Chapter 7 — Support

An old lady who wore the outfit of the workers was at the door upon my arrival at the bakery. She greeted all customers with a warm smile as they entered.

“Good morning, good sir,” she said as I approached her. “What can I help you with today?”

“I’m looking for Laura. Is she inside?” I asked as I tried forcing a smile out of me.

“Oh, the little darling of ours!” she squealed. “You must be her friend,” she took my hand and shook it. “Allow me to call her for you.” She then entered the bakery.

I walked to the wooden bench to stay out of other people’s way. Right when I was about to sit down, Laura’s name came from the door. I turned to look, and she approached me whilst wiping her hands with her apron.

“Robert,” she walked towards me with her ever-dazzling smile. “How are—” her smile faded as she stood in front of me. Slowly, she held onto my arm and asked, “Robert, what happened? Your face is red, and your eyes are swollen.”

“She…she didn’t wake up,” I choked as I stopped myself from crying. I sobbed too much back at home. I don’t want to do it here, especially in front of all these people.

She held my hand and led me to the bench. We took a seat and she asked another, “Who didn’t wake up?” She continued to hold my hand, not lifting her gaze from me.

“Lady. She didn’t wake up,” I answered as I finally broke down.

Without a moment to lose, she pulled me in and protected me with her arms. My tears landed on her shoulders as she rubbed my back. “It’s all right, Robert,” she whispered. “Everything is going to be all right.”

As she allowed me to cry, I suddenly felt everything. The numbness disappeared and the excruciating pain of Lady’s death has finally made itself known. It was unbearable. I felt like another part of me died along with her. The pain continued to grow, and I was left with no words to describe it.

“Keep yourself intact, Robert,” she added. “Everything will be all right.”

My tears continued to soak her shirt. But even if I was being drowned in a sea of sadness, her warmth shone through as she comforted me. I was in the middle of a storm, surrounded by dark clouds and ferocious winds. However, she was the calming atmosphere within the storm.

I’ve cried for what seemed to be a while. But she never told me to stop. She remained silent and rubbed my back for as long as I needed it. She did just that for a few more minutes before she sat me upright. “Wait here.” She ran back inside the bakery. On her return, a cup was in her hand. “Here you are,” she offered the cup, filled with water. “Have something to drink.”

I drank everything in one sitting. I continued to sniffle as I put the empty cup down. “I just don’t understand it, Laura,” words have finally come out of my mouth. “Why did it have to be her? Why did she have to die?”

I turned to her for an answer. But she was just quiet as she looked at me.

I continued my rant, gritting my teeth, “Whoever did this had no heart. No soul. They don’t deserve to live in any realm.” My hands gripped on my knees. My blood began to boil once more. All I felt now was sadness and fury. The loss of a beloved friend has rendered me such emotions where I can succumb to tears easily and curse whoever’s responsible for her death.

“Robert,” Laura put her hand on mine, “calm yourself. I understand that Lady’s death came as a shock. And it was horrendous and unfair. But your anger must not take over. You must have a clear mind in order to solve this case.” She added, “There must be a reason as to why Lady had to leave your life.”

“I don’t think there’s a reason—not even an excuse—for Lady’s death,” I replied, shaking my head. I refused to believe that this has some holy message for me to learn. Lady was selfishly murdered, all because of someone’s anger towards me. She shouldn’t be broiled into that. She did nothing wrong.

After she remained silent for quite some time, she responded, “Everything in this universe has a reason. Perhaps, something is about to enter your life and Lady had to give way.”

Baffled, my brows furrowed as I looked at her. I never thought of it in that way. “But Lady didn’t have to be taken from me,” I replied. “If something new is to come into my life, Lady should be a part of it. She’s been a part of almost everything in my life.”

She gently held both of my hands and looked up at me. “Sometimes, certain things need to give way for the new to come. Today was a heartbreaking loss,” she said. “Nothing can ever replace Lady’s place in your heart. She will always remain there,” she pointed to my heart. “But whatever it is that’s coming your way may somehow return your happiness. The happiness that went with Lady.”

I grew even more confused. “Are you implying that I should be thankful for her departure?”

“The meaning of Lady’s death, whether it be a blessing or curse, will entirely be up to you,” she continued. “It’s in your hands to control the outcome of this situation. And I assure you that I’ll be by your side through it all,” she smiled.

A monstrous event has happened today. I could tell that even she was devastated by Lady’s sudden death. Lady liked her and Laura felt the same for Lady. Her eyes were a mixture of sadness and light happiness. This slight happiness inside her, she has been trying to shine on me ever since I arrived. Yes, she’s also sad about what happened. But she had to be strong to allow me to be weak.

“Now, how about I give you another hug?” she opened her arms.

I moved closer towards her, accepting the offer. Slowly, her arms folded around me. She covered me with all her love and warmth. I am in awe of how secured I feel within her embrace.

She is my fortress.

After a while, we pulled away from each other. “Do you feel any better?” she asked, smiling.

I nodded as I sniffled. “Your comfort has helped me a lot today,” I said.

“I thought you were uncomfortable because you rarely reciprocated my embrace,” she said.

I scratched my nape as I replied, “I didn’t want to put any malice between the two of us. I don’t know how you’ll react if I return your hug.”

“You’re no different from me, Robert. If I offer you a smile or a hug, you can always give it back,” she answered. “You already held me in your arms multiple times. What’s the difference now?”

My eyes widened at her response. She looked at me as if she was waiting for me to do something. With caution, I gently put my arms around her. As I tightened embrace, her arms wrapped around my torso.

And everything just stopped.

Somehow, it felt like it was only the two of us in this world. I closed my eyes as I smiled, cherishing this moment.

“How do you feel now?” she asked, rubbing my lower back.

I hugged her even tighter. “I never want to leave your arms again,” I said. I never want this feeling to end. Comforting. Gentle. Secured.

I felt a small smile crept up her face as she buried herself into my chest. She rubbed my back a few more times before we stopped hugging. “I hope my embrace has given you a place of solace during this trying time of yours.”

I held her hand and looked deeply into her eyes. “You did something even more, Laura. Your arms felt like another home for me,” I said. “You made me feel safe. You’ve become my fortress.”

She blushed as she looked at our intertwined hands. “You do the same for me, Robert,” she said as she played with her fingers. “Who am I not to do the same for you?”

I lifted her face. “Thank you,” I caressed her cheek.

She smiled, removing my hand from her face. “Would you like to have a picnic this afternoon?”

“A picnic?”

She nodded. “Perhaps it could help you feel a lot better.”

“Won’t Grandpa Ben be furious if he found out you’re skipping work again just to comfort me?” he asked.

She chuckled. “Robert, we’ve done that countless times. And he’s never said anything against it.”

“And why would I be angry about that?” Grandpa Ben suddenly spoke from the door.

“Good morning, Grandpa Ben,” I said as we stood to greet him.

“Good morning to you as well, Robert,” he approached us with a smile. “I saw Laura give you a hug. So, I thought I’d join in and listen to your conversation. You seem to be talking about a serious matter when I watch you through the window.”

I smiled nervously as I nodded.

“I heard Laura offered you a picnic in the hopes to comfort you,” he continued. “Did something happen?”

“His champion was murdered,” Laura answered.

Grandpa Ben’s eyes widened, horrified. “Oh, my goodness, that’s horrible! Who would do such a thing?” He then turned to me as he stepped closer, “I’m very sorry for your loss, Robert. She was a beautiful companion.”

“Thank you, Grandpa Ben,” I smiled.

He then looked at the both of us and said, “I suppose Laura is finding a way to distract you from what happened today.”

“Grandpa Ben, if she isn’t allowed, I understand,” I quickly replied. “I don’t want her to get into trouble, especially in regard to her work and everything.”

He continued to look at both of us and thought for a moment. With his chin resting on his hand, he said, “I don’t see anything wrong with what Laura said. If anything, going outside is better than staying in your room all day.” He then put his hands on top of his cane and continued, “And besides, I’d rather she spent her time with you than anything else. She barely has any friends. And to know that she’s going to be with you, I’m certain she’s in good hands.”

“Are you sure, Grandpa Ben?” I repeated.

“Of course! Just make sure she returns before dark and in one piece,” he winked.

“I will not let anything happen to her. I won’t allow it,” I said.

“I know you won’t,” he nodded. “Well, I need to return inside. You,” he pointed at us, “can continue whatever it is you were talking about.” He waved at us and left us to ourselves.

“So, this afternoon?” she asked.

I smiled, turning to her. She had a grin on her face, thrilled. “Well, Grandpa Ben gave us his permission. I guess I have no other choice, then.”

“Okay then. I will wait for you at the hills. We can take Leo,” she replied.

My pain broke as she said the place of our picnic. The hills. One of the places where we used to trot in. And her final resting place.

“Robert?” she called, concerned.

“I, um…I chose the hills to be Lady’s grave,” I said, my voice lowered. “Right by the very tree that we sit under.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Robert. I didn’t know that.” She quickly held my hand. “Well, I can think of a different place for us to go to.”

I smiled at how quick she thought of it. “You seem to be all too-knowing about me.”

“Your face gave it all away, Robert,” she replied.

I sighed, holding her hands tighter. “Wait for me until I return. I must go back and take care of Lady’s burial,” I said. I then kissed her soft cheeks. I quickly stepped away from her and both of us were shocked. I didn’t expect myself to do that. It just happened…naturally.

“My apologies, I didn’t mean to—” I was interrupted when she suddenly kissed my cheek and ran back inside. My heart raced, and my stomach fluttered as I stood alone. My hand touched the cheek she kissed. And I smiled to myself like an idiot. I wanted to stop because I knew people would stare at me, but I couldn’t.

With a grin plastered on my face, I hopped on the horse and rode back to the castle.

♔♔♔

I immediately headed to the stables when I reached the castle. As I arrived, ten men were slowly putting Lady into her own casket. I walked towards Gonzalo who watched from the side.

“Bring Lady to the fields in the Mortal Realm. Find the perfect resting place,” he instructed as the casket was sealed.

“Please bury her under an apple tree on top of a hill in that field,” I entered the conversation, catching them all by surprise. “That hill is right in the middle of it.”

“Your Highness,” they bowed. Gonzalo then returned to the men and continued, “You heard the young prince. And be careful with Lady’s body.”

The men carefully slid Lady’s coffin onto the wagon. They gave their bow and boarded the wagon. As the wagon moved further away from the stables, my heart sank deeper into my stomach. This was it. I won’t be able to see Lady ever again.

I sat on a nearby bench and sighed as I held her saddle. Gonzalo sat beside me and said, “I know that you carry so much pain within you right now, young prince. But please, do remember that I’m here if you need someone to talk to.” He knelt in front of me, his fist on his chest. He continued, “For I’m not just your personal guard and humble servant. But I’m also your loyal friend and confidant.”

I smiled as I put a hand on his shoulder. He lifted his face and I said, “You are more than what your given duty is, Gonzalo. I will never forget that you have been a close friend of mine within these walls. I’m thankful to have you as part of my small household.”

He smiled and nodded. But our conversation was cut short when we heard a horse, faintly approaching the stables. We both stood. Gonzalo stood in front of me, his hand on his sword. As the galloping arrived near the entrance, Benjamin appeared.

“News has reached my ears. My brother suffered a loss,” he spoke as he unmounted his horse. He continued as he walked towards us, “I’ve come here to console him.” He then opened his arms as he got closer.

“Benjamin,” I greeted as we shared a hug.

“Prince Benjamin,” Gonzalo greeted from behind me.

After we pulled away, Benjamin approached Gonzalo. “Gonzalo,” he put his hand on his shoulder, “there’s no need for such formalities. Call me by my name whenever I visit.”

“Unfortunately, that cannot be done, Your Highness,” Gonzalo answered, keeping his eyes to the ground. “I have to pay respect to anyone my master has a connection with, especially his family and friends,” he added.

Benjamin chuckled as he returned to me. “Gonzalo is the finest. You can’t find any better servant than him.”

“I agree completely,” I smiled, putting my hands behind me. “Shall we go and take a walk in the garden?”

“If you wish it. I just need to put my horse in one of the stables,” Benjamin said. He was about to grab his horse when Gonzalo got the reins first.

“Please, allow me, Your Highness,” Gonzalo stopped him.

Hesitating, Benjamin turned to me before looking back to Gonzalo. “Um, if you wish, I guess,” he said. Still in doubt, he allowed Gonzalo to take his horse away and followed me to the garden.

♔♔♔

“I’m very sorry about your loss, Robert. Lady was a treasure,” Benjamin spoke upon our arrival in the garden. He continued, “I haven’t seen you this sad for a long time, brother. It breaks my heart. As children, you were the most miserable whenever your favorite toy was broken or lost.”

I chuckled, and a faint smile crept up on my face as I was reminded by that distant memory. “I really couldn’t believe that she would be taken from me,” I replied. “It was done swiftly…and in a barbaric manner.”

“I understand how heavy this matter is to you. You loved her with all your heart. As master and champion, your connection was too strong,” he said as we took a right turn. In an attempt to lighten the mood, he added, “I remember that I used to tease you about Lady. I said in the future, she would be your future bride.”

I chuckled once more. “I clearly remember that.” I nodded. “That was how you complained if I was spending more time with her than with you,” I continued as I tried to mask my pain.

As we continued walking, he put his arm on my shoulder. He pulled me closer and said, “You don’t have to hide your emotions, brother. You don’t have to pretend that everything will be fine. You may be a prince. But you have emotions as well. Now is not the time to act like a monarch.”

I sighed as I nodded. “I just don’t understand how someone could be so heartless. Lady is a gentle creature. Why did they have to do that to her? Why did they have to harm her?” my voice raised as questions spilled from my mouth.

Benjamin stopped us from walking. He then stood in front of me and stared at me. His eyes didn’t say anything. He simply stood there and looked at me straight.

“I know,” I lowered my gaze. “I overreacted. My apologies.”

Benjamin then walked closer to me. He put his hands on my shoulders, making me look at him. “You don’t have to apologize, brother. You’ve embraced your emotions. Now, it is time to accept and let go,” he replied. We then continued walking and he added, “The world itself is cruel. No one can change that. No matter how hard we try, we can’t do anything about it. What we can do on our side is to accept what happens during this lifetime and learn from it.

“I just—” he interrupted me by putting his hand on my shoulder again.

“Everything happens for a reason. And I know everything is a blur to you right now. But I’m certain that something will be able to fill the gap that Lady left in your heart,” he continued with a reassuring smile. “Who knows? It can even surpass her in your life. Never lose hope for a brighter future. And keep your eyes straight and your feet forward.”

I looked at him and we shared a smile. I put my arm on shoulder and gave him a bit of a shake. “Thank you, brother. I’m grateful to have you in my life.”

“It is our duty to guide one another. And besides, I’m your only brother. I have to bear with you,” he teased as he gave a slight push.

That was true. When we encounter moments such as this, we directly consult each other for support. Benjamin had his fair share of depressive moments. He never forgot to reach out to me when he needed someone to lean on. It was only me who hesitated.

I grew up with the mindset that I don’t want to burden anyone with my troubles. But whenever he received news about something that happened to me, he would immediately head here. He would use the Heavenly Portal to quicker travel, just to make sure that I have somebody I can talk to. It’s absolutely rare to find someone to trust in this world. It’s a beautiful blessing from the Heavens.

“Anyways, that’s not the only reason why I’m here,” he said. A big grin appeared on his face. “I also came here to ask for your help.”

“Anything you need,” I smiled.

“You see, I met this woman and she’s just phenomenal. I need some help in picking the perfect flower bouquet for her. I plan to win her heart today,” he explained.

“What are the flowers for?” my brows furrowed. “Just show her your true self. There’s no doubt that you—yourself alone—would be enough to give you her heart,” I continued as I held onto his shoulder. I shook him slightly in assurance.

“Being myself won’t be of any help,” he shook his head. His lips turned into a firm line.

“How can you be so sure of that?”

He sighed, shrugging. “Her eyes, her heart, are already set on somebody else. And I would want her to choose me.”

My heart stopped for a moment. He spoke as if he were Mallory. Concern rose within me. Should he walk down this path, it could hurt him if things don’t go his way. “She told you that?” I asked.

“Her actions speak for her,” he said.

“Benjamin, you can’t simply rely on actions. You need a direct answer from her. Otherwise, you will only get your heart broken if she doesn’t feel the same as you,” I scolded him.

Benjamin has never exerted any effort for a woman. Women chase him and they’re the ones who make the steps to be with him. For my brother to be this invested meant he truly was smitten by this woman. However, if feelings weren’t mutual from the beginning, it will not have a happy end.

He sighed as he looked up. His hands on the back of his neck. “She would argue when I do something for her. She never found my jokes to be funny. She never showed interest with the stories I told her,” he complained, absolutely frustrated. “And during my last visit, she wasn’t pleased that I was around.”

I put my hand in front of him, bringing us into a halt. We faced each other and I asked, “Then why are you still pursuing her? You’re the heir to the kingdom of Eastern Sun. Dozens of women at court are begging for your affections. Why not choose one of them instead?”

“I want her to see that I’m the one for her as she’s the one for me. I would sail the Perilous Seven if I have to prove myself to her,” he said in desperation.

The Perilous Seven are the most dangerous waters within our realm. They’re said to be oceans that have their own minds. Many have tried and braved their brutal currents. But all attempts ended in casualties. Ships were sunk. Some were stranded on a mysterious island. Most died as their ships were eaten by the water. For us Immortals, the Perilous Seven is an absolute end for us. And for Benjamin to say that…that’s a daring and foolish feat just to get a woman’s heart. A woman who doesn’t even care for him.

“Benjamin, I have something to tell you and I hope you don’t take this the wrong way. You’re my brother and I love you too much. I don’t want to see you hurt all because of a woman,” I replied, deeply worried for his sake. “Isn’t it better if you find someone who is as interested as you?”

“Robert,” he puts his hands on my shoulders. His eyes widened as he stared at me. “She fit the requirements of what I want for a bride. And I won’t let anyone take her from me,” he continued, a bit frantic.

“Benjamin, you’re a true gentleman,” I grabbed hold of his arms in an attempt to calm him down. “Amongst the heirs to different kingdoms, you’re the ideal groom for reasons that almost all women are aware of,” I continued as I looked deeply into his eyes, trying to get the message across. “If you can’t have her, you don’t have to force yourself. Don’t be so hard on yourself. A man such as you can have any woman he wants.”

He sighed before a groan escaped his lips. He threw his head back, eyes closed. “Robert, please, just help me with this,” he said, almost in tears. “You’re the only one I can trust in regard to this.”

I’m absolutely baffled on why Benjamin was so smitten with this mysterious woman. Has she tricked him to fall so deeply in love with her? Benjamin had his list of previous lovers. But not one of them made him act this way. Desperate and frantic. To see him this vulnerable is new territory for me. And quite frankly, I find it frightening.

Benjamin is a prince. He shouldn’t be begging for a woman’s affections. A lot of women in his court only await his attention.

Benjamin continued to look at me, his brows knitted together. Faint lines showed on his forehead. His eyes were in despair, begging me to agree. With all honesty, I don’t want to agree to his request. And he could sense my defiance. Why should I help him? Clearly, in this situation, he won’t benefit anything from it. And I don’t trust that he will simply get the outcome that he asked for. However, I’m aware that he won’t stop at anything to get what he wants.

Defeated, I sighed as I rolled my head. “I will use His Majesty’s horse to accompany you.” I turned around and began walking to the stables.

Behind me, he clapped in his hands in victory. “You’re a miracle to me, Robert,” he said as he caught up with me. “You truly are.”

♔♔♔

We then arrived at a flower shop in the Mortal Realm. The shop had two benches in front of its small windows. Different flowers can be seen from the outside.

As we hopped down our horses, I asked, “What are we doing here?”

He then turned to me. “I met her here in the Mortal Realm. When you said you met somebody here, I thought I’d look around. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to find a girl here,” he smiled as we talked to the entrance.

“I could introduce you to my lady after. You will like her,” I replied.

“That would be fantastic. That would make us a group,” he nodded.

Upon entering, a wide range of flowers greeted our eyes and scent. Some were in a pot, hanging from the ceiling. And some were in pots on the ground or windowsill. A man with a fashionable mustache then approached us, coming from the back door.

“Good morning, young gentlemen!” he bowed as he stood before us. He stood upright and continued, “Welcome to the Mustache Flower Shop. What can I offer such refined young men such as yourselves?” I chuckled as I snarked in my mind. He really had to include this mustache into the name of his business. Must be truly precious to him.

“I need a flower arrangement that can help me win the sweet approval from the woman of my desire,” Benjamin replied as we looked around, passing by the shop owner. “Perhaps you have something for me,” he turned back to him.

“Ah, flowers for a lady. I would always say, the best way to a woman’s heart is through her favorite flowers,” the owner giggled. He was a bit too happy for my liking. To be jolly in front of your customers isn’t a bad thing. However, the way he acted was too much. I was unsure if that was how he truly acted or not. “What are her favorites? I surely have them here,” he asked.

“Uh.” Benjamin rubbed his nape. “I never got the chance to ask her, good sir. But I trust that you will give me a beautiful arrangement.”

“Of course! Of course!” The owner nodded without hesitation. He grabbed a piece of paper from his pocket and the pen on his ear. “What would you like to have in your arrangement?” he asked, preparing himself to write.

Benjamin walked further into the shop, examining the flowers that surrounded us. He then said, “I would like the arrangement to be big. But not too much that it will overwhelm somebody.” The owner nodded as he wrote down Benjamin’s preferences. “I want it to be colorful in sight and scent.” Benjamin bent down to smell a flower. “For she has a vibrant personality.” A smile formed on his face as he took in the fragrance of the flower.

There was no denying that Benjamin was indeed in love with this woman. Just the thought of her or to merely speak her name, his eyes would light up. A grin would immediately follow. Whoever she is, this woman has Benjamin at the tip of her fingers.

The man turned in my direction. “And as for you, good sir?”

“I’m only here to support my friend for his conquest of love,” I said, putting my hands behind me and closing my legs together.

“Ah, a very loyal friend,” the man remarked as he wrote one last thing on his paper. “Very well then,” he took one last look at the list before he turned back to Benjamin, “I shall start the preparations now. When will you be needing it?”

“Today. In a few hours, if possible,” Benjamin said.

“Oh, quite the fast mover in love, aren’t we?” the man chuckled as he took a step back, surprised. “No worries. I’ll take my leave and have everything prepared for you. This won’t take long,” he continued, sliding his pen back on his ear. “Please, make yourselves comfortable,” he pointed at the bench, “and I’ll be right back.” As we took a seat, the man left us to do his work.

“Benjamin?” I said, making him turn to me. “May I offer you a piece of advice?”

He nodded.”

I took a deep breath in as I prepared myself for what I’m about to say. I pray that he wouldn’t take this the wrong way. “I don’t want to rain on your parade. I will support you in any way that I can. You know I will,” I started. “But you have to promise me that you won’t get your hopes too high for this woman.”

His brows furrowed, confused.

I cleared my throat, moving closer to him. “Don’t be so sure that she will give you the answer that you want to hear.”

His eyes widened. “Are you saying that I have no hope with her? That I cannot win her heart?”

“Please don’t take my words as antagonizing you and bringing you down, Benjamin. Like I mentioned before, you can have any woman you want,” I quickly replied, explaining everything as fast as possible. I don’t want our relationship as brothers to be strained all because of a woman. “I just don’t want you to be too complacent. We still don’t know what she will say,” I added.

“Robert, she will say yes,” he looked directly into my eyes. Full of certainty and determination. He didn’t blink as he continued to stare at me. “There’s no ounce of doubt within me. I know she will say yes,” he continued. Never have I seen him act this way. And I wish I have the same confidence when it comes to meeting women in court.

“How sure are you that she will say yes?” I asked.

“My friends at home agreed that giving her flowers is already a step forward to success,” he smirked. His confidence rose through his head. “And second, to have you with me is already an advantage. You, being here to support me and my cause is a guaranteed win for us.”

My brows knitted together as my eyes squinted. “Why do I have the feeling that you brought me here for a specific purpose other than to help you pick the perfect bouquet of flowers?” I asked.

He chuckled. “Brother,” his hand landed on my shoulder, “I want you to help me convince her that we’re destined for each other.”

I moved my head back in shock. All I knew is that I accompanied him so he wouldn't have the worst flower arrangement in the whole world. I was only to watch him from afar and wait for things to unfold on their own. I didn’t want to be a part of this. But as his closest friend, I wanted to be physically present.

I groaned as I rolled my head. “Is that even necessary? You can easily do this without me. You don’t need my help in regard to this matter.”

“Robert,” he put an arm on me and pulled me closer, “you need to add more fuel to my fiery passion. You can prove to her that I’m perfect for her,” he added.

I sighed, defeated. There’s really no way of getting out of this situation. I tried and I failed. I never liked doing things such as this. But if it has to happen then it must happen. “Very well, then,” I said after another brief sigh. However, I’m only doing this because you dragged me into it. And there’s no escape in sight for me right now.”

Benjamin smiled before he messed with my hair.

♔♔♔

A few minutes had passed, and the man finally came out with Benjamin’s requested bouquet. As he approached us, we were surprised by the number of flowers squeezed into the arrangement. The bouquet was so huge, the man struggled to see his path.

“Here she is,” he spoke amidst his grunts. As the bouquet appeared before us, we finally had a clear view of everything in it. In the middle, a red rose stood out. It was surrounded by sunflowers, daisies, and poppies. Small yet unfamiliar flowers were scattered all throughout the bouquet, which made it all the more exquisite.

With caution, the owner handed it over to Benjamin. “Here you are, young man.”

Benjamin smiled as he examined every bit of his order. I gave the owner his gold coins. “I’m quite familiar with these flowers,” Benjamin spoke before looking back at the owner. “However, I would like to know why you chose these flowers?”

“Pay no mind for what they stand for,” the owner smiled. “They are sure to win your heart’s desire in no time.”

Benjamin nodded as his gaze returned to the flowers. His grin couldn’t be contained as he continued to stare at it. “Thank you very much, sir. You don’t know how much this means to me,” he said, in complete awe of the bouquet.

The owner then turned to my direction. “I also made a simple arrangement for your friend.”

My brows furrowed. Confused, Benjamin and I shared a look before we turned back to the owner.

“And how much would that be aside from the bouquet’s charge?” Benjamin asked.

“There’s no need to worry,” the man replied as he reached for something behind him. “This one is free of charge.” He then revealed a crown of white and pink flowers.

My eyes widened in horror. Benjamin let out a brief snicker as I asked, “What in the world is that?”

“It’s the crown of friendship and gratitude.” He then attempted to put it on me. However, I stepped back and put my hand in front of me.

“I’m not wearing that. And I don’t believe that it’s called that,” I protested. “I think the real name of it is the crown of shame and embarrassment.”

Benjamin cleared his throat before he called my attention. His eyes begged for me to close my mouth and to simply go along with it.

Ugh! The things I do for Benjamin!

I snatched the crown from the man and slammed it onto my head. I then turned to the door with a huff.

Behind me, Benjamin once spoke, “Again, thank you, good sir.

“You’re very welcome, young man,” the owner and Benjamin shook hands and we stepped out of the shop. “I wish you all the best of luck with your conquest.”

As the sound of the shop door closed, we headed directly to our horses. Still in a huff, I didn’t bother to say my goodbyes to the owner. I don’t want to talk to him, nor do I want to see him. This flower crown that he made me is nothing to be proud of. As I kept my head down, I felt eyes on me. Some of them laughed as they passed by us. I just know it.