Gardener

Chapter 16

Enchantment

                    
I never found Ryu that night though I suppose I hadn't really expected to. He was probably comforting Ang teaching him the ways of being a man or something of that nature. Despite his feelings he'd never take advantage of him, which is why I felt he was perfect for the job.

  
Free for the night I found myself wandering into the Queen's Garden, I took a seat by the fountain trailing my fingers lightly through the rippling poo, watching the spirits dance upon the water as their blossoms drifted across its surface. "Gardener..." I stood from where I sat smiling softly as the Princess approached.

  
Though my smile slowly faded when I caught sight of the turbulent storm brewing in her eyes. She advanced towards me and I stepped back, she looked near about as fearsome as the Queen had just hours prior. When she slapped me my head snapped to the side with the force of her blow and I hadn't even seen her raise her hand. "Goddess." I gasped raising my hand to my now stinging cheek.

  
"That was for allowing me to find out from one of my servants," She shoved me backward until I fell into the fountain. I sprang from the water coughing, in my shocked I'd gotten water in my nose. I took a few deep breaths wiping water from my eyes. "That was in case of the small chance that you might be using me." Jenae pulled out a dagger, from where I couldn't tell you, twirling it easily in her hand. "Now you have never lied to me, and I don't think you're foolish enough to start now. I want to know if this woman is your lover?"

  
"No." I watched her blade remembering Baem telling me a story about how once the Princess had pinned a man to a wall with throwing knives, without nicking flesh, from a distance, while he struggled. I had no delusions that she'd miss now.

  
"Is the child yours?" She raised her hand before I could answer. "Never mind, I know she is. More importantly how did it happen...and when?"

  
And so dripping wet, still standing motionless in the fountain I told her Highness the same story I'd told Ryu, adding the events of that day at the end. "She forgave me and then she kissed me and I was so shocked about the former I thought nothing of the latter and I should have told you...but honestly I did not think the news would have reached you by nightfall Highness and there were other things on my mind." I said honestly breathing easier once the dagger disappeared back to where it had come from.

  
"That at least I understand," Jenae gave me a once over lips curling in amusement. "You did not actually think I would hurt you?"

  
I stepped from the fountain brushing my laden hair back from my face, she'd yet to give me my leather thong. I wasn't about to ask for it. "It is said you once pinned a man to a wall with throwing knives...that weren't even yours. I wasn't willing to take chances."

  
The Princess laughed softly, "That was a rumor...one I haven't heard for quite some time actually."

  
"And yet you haven't disputed it. Ever..."

  
"How would you know?" She questioned stepping closer.

  
I gazed down at her sweeping my hand out across the Queen's Garden without ever turning my gaze from hers. "I hear things."

  
Jenae chuckled tracing her hands over the front of my tunic, now molded to my body. "I'm still angry."

  
"I'd gathered as much. There's a reason I'm not touching you." I murmured softly as she settled her hands on my hips.

  
"There's another woman who bears your child, and you are not lovers but I'm sure she wishes you to be...I have so much to offer but it's nothing that you want, she has everything. A simple life, the chance to be something other than the Queen's Garden Mage... yes I know about that little quirk of titles."