Catharina

Chapter 3

I don't know where this bravery was coming from. I shouldn't be showing off my garden, then again I shouldn't be showing off anything in the first place. I should be running away and screaming 'help' to the guards.

"What type of flower is this?" Asher asked gesturing to a amaryllis. I looked over at him as I smelled a tulip. "A amaryllis," I answered. I watched him carefully as he walked over to the small pond. "And that?" Asher asked. He was pointing to a pink orchid sitting on a lily pad. I laughed. "You've never seen an orchid before?" I asked. Asher gave me a puzzled look. I smiled and reached over and picking it up.

"The flower of love," I whispered. I offered the flower to him and he shook his head. I smelled it then placed it back in the pond.

"You know, you're doing a very good job of trying to conceal your secret," I told him. Asher raised an eyebrow at me. "What are you talking about?" he asked. I swallowed.

This might be the moment, the moment where after I found out Asher's secret, I would have that exact dagger plunged into my heart. I would never be Queen, I wouldn't have my own children or husband, my family would have to go through the loss. My kingdom being thrown to the hands of Clarissa, who wasn't as nearly as prepared as I was- then again neither was I.

"You have only come to my debutante to kill me," I stated. Asher peered his eyes at me before smiling. "I'm glad the obvious strategy worked," he smirked.

"What are you going to do?" I asked. Asher grabbed my wrist and pushed me against one of the trees. The dagger was placed against my neck, light enough it wouldn't cut my throat, but rough enough it would keep me still. "My intentions are not to kill you Princess. I was sent here by King Astros, I assume you've heard of him," Asher told me.

"Yes," I whispered, "I just do not understand why he would do such a thing. To send a huntsman, a murderer to-"

"I'm no murderer your grace. I simply do as I'm told. I earn good pay, and for your death I'll receive triple as much as I did for my last job," Asher explained.

"I can pay you more. More than you ever dreamed if you don't kill me."

"You know how many times I've heard the lies and begging?"

"Asher please. I-"

"Shh!" he hissed.

"Catharina darling?! Where are you?!" Mother called. Asher glared at me. "Get me out of here and I'll spare you," Asher whispered.

"Deal, deal," I agreed. Asher moved away from me and slipped the dagger back into his pocket. "Only if you want to get out, you have to make this convincing," I told him. Asher nodded.

I took his hand and pulled him behind me. "Laugh as if I said something funny," I whispered as we approached my mother. We both let out fake laughs that sounded convincing as our hands were tangled together. "Catharina! My dear, where have you been?" Mother asked approaching us.

I looked over at Asher. "Mother this is Asher. He and I met in the ballroom, only I wanted to show him my garden. Did you enjoy it?" I asked Asher. Asher smiled. "Of course, I have never been more pleased in my life. After all even being in the presence of your lovely daughter, Queen Isobel, was enough to make my evening, in fact even my life," Asher said.

"Oh please, Asher, you're too kind," I replied.

"Well, I am glad you two are enjoying each other's company, however there are many gentlemen inside, Catharina that are waiting for you," Mother scolded.

"My goodness! So much time has passed," I said before turning to Asher, "Forgive me, Asher. As much as it was grand meeting you, I cannot abandon those who await for their princess."