𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬

𝐓 𝐖 𝐄 𝐍 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐓 𝐇 𝐑 𝐄 𝐄 - Apologies in Bloom

Luwin

The morning sun streamed through the high windows of the castle, casting a warm glow over the sprawling gardens below. I found myself drawn to the tranquil beauty of the garden, seeking solace among the vibrant blooms and the gentle hum of nature. My thoughts were consumed with a singular purpose: to make amends for my recent mistakes.

I wandered through the garden, my eyes scanning for the delicate flowers that had captured my attention before. The Moonlit Irises were a favorite of the Queen, their soft, silvery petals glowing under the sunlight. I had noticed their significance during my time in the castle, and today, I hoped that a gesture of apology might help mend the rift between us.

After a bit of searching, I spotted a cluster of Moonlit Irises nestled in a secluded corner of the garden. Their ethereal beauty seemed to radiate a gentle light, and I carefully began to pluck a few, making sure not to damage the surrounding plants. The flowers were delicate but resilient, their fragrance both soothing and enchanting.

With a small bouquet of Moonlit Irises in hand, I made my way back towards the castle. My heart pounded with a mix of hope and anxiety. I knew that this was a small gesture, but it was one that came from a place of genuine remorse. I wanted to show the Queen that I understood the gravity of my actions and that I was willing to make amends.

The castle halls were quiet as I walked through them, my footsteps echoing softly against the stone floors. I reached the Queen's office and took a deep breath before entering. The office was just as I remembered it—elegant and meticulously arranged, with a large desk in the center of the room.

I placed the bouquet of Moonlit Irises gently on the desk, arranging them so that their beauty would be visible from every angle. Next to the flowers, I set a simple note, carefully penned in my neatest handwriting:

"I'm sorry, Arabella."

With the note in place, I took one last look at the arrangement and then turned to leave. My heart raced with both hope and trepidation, unsure of how the Queen would respond to this gesture.

As I exited the office, I nearly collided with Alaric, who was approaching with a purposeful stride. He raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Going somewhere, Luwin?" he asked, his voice warm but curious.

I felt a flush of embarrassment but managed a small smile. "Just leaving a little something for the Queen," I said, trying to sound casual.

Alaric's eyes fell on the bouquet of Moonlit Irises and the note. His smile widened, and he gave me an approving nod. "I see you've been busy. The Queen will appreciate this gesture."

I blinked in surprise. "You think so?"

Alaric's smile was reassuring. "Absolutely. It's clear you're making an effort to apologize and show your sincerity. The Queen values gestures like this, especially when they come from the heart."

I was touched by his kindness. "Thank you, Alaric. I just hope it's enough."

He gave me a warm smile, his eyes reflecting a genuine sense of encouragement. "It's a start. Sometimes, the smallest gestures can make the biggest impact. And besides, the Queen has a way of seeing the true intentions behind actions."

Feeling a bit more hopeful, I nodded. "I hope so."

Alaric's gaze lingered on the bouquet. "I'm glad you're taking the initiative to make things right. It shows a lot of character. Just remember, actions speak louder than words. This is a step in the right direction."

I smiled, feeling a mixture of relief and gratitude. "I'll keep that in mind."

As I left the Queen's office and made my way back to my own quarters, I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that clung to me. I hoped that the Queen would see the note and the flowers as a genuine apology, and that maybe, just maybe, it would help bridge the gap between us.

The rest of the day felt like a waiting game. I tried to focus on my tasks and maintain a sense of normalcy, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the Queen's office and the bouquet of Moonlit Irises. I wondered what her reaction would be and if it would bring about a change in our interactions.

As evening approached, I found myself nervously awaiting the Queen's response. Alaric's encouragement had given me a glimmer of hope, but I knew that rebuilding trust would take time and effort. For now, I had to be patient and let my actions speak for themselves.

The castle, with its grand halls and opulent rooms, seemed quieter than usual. The weight of anticipation hung in the air as I went about my evening routine, preparing for whatever the next day might bring. I hoped that the Queen's reaction would be positive and that I could start to mend the strained relationship between us.

The gesture of placing the Moonlit Irises on her desk was a small but significant step. It was my way of showing that I was willing to make amends and that I truly cared about earning her forgiveness. As I lay in bed that night, my thoughts were filled with a mixture of hope and anxiety, wondering what the future would hold and whether the Queen's response would lead to a new beginning for us both.

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~ R