The Key ♕

13

Sophie's Point of View

The following day, I decide to bring the red rose to display on my desk in the study room. Alice is currently in town right now to look over the flower orders for the ball one last time.

I gently place the rose in a clear vase. I rest my chin in my hands and stare admiringly at the rose. The way that it glistens in the morning sun reminds me of the pearls of last night's dress. Lucas and Nathaniel stumbles in, looking impeccable as always. Lucas ignores me and gets to work whereas Nathaniel mutters his greetings with a cheerful grin. My heart immediately warms up at his awfully cute smile.

Since Alice did not assign any duties, I have nothing to do in the meantime. I continue to stare at the rose and sneak glances at the handsome pair. "Sophie," Lucas calls, "where did you get that?"

"Get what?" I look up.

"The rose," he says, furrowing his brows.

"Nathaniel gave it to me after the party yesterday," I reply, unable to contain the wide smile threatening to peek through on my face.

He furrows his brows even more, "I see."

"I'm glad you like it," Nathaniel says with a slight chuckle. I flash him a shy smile and bashfully tuck a loose string of hair behind my ear.

After a while of mindless daydreaming and strolling around the study, Alice finally returns. "Sophie! Sorry to have kept you waiting."

"It's fine, your Majesty," I reply, giving her a curtsy.

"Luke, we have to go over the seating chart today. Father invited some more relatives to the ball," she says, scurrying over to his desk.

Nathaniel immediately stands up, "I'll go sit over there, then."

He looks over to Lucas for approval, and Lucas nods slowly, an icy expression brimming his eyes. Alice immediately engages him into expeditious discussion. Nathaniel walks over to my desk and takes a seat in Alice's chair. "Hey," he whispers.

"Hi," I whisper back, immediately lost in his green eyes.

"I was just wondering," he speaks up, "if you would like to join me on a walk in the garden tonight after dinner."

"The garden?" I ask, raising my voice in surprise. I can see from my peripheral vision that Lucas is looking in my direction.

"Yes," Nathaniel smiles, "the garden."

"I've never been there before. I've always wanted to go," I say, feeling my face light up.

"Great, then-"

"Nathaniel, come over here," Lucas calls from across the room.

He stands up swiftly and bends down to whisper in my ear, "I'll come find you after dinner." His lips brush past my hair, and I can smell the faint musk of his cologne. My heart can't seem to return to its regular pace, even long moments after Nathaniel leaves my side.

The day goes on smoothly, and every time I think about our rendezvous tonight, my heart skips a beat. Lucas asks me to arrange the books on his bookshelf after my duties assigned by Alice are done, and I enthusiastically get to work, hoping to finish sooner. Occasionally, I sneak glances at the vase sitting on my desk.

"Why are you smiling to yourself? You look like a freak," Lucas laughs. As much as I hate to admit it, his voice is quite charming.

"I'm not... I'm just..." I stutter.

He walks over to my desk, plucking the rose between his fingers, "what's so good about this stupid flower anyway?"

"Hey! Give it back!" I run over to him and try to grab the rose.