her.
Sarah turned, rushing to the door. After a moment, she returned with news. "The new lady-in-waiting, Miss Jean Goliath, has arrived and is asking for you, Your Grace."
Salviana's eyes sparkled with interest. "Please, allow her in."
As the doors opened, Miss Jean Goliath entered with an air of veiled curiosity.
"Good morning, Your Grace," Jean greeted as she stepped into the room, her tone polished yet carrying a hint of warmth.
"Miss Goliath, welcome," Salviana replied with a gracious smile, rising to meet her. "How was your first night in the castle?"
Jean allowed a small, relaxed smile. "The morning's already been a bit dramatic, my lady. And as for last night, I slept like an old man."
Salviana chuckled, delighted by her new lady-in-waiting's unguarded humor. "The castle has its fair share of theatrics. You'll grow accustomed to it in time."
Jean smiled, relieved by the princess's openness. This wasn't the rigid, unapproachable royal she'd imagined; instead, Salviana was refreshingly down-to-earth.
"Shall we step out?" Salviana suggested, setting aside her basket of purchases. Jean gave it a quick glance, noticing the collection of colorful fans and trinkets but said nothing as she followed Salviana.
With a graceful sweep of her gown, Salviana led them through the halls until they arrived at the garden adjoining her chambers. She knew it was usually barren, intended as a quiet retreat but long untouched.
Today, however, as she stepped through the archway, Salviana's heart leapt. The garden was clean, freshly mowed, and perfectly prepared for planting, its soil dark and tilled.
When had Alaric arranged this? Had he tended to it on the day of their quarrel before he'd come back to her?
The realization filled her with an almost overwhelming gratitude. Every inch of the garden felt like a promise, a testament to his unspoken support of her plans.
Despite the surge of emotions, she composed herself, refraining from gathering up her skirts and rushing to throw herself into her husband's arms.
Instead, she steadied her breath and continued with her poise, leading Jean into the garden and gesturing for her to sit beside her at the small table set within.
"Join me," Salviana invited, her voice steady but her heart still racing with joy.
In no time, the maids appeared, bustling into the garden with a variety of trays. Plates of delicate pastries, warm biscuits, and an assortment of fresh berries were quickly laid out on the table.
A tea set with fine china cups and a silver teapot arrived, alongside options for coffee and cool water, should they wish.
"Tea, please," Salviana said, catching Jean's approving nod.
The maids poured the tea with the utmost care, leaving the two women to settle into their seats.
As the tea was poured, Salviana lifted her cup, taking a small sip before glancing around the garden. She smiled softly and looked over at Jean. "The garden has a quiet charm, don't you think?" she didn't know what to say.