The Crowned (h.s)

I

At this time of the year, the grounds were especially well kept. The gardeners worked endlessly to supply our lawns with spring flowers and greenery that sweetened the air and gave one a sense of tranquility when walking among them. To make the most of the spring season, I made a point to take a turn around our lawns every day as soon as the first sprout met the sun. Being outside was surprisingly the most privacy I enjoyed during the day aside from turning in to bed. But even so, with the gardeners working beside me and the public able to watch my form from a distance behind those grand gates that parted our residence from the common street, it was always assured that every so often I could feel the eyes of my mother following my steps. I could imagine her seated at her chaise longue, tutting and muttering about me to Iva.

Still, despite however many retorts I could receive on how I spent far too much time outside, and how only so much fresh air was good for a young woman of my caliber, I could never get enough of feeling the sun on the back of my neck. I counted the arrival of each freckle that appeared on my arms, reveling in the fact that each one was another grey hair on my mother's head. Yes, April was a beautiful time.

Turning past the east end of the palace, I welcomed myself into the orchard of plum trees that were in view for acres right below my bedroom window. As the story went, they had been planted many years ago by a certain great-great-great-grandfather. The plump fruits weren't yet in season, but as soon as they were, our tables would be fully supplied each day with a hearty amount of fruit desserts all to be eaten by my greedy brothers and their grubby hands. Plum preserves and marmalades would be made and stored for the duration of the year. Of course, when nobody was looking, I would sneak a few fresh off the branches and sneak them into my skirts for later. For now, those sweet dreams of decadent fruits were put away for later, as the trees were now only flowering, their branches being filled with purple petals.

I mazed my way through the trees, one by one passing me as I mindlessly lost myself in my thoughts. The sound of automobiles and carriages on the street in the distance, a bird chirping here and there, my heels crunching the ground, and suddenly I found myself running into a firm chest.

"Oh, I apologize, I nearly lost my way," My words tumbled out of my lips as I looked up into the eyes of a friendly face, my eyes lifting into a smile upon recognition, "Oh, it's you, Joseph!"

His hands clutched onto my shoulders, steadying me. He spoke with a shy acknowledgment before he let go of me and bowed "Your highness, it's me who should be apologizing. Please forgive me."

I frowned at his friendly, yet still distant treatment of me, though I knew it was proper of him. After my debut, I still found myself forgetting that I wasn't meant to speak so intimately with my old friends as I had before. Though, as a child, I could have known no greater pleasure than to run around with my Joey, the son of the housekeeper and my dearest friend. Now, along with no longer wearing my hair loose and free, tendrils falling at my waist, I was banned too from improper relations and friendships with any man. I hesitantly widened my distance from him, taking a few generous steps back. He remained stood straight and tall, considering me with a perfectly neutral yet respectful gaze. Though I could still feel the imaginary presence of his fingertips as they had just been on arms.

"No, the mistake is all mine," I still looked intently at him, "I've been out far too long anyways. I'm meant to be inside getting ready. I'm sure it's nearly 5:00," I glanced back behind me, knowing my maid was probably searching for me now. I didn't want to leave her waiting. She had far too much to do for me to appear late.

He smiled lightly, "For the state dinner tonight, I presume."

"Yes, that's it."

"Then let me escort you back inside, before you are missed too greatly." A sparkle in his eye and I instantly felt myself back in the presence of my old friend, regardless of whether he could show himself fully on the outside to me. For now, we were just to be the employer and the employed.