Majesty of Obsession

11

Third Person's Point of View

The three were traveling from the wet market place to the castle. On the way back, Adam and Elizabeth occupy a carriage together, while Sebastian was guiding the expedition on horseback. Eliza, upon viewing through the glass and outside of her service, caught sight of Sebastian and finds herself admiring the might of his new formed acquaintance.

"We must rush back for the merchant has been waitin' for over an hour." Adam showed worry in his eyes in front of Eliza, who then guiltily looked down and apologized for the delay because of her brief disappearance. 

"Fret not, I'm here; I'll help you accomplish the work." Adam cared for assuringly, with a hand placed on her shoulder, to which Elizabeth smiled from the gesture.

Upon arrival, Adam escorted Elizabeth back into the palace and subsequently found the merchant — a middle-aged, muscular, and bearded man — sitting at one of the grand halls of the palace. Beside him was a young boy with brown hair and a timid stance.

"I-I apologize for my being late."

"Ah no, please. It's no trouble for me, Madame." The man spoke, his robust frame was intimidating and devious but nonetheless, his voice and demeanor hints femininity. At face value, he looks nothing like his gesture. The man smiled eagerly and was ready to kiss the floor with the low bow of respect he just had given. Rather looking upset for the late arrival, he looks more enthusiastic.

What is there for him to be upset about? Months could've passed and he would still offer his services with an upfront fake smile and a kiss-ass glee. This opportunity would last him a lifetime. He was chosen to negotiate with the palace and perchance, but unbeknownst to him, the soon-to-be Queen of the kingdom. He was over the moon for he could double or triple the price to his liking. That would give him the edge to afford and lure all the young lovers in his village — boys who have nothing but dying families and empty pockets with no pennies. He giggled in his head. The kingdom will surely provide bountiful rewards to him, he thought.

The youngster who was with him appeared no older than a child, who also held his head down to pay respects. Shyly, he glanced at Elizabeth but immediately averted his gaze down. In his innocence, he trembled for that simple act and for the subsequent dire consequences he thought it must have had.

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Leonard Gil, the sole owner of 'Gil Plants and Boutique'. This is Peter, my lovely, lovely assistant." Leonard proudly presented himself and his youthful 12 year-old assistant. Elizabeth saw the discomfort etched on the look of the child's face but nevertheless, she offered a graceful bow.

"Behold, a list of endorsed plants we bring forth for the upcoming days of summer season. Roses, lilies, iris, violet, fennel, sage. Our offerings abound with diversity. Pray, have you got any reverie planned? How massive are we confabulating?" The merchant could not keep into himself the questions and the excitement that befalls from milking the palace off of their treasures, all for he could have to himself and for the lovers and slave he could acquire. There were no distinctions as to who was his lover or slave, all are his and his to use.

"I-I was thinking to acquire lilies of the valley, some nankeen lilies, and violet flower. Can you suggest what to plant for a f-fresher look of greenery?" Elizabeth couldn't care less for the garden after all that occurred. She simply wants to get over with the tasks.

"Great choice of displays, my lady. I would also suggest a list of appropriate trees to surround the area and exalt life to the castle. Peter, fetch me the listings." Peter moved to work with the order. He offered the list to Elizabeth but upon doing so, bruises and line of marks on the wrist of the child were revealed when his sleeves were slightly elevated upon offering the list.