Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 17- The Queen's garden

Valerie's POV:

I was walking through the third floor of the west wing hall when I felt a hand grasp my wrist. I looked up to see Prince Nova, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark. "P-Prince Nova?" I stuttered, surprised.

Without a word, he dragged me along, his grip firm. I tried to pull away, but he held tight. "Where are we going?" I asked, my voice laced with curiosity and a hint of concern.

"You'll see," he replied, his tone enigmatic, without looking back.

I forcefully removed my hand when we left the lounge and entered the grand foyer. I was sure we would encounter people there, and I didn't want to draw attention to ourselves. Prince Nova turned back, his eyes locking onto mine, and I knew he was pleased that I was following closely behind.

We approached the double doors of the east wing, and I hesitated, having never entered this wing before. Prince Nova turned back, his eyes reassuring. "It's okay, you're with me." He gripped my hand again, ignoring my protest, and the guards at the door bowed and opened it for us.

As we entered the east wing's foyer, I was struck by its grandeur. It was bigger than the other wing's foyer, with high ceilings and intricate chandeliers. A portrait of the first King of Calonia caught my attention - he had blond hair and green eyes, his expression strict and authoritative.

I was relieved that the king had left for a trip that morning, but I remained cautious. Prince Nova led me to a door across the room, his smile hinting at a secret. When we stepped outside, I was in awe. Before us lay a stunning garden, full of vibrant flowers and birds singing sweet melodies. A fountain stood at the center, its gentle gurgle soothing. I walked ahead, my mouth agape, taking in the beauty around me. Prince Nova followed, amused by my reaction.

As I explored the garden, I spotted a picnic spread on a blanket - a wicker basket, fine china, and a bottle of wine. The prince stood beside me, his eyes sparkling with delight. "This is the queen's garden," he said, his voice filled with warmth.

"The queen's garden," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. I couldn't believe I was actually here, in this hidden oasis.

Prince Nova nodded, his eyes sparkling with pleasure. "My mother's favorite place. She used to come here to escape the pressures of the palace."

I could understand why. The garden was a tranquil haven, full of vibrant flowers and the soothing sounds of birds and water. I felt a sense of peace wash over me as I breathed in the sweet scents and listened to the gentle gurgle of the fountain.

Prince Nova whispered, "I said I would show the girl I liked this place." I looked at him, my eyes locking onto his, and for a moment, we just held each other's gaze. Then, he smiled and said, "Let's sit."

I hesitated but joined him on the blanket. As we sat, I gazed out at the garden again, taking in its beauty. It was truly breathtaking, but it looked like it lacked an owner's touch. The queen's garden was tended by the queen herself, and it was passed down through generations. I could see the love and care that had gone into its creation, but it seemed to be missing something.

Prince Nova opened the wicker basket and started setting out the food: sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and pastries. My stomach growled as I took in the spread, realizing I hadn't eaten breakfast that morning. The prince looked up with a hint of a smile, and I blushed, feeling embarrassed.

He poured wine into two cups and asked, "Shall we eat?"

I sighed, thinking that eating together wasn't exactly wrong. We ate in comfortable silence, the only sound being the birds singing in the garden. I noticed Prince Nova glancing at me, and I swallowed the big bite of sandwich I had taken, realizing how hungry I was.