Alexis led Markus through his favourite parts of the gardens. They crossed bridges over still water that reflected the few stars revealed by the gaps in the clouds, and walked past benches he usually sat on to read books in the sun. The beautiful colours of the day were absent, but the flowers and trees were nice enough in shape to make up for it. They had just entered a set of twisting paths surrounded by tall hedges, like in a maze, when he decided to break the silence.

“I’m afraid I will need to give you some form of punishment for your excellent deception. It wouldn’t do if we had men sneaking into balls all over the place, now would it? Don’t worry, I’ll think of something good for you.”

Of course, he didn’t care about ‘punishing’ him, but in this way, he might convince the young man to return. However, an exact plan evaded him.

“That’s such a relief to hear,” Markus responded with light sarcasm. “Please just put me in the stocks and be done with it – but can I change out of the dress first? I’d hate to ruin it.” He sighed. “I’m sure it won’t mean much to an uneducated person like myself, but who are you exactly? Saying you’ll punish me with such authority.”

“I’m the Second Prince. I somehow never got around to mentioning it. Also, I happened to overhear you right at the start of the ball. It was very good of you to point out that this kingdom has two princes. People tend to forget.” Although he clearly hadn’t remembered his name, or he would have worked out who he was.

“You’re… a prince? That’s… No, I’m sorry if I’m rude or anything, but you seem just the same to me whether you’re royalty or not. Ah, so that’s why Isabelle curtsied. I can curtsy now, if you like.”

“That’s quite alright.”

Alexis was glad to see that his attitude and way of speaking had not changed. He was just wondering if it would have been the same if Markus had known from the start, when they came into sight of the bank Robert had been sketching a few days previously. An idea struck him, and he stopped in his tracks.

“I’ve got it, I’ve got the perfect thing for you. From now on, come and work at the palace. I seem to remember our head topiarist was looking for another apprentice.”

“I’m afraid topiary isn’t really my area. I do more weeding and sweeping and other little tasks. Besides, my sister and I don’t live very close to the palace, and moving here would probably inconvenience her.”

“I’m sure I could find a job for her too, if that’s the problem. You at least have some experience with gardens, but in any case, this isn’t really the point. It’s a punishment, so you should take it whether it suits you or not.”

“And if I don’t?”

“I won’t force you to do it, but it’ll be a shame, thinking of all those days you could have spent in these grounds. Your Duke’s little garden simply won’t live up to that. And, just so you know, we do tend to let our staff attend the balls. Only for a couple of dances, and only for special occasions, but you’d certainly get, say, five a year. Perhaps more. Your sister would be welcome, too, if she worked here. You don’t have to answer me now, but if you come to the gates and ask for the topiarist, you can take up the offer at any time.”

The gardener promised that he would consider it, and Alexis started walking again.

“The grounds are large, and there’s a lot you haven’t seen yet. The ball will finish in another half hour or so, and I’ll need to be back for the end. I’m sure you’ll want to find your sister again, too. So, would you like to go back now, or stay out here?”

The night was still warm, although it was getting colder, and he hoped Markus would choose not to go back inside. If he never came back, then it would be nice to at least spend a little longer together. He had given the boy a chance, and it was up to him whether to take it. He was satisfied with that.

“I’ll stay. I think I’ve danced enough, and all those colours might hurt my eyes after being out here. It’s kind of comforting to look at, all this grey.”

The prince looked at him. He was still wearing the wig, although there was no need for it out here. Perhaps he had forgotten about it, or perhaps he still didn’t want to remove it. It was also easier to carry on his head than in his hand, and few dresses are made with pockets (although with the variety he had seen that night, he wouldn’t be surprised to find a pocket or two). He reached over and lifted it off his head.

“Hey!”

“You don’t need it, do you? I want to see what you actually look like.”

“Well, alright, but you’d better give it back to me later.”

“Certainly.”

His actual hair was cut short at the front, so it would not get in his eyes, but it was longer everywhere else. It did not hang away from his head, but at the very back it did reach halfway down his neck. It was not impeccable, like that of the nobles, but it was still very well cut. His sister surely did it for him, since he hadn’t mentioned having any other family.

“Looked your fill yet?”

Markus shook his head. “You must see lots of people, but I don’t see many gardens – and even if I take up your offer, I doubt I’d be working in the dark. I bet your topiarists don’t get to wander around when they’re not at work.”

“I don’t really know. I’d have to ask the head topiarist or head gardener.”

“Is the head gardener in charge overall?”

“No, she and the head topiarist have equal jurisdiction over the grounds. They mostly work separately, but they’ll consult each other from time to time. I think it helps that they’re siblings.”

Markus asked questions about the palace grounds, and Alexis asked about the Duke’s gardens in return, and on the other side of the palace walls, the ball slowly drew to a close.