Celia roamed through the palace gardens, all by herself. A masterpiece her mom had planned and built with the help of other workers for the palace grounds. It was a worldwide phenomenon but only the inhabitants of the castle could enjoy it.

It was festooned with a variety of flowers and vines all from different parts of the country. It was set up in a terrace farming pattern, walls upon walls of clay with greenery flowing over. The garden was the perfect place to get lost in nature and take a peaceful stroll perfect for contemplation.

Celia being able to run around the gardens was one perk her mom had being an employee of the Royal Kennard family. And it was a major perk since Celia was endlessly entertained for hours. Her mom never watched her too closely but she noticed that Celia would always be in good spirits and she would talk to the flowers or plants or.... something like that.

Her mom was concerned. Celia seemed to have conversations with someone in the gardens but no one was ever there.

"I wouldn't worry about it too much," Sarah the guard said. "Kids have imaginary friends all the time."

"Yeah. I suppose you're right," Celia's mom said. "But she's eleven years old. It just seems like she should have outgrown that phase by now."

Both of them were taking a break, eating lunch on the massive patio made of smooth cream colored stone. They watched Celia from afar. She was chatting with something that wasn't there.

"I just can't believe you can see me. I've been traveling through these walls so much recently, but no one seems to hear me. And of course, they don't see me either. But here you are, you can communicate with me like... I'm alive!" A man said. He didn't appear out of the ordinary, just a normal looking man. Young and in his 30s. He was in a nice fitted suit.

"Who are you anyway?" Celia asked.

"Really? You don't know who I am?"

Celia shook her head. "Should I?"

"Why, I'm the king. Or, I used to be the king. I'm the grandfather to king Benjamin, I ruled for 30 wonderful years. And now I have since passed on, and no one seems to remember me. But I'm King Morris." He sighed.

"Oh. I think I've seen you in paintings... Maybe?"

Morris felt a little sting but it didn't bother him. "You're pretty young I suppose. Why would you know me? It doesn't matter anyways. It's refreshing actually, talking with someone who's not gawking at you and who's not afraid to speak their mind."

"So are you a ghost then? I see a lot of them on the grounds but we haven't talked before."

Morris exhaled. "It's overwhelming coming to the realization that I am a spirit, and that's all I will be for the rest of time, but yes I am a ghost. I've been staying in the royal quarters though lately. It's been my goal to try and find a way to communicate to King Benjamin and his family. I really don't like this treaty they're trying to sign. Not to mention, he's making a huge mistake by not spending more time with his family. He's letting the work of the kingdom consume him and he needs to take a step back."

Celia shrugged. "I could try talking to him for you, if you'd like?"

Morris' lip curled up. "That would be wonderful. The only thing is, the family is quite insulated from everyone else... Your mom is the gardener though, right?"

"Yes."

"Let me think... I feel an idea forming." Morris gazed out into the garden, deep in contemplation.

r/randallcooper

"Thine eyes are like stars," The Prince paraphrased beside me.

I giggled along as I hauled the bucket of water. "Isn't it improper for someone as esteemed as yourself to speak to me?"

He paused his shiny black boots. Mouth gaped like a fish. Whipping his head as if he was searching for someone else's voice.

"Were you speaking to me?" He spoke expecting nothing.

I set down my bucket in front of the patch of violet Cosmo, flustering and bumbling. "Pardon my words, your Highness. I did not mean to offend you."

"Offend me?!" Green eyes widen at me. "No, no, I was- You are talking to me."

"Was I not meant to?" I shifted my feet watching his dark hands twiddling.

"My goodness, you can see me!" Excitement tickled his speech. "Young maiden, I must know your name."

Stunned silence permeated. Finally, I took a glimpse at his face. The satin teal clothing he endowed himself in complemented his complexation. The perfectly black-trimmed hair. He screamed nobility in the way he stood and held himself. Like the moon elegantly smiling down upon the world. Someone who was the definition of power wanted to know my name.

"I'm Erin, Riordan's daughter. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Highness." I do a short curtsy. The manners that were drilled into me from childhood droved on autopilot.

"Riordan? The gardener?" I pointed to the flowers behind me. "Right."

The Royal Garden was quiet in the evening sun. No servants or nobles roamed the fields during supper. The rays of light immaculately rained on the multitude of colours residing within. I always watered the plants during this precious hour. To watch the evanescing beauties that befell this sacred place. It was special like I was floating and dancing in my own world. Like the realities and harshness of the earth dissipated at this moment.

I returned meticulously tending to the garden. Bucket over bucket with satisfaction. I hadn’t heard the Prince walk away. Perhaps he hadn’t wanted to interrupt my dutiful servitude or I was much too focused on nurturing the plants to notice his leave. It did not matter to me, I was just pleased to have a second of conversation with someone so prominent. I halted my trimming of the bush. Dropping my brush cutter.

The Royal family doesn't have a prince.

[removed]

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