Garden

Taking the plate full of food, I made my way out of the tower. I wanted to go out, in the fresh air, that was calling my name. And then there was also the garden that I just saw from the window.

But I have to be careful as the garden is only used by the royals and if they see me wandering into the garden in this dress, then they will surely throw me out of here, even if I use Artemis name.

I peeked to my left and right, making sure there were no soldiers in sight and made my way to the garden making sure I didn't make any sound. I am an expert at avoiding any soldiers, as I have experience from years of sneaking out of the palace.

As I entered the garden, I was struck by the sense of magic that seemed to permeate the air. The flowers glowed with a soft, otherworldly light, casting a warm, inviting glow across the entire garden. The scent of blooming flowers filled her senses, a heady, intoxicating fragrance that seemed to promise a world of wonder and enchantment.

The garden in the most beautiful palace in the empire was truly a sight to behold, especially at night when the moon and stars illuminated it with their soft glow. It was a breathtaking sight to behold, with its winding paths, sparkling fountains, and lush foliage.

The garden was illuminated by hundreds of sparkling fireflies, their soft glow casting a warm golden light on everything around them. As I walked down the path, I saw that the flowers were unlike any I had ever seen before. They were vibrant shades of purple, pink, and blue, with petals that seemed to shimmer and glow in the darkness.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of jasmine and lavender, carried on a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of the trees overhead.

I wandered deeper into the garden, marveling at the towering trees and exotic plants that seemed to defy all earthly laws.

These plants are native in kysoria. They are not available anywhere else in the empire.

In the center of the garden, I came upon a towering statue, carved from the purest crystal. The statue depicted a magnificent unicorn, its horn gleaming with a silvery light that seemed to pulse with magic. I gazed in wonder at the statue, feeling a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me.

I sat on the nearby bench with my food, as a wave of homesickness washed over me.

Even though I am in the most beautiful place in the empire, I cannot help but wish I was home. I cannot help but miss my friend Cassie, my brother Elias, I never thought that I would ever miss Tiana. But her annoying personality must have grown on me.

I could feel the tears prickling in my eyes, I stuffed a whole pastry in my mouth snigging indignantly as I stared at the sky not wanting the tears to fall.

I will not cry. I have come this far. I can do this.

No matter how much I miss my home. I cannot go back there. I can live here in a place I choose, rather than marry that arrogant prince alexander.

I can escape from here if I want, I can do whatever I want here. But in my own home I was forced to do something that made me sick to my stomach.

I would rather die here in the hands of my enemies than get married to him.

If I had to for the sake of my kingdom, then I would have done it. I would have gladly sacrificed myself. I would have given myself to him.

But this marriage is not for that. There is no benefit in my marriage to him. There is nothing that prince alexander has that will benefit my kingdom.

The only person who will benefit from it is my aunt by getting rid of me.

---------------------------

"Prince Cyrus, do you need anything else?" the maid asked, as she bowed.

"no." I turned away dismissing her. I was exhausted, today was filled with some unexpected surprises. I have never thought that I would be able to capture the witch.

I moved to my balcony, while thinking about today's events.

I have a nagging feeling that she let me catch her.

The question is why?

Why did the witch who my father had been searching for, for the last 20 years and had never been able to find her, got caught that easily today?

And the girl. The girl that was with her. Who is she?

Thea.

That is what she said her name is. The name of the goddess.

Her grey eyes flashed in my mind, there was something about her.

A sigh escaped me. There is so much going on, but father won't tell me what.

Why does he need that witch? Just as I was about to move back into my chambers to rest something caught my eye.

A figure was moving slowly through the garden, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow.

As the figure drew closer, the prince realized that it was her, with long, flowing hair and a gracefulness that seemed to defy earthly laws. I watched, transfixed, as she moved through the garden, her every step a thing of beauty.