15: The Hellebores Flower

“Where is the Prince?” Hanako asked.

Yamabe-sama has been skipping class to visit the garden. We know that we should have stopped him before something happened again, but I believe in Ervin that he will do everything to keep the Prince away from the gardener.

“He was at the library earlier,” I said as I pretended to look around.

It is stupid of me to act like I do not know where the Prince is. He’s so much like his brother. I cannot see any difference.

“That’s rare. The Prince has no interest in books,” Hanako said as she started to walk. She keeps on acting strong and harsh towards the Prince, but deep inside her heart, she cares so much about him. She could not even relax if her eyes cannot see the Prince, even his shadow.

“Let us ask the bookkeeper,” I said as I opened the door to the library.

I have realized the one thing that they do not have in common. Hisahito does not love books as much as his brother does. I guess they wouldn't be similar because they both have a different spouse.

“Good day, have you seen the Prince?” Hanako asked the bookkeeper.

“Yes, Hanako-san. He asked me for this book called ‘Flower secret messages,” the bookkeeper said.

I immediately understood why he got that book. I think we are already late. The past is starting to happen again. I wonder what Ervin will do about this? He promised me that he would do everything to let that gardener away from the Prince.

“Did he mention where he would use that?” Hanako asked.

“He said Tanaka-sensei told him to get the book,” the bookkeeper

“I never told him to. We are not studying flowers,” I said.

Yamabe-sama has become desperate to learn about that garden and knowing how smart he is. He will eventually find out the truth that we have been hiding for almost a decade.

“Let us go. We need to find Yamabe-sama and make him attend his classes. If the emperor heard about this he would be displeased,” Hanako said as she left the library.

I took a deep breath before following her. I need a word with Ervin about this. I know he knows what to do.

~

“Wow! I never knew you know flowers,” Fabio exclaimed.

I laughed as I looked at his face. Does he not realize that I just looked into this book that is why I found out about what Silvia flower means? He gets impressed. He smiles like he never suffers any hardship. He is not scared to show everyone who he is. He does not hide anything. He is real, that makes me drawn to him. At last, after my 20 years of living in this palace, I have finally met someone real. Someone who would not lie to my face to make things better.

“I just read it in this book,” I said as I showed him the book that I borrowed from the library.

I wonder why Tanaka-sensei and Hanako were not looking for me or scolding me for coming to the garden without any companion, but I am honestly happy. I hope they would not look for me anymore so, this way I can feel alive and free.

“I’m still impressed. I didn’t know you love flowers so much that you even tried to learn about it,” he said with a sweet smile on his face.

“Are you mocking me?” I said as I frowned at him.

A worried expression replaces his smiles. He immediately looked down and said, “I’m sorry for my rudeness.”

I laughed so hard while watching him panic. He was so scared that he would say something that would offend me, I find it adorable.

“I was just kidding. I’m not mad or anything so don’t apologize,” I said as I pat his head. He was bowing his head while saying his apologies. He’s so disciplined, but I don’t like it if he acts this way. I can feel the difference in our status and that he won’t be comfortable with me again.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

I nodded and smiled, “Yes,” I said as I looked into his beautiful green eyes. “I like your eyes.”

He looked at me in surprise, “What?” he exclaimed.

I laughed at his reaction. “I like your eyes, it’s like this flower called Hellebores. It is so green and looks more beautiful when you look at it up close,” I said as I showed him the photo of the flower in the book.

“Ah, the hellebores. It is also called the lenten rose, their beauty is indeed seen up close,” he explained as he looked into the book.

His knowledge astounded me, can someone who doesn’t have any education can have this much knowledge?

“I figure you know that as well. You live up to your job,” I said while laughing.

“I am honored to be praised by you,” he said as he flashed a sweet and gentle smile.

“How about you tell me more about these flowers?” I said while pointing at the book.

I honestly want to learn about flowers, but maybe I do have other reasons that I keep on denying to myself. Either way, I’ll hit two birds in one stone.