The Royal Series 02: The Royal Wooing

Chapter 16

LAURICE

"I didn't know you could rent this place," I said while looking at the flowers.

"They only started accepting reservations recently, I think if I wasn't among the first ones to, it would take months to get a reservation."

"I guess buti na lang," I laughed. "Ah, that's what the construction was for," I realized when I saw the pathway that stemmed from the center where a fountain is.

Chris brought me to the largest botanical garden in the capital. This has been closed for more or less two months from what I've heard. People were thinking na they are expanding the location, I did too. Pero it didn't come to mind na baka they're renovating to allow more than just viewing the premises. The garden is actually quite big na.

"Lauren," Chris called.

When I turned around, my eyes widened as soon as my eyes laid on the bouquet of flowers in his hand. Kinuha ko 'yon nang iabot n'ya and I couldn't help but peek at the part where I think he hid this from.

"You can't just pick flowers here you know," I told him.

"It's a different issue when you pay for it and arrange it yourself," he laughed.

My brows furrowed at what he said kaya napatingin ako sa bouquet then sa kan'ya. "You arranged this bouquet yourself?" I asked.

"Yeah, it's a hobby," he answered while scratching the back of his neck.

"Thanks," I smiled and pulled the flowers close to smell it.

I was counting the flowers when I heard Chris clear his throat. He smiled and gestured towards the new path from the fountain which was located at the center of this building towards the end. Tumango lang ako but I noticed that his ears were a little red and I must have been looking at him way too long as his brows raised. I only smiled and started walking.

"How did you choose these flowers?" I asked.

"I'm going to be honest with you, that bag you often bring noong nasa IC ka pa."

Napaisip ako sa sinabi ni Chris and when I remembered, natawa na lang ako. Kaya pala familiar yung flowers na nasa bouquet. "Thank you," I said and smiled.

I don't even know the names of the flowers sa bag na 'yon, I just find them pretty kaya it's one of my most used bags. And for him to arrange a bouquet for me based on that? Cute.

The path we took wasn't that long but it wasn't short either, just enough time to talk and know how he got into flower arrangement. I knew that their palace in Great Emerald has a huge garden, I've been there at several parties. Pero ngayon ko lang nalaman na the huge vases with beautiful arrangements of flowers, sometimes it's Chris who does it.

Like how does he even find the time?

When we finally entered the new building, I couldn't help but gape my mouth open. There's a crescent moon-shaped pond where, probably, water lotuses and water lilies float. A dining table for two is situated at the inner circle and tree branches with hanging lights.

Chris pulled a chair for me and as I was taking a seat, I couldn't help but look around. I feel out of place. Like I am not meant to be here, with all the flowers and plants here. If it weren't for the lights, this would have seemed like something out of a fairy tale movie.

"This is nice," I said and he smiled and took a seat.

"You're not allergic to cheese, right?" He asked.

"No, why?" I asked but my question was answered when a waiter walked towards us.

We each got a plate of caprese and were informed of the waiting time for the main course.