Episode 3

At last, we arrived at the Palace. As I stepped down from the carriage, my legs trembled and ached from the lack of circulation. We were led to the king's chamber, and as soon as he saw us, he rushed over to greet us. We bowed to him to show our respect.

"Hello, my friend, how are you?"

"Hello, my king. I am well."

"My God! Is this little Emma?"

The king and my father had grown up together; they were childhood friends, and my father named him my godfather out of this friendship.

"Hello, Uncle Garden, how are you?"

"I'm doing well, my little one. How you've grown!"

"Thank you. You look younger by the day."

"Oh, how I wish that were true."

"Darling, what do you say to a stroll in the garden while we discuss some urgent matters?"

"Of course, Papa."

"I'll join you!"

called out Denis, leaning against the doorframe.

"Denis!"

I ran and nestled into his arms.

Denis, the king's son, was the prince and sole heir to the throne. We didn't grow up together, but soon we were in the garden, beginning our conversation.

"It's been ages since we last saw each other, Emma!"

"Indeed. If I recall, the last time was at my coming-of-age birthday."

"Yes, it was a lovely party."

"Little did I know what awaited me after that."

"Are you troubled?"

"No, it's just the pressure they put on me."

"I understand. My parents are already searching for a future queen. At least you will have a choice in choosing your husband."

"You're right. I'm ungrateful. But don't be downhearted. I've heard it can take years to find a princess worthy enough."

"True. I still have some years to enjoy, thankfully."

Noticing he seemed saddened by the topic, I shifted the conversation.

"The garden grows more colorful every day!"

"Yes, but this isn't your favorite part. Come with me."

He led me to a section of the garden dedicated to lilies.

"Wow, it's beautiful!"

"Have you seen the pink ones? They're so vibrant."

This part of the garden was a birthday gift for my tenth birthday. Denis had it built in the castle with my favorite flowers.

"You know I had this garden planted so I could be closer to you, right?"

"You were quite the charmer!"

"Ha, I still am, little one. And you're still the girl who chased after me, climbing trees and stealing my biscuits."

"Please, Denis, I've grown up!"

"You’re right, you’ve matured and become even more beautiful."

I'm used to Denis's manner, but sometimes I can't help blushing at his advances.

"Denis!"

"It's true what they say."

"About what?"

"They claim you've inherited all the beauty of the Binttercy lineage, specifically from your great-grandmother. Some even say you're her reincarnation."

"Really?! That's absurd."

"But it's true. You're the spitting image of her."

"Have you seen a picture of my great-grandmother, Denis?"

"Yes, there’s a portrait of her in the library. Haven't you seen it?"

"No, the library is for family only."

"But you are family, Emma!"

"I know. But let's face it, a library isn't the most appealing place to a child."

"Come, I'll show you."

We walked toward the library.

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