Meet Me in the Garden (DSAF royal AU)

Chapter Four - Magnolias

A few days had passed since Dave and Jack had officially become friends, and while Henry was still saying things that got under his skin, Dave found himself to be exponentially happier.

Every night, the two would converse about anything and everything that was on their minds while taking slow walks through the garden, with Jack occasionally pointing out a flower or two he'd memorized the meaning of.

It was endearing to see someone so passionate about the things they loved. Dave had been taught throughout his life that any form of enthusiasm about his interests, such as metalworking and tinkering, were obnoxious and unwanted, but seeing Jack be so open about his love for botany made him open up more.

One morning, after his usual routine of being dressed with needless help from the servants, Dave was walking down the gallery hallway. The hall was covered in paintings of the castle, the village, nature, and still lifes, with an occasional painting of a member of the Miller family hung up like a trophy.

Dave was looking for a specific painting that morning, one he hadn't visited in quite some time.

The large, golden framed painting of his mother, Lydia Miller.

The painting never had so much as a speck of dust on the pure gold framing, and the picture was painted so masterfully, it was as if a perfect replica of the queen was there herself, sitting in a velvet chair, wearing a warm, motherly smile on her face.

Dave never got to know his mother, as she had died not long after he was brought into the world. He'd only heard stories and remarks from the townspeople and conversations he'd eavesdropped in, specifically about how she was the candle that melted Henry's cold, dead heart.

It often left Dave wondering, if circumstances were different, would Henry love him like he did with David? Would Lydia have taught Henry to appreciate him, or would she also act in David's favor?

There was no way to find out for certain, and there wouldn't be anytime soon.

Dave brushed his palm against the canvas with the gentleness only a butterfly could replicate, feeling a knot already begin to form in his throat.

"Good morning, mom." He greeted, inspecting the hues of the overall painting intensely. "I have some news, I think you'd like it."

Silence.

Of course.

"I made a friend the other day," Dave rubbed the back of his neck, smiling awkwardly. It always felt strange to talk to thin air. "He's our new gardener. His name is Jack."

In his head, Dave imagined Lydia leaning out and placing her chin in her hands, listening intently as her son talked. It was a much more welcome idea than being outright ignored.

"He doesn't act like I'm annoying," Dave's once forced smile became genuine, growing wider as he talked about his friend. "He hasn't even noticed when I start tapping or bouncing my leg... or he has, and just isn't saying anything."

Sliding down to the floor, Dave pictured Lydia smiling at him happily.

"He's made life more tolerable, I have to admit. When I'm around him, I just feel so—"

"William."

Dave guessed that he was so caught up in his own little world that he didn't hear the door open, and Henry's voice made Dave jump, making him whip his head around to look at his father, who had been looming over him.