chapter 12- breath

Cassian strolled through the lush garden alongside his nanny, the gentle rustle of leaves accompanying their steps. Near the sparkling water fountain, an elegantly arranged small dining table caught his eye. The queen sat there, her gaze fixed on the dancing waters, blissfully unaware of his approach. It wasn't until he stepped closer that Anastasia turned, her face lighting up with a warm smile as she beckoned him to join her at the table. Cassian took a seat across from her, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words as the kitchen staff began to grace the table with steaming coffee and an array of exquisite dishes. Anastasia presented a small dish of chocolate pudding in front of him.

"Your mother's favorite was this one. She would indulge in it almost all day," she remarked, her laughter melodic and infectious. Cassian met her bright, smiling eyes and thought, 'This is also my favorite.'

"I hope your highness enjoys it," she continued, lifting her cup of coffee for a sip.

Cassian observed the queen, captivated by her effusive storytelling, her innocent smile directed solely at him. As he relished his breakfast in silence, she filled the air with tales from the palace, her voice a soothing melody.

............................

Though Anastasia was meant to depart the Crown Prince's residence after the meal, her heart resisted the thought of returning to the confines of the Queen's palace. Instead, she wandered the palace grounds aimlessly, seeking solace in the beauty around her.

"Your Majesty, would you like to explore the palace garden?" Julia suggested, noting the boredom etched on her master's face.

"Palace garden?" Anastasia echoed, intrigued.

"Yes, your Majesty. It blooms with precious flowers as the seasons change. I believe you haven't visited since the last bloom."

"Is that so? Then we must go there."

Guided by Julia's suggestion, they altered their path, walking through the expansive grounds until the palace garden came into view. Located next to the main palace, it lay a considerable distance from the other residences. As they passed through the grand golden gate, they stepped into an expanse of soft grass, flanked by vibrant green plants and delicate roses, a pathway adorned with fragrant white lilies that floated through the air like an enchanting spell. The queen's face radiated delight as she admired the blooms that surrounded her. Julia, observing the queen with childlike wonder among the flowers, smiled warmly.

"Your Majesty, let me unveil something truly spectacular," she said, capturing Anastasia's attention. The queen, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, turned to her.

"If we follow this path just a little further, we'll arrive at the most special place in the garden."

"Special?" Anastasia asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Just follow me," Julia urged, leading the queen deeper into the garden.

"Wow!" Anastasia exclaimed, her voice a soft gasp as she beheld the scene before her.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Julia chuckled, watching the queen's reaction.

Anastasia rushed towards the captivating sight. Her pale yellow dress danced in the breeze, her long hair flowing elegantly as she moved. A serene pond lay ahead, adorned with a magnificent fountain at its center, where gold and red fish glided gracefully among the lilypads.

Dropping down at the water's edge, Anastasia playfully dipped her hands into the cool liquid, beckoning the fish closer with gleeful delight. Her smile radiated warmth as she watched them swim, enraptured by the beauty of the moment.

"Do you enjoy fish?" The unexpected question jolted Anastasia from her reverie, prompting her to turn with a look of surprise across her face. As she pulled her hand back from the shimmering surface of the pond, a flush crept up her cheeks, betraying her embarrassment. In her haste to stand up, she miss stepped, her foot tangling in the flowing fabric of her dress, which sent her teetering dangerously close to the water's edge.

"Ah!" Julia cried out, her voice laced with alarm.

 Just as the princess teetered on the brink of disaster, a sturdy hand gripped her waist, but fate had other plans. The two of them lost their balance, plunging together into the deceptively deep pond. The cool water enveloped them, and Anastasia felt the weight of panic settle in her chest as she struggled to find her bearings beneath the surface. Her heart raced as bubbles escaped her mouth, and just when she thought she might succumb to the depths, a firm hand grasped her wrist, yanking her upward toward the surface. She gasped violently for air, her lungs burning as she fought to regain control of her breath. The man who had saved her held her securely as he swam, propelling them to the bank of the pond. Julia, her expression a mix of fear and determination, joined forces with the man to pull Anastasia out of the water. The trio tumbled onto the soft, damp grass, where droplets glistened like jewels on their clothes.

"Your Majesty!" Julia called, worry in her tone as she knelt beside the soaking queen, her eyes brimming with concern. Demetrius emerged from the water, his clothes clinging to him. He quickly knelt on the ground beside Anastasia. He delicately cupped her pale cheek, his touch gentle yet urgent, whispering encouragement in a low, soothing voice.

 "Anastasia, open your eyes. You are safe now," he urged, each word wrapped in worry. Yet, despite his tender reassurances, she lay still, gasping helplessly as her eyes remained sealed shut, her body shaking with fear.

"Your Majesty!" Julia called again, her voice trembling as she rocked Anastasia gently to elicit any sign of response.

Demetrius, noticing the instinctive worry in Julia's actions, gently took hold of her hand and removed it from Anastasia's shoulder. Cradling the queen's upper body in his arms, he pressed her head against his chest. Time passed as he repeatedly called her name, desperation growing with each breath she struggled to take. Still, there was no reply—she lay in his embrace, her breathing labored, lost in the shadows of her fear.

"Your Majesty, I believe the Queen is in shock. You must help her to calm down," Julia suggested, her fingers crossed and tears in her eyes. They observed the woman in his arms, soaked, eyes closed, and breathing laboriously, her body trembling. He held her close, softly calling her name, but she did not acknowledge him. Leaning down, Demetrius gently opened her mouth with his fingers and pressed his lips to hers, exhaling slowly into her while holding her tightly against him.