Royal Flower

Chapter Seventeen

Marguerite, Acacia, and Thierry could still hear the pattering rain against the high rooftops even after they entered the castle. Acacia and Thierry seemed to be familiar with the castle, but Marguerite couldn't help but look at the castle with an amazed look. The splendor wasn't as magnificent as the Azalea castle, but it was a different take of a royal setting.

"Acacia!" a cheery voice called.

They all turned to see Princess Iris run straight up to Acacia. Iris nearly tackled Acacia with a hug. Acacia returned the embrace. They both didn't want to let go. If anything they seemed more like best friends than cousins.

They then heard someone clearing their throat in an obvious motion. Iris instantly let go.

"Father," Iris greeted.

Thierry immediately bowed in respect. Marguerite hung her head in a slight bow as well.

"At ease," King Heath said, as if it was a habit. "Lady Marguerite of Azalea, what brings you here?"

Marguerite replied, "King Aster has sent me to your castle for business matters. I wish to speak with your wife, if that is alright."

King Heath nodded. "Of course. I presume you also brought Acacia for her... monthly business?"

"Yes, your Majesty." Marguerite responded.

"Come with me. I'm sure my wife will be delighted to see all of you." Heath motioned with a hand, walking confidently towards his throne room.

Iris followed right after him, looking like an excited rabbit. Marguerite furrowed her eyebrows in curiosity when she saw Iris's hair. I never noticed how much Iris looks like Ivy from the back. They have the same hairstyle and color, about the same height, and similar names too. Well, they're both thirteen. What a coincidence.

--

"Fern, we have visitors," Heath said when he walked in. "I must attend to some business, but I will be in our room if you need anything."

"Of course, dear," Fern moved forward and kissed her husband before waving him off. She smiled when she saw Marguerite. "Marguerite, welcome."

"Fern," Marguerite returned the smile. Just like with the bond Thierry, Amber, and Saige shared with the Azalea royals, Marguerite knew Fern quite well because she was Flora's sister, and Flora was Basil's wife.

Fern was about to speak but Iris cut in first. "Mother, I haven't seen Acacia since Rose's birthday party. Can we walk around for a while?"

Fern's eyes softened when they flickered to her daughter. "Of course, Iris. Go and play."

"Yay!" Both girls cheered before running off.

"Sir Thierry, you may wait for me outside," Marguerite ordered.

"Yes, your Highness," Thierry addressed before striding out of the throne room. "I shall give you and Queen Fern some privacy." He then closed the doors behind him.

Fern climbed the small steps and sat on her throne. "So, Marguerite, why have you come? Are things okay in the Azalea kingdom?"

Marguerite nodded. "Yes, things are... okay. The Red Phoenixes have hired an assassin. The assassin is from the Nissisa family and he goes by the alias, 'Crow'. Our physician has deduced that Flora and Amaryllis both... died by his hand."

Fern blinked rapidly from mourning when she heard Flora's name. "I'm sorry about your sister, Marguerite. The Nissisa family... I've heard of them but I've never had to deal with them. I'll remember his name, my sister's killer..." Fern seemed to blank out, as if she were talking to herself, clenching a fist. She suddenly snapped out of her daze. "My apologies. Please, continue."