Mask

Peonies

I know Yaro said he would come today but deep down, I didn't believe him. Why should I believe in someone I hardly even know? I shook my head and got out of bed. I shouldn't be thinking such thoughts. I had a really nice dream and I can't let something like this weigh me down.

I made sure no one was around before entering the kitchen and grabbing the leftovers the chief had made. There was bread and a couple of cheese slices. There was also some garden salad with craisins I couldn't resist. I took a bowl of it outside to enjoy the morning rays. I went through the back door to lead me to the garden. It wasn't grandiose but the gardener always tended them with care. It would make my mornings bright when spring would come and I'd get to smell the flowers outside my window.

Maybe that's what my dream was. The flowers calling out to me. It has been a while since I enjoyed the company of the garden. I sat down to enjoy my meal on the stone edging. When I finished, I put the plate down and got up. I squatted down to smell the orange peonies. They seem to be the gardeners favorite, as well as mine. I closed my eyes and took in the scent.

"You seem to be having fun."

I quickly opened my eyes and stared into Yaro's. He was dressed in disguise again. My heart thumped hard in my chest as I took a couple of breaths to calm myself. He started laughing as I glared at him. Was this amusing to him somehow?

"I was a moment ago actually." I shook my head. "What are you doing here?"

He put his elbow on his knee and rested his hand on his face. "Can't you tell? I'm here to visit you, just like I said I would."

I looked away and looked at the flowers. "Why?"

"What do you mean?"

I got up and started walking away. "I don't feel that I'm all that interesting. I don't understand you or your thinking."

I stopped and turned around. He had followed me like I thought he would. His steps are quiet so I couldn't even tell he had risen and was behind me. Another thought crossed my mind. What kind of magician was he? Was he trained for combat? For attack or defense? Since he's the king I could imagine him leading battles for war one day but maybe he likes defending the knights who protect the kingdom. So many questions came all at once I didn't know what to ask first.

"Would you believe me if I said I thought you were interesting? To know you are in the presence of a prince yet you treat me like that doesn't mean anything. You know I could have you put in jail for such questions?"

I put my arms out with my wrists facing upward. "If you wish it, I cannot resist."

A flicker of anger could be seen passing his eyes. "I am unsure if you are jesting with me or being cruel but no, that will not happen. I cherish what we have."

I put my hands down. "What is it that we have? What would you call our relationship?"

His face turned a slight shade of pink as he looked away. "That, is something we both need to discover for ourselves, don't you think? Or do you wish to discuss it further?"

I sat down on the same spot I was previously, with my bowl awaiting to be taken back inside. "I don't mind talking about it. I'm not well versed in conversing with others so this could assist in helping me. Come, sit with me."

He took a moment to think about it before sitting to my left. I could smell the hint of morning dew coming off his clothes or maybe that's the smell of his hair? I couldn't quite tell. Yaro stared right back at me, his gaze not wavering.

"Did you really not know I was the prince the other night?"

I tilted my head. "Should I have? Are you that well known?"

He started laughing. "Of course, I am the next to be in line for the throne after all. Everyone is always trying to get my attention."

"I see."

"Hypothetically speaking, if I wasn't the prince, what would you have done?"

"Truth be told, I would've waited for you to have left and stayed in that very same spot, enjoying the stars and waited until I went home. Nothing new from what I normally do when I get invited to balls."

He smiled. "Well, I am glad to have met you. I was very close to not going, for the sake of my father. He's doing a lot better now but I believe very soon he will no longer be with us. If that happens, will you do me the honor of staying by my side?"

My heart thumped widely in my chest. The way his eyes met mine and the kind smile he held. I could tell he was trying to hide the sadness of now knowing what is to come. He seemed like a sad puppy, staring at the soul of whoever came upon it. Unbeknown to me, I had laid my left hand on his cheek. Before I could take my hand away he closed his eyes and nuzzled against it.

"Thank you."