The Azelhart estate was beautiful. It had been a long time since Simeon had thought of his family’s castle or the sprawling gardens that surrounded it, but the bittersweet memory stirred within him now, tugging at what little remained of his cold heart. The roses and lilacs were in bloom, and the spring air smelled like home.
Of course, that was all long behind him now. Simeon was far from Everhold, and his days as a prince were forgotten by all but himself. He was a gardener now, employed by Lord Azelhart to keep this splendid garden in top shape. It was a demeaning job for someone like Simeon, but necessary; it was also his job to keep an eye on Lord Azelhart’s young daughter, though that duty had been assigned to him by a much higher power than any noble.
It was as he pruned the wilted head off a flower that he noticed Primrose standing there under the shade of a small tree. She seemed so small and fragile, hardly the type of girl a god would choose as their champion. Yet, looking at her, Simeon couldn’t help but notice something proud and strong hidden deep down within her, despite how she looked on the surface. He admired that.
Seizing this golden opportunity to make himself better acquainted with his target, Simeon approached her and bowed. “Excuse me, milady. Is something troubling you? I couldn’t help but notice how pensive you seem.”
@shieldingfaith
