Chapter Text
~Memories of a Hydrangea~
The grand halls of the royal palace loomed above Elena Ashford as she walked alongside her parents, her small hand clutching tightly to her mother’s. At nine years old, Elena was already well-versed in the etiquette and expectations of her station as the daughter of the Duke of Ashford. Yet, despite her polished exterior, her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and curiosity as they made their way through the ornate corridors of the palace. This was her first time at the royal palace, and everything around her seemed to shimmer with the weight of history and power.
The Duke and Duchess of Ashford exchanged polite greetings with the courtiers they passed, but Elena’s attention was elsewhere. Her hazel eyes, wide with wonder, darted from one marble statue to another, from the intricate tapestries to the grand portraits of past kings and queens. She felt like she had stepped into a fairy tale, one filled with knights, princesses, and magic.
As they neared the library, a pair of tall doors carved with elaborate designs, Elena’s mother paused and turned to her with a gentle smile. “Elena, darling, we will be meeting with the King shortly, but first, you may wait in the library while we discuss some matters. I’m sure you’ll find it quite to your liking.”
Elena nodded, her excitement bubbling over at the thought of exploring the royal library. She was already an avid reader, and the idea of being surrounded by countless books filled her with glee. “Thank you, Mother,” she said, her voice full of genuine delight.
A servant opened the doors for her, and Elena stepped inside, her breath catching in her throat. The library was vast, with towering shelves that seemed to stretch endlessly toward the ceiling. Sunlight streamed through large windows, casting a warm glow over the rich wooden furniture and the countless volumes that lined the walls. It was a world unto itself, a place of knowledge and imagination, and Elena was eager to dive into it.
As she wandered deeper into the library, she suddenly noticed she was not alone. There, seated at a large wooden desk with books piled around him, was a young boy. He looked to be about her age, though perhaps a year or two older. His dark hair was neatly combed, and he wore a simple yet elegant tunic that marked him as someone of noble birth. But what struck Elena most were his eyes—dark grey and intensely focused as they scanned the pages of a thick tome. He was so engrossed in his reading that he didn’t notice her approach.
Elena, however, was utterly captivated. The boy looked like a figure out of one of her beloved fairy tales, a young prince surrounded by ancient knowledge. Without thinking, she moved closer, her curiosity overwhelming her usual restraint.
“Hello!” she greeted him, her voice bright and cheerful, echoing softly in the quiet space.
The boy jumped slightly, his head snapping up to look at her, his eyes wide with surprise. It was clear he hadn’t expected anyone else to be here, least of all a girl his own age. For a moment, they simply stared at each other—Elena with a wide, friendly smile, and the boy with a look of mild shock.
“H-Hello,” he managed to stammer out after a moment, his composed demeanor momentarily shaken. He was clearly flustered, not quite sure what to make of the small, bright-eyed girl standing before him. “Who are you?”
“My name is Elena,” she said, giving a small curtsy as she had been taught. “Elena Ashford. And who are you?”
The boy blinked, his surprise turning into a mixture of confusion and curiosity. “I’m Raven. Raven Heinz,” he replied, still trying to regain his composure. “You’re… the Duke of Ashford’s daughter?”
Elena’s smile grew even brighter. “Yes, I am! I’ve come with my parents to discuss something with the King. They said I could wait here.” She glanced at the book in his hands, her curiosity piqued. “What are you reading?”
Raven hesitated, still trying to process the whirlwind of this sudden encounter. He was used to the quiet solitude of the library, where he could lose himself in books without interruption. But this girl—Elena—had burst into his world like a ray of sunlight, her presence both startling and intriguing. “It’s a book on herbal medicine,” he finally said, his voice regaining some of its usual calm. “I’m studying different plants and their properties.”
Elena’s eyes sparkled with interest. “That sounds fascinating! Do you like studying plants?”
Raven nodded, though he was still wary of this unexpected visitor. “Yes. I enjoy learning about things… especially things that others might not find interesting.”
Elena tilted her head, her hazel eyes studying him intently. There was something about him that drew her in, something different from the other children she knew. He was quiet, serious, and there was a depth in his eyes that she found utterly captivating. “I like reading too,” she said, moving closer to peer at the book in his hands. “But I’ve never read anything about plants before. Maybe you could teach me?”
Raven blinked again, not sure how to respond. No one had ever shown such interest in his studies before, especially not someone like Elena, who seemed to belong more to the world of dances and social gatherings than the quietude of the library. And yet, there was a genuine eagerness in her voice, a sincerity that made him feel something he had never felt before—wanted.
“I… suppose I could,” he said slowly, still somewhat unsure. “If you’re really interested.”
Elena beamed at him, her joy infectious. “I am! And maybe I could show you some of my favorite books too. I love stories about adventures and magic. Have you read any of those?”
Raven found himself smiling, a small, genuine smile that felt unfamiliar on his lips. “A few,” he admitted. “But I usually prefer books that teach me something useful.”
“That’s so serious!” Elena laughed, the sound bright and carefree. “But I like it. You’re like a wise prince in one of those stories, always thinking and learning.”
Raven felt his cheeks grow warm at her words. No one had ever spoken to him like this before, and he didn’t quite know how to handle the attention. “I’m not a prince,” he said quietly, though he knew that in a way, he was—just not the kind she meant. “I’m just… me.”
Elena tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. “I think you’re special, Raven Heinz. I’m glad I met you.” She paused, a playful glint in her eyes. “Do you think we could be friends?”
Friends. The word was unfamiliar to Raven in this context. He had acquaintances, certainly, and he was respected by those around him, but friends? That was something he had never truly had. And yet, looking at Elena’s bright, hopeful face, he found himself wanting to say yes.
“I… I think I’d like that,” he said softly, the words surprising even him.
Elena’s smile grew even wider, if that was possible. “Then it’s settled! We’ll be friends, and I’ll visit you in the library whenever I come to the palace.”
Before Raven could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed through the library, and a tall man entered the room. It was one of the royal servants, coming to fetch Elena for the meeting with the King. “Lady Elena,” he called, bowing slightly. “Your parents are ready for you.”
Elena nodded, giving Raven one last smile before she turned to follow the servant. “I’ll see you again soon, Raven,” she said with a cheerful wave.
As she left the library, Raven watched her go, his mind racing. He had never met anyone like her before—so full of life, so warm and open. It was as if she had walked into his world and turned it upside down in the span of a few minutes. And yet, he found himself oddly pleased by the thought.
For the first time in his young life, someone had chosen him. Not Sol, his older brother who was the heir to the throne, and not one of his many half-brothers. Just him. And that thought filled him with a quiet sense of joy he had never known.
As Raven turned back to his book, he found that the words on the page no longer held the same allure. Instead, his thoughts were full of the little fairy who had just left the library—a fairy who had brought light into his solitary world.
And in that moment, he knew that his life would never be the same.
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~Memories of a Blue Rose~
The royal library was a sanctuary of silence, the kind that echoed through the high-vaulted ceilings and nestled within the walls lined with shelves of ancient tomes. Dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight that streamed through the tall, arched windows, lending the room a dreamlike quality. This was where the young Prince Raven Heinz spent most of his days, hidden away from the noise and chaos of the palace, buried in books that took him to places far beyond the kingdom of Hermestria.
At just nine years old, Raven was already different from his older brother, Sol. While Sol reveled in the company of knights and courtiers, training with swords and basking in the adoration of others, Raven preferred the solitude of the library, where he could lose himself in the intricate details of alchemy, history, and languages. The other children of the court found him strange—aloof and quiet, always with a book in hand. But Raven didn’t mind. He had little interest in their games and idle chatter. His world was one of intellect and order, where everything made sense, unlike the chaotic world outside.
Today was no different. He had sequestered himself in a corner of the library, a massive, leather-bound volume on poisons open before him. His slender fingers traced the faded ink of the ancient text, his dark grey eyes intent on absorbing every word. The library was his refuge, and nothing could disturb him here.
Or so he thought.
A sudden burst of movement caught his eye, startling him from his study. He looked up sharply, his heart skipping a beat as his gaze landed on a figure standing at the entrance of his secluded corner. For a moment, he wondered if he had conjured her from the depths of some fairy tale. She was a girl, about his age, but she looked nothing like the other children he had seen at court. Her long, light brown hair cascaded around her in soft waves, catching the sunlight in a way that made it seem to shimmer like spun gold. Her hazel eyes were wide with curiosity, sparkling with a liveliness that seemed out of place in the solemn stillness of the library.
Raven blinked, certain that she was some sort of apparition. She was too vivid, too full of life to be real, especially in a place like this. And yet, there she was, her gaze locked onto his with an intensity that made his heart pound in his chest. She was dressed in a simple yet elegant gown of soft blue, the color of a clear summer sky, and she held herself with a grace that belied her young age.
“Hello!” she chirped, her voice bright and cheerful, shattering the silence that Raven so carefully maintained.
He stared at her, completely flustered. This was not what he expected. Children were not supposed to be in the library, especially not girls who looked like they had wandered out of a fairy tale. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. She had rendered him speechless, a feat no one had ever accomplished before.
The girl didn’t seem to notice his discomfort. Instead, she walked right up to him, her steps light and airy, as if she were gliding rather than walking. “What are you reading?” she asked, peering at the book in front of him. Without waiting for an answer, she leaned in closer, her hair brushing against his shoulder as she examined the pages. “Poisons? That sounds exciting!”
Raven recoiled slightly, unsure of how to handle this sudden intrusion. He had always prided himself on being composed, unflappable even, but this girl had thrown him completely off balance. She was too close, too bright, too… everything. She looked nothing like a human girl should. She looked like a little fairy, a creature of myth who had wandered into his world by mistake.
“Who… who are you?” he finally managed to stammer, his voice much quieter than he intended.
The girl pulled back slightly, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “I’m Elena Ashford,” she said, as if that explained everything. “Who are you?”
Raven blinked again, still trying to process the whirlwind of energy that had just blown into his life. “I’m… I’m Prince Raven Heinz,” he replied, though he doubted she needed the introduction. He was certain everyone in the kingdom knew who he was, even if he didn’t often make himself known.
Elena’s grin widened, and she gave a small, playful curtsey. “A pleasure to meet you, Prince Raven. I’ve heard so much about you!”
Raven felt his face grow warm, something that had never happened to him before. He wasn’t sure how to respond to her. She was unlike anyone he had ever met, and it unnerved him. But at the same time, there was something about her that intrigued him, something that made him want to know more.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone more inquisitive now, though still laced with caution.
Elena’s expression grew a touch more serious, though her eyes still sparkled with mischief. “My parents brought me to the palace today. They said something about discussing an engagement with one of the princes. I think it’s your brother, Sol?”
Raven felt a strange pang in his chest at the mention of Sol. Of course, it would be Sol. His older brother was everything a prince was supposed to be—handsome, charming, strong. No one ever looked twice at Raven, the quiet, bookish second son. He was the spare, the one who was expected to stay in the shadows while Sol basked in the light.
But before he could dwell on that thought, Elena continued, her voice brightening again. “But I saw you here, and I thought… I’d rather meet you instead.”
Raven’s eyes widened at her words. She had chosen to seek him out? Over Sol? The idea seemed absurd, and yet… here she was. She had walked right past the golden boy of the kingdom and into the shadows, where Raven stood alone. And she didn’t seem to mind it at all.
“Why?” he asked before he could stop himself.
Elena tilted her head, her gaze softening as she studied him. “Because you looked interesting,” she said simply. “I like interesting things. And you… you’re different.”
Different. Raven wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or not, but the way she said it made it sound like the most natural thing in the world. As if being different was something to be proud of.
For the first time in his life, Raven felt something stir within him, a warmth that spread through his chest and made him feel… noticed. It was a strange, unfamiliar feeling, but not an unpleasant one.
“Well,” he said, trying to regain some of his composure, “if you’re looking for interesting things, this library is full of them. Books on all sorts of subjects—history, alchemy, foreign languages…”
Elena’s eyes lit up again, and she clasped her hands together in excitement. “Oh, I love books! Can you show me some? I’d love to know what you’re reading.”
Raven hesitated for a moment, still not entirely sure what to make of her, but then he found himself nodding. “Alright,” he agreed. “But only if you promise to be quiet. The library is a place of study.”
Elena giggled, a sound that made his heart skip a beat. “I promise, Prince Raven. Lead the way.”
As he led her through the rows of shelves, pointing out his favorite books and explaining their contents, he couldn’t help but steal glances at her. She was so full of life, so unafraid to be herself, and it both baffled and fascinated him. She didn’t belong in his world of rules and order, yet somehow, she fit perfectly.
By the time they finished their tour, Raven was no longer flustered. Instead, he felt a strange sense of contentment. For once, he didn’t feel like the second son, the one destined to live in his brother’s shadow. With Elena by his side, he felt like someone worth noticing, someone special.
And when they finally parted ways, with Elena promising to return to the library the next time she visited the palace, Raven couldn’t help but smile to himself. She had called him interesting. She had chosen him over Sol. It was a small victory, but to Raven, it meant everything.
That night, as he lay in bed, he found himself thinking about her, the little fairy who had appeared out of nowhere and turned his world upside down. And for the first time in his life, Raven Heinz looked forward to the future—not with trepidation, but with excitement.
The next morning, Raven’s world was further shaken when he overheard his father, King Karl, and Duke Ashford discussing the engagement. To his shock, it was Elena’s voice that cut through the conversation, clear and determined.
“Your Majesty, Father, I would like to be engaged to Prince Raven instead.”
There was a brief, stunned silence, followed by the deep, rumbling laugh of the king. “Are you certain, Lady Elena? You’ve met both of my sons. Sol is—”
“Sol is wonderful,” Elena interrupted politely but firmly. “But I believe Prince Raven and I would be a better match.”
Raven stood frozen, his heart racing. She had chosen him. Again.
King Karl seemed to consider her words, his expression thoughtful. Finally, he nodded. “Very well, Lady Elena. If that is your wish, then it shall be so.”
Raven’s breath caught in his throat as he heard the words. He was engaged. To Elena Ashford. The girl who had wandered into his life like a dream.