𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄

08

Bridget's slippers squeaked on the polished marble floor as her eyes danced around the tall structure of the hallways.

She noticed the maids scurrying to and fro like little bees in a hive. They carried armfuls of fresh linens, polished silver trays, or clutched bundles of letters sealed with wax.

Rosalie Edith, her blonde hair tucked neatly under her cap, paused for a moment to allow a harried-looking maid to pass, carrying an enormous vase of freshly cut roses. "Mind the thorns, Twila!" she called after her, chuckling.

She and Bridget were heading to the royal garden of the grand manor.

Edith pushed open a heavy wooden door, revealing a lush, verdant oasis hidden behind the stone facade of the palace.

Bridget stepped into the royal garden, letting out a soft breath. She knelt down among the flowers, her fingers brushing against the velvety petals of a rose. It was as if she had stepped into a painter's dreamscape.

And the garden was, truly a timeless treasure.

"It's breathtaking, isn't it?" Edith said softly, joining Bridget among the flowers. "The royal gardener has a gift. He can make even the harshest winter seem like spring." She plucked a daisy and twirled it between her fingers. "Here, take this."

Edith handed the daisy to Bridget, who accepted it with a grateful smile. "Thank you," she murmured, tucking the flower behind her ear.

As she did, she heard a faint rustling sound coming from nearby bushes. She paused, listening intently. "Did you hear that?"

Edith's brow furrowed, and she tilted her head, listening. "Hear what, dear?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The rustling sound came again, slightly louder this time. Bridget pointed towards the bushes. "That." She whispered back to Edith.

Edith nodded, understanding. She gestured for Bridget to follow her as she crept stealthily towards the bushes. As they drew near, the rustling stopped. Edith parted the branches gently, revealing...

"Oh my.."

"What?!" Edith shouted.

"Shh, it's a rabbit," Bridget whispered taking the small, fluffy creature in her hands.

The rabbit nuzzled against Bridget's chest, its big brown eyes looking up at her. Edith's mouth hung open in surprise. "A rabbit? Here? In the royal garden?" She asked, her voice still hushed. Bridget nodded, cradling the rabbit like a baby.

"I think it's lost," Bridget whispered, looking up at Edith. The blonde woman chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Lost, or perhaps it just wandered in for a look around, same as you."  She chuckled and patted Bridget's shoulder.

"Can we keep it, Rosalie?" Bridget asked, her eyes shining with hope. Edith let out a sigh, her hands going to her hips. "Yes, but we must keep it a secret, alright? We can't have the head maid knowing we have a stowaway."

Bridget's face lit up with a big grin. "I promise!" she whispered excitedly. Edith winked at her. "Good. Now, let's get this little fellow cleaned up and settled in before anyone notices we're gone."

"Miss Edith! Where are you?" Edith heard her name being called.

She looked towards the entrance and saw some of the other maids looking for her. "I'll be right back," she whispered to Bridget, handing her the rabbit. "Don't let anyone see you."

Bridget sat down on the grass, the rabbit snuggled comfortably in her arms. "What shall we name you, little one?" she murmured, stroking its soft fur. "Fluffy? No, that's too ordinary. Snowball? No, you're not white. Hmm..."