She saw her breath in the air. Abigail walked until she reached the fountain in the middle of the courtyard. She stared above her towards the statue. It portrayed Queen Beatrice, whose triumphs included defeating an opposing army of 20,000 soldiers with only 500 soldiers. She wondered what she would do if she needed to face down those 20,000 soldiers. Would she be capable of defeating them?

She heard some footsteps behind her. 

Before she could turn away, she heard a deep voice say, “Good evening, Princess Abigail. Do you need any assistance?’. It was the young and mysterious gardener she had met earlier that afternoon, Micheal. 

“No, not at this moment. I could not sleep and decided to stroll in the garden,” said Abigail.

“Princess Abigail, may I please escort you back to your palace?” said Michael. 

“I’ll appreciate that”, said Princess Abigail. 

They both walked towards the palace, but that short walk was stretched in the effort on both sides to make their time last.

After a short silence, Princess Abigail said, “Since I answered your question regarding my decision to stroll in the garden. Can you tell me why you were in the garden this late at night?”.

“I was in the garden because I needed to see how the flowers looked at this time at night. When you told us earlier how the flowers differed, I realized I didn’t see them in the first place because I had removed them while it was still dark.  I hope you don’t think I was causing trouble,” said Micheal. He smiled at her then, and she saw that on his left cheek, a slight dimple appeared.

“Thank you for your explanation. Has the head gardener told you the history behind this garden?” said Princess Abigail. 

“No, he has not, Princess,” said Micheal.

Abigail stopped before a nearby bench and motioned for Micheal to sit down. Micheal did not sit down but stood near the other side of the bench. Abigail noticed but did not say a word. She was used to the distance from the servants in the palace, but just this once, she wished that Micheal had not been told of that custom or, at the very least, that he wouldn’t follow it. 

“The garden was a gift from my grandfather. He and I would walk around the palace grounds for hours. He was like a walking history book. He knew every major incident and even the minor ones that shaped the history of our kingdom. My grandfather shared these stories with me due to his loneliness. He had lost his wife and his eldest son. This garden was his way of cementing our family’s legacy and preserving the memory of his loved ones for future generations,” said Abigail. 

“Princess Abigail, you seem to treasure this garden,” said Micheal.

“I’m glad you think so. My grandfather built this garden and gave it to me as a gift before he stepped down as King. He even told me that I would rely on this garden more and more as I grew older. I think he was right. I walk in this garden every morning at 8 am and will probably walk in the evening tomorrow.” said Princess Abigail. 

“Would you like to continue on our walk to the palace?” said Micheal.

“Yes, but do you mind assisting me from this bench?” asked Abigail.

Micheal gallantly approached the bench, and Abigail slowly placed her hands into his.  Their hands briefly intertwined until Abigail secured her footing on the brick-layered road. 

“Thank you,” said Abigail. Micheal nodded, and they finally reached the doors of the palace. Before they parted, Micheal said, “Sweet dreams, Princess Abigail. "

Abigail entered the door of her room and held her hand close to her heart. Meanwhile, Micheal walked towards the center of the garden once more. This time, Princess Abigail did not see him from her room. He thought she followed a strict schedule, but it seemed as if the Princess had decided to change it. 

Micheal finally reached the center of the garden and stepped into the fountain. His family had been responsible for building the garden, and his family added spells to specific features.  He whispered a spell, and the fountain emitted a subtle glow. Micheal was nowhere to be found, and the garden was silent again. 

Micheal reappeared ten miles away from the family estate. A servant was stationed in the carriage, and Micheal proceeded to get into the carriage. Micheal was the second son of the Duke Amara. As the second son, he could not inherit the Amara dukedom. However, he found that his elder sister, Kaya, had a natural aptitude and talent to become the future head of the family. His father, Duke Amara, and Kaya had worked together for nearly five years to increase the wealth of the Amara family. He was proud of the work they had done to improve the lives of their citizens and supported both of them without questions. That is how he found himself employed as a gardener for the royal family despite his noble status. He used his middle name as a cover and his knowledge of botanicals to enter into the royal family's service. After all, who would expect Victor Micheal Amara to be planting flowers in the royal palace instead of enjoying life in a foreign kingdom?

The gates of the Amara estate appear. The lights of his father’s study were on, and Micheal knew his father was waiting for him to deliver his monthly report. He quickly descended from the carriage and went to his father’s study. 

He opened the door and stepped into his father’s office. “Hello, Father,” said Micheall. 

“Finally, you’re here, Victor. I have been worried about you,” said Duke Amara. His father immediately stood and went to hug Micheal. 

After their hug, Micheal said, “There is no need to be worried about me, Father. Compared to other missions, this one is safe. After all, I’m only gardening”.

“You know this is not just about gardening. I should have tried to change your sister’s mind to have you as a spy in the royal palace.” said his father.

“Father, we all discussed it and thought this was the best action. There’s a lot at stake, and we have a few people we can trust with this assignment,” said Micheal.

“Yes, I know, but that doesn’t mean I don’t worry. You and your sister are the most important people in my life. I’m getting older and just worry more after losing your mother last year.” said Duke Armara.

Micheal smiled at his Father and said, “Why don’t I get started on my report.”. 

Micheal related the visitors that attended the Princess’s coming-of-age ceremony. The high staff turnover rate in the Queen’s Palace and the names and places of origin of the employees who resigned from their positions to serve Queen Isabella. Micheal also informed his Father of his brief encounters with Princess Abigail. 

“She was always a charming child, but the rest of her family is another story,” said Duke Amara. 

“I have not met the rest of the family since it is common knowledge that they do not like to mingle with us, the commoners,” said Micheal.

“Micheal, you will never be a commoner as long as you are my son,” said Duke Armara.

“The world treats second sons differently, Father,” said Micheal. Duke Armara stood in silence for a moment.

 “Is that all you need, the information you gather this month?” said Duke Armara. Micheal nodded and asked, “Have you and Kaya found more information about the Lost Princess?”. 

“No, we have not. I hope we can find her soon. We need to keep the Kingdom Patilum safe. We cannot trust the royal family after all they have done to keep themselves in power,” said Duke Armara. 

Father and son sat in silence in remembrance of those who suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of the royal family. The Armara family and several other prominent families in the Kingdom wanted to restore the Lost Princess to the throne and exile the royal family. Only then would justice and peace reign in the kingdom. 

“Father, I will be leaving now. I’ll see you soon. Please get some rest,” said Micheal. Duke Armara hugged his son and said goodbye. 

Micheal made his way slowly out of the Armara estate. He missed his home, but at twenty-three years old, he knew the importance of his mission. He knew that pursuing freedom was more important than physical comforts. The mana in his body spiked, and he knew that his resolve to continue his mission as a spy was aligned with his destiny. 

He walked towards the carriage and arrived in the clearing. He felt the magic in his body swell and dissipate slowly after his encantation. He found himself in the middle of the fountain again. Micheal stepped out of the fountain and directed towards the servant’s quarters.

The servant’s quarters were not located in the palace but several hundred yards away. Trees and shrubbery hid the servant quarters. The servants had placed small globes of light containing dragon flames to light the path. Families often share one building, while single people share the same building with the same gender. Micheal turned the dirt paths to find his home in the south end of the makeshift village. The homes were tiny, and some were poorly constructed, yet many servants ensured they were tidy and clean. The servants of the royal palace had an extraordinary sense of pride in their work.