Greenhouse

It was truly conflicting way to be. Her grandfather taught her all the things she should and shouldn't know. Once he passed away, her father made sure that she only knew the things she was meant to and he tried to beat everything else out of her.

If she were truly herself, she would be decisive, confident in her abilities, and unafraid of the unknown. But she had to hide behind the facade for years now, to protect herself and to survive.

She didn't have to hide in front of Samuel. And now Samuel had her back in front of Chiron.

"I'll teach you. Send me a message when you have time and I will ensure to be available." Chiron agreed carefully as if he realised his mistake.

"Thank you." Isabelle curtsied before him. "I am most appreciative of this."

"A word of caution, your highness. Be wary of him." Chiron pointed at Samuel. "He's a bad influence."

"I appreciate the warning." Isabelle nodded in agreement. "And again, thank you."

Samuel walked out of the room with her. Only now Isabelle noticed the lack of herbal smell that was so potent in Chiron's room.

"Is there anyone in the castle that you haven't yet upset?" Isabelle asked curiously.

"Probably not." Samuel admitted. Isabelle shook her head in disapproval but hasn't said anything else. "There's a very few people left in our kingdom that I have yet to offend."

"I guess it's good to have a goal in life."

"You mentioned a greenhouse to Chiron. Where is it?"

"It's in the back end of the garden. It is quite neglected. Matilda mentioned that it would be okay for me to take it over."

"I'm sure of it. Show me. I'm intrigued now."

"Certainly." Isabelle nodded and walked beside Samuel outside. As she stepped into the sunlight, she squinted her eyes as if the light surprised her.

"Your idea to provide citizens of Ariadna with medicinal ointments, is that something you did in Galbore?"

"That's what my grandfather tried to do. I believe that we can teach people how to help in preparing them and have shops where any small ailment can be treated. Everyone should have access to a proper medical care, regardless of their wealth and education."

"I think it's an interesting idea. We can work on it in the weeks to come and start thinking about the logistics."

"It'll take time, that's beyond doubt."

"Unquestionably." Samuel nodded, looking at Isabelle from the side. She stood tall today. She had a slight smile on her lips and a glimmer in her eye. She found herself a purpose. A different one, perhaps, to the one expected of a princess. But this was a good start. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

That person that sat on the throne and was capable of ruling was still there, more and more clearly capable of a greatness. Samuel couldn't wait to see what will become of Isabelle.

Isabelle led him to the greenhouse and carefully opened the door, which was a little stiff on the hinges.

"What's your plan?" Samuel asked as he looked around the greenhouse.

"I will tidy up in here first. Then I'll see what herbs I can get and plant here. Maybe some flowers too." Isabelle said quickly. "I think this worktop will be perfect for the herbs. And I'd like to grow some vines to add more greenery to the walls of the greenhouse." Isabelle quickly explained, having envisioned exactly what she wanted to do.

"What herbs would you like to plant first?"

"Hmmm…" she thought carefully. "I think the ones with the most generic uses would be a good start. Perhaps Aloe Vera, chamomile, valerian. And then something anti-inflammatory and a pain relief. But I'm not sure where to get them. At this time of year it might be hard for many of them to grow naturally."

"Could you write me a list of the first five plants you wish for?"

"Why?"

"I'd like to undertake it as my task. A side quest of sorts. I admire your purpose and I wish to be of help. Speak to me of herbs and medicine just as much as I will speak to you of politics and relations within Ariadna."

"I thought we had a different deal."

"Make it a part of it. I feel like you much rather prefer this than serenading me."

"Maybe." Isabelle started moving old plant pots out of the way. Some were empty and some had dead shrubs in them. Without a prompt, Samuel started doing what she did, helping her tidy the workspace. It didn't take long until they've dusted the surfaces and started to pile the dead vines in a corner to dispose off.

"I'll get you some new tools too." Samuel decided as he moved a trowel with a handle split in half.

"I think I can manage for now." Isabelle blushed worried that she might be causing trouble. "I did wonder if you knew who used this greenhouse before."

"Actually, it wasn't used for years. I think the last person was his highness' grandfather who passed away some time ago. I believe that he was quite interested in plants as well."

"Do you think I will be fine using it?"

"Definitely. One thing I can tell you for sure is that his highness doesn't like things going to waste. He will be happy to see you getting some use out of it."

"If you're certain…" Isabelle mumbled.

After a while she brushed the dirt off her dress and walked back to the castle with Samuel. Ever since visiting her cousin, she seemed to have formed a very different kind of bond with him. Maybe it was that he saw her at her lowest and most vulnerable, or maybe it was because she saw him as more than just a bad royal advisor. Isabelle started seeing him as a very unlikely ally and a good source of unfiltered information. He saw her as great company and someone he admired. His feelings for her were changing. His romantic interest was transforming to an admiration for an idol or role-model.

The sight might have been that of a friendship but to Cassian who caught it from afar it evoke jealousy. He sped through the audience to catch Isabelle once more before he had to rush off again. He wanted to spend every waking minute with her but his time was limit but his duties. He hoped that his father will force his brother to take on some of the duties but he knew that it was unlikely.

Now, he saw Isabelle walking beside Samuel, his two closest friends, talking to each other whilst pacing through the garden in the sun, smiling at each other.

Isabelle smiling at Samuel hurt him. It pierced through him. It reminded him that her smiles at him were meaningless. It wasn't that she had romantic feelings for him. It wasn't love or even a crush. It was just her kindness. The same kindness that she showed to everyone else. He wasn't anyone special to her even though he still thought of her as the love of his life.