Addendum:

Chapter 8: a Surprise

MAGGIE'S POV
The scent of cedar and lemon was invading my senses. The greenhouse felt warm and beckoned for me to step in even further. This was how Lydia was. Warm, gentle, and always there with a hug should one need it. She was a safe harbor in a society of horrible, greedy, biddies. And just like little plants in the greenhouse, anyone would flourish and grow under her protection. Lydia had given me years of protection and companionship when she passed. It was why I took my duty to protect Elesia so seriously. It was why I had discouraged any romantic feelings between her and Eli. At one point, a long time ago Lydia and I had even dreamed of being Grandmamas together. Hoping that one day one of our children would find a love match in each other. Lydia had said it was her prayer each and every day after Eli was born. Such bright dreams, she sighed wistfully, they ended all too soon. Lydia wouldn't condone her actions, she would have wanted the romance to bloom from a bud to a blossom but then again her friend didn't know about the treaty. No one had, and still noone knew, to have the treaty be public knowledge was to declare an invitation of war. So she discouraged her son at every turn. It hurt to see the confusion on his face, the inquiry as to why she could not be happy for him, to be proud that he had chosen such a sweet girl. I was proud I want to beam at him and pepper his face with kisses and rejoice that my son built a name, a reputation, and a life, but my instinct to protect them greatly exceeded the desire to praise him. He would never know how much it hurt her, and that was her cross to bear. She took another step into her newfound sanctuary, feeling peace wash over her, that is until she heard the unmistakeable crinkle of parchment under her slipper. Gingerly she picked it up, her eyes scanning the page, she read...
Dear Eli,...
A lump formed in my throat, she was asking him to come after her. If I wasn't so terrified my heart would be soaring. No, I know what this treaty means. With the backing of Prevaricatia Malachis forces won't stand a chance and it means we will avoid war which means Eli will be safe. My baby will not be fighting on the front lines, not when it's avoidable. Tucking the letter into my shawl I made my way back to my room, stopping before the fireplace. The heat was coming off in waves and I felt my cheeks pink at the change in temperature. She narrowed her eyes at the letter. Eli could not find this. It was too dangerous. Decidedly she threw it into the fire, watching the edges blacken and curl. With that she felt secure. She had done what she must and regardless of what anyone said it was her job to protect her son.

——————————————————————————-
Meanwhile in Prevaricatia, Elesia was left to her own devices. She leisurely strolled through the palace, trying her best to recall how to make her way to the library. She passed what she assumed to be familial portraits encased in gold frames and antiquities on pedestals noting the ornate carvings into the trim highlighted with gold, which provided a striking contrast to the blue hue behind it. It felt like one was walking through a museum exhibit, everything perfect, nothing out of place and all of it blending seamlessly together. It look heavenly but felt like hell. It wasn't that I was so naive to think that this could be the worst plight ever thrust upon someone. In fact, it's rather luxurious and posh. I really shouldn't be complaining, I had a roof over my head and clothes on my back and I wasn't starving like some of the kingdom but it felt very much so like a prison.
Elesia continued to stroll absentmindedly, bumping into a maid. The laundry she had been holding fell to the floor.
"I'm terribly sorry miss." She said dropping to the floor.
"Please don't apologize it's me who should be sorry." She said, kneeling to the floor.
"My name is Elesia, what's yours?"
"My name is Maya Miss"
"That's a pretty name, how long have you worked in the palace?"
"Ever since I was little Miss, Miss Carrie and Mr. Andrew took me in and gave me work."
Elesia cocked her head, "they gave you work? As a child?"
"Yes ma'am, the king, he was still alive at that time, he had a rule that everyone in the house must work. It wasn't hard, just small things like sweeping the kitchens. It was enough to take care of myself."
"Where were your parents?"
Maya concentrated her eyes on the floor. "They were killed in a raid by Malachi's warriors." Elesia didnt Miss the tears welling up in the corners of Maya's eyes.
"I'm sorry my question brought up painful memories Maya." She said, reaching out a hand.
"It's alright Miss, it's good to remember the painful things, it reminds us to keep going for the good."
She quietly nodded her agreement.
Elesia handed Maya the shirts she collected, "Maya, would you mind showing me where the library is?"
"Of course Miss." She followed Maya to the library silently, dedicating every twist and turn to memory.
When the reached the library Maya opened the doors and gestured inside. "Is there anything I can get for you Miss?"
"A breakfast tray? And please bring enough for yourself as well. I would love some company."
"Thank you for the kindness Miss but I have many chores I need to complete." She watched Elesia's face fall.
"For lunch then? I could join you in the kitchens?" She inquired hopefully.
"Lunch it is Miss." she said smiling cheerfully. Maya quickly left and Elesia began to peruse the books.