Little Queen

4

I spent the rest of our meal discretely fighting Maxen for one of his cannoli and basking in the flavor of my tiramisu and panna cotta. I knew I was going to be sick when I got in bed tonight from so much sugar but it would be worth it. Our pastry chefs were amazing, especially for important events like tonight.

Maxen eventually gives up fending me off and allows me one of his three cannoli. I giggle a thank you and bite into the crispy shell humming at the delicate taste. Dessert and coffee had been served a while ago but people stayed seated talking to those around them. I wrap my hands around my decaf cappuccino, pushing my chair back.

"I am going to the gardens," I whisper to Maxen.

The gardens were the one place on the estate I was allowed without an escort. Even in my room, Maxen was with me or guards were posted outside.  Maxen nodded his acknowledgment, silently listening in on the conversation our table members were having.

I stare at my mug as I walk the familiar path through the ballroom to the door that would lead me outside. The main gardens were lit up from below, highlighting the brick paths and staircase. There was a maze of short shrubs that were centered around a white and gold fountain. I smile at the serenity of being out here after the craziness of the ball inside. These gardens had been a part of the house before the family bought it. My papà hid the gardens that he built for my mamma, so she would always be safe if she were alone.

I glide through the paths, headed for the tree wall at the very back of the gardens. Before I get too far I place my now empty mug on one of the patio tables scattered around. If someone did not pick it up before I came back I would bring it to the kitchen on my way to bed.

I pass through a small opening in the trees, being careful that my dress doesn't get snagged and rip. I lean up against a large tree and slip my heels off, Papà would be livid if he knew I was walking barefoot in the dirt but he would never find out. I follow a path I walk nearly every day, there was no trail but I have had it memorized for as long as I can remember. There was another wall of trees that were more dense, nearly impossible to fit through if you didn't know where to go.

I hurry along and push through some branches. There was a brick wall with a hidden door right behind the trees. I unlock the door and push it open just enough to slip through. I never bother with closing the door fully because anyone that made it out here had to know exactly where they were going and only a select few in the family had ever been here.

These gardens were more natural than the ones closer to the house. They were less manicured and rolled with the hills that belonged here. A big pond laid at the center of the garden with a creek trickling into it from just above. There were frogs and even some fish that had made a home there. Papà had cleared most of the branches from the trees that would be directly above the clearing but made sure to leave some for shade and coverage from anyone that wanted to find this place. I run over to the section of grass with the least amount of foliage above it and lay down on the dew-covered ground.

It was a clear night and I was far enough from the bright house that I could see thousands of stars. I lay there, imagining my mamma looking down at us. I don't remember much of her but I do remember coming out here every night before bed as a child and she would tell me stories of the stars. I hear the rustling of the door opening wider.

"Maxen I am allowed out here alone stop worrying so much," I say.

"I am glad you are allowed somewhere alone on this estate."

I gasp, sitting up.

"Draven, what are you doing here? How did you even find me?"

He smiles, walking around the pond towards me, "You know for the daughter of a Don you are not very good at sensing when you are being followed."