?The Lavender Garden - Lilac?

  I remember the first time I saw her. It was my first time attending a ball hosted by the royal family. I was a sickly child, so I never stepped foot outside our county. However, a recent medicine at the time allowed me to be well enough to go. The sensations that were foreign to me made me overly conscious of them. I felt the heaviness of the dress, the foreign substance on my face, and the subtle smell of perfume.

  The ball was grand; everywhere I looked was dazzling—the clothing, the food, the decorations. It all made me so nervous that I stayed alone in the corner, watching the lavish people. The atmosphere was unnerving for the sickly me.

  That was when I saw her; she stood out more than everyone else. I can still picture her straight white hair, her kind lilac eyes, and her soft smile. Sylvainne Vaelor, the youngest daughter of a viscount, was unlike any other. She stood at the centre of the ballroom, interacting with various guests. Her movements were minimal yet impactful. A small flick of her wrist was enough to entice those around her. I remained there, in the far corners of the ballroom, studying her. For someone like me, she was an enigma. It was the first time I realized society is different from the one I knew in Lamprys County. It was also then that I remembered her family.

  The Vaelors were always referred to as the richest family in the Empire despite only being a viscountcy. The family focused on developing medicines and potions that aid lower-class people. Rumours had it that the royal family had an agreement with the Vaelors to never allow their medicine to be sold for more than the price of bread. This made the family popular amongst the common people but not so much amongst the upper echelon. It was also their medicine that had helped me recover. I decided then that it was my time to thank her and her family.

  I slowly made my way to the centre of the ballroom when I overheard a group of women talking. Startled, I hid behind a pillar and listened to their conversation. Dianne Marwyn, a marquis' daughter, led the conversation, tainting Sylvainne and her family's reputation. The rest of the women stayed quiet as she let out her thoughts, all except one woman. Aenarra Curran, the western duke's daughter, warned her. However, that did not stop Dianne; in fact, it infuriated her more. It was then that Sylvainne walked towards the women's table and sat with them. She poured them tea and joined their conversation, much to Dianne's displeasure. A small quarrel occurred between the two, with Dianne becoming increasingly furious while Sylvainne remained composed. Eventually, Dianne stormed off, followed by everyone at the table except Aenarra.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Aenarra confronted Sylvainne about her "plans" with Dianne. She feigned ignorance at first but later replied. Her words still stuck in my head.

  "As I said earlier, Lady Curran, scheming is not something I partake in. However, while the thorns can be difficult to manage, a rose has its uses."

  A rose—that is how most people would describe Dianne Marwyn. Her fiery red hair resembled that of a rose's petal. I never did figure out what Sylvainne meant when she commented about the rose's thorns. Aenarra chuckled and sounded amused by Sylvainne's answer. However, she also warned her.

  "That rose may be better pruned than left to rot. But who am I to judge? That rose is the most vibrant I've ever seen, and I can't do it myself."

  At the time, Aenarra was always seen with Dianne. Most people had associated Aenarra as one of Dianne's entourage. However, it never did make sense to me why Aenarra let Dianne be. There were also rumours at the time that hinted at an answer. Aenarra had particular tastes when it came to the people she allowed in her life. They always resembled a rose, whether through their personality or appearance. In Dianne's case, she was the perfect fit.

  After Aenarra left, I hid back behind the pillar, slowly regaining my composure. During this time, I didn't realize Sylvainne had discovered me. I remember the first question she asked me. It was the first of many questions she would ask me that I had no idea how to answer.

  "Did you enjoy the show, Lady Lamprys?"

  It was then I realized that Sylvainne knew I was listening in the entire time. I apologized to her, but she stopped me midway through. She led our conversation effortlessly, catching me off guard multiple times. She asked about my family and our county. Our conversation was brief. I suppose it only occurred due to her curiosity and nothing else. It went by so fast that I had forgotten to thank her or her family.

  The night ended without me ever conversing with her again. While she remained in the spotlight, I never managed to overcome the nerves that befell me. As I rode the carriage home that night, I remember wishing to meet her again. It was as if the deities were listening to me; I spotted her under the light of the moon. She was in the garden, holding a single lavender.