The Secret Kingdom

The Confession

Elia moved swiftly through the castle, her eyes searching. She knew there was a blasted archway nearby that led out to the palace gardens. More than anything, she wished to be free of the stone walls and arrogant men that were making life a living hell at the moment.

Finally, she looked to her right, seeing a pair of doors. She quickly turned and pushed through them, stepping out into the sunset-lit garden. She stopped and closed her eyes, soaking in the last few rays of sunshine as she took a deep breath.

She then opened her eyes and moved further into the gardens, breathing deeply the scent of nature around her as she went. It wasn't the same as home, but it was close enough.

Just being amongst nature helped soothe her frayed nerves.

Once deep in the gardens, she found a small bench and sat down, taking solace in the coming twilight. She didn't wish to go in and get ready for whatever feast might take place. Making forced small talk with men that looked down upon her.

Perhaps she would ask for her meal in her chambers, choosing to dine with her council so they could discuss the next step in the discussions.

Her and Arthur's plan was to allow the council the chance to come around of their own accord. Unfortunately, they still seemed to be against nearly everything suggested, though they were able to make some headway on trade that day. Although she knew that tomorrow they would announce their agreement regardless, it still didn't completely quell her frustration.

But at the same time, she couldn't help but smirk as she imagined the looks on their faces when she and Arthur defied them tomorrow. It would bring such sweet satisfaction. Much like when she had won the tournament.

"Figured I'd find you here," a voice said.

Elia turned noticing Merlin step out from an archway. She nearly jumped, not expecting him to seek her out, nor for him to move so quietly. She must be distracted if she couldn't hear him.

A sense of calm instantly enveloped her as he walked nearer, a small smile on his face. She had missed him during the day's proceedings. He had likely been off doing whatever it was he normally did for Arthur. Sometimes she forgot he was a servant.

Of course then she would remember the observations from others. She took a deep breath, hoping her cheeks weren't turning a shade of pink.

"Arthur send you?" she asked.

"Ehm, no. Just thought maybe you could use some company," he said, stepping over and sitting next to her. Granted he left a fair amount of space between them. "I heard things got a bit heated again today."

"They did, unfortunately. Though we did make some progress."

"That's good at least. Better than nothing," Merlin said cheerfully.

"Would have been better if we had more, but I supposed that it won't matter after tomorrow," she said, a small smile on her face as she breathed deeply the scent of roses.

For a moment she was transported back to her childhood home. The scent of roses painting the air.

She could almost see the archway leading to her favorite hiding spot deep in the garden. The iron gate that only she had the key to, a key left to her by her mother along with a letter that she was to open on her 100th birthday. It had been her mother's sanctuary and became her own as she grew. Where she escaped her father and tutors. Sometimes Elidren.

"Making you think of home?" he asked.

Elia nodded as she opened her eyes.

"It's not nearly the same, but enough," she said. "The smell of roses isn't as strong. But... it takes me to a hidden place in our gardens. Where I used to go when I was younger to escape whatever was bothering me."