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"...Pretty." Kanade mumbled under her breath as she passed through the carnation field. She was returning from signing a treaty with a neighboring kingdom, and everything seemed to fascinate her.
"We'll stop here." Mafuyu, Kanade's knight, ordered the guards. They stopped the horses and Mafuyu guided her prince out of the carriage, taking her to the carnation field.
"You can look at it as much as you want, your highness." Mafuyu bowed and was about to leave, when Kanade stopped her and nodded at her to stay. They stood at the carnation field, Kanade taking in the breath of fresh air. She didn't get that usually, since she was always in her room reading and writing.
"My mother enjoyed carnations." Kanade said, a smile dawning on her face. Mafuyu looked down solemnly. It was years since the queen's unfortunate passing. Kanade didn't talk about her often, but Mafuyu knew it pained her every time.
"She said there was a beautiful field of carnations outside of the palace... I guess this was the place she was talking about." Kanade said, a hint of sadness in her voice. As the prince, Kanade had no time to leave the castle. She was always too busy helping the people in the kingdom. Her work only doubled after the king collapsed. It was unusual to see Kanade so happy and relaxed. Mafuyu wanted to see that more.
"...I wish to see them inside the castle as well." Kanade whispered. Mafuyu immediately took out her sword.
"I shall retrieve them for you, my prince." Mafuyu said. Kanade's eyes widened and she rushed to stop Mafuyu.
"No, don't hurt the flowers. They belong here, Mafuyu. I don't have to see them in the castle. Let them be." Kanade said.
She's too kind. Even to flowers. Mafuyu sighed and put her sword back in. She heard the guards calling for her.
"My prince, we have to..."
"I know. Let's go back." Kanade sent one last glance to the flowers before returning to her carriage.
For the next few months, Mafuyu tried to take Kanade out of the castle again. To see her smile again, her soft and genuine smile. But Kanade just seemed to get busier. So instead, Mafuyu decided to do something else.
Kanade was doing paperwork in her office when a messenger bird flew in, leaving her a letter. Kanade opened it, and giggled at who it was.
Come to the garden.
-Mafuyu
Kanade stared at the pile of paperwork she had. It could wait. Kanade went to the garden excitedly, and was surprised to find a field of carnations. Mafuyu walked beside her.
"Do you like it?" Mafuyu asked. Kanade looked up at her with wide eyes.
"Mafuyu... How did you..."
"I asked all of the merchants in the kingdom to bring me carnation seeds. I've been personally caring for them for months now, they finally bloomed today." Mafuyu said. Kanade crouched down to hold one of the flowers.
"Thank you Mafuyu, I- I love it." Kanade said, smiling happily.
And I love you, but I can't tell you that. Mafuyu thought as she gazed at Kanade enjoying the flowers.
Well, that doesn't matter. As long as you're happy, my prince.