Four Little Princes

Atrium

Yuri was very eager to see the gardens after dinner, doing his best to wiggle off of Starve Venom's lap as soon as he finished eating. Starve Venom chuckled and pulled him closer so that he wouldn't fall. "Patience, dear," he said, kissing the top of Yuri's head.

"Don't worry, Yuri!" Zarc said, reaching out and ruffling his cabbage hair. "There's plenty of time to see the gardens!" Yuri just pouted at him, wanting to see the garden.

"Alright, c'mon," Zarc chuckled, standing up. "I'll take you to see the gardens."

"Yay!" Yuri squealed, clapping his hands in excitement. Starve Venom handed the toddler over to Zarc, and the king carried his little son out of the banquet hall.

The garden was an indoor garden in the center of the castle at the top floor. It was more like an atrium, almost like an indoor jungle with lots of beautiful plants both local and exotic, colorful birds in the trees, and a few exotic animals. The domed ceiling was made almost entirely of glass, keeping the in the warmth. In the very middle of the garden was a lagoon with beautiful tropical fish.

Yuri gasped in excitement when he saw the garden, amethyst eyes wide and sparkling. He pointed at the garden and looked up at Zarc, clearly too excited to speak. Zarc smiled at him warmly. "Do you like the garden, dear?"

Yuri nodded, still unable to speak. He began trying to climb out of Zarc's arms, and his father chuckled. "Here," he said, gently setting Yuri down, "go ahead and explore. Daddy will be right behind you!"

Yuri began scurrying around the garden, squeaking happily. There were so many plants! And they were all so pretty! Yuri tripped a few times from his overeagerness, but fortunately the ground was soft from cushiony moss and leaves.

The cabbage-haired prince eventually came to a spot that seemed relatively devoid of plants. He looked up at Zarc in confusion, and pointed at the spot. "Whewe pwants?" he asked.

"Oh, that was going to be a place where new plants could be planted," Zarc explained. "Would you like it if I gave that spot to you, to be your own little gardening spot?"

"YES!" Yuri squealed eagerly, scurrying back over to his daddy and hugging his legs. "Mine! My pwants!"

"Yes, I'm sure you're going to grow a beautiful little garden!" Zarc said, picking his toddler back up. "My little gardening boy!" He kissed Yuri's cheek, and Yuri happily nuzzled him. "I'll have a selection of seeds brought to the castle tomorrow, so you can get started whenever you like!"

"Dank you, Daddy!" Yuri said, eyes shining brightly.

"You're most certainly welcome, my sweet little blossom!" Zarc replied with a smile.