Cyrelas
"Did you like today's ball .?"
"No , I didn't like it . It lacked entertainment to me."
"What exactly entertains you, Sybil? Because every ball we went to this week that's always your response."
"We only went to two balls before this one , I'm sure there's more that might entertain me."
"And what can the balls have to achieve that."
"They can have the absence of you."
I look at her and we continue our ride back home in silence.
......
Sybil
Under the soft luminescence of the moon, I stepped out into the garden, craving a breath of cool air to ease the weight of the evening. These balls with Cyrelas have been quite.... tempting. They're making me feel things I'm not supposed to feel when I'm around him.
As I strolled through the paths lined with fragrant blooms, my gaze drifted to the silvery blossoms shimmering under the moonlight.
Voices. Their tones were hushed yet lively, as if they were woven into the very fabric of the night itself.
Intrigued, I followed the whispers, careful to tread lightly on the dewy grass. As I moved deeper into the garden, the voices grew clearer, and I recognized one of them: it was Henry, the other voice was unfamiliar, soft and definitely a girl's voice .
Peering around a large flowering hedge, I gasped softly at the sight before me. The Princess . Literally Princess Valentina stood beneath a towering willow, its branches drooping like the curtain of a stage, cloaking them in a secretive embrace. Beside her was Henry, his hands calloused but gentle, working the soil with patience and dedication. The glow of the moon illuminated the tender expression on the princess's face as she listened intently to the Henry words.
Maybe I'm reading things wrong.
âI am telling you, Your Highness,â he said, suppressing a chuckle, âif you want roses that bloom as brightly as your spirit, you must talk to them. Let them know they are loved. Plants, like people, respond to kindness.â
The princess laughed softly, her delicate features glowing in the moonlight. âAnd here I thought they only needed water and sunlight. Perhaps thatâs my problemâIâve been giving them orders instead of encouragement.â
Henry smiled knowingly, his dark curls swaying slightly in the mild night breeze. He tilted his head and replied, âPerhaps, Your Highness, nurturing requires listening just as much as it does tending.â
"Henry.!"
I call him and he turns to me with a terrified look.
"Sybil? What are you doing here?"
"I should be asking you both that question. What's going on here?"
"I-i was just thanking him."
"For what?"
"He saved me from my mother and told her that I was at the garden."
"I'm guessing you weren't in the garden?"
She shakes her head and I look at Henry.
"I'll leave now . Again thank you ."
She walks away but I stop her.
"Wait! Why were you thanking him at 11 pm and alone without your chaperone at such a secretive space."
"Are you insinuating something?"
"It it an insinuation? "
"Are you questioning me ? "
"Of course not your highness, I apologize."
She looks at me before going inside.
"What's all this about?"
"Nothing, she was just thanking me."
"Look at you . Flushed and sweating profusely as if the sun is out . Since when do you lie to people of high rank .? And how did you guys even meet , huh?"
"She just came to the garden with the queen and I was there and she picked me to lie , so I did. And I lied because I know what it's like to have strict parents."
I let out a laugh and look at him.
"Parents? Henry , you're talking about a Queen here . Don't ever think you're the same as her because you're not. Your mother and hers are totally different. And does Andrew know about this.?"
"Why does he need to know.?"
"From now on you'll stay as far away as her , do you hear me .?"
"We're like 3 years apart Sybil , I could say the same thing to you . It's nothing please , don't worry about it , it was just for today . Just a simple thank you."
"Simple ? What if it wasn't me who saw you two. Do you the amount of trouble you could get in."
"I know , I'm sorry . I won't do it again."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course ."
I sigh nodding.
"What were you doing here at 11."
"Nothing, I just needed some air . I couldn't sleep also."
"Ok , I'll get going now."
Henry leaves but I'm still not convinced about their excuse. It sounds unreal and I want to believe Henry but their proximity was unsettling. From what I heard , what do flowers have to do with her thanking him. Maybe they were trying to converse , but still the whole story doesn't add up.
I don't want him to be in deep trouble. I know if it's what I'm thinking then our situations may be similar but mine has more security. If they were to get caught....that is if what I'm thinking is true , then he would be killed because Valentina doesn't have that much power.
I walk back to the house and head to the room .
I find Genevieve up and I look at her. We haven't talked since that day .
I walk to my wardrobe and change into my nightgown. I suddenly feel hands wrapped around me .
"I'm sorry Sybil."
Gen whispers trying to not wake the others up .
I smile and turn around hugging her back . I sob hugging her tighter.
"I don't know what to do. I just know I can't control it."
I whisper and Gen nods.
"We'll talk about it tommorow. Let's go to sleep ."
"You're right."
We head to our beds and lie down to sleep.
"Hey ,Sybil."
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"I love you. Good night Gen."
"Good night."