The Rose Garden

Chapter Four.

On the day of departure:

The prince managed to reach the kingdom's gates just before sunset, making him sigh in relief. 

'If I give the rose to the king and queen tomorrow early morning I'll be able to return to Astra by sunset tomorrow' he thinks happily. From the moment of his departure, all the prince could think of is to return to Astra's side where her laugh, warm embrace and his heart awaits him. Getting an Inn for the night, using the coins he kept safe since he left his kingdom in search of the rose, the prince lay in bed feeling the heaviness of his heart crushing him.

"Soon, i'll return to her soon" he promises himself, turning and trying to get some sleep in the too big, cold and hard bed. Next morning at the palace gate's he was stopped by soldiers dressed in bright, shining, golden armor, showing the prosperity and wealth of the land.

"State your business" One of the soldier commanded roughly. Straightening his back and clearing his throat, the prince announces himself.

"I am Crown Prince Xander Darth of the Kingdom of Darth, here to deliver a rose from the witch, Astra's Garden." Xander proudly states. The soldiers look at each other annoyed before turning towards him. 

"Listen here boy, even if what you're saying is true. Why would a prince be dressed as shabby as you and how do we know the rose you're giving isn't fake like all the other that were sent." the guard say looking at him bored. Xander was dressed in the clothes and shoes Astra made for him  using magic, enjoying the ease of movement and comfort they offer while traveling. Too impatient, Xander removes the flower tucked safely in a glass and wooden boxes given to him by Astra. It was not difficult to decipher whether it was a real magic rose or not because Astra's rose naturally emits a soft and warm glow unlike regular roses. Widening their eyes, the guards look up at Xander and bows immediately in respect.

"Please forgive me for my earlier rudeness your majesty. You see the previous princes came with horses, carriages, gifts and soldiers. Seeing you without these things we simple assumed." the soldier says, slowly quieting himself. 

"It doesn't matter, can you please inform the king and queen I am here" Xander said impatiently.  

"Yes of course, would you please follow me to the throne room Crown Prince." the guard says gesturing towards the gates. Nodding, Xander briskly walks in and walks towards the towering and intimidating structure that was the palace. Leading him down an elegantly decorated and long hallway, he enters the throne room through large wooden double doors. Sitting atop golden thrones, the king and queen looks down on Xander with hopeful expressions, only amplifying their tired and haggard features they accumulated from their daughter's sickness. The soldier presents the rose to the king and queen leaving Xander to position himself into a deep bow, greeting the king and queen.

"Crown Prince Xander, it has been a while since you left him. All the kingdoms thought you dead,  yet you managed to escape the witch with a rose" the King greets in a resonating and deep voice, the queen simply sits beside him, a smile on her face.

"Your majesties, I have brought you the rose in hopes of healing Princess Veronica and deepening our kingdoms' friendship." Xander states, refusing to participate in any bad mouthing of Astra, even when he mentioned her as a witch at the gate it sting him, no one knew how sweet, beautiful, caring, generous  and gentle Astra was, and if they did, would they still be calling her a witch. 

"Ah yes, well there is no need to worry about that, once the princess is cured and healthy enough. You and my daughter will wed, and Darth will become prosperous as it once was." the king booms, spreading his arms wide open, a big grin on his face.