A Saint and A Flower

Chapter Nine

I stared at the golden pansy the prince held tightly in his fist with confusion, as he presented it to me with a fully flushed face. His vibrant eyes were cast sideways, and his slightly sun kissed skin had a peachy glow all the way down his neck. He looked uncomfortable as he offered me the flower. Our walk had been going well, and we talked about small things like how I enjoyed the palace, and the weather, so how did we get here? As the prince's face begin to redden further I quickly accepted the flower.

"It's lovely, I'll treasure it," I assured him, not wanting to further the young prince's discomfort any longer. 

"I'm glad you like it," He cleared his throat, his young face turning away shyly.

"I should go put it in water. Thank you for the invitation," I curtsied. 

He quickly bowed back, still slightly flustered. 

"I hope you enjoy the rest of your afternoon, Prince Remly," I said, following the butler as he led me out of the garden. 

I was quickly lost in thought as I made my way back to my room. Did the Emperor put Remly up to this, hoping I would fall for the young prince? He did seem really uncomfortable with the situation, and I knew the outcome of the book. He would fall for Amelia at first sight, and she for him. It was fate, and unfortunately for the emperor, I had already chosen sides. Prince Axel was the only heir that I would support. As the door to my room opened, my three maids bowed. 

"Welcome back, Saintess."

"Please find a suitable vase for this flower," I asked, handing the pansy to the youngest of the maids, with her bright red hair and freckled face. She quickly bowed and set about her task. 

"I never got to eat lunch. Could one of you bring me a small picnic? I think I would like to take it with me and eat in the rose gardens," I said to the remaining two, and one quickly left to prepare what I asked for. 

"I do not want to be disturbed while I'm in the gardens. I will take time in solitude where I need to pray," I told the last one, the most timid of the bunch. 

"But, Saintess... isn't it dangerous for you to be without an escort?"

"Any fool who tries to make out with my life will suffer under the wrath of God. Do you doubt the protection of the Highest of Lords?"

"N-No, of course not, Saintess. You will not be disturbed."

My small picnic basket was quickly brought, and I left for the rose garden. Passing the red blooms, I made my way to the tower without much hesitation, once I was sure I was alone. I found the door quickly, and set up the stairs. Once I made it to the door though, I paused. Would the Prince turn me away for real this time? Axel had always hated the Temple in the novel, since they worshipped the God that cursed him. I admitted to being affiliated with that church. Still, I couldn't give up. I raised my fist and tapped at the door. 

"Prince Axel? It's Esme, may I come in?" 

".....Come in," Was replied after an excessively long pause. 

I opened the door, seeing the dark haired boy sitting as his desk, his cold blue eyes on my figure. 

"I brought lunch," I smiled, holding up the basket, a timid offering.

I could tell he was not given regular meals, and the food he was given probably lacked nutrition. My first goal was to fatten up the malnourished prince. 

"What, are you a maid?" He sighed, looking away and turning his attention back to the book at hand. 

"I just wanted to share a meal," I huffed, setting the basket down, and looking about the dusty room.

"Why did you come back?"

"I told you I would. Did you not believe me?" 

He was silent, which I took as a conformation. I sighed, and opened up the basket. 

"What are you reading?" I wondered, pulling out the sandwiches cut into triangles, along with the slices of apples and strawberries. Still,  Axel said nothing. I set the food beside him on his desk, and lastly pulled out the flask of water. I could feel the chill of it through the container. 

"You shouldn't come here anymore," Axel finally said.

"But I will," I gave a thoughtless reply, too focused on setting up his meal. 

He spun around, glaring at me. 

"You are very impudent."

"You are the first to call me so," I giggled.

"I find that hard to believe, or do you only reserve such treatment for me?"

"I can only act this way with you," I smiled, placing the flask on his desk, along with the rest of his food. 

"And why is that? Because I have been cast out by the imperial family?" He spoke bitterly.

"It is because I like you, and I wish to be honest with you."

He looked at me with distrust, then returned his gaze to the book on his desk.

"How could you like me?"

"Hmmm, because you are a very strong person," I answered, turning to look out the window.

"Do I look strong to you?" He asked, as if I was a great fool. 

I looked at the boy sitting there, in his worn clothes, and his thin, frail form. His eyes slowly turned to me, his gaze cold and deep bags set under his eyes. I could see the black curse marking half his face, disappearing down the neckline of his shirt. After a moment, a sad smile rose at my lips. 

"Yes, you are very strong." 

He paused, his stare holding as he looked at me. I didn't turn away. He could look for bad intent  or dishonesty all he wanted. He wouldn't find any.

"Why are you here?" He finally asked, as if he couldn't understand why my figure was there in his tiny room. I wonder what I looked like in his eyes, in this moment. 

"Because I want to be by your side," I said in a wistful tone. I wanted to be here so badly, that I fell from my world into this new one. 

"You shouldn't. Being at my side will only bring you pain and misery."

"Because of the curse?"

He flinched when I said that, and turned away.

"If you know, then why are you here? Do you wish for us to share the same fate?"

Did he still believe that the curse was contagious? Was that why he wanted me to stay away? I felt a twinge in my chest, looking at the lonesome boy. Even though I know he craved human contact, he still pushed me away, because of the threat the curse could befall me. I was touched, having previously thought that the young prince could only hate me. I approached him swiftly, and his face turned at the sound of my footsteps. My hand raised, and before he could react, I placed my hand against the dark sharp words that stained his skin. His wide eyes met mine, stunned and for a moment we stayed like that before he flinched back harshly, slapping my hand away. 

"What is wrong with you? Do you have a death wish?" He exclaimed, suddenly furious. 

"The curse is not contagious," I told him, matter of factly. 

He looked speechless, and when he was silent, I continued.

"It's not an illness, or disease. It only affects one person with royal blood every generation. It can't be given to anyone, and it can't spread."

"How can you be so sure?"

"If anyone who actually knew about the curse had taken the time to explain it to you, then you'd know this as well."

"Then why did my father throw me up here?!" He shouted, a deep wound hidden in his eyes. He tensed, realizing what he said, before he looked away, hiding his face from my eyes. 

"Because he is a fool," I spoke after a moment, carefully patting his head, hoping to be some kind of comfort to the young Axel who has discovered the truth much earlier than he did in the novel. 

"You'll be killed, if anyone hears you say that."

"No, I won't," I hummed out, unafraid. 

After a moment, the prince let out a choked noise and I withdrew my hand in shock. Was he having an episode? But then, I realized as I watched his shoulders shake lightly. He was laughing. He kept going for awhile, and all I could feel was shock. Axel never smiled or much less laughed in front of anyone, but Amelia. He slowly calmed before looking at me. I almost gasped. He looked as if a weight had been lifted off his small shoulders. Knowing that his curse never could spread, I thought he would feel resentment towards those who confined him, but for some reason, he just looked relieved.

"What did you say your name was?"

"You can call me Esme," I beamed at him, a huge smile taking over my face.

"Then... you call me Axel, Esme."

"You should eat your lunch, Axel."

"Who are you bossing around?"

"Please?" I sang out. 

He rolled his eyes, but took hold of a slice of the apple and began munching on it as he read his book. I smiled, pleased as I watched him.