23 : Rhododendron

"Csille Lauretré!" He takes a deep breath and locks eyes with me. "Then will you listen to me? I'm the Crown Prince and your fiancé. Isn't that reason enough for you to heed my words?"

   "Fraser, please don't make it difficult for me-"

   "You're the one who's making things difficult for me. How can I do what I'm supposed to do if I'm worried about you?"

    Alright, Prince Fraser, I hear your concern. But could you please refrain from speaking so gently? It's giving Csille the wrong impression that there's something between you two.

"I'm sorry. I'll try to avoid doing that in the future. I-" He interrupts me before I can finish my sentence.

   "Don't do it! I don't want you to put yourself in danger because of me." He squeezes my hands tightly. "Please, Csille?"

"Fraser, I'm worried about you as well. I promise not to be constantly by your side. Just allow me to stay nearby, even if it's from a distance. Don't worry, I have my guards with me. Please?"

Prince Fraser releases my hand abruptly. "You refuse to listen to me?" He gestures dismissively. "Leave!"

"Fraser-" I attempt to grasp his hand, but he pulls away.

"Just go, Csille! What's the point of this conversation if you won't heed my words? Just go!"

I stare at him in disbelief. Did he really just dismiss me like that? "You don't even listen to me either. Fine!" I stomp my feet and storm out of the room.

I can't believe he drove me away. I understand his concerns, but he should have listened to my words too. It's as if I have any choice in the matter. Even if Prince Fraser begged me, Csille would still hover around him because that's what I've written.

And you can't drive me away either. I'm the one who created this story. I should at least do something for you.

___________

"Dear, aren't you coming to help us?" My mother asks. It's feeding day, but I've excused myself as I'm not in the mood to assist.

"I'm sorry, mother. I'm just not feeling well today. I'll lend a hand next time."

My mother gently strokes my head. "It's alright, dear. Just rest if you're not feeling well. We'll be leaving now. I'll assign a maid to keep you company."

I nod silently as she leaves, giving me kisses before departing. I sigh and glance at the calendar. We've been here for almost three months now. It's been a week since I last saw Prince Fraser. I'm not too concerned, though, as Princess Paislee has become friends with him, ensuring he has someone to watch over him.

Princess Paislee and I have regular conversations. During our last talk, she mentioned her involvement in helping Prince Fraser with fishing and selling their catch. As per the narrative I written, Princess Paislee now resides with Prince Fraser. Unaware of her true circumstances, he believes her to be an orphan and has graciously taken her in. In return for her assistance in fishing and selling their catch.

In a month's time, Prince Fraser will face a threat to his life. Despite my efforts to alert him, every attempt I make ends in failure. Whether it's sending anonymous letters, which are returned to me, or attempting to use sign language, which isn't understood here, none of my strategies have succeeded.

"How could I warn you, Prince Fraser?" I pondered, resting my head on the study table.

"I have little time. I can only leave you a short message. Do not attempt to alter what you've written in the notebook," the man paused briefly. "Otherwise, this world will collapse."

   I'm suddenly reminded of the words from the man in my dream. Will everything truly collapse? Do I have no other option but to let events unfold as they are, even if I know it could harm someone?

  I glance out the window at the garden below, filled with flowers. It hits me—flowers! How could I have overlooked them? Perhaps if I send Prince Fraser a specific flower, he might understand the warning. Flower language exists here. Now, I just need to figure out the right flower to send.

Excitedly, I hurry towards the garden, pondering which flowers might convey a message of impending danger.

   I scan the garden, considering various flowers. Myrtle? No, it signifies good luck and love in marriage, not the message I want to convey. Black-Eyed Susan? It represents justice, which doesn't fit either.

Then, I spot Rhododendron. It's poisonous, a flower I didn't know they had here. Could this be the one to convey the danger I need to warn Prince Fraser about?

   Hold on! What's the significance of the Rhododendron flower? It symbolizes elegance, wealth, and passion, but the Victorians called it a "beware" flower due to its poisonous nature. Right! This is the flower I need. It's a warning of incoming danger. I grabbed several Rhododendron flowers and wrapped them in a napkin. Now, I just need to find the right person to give them to Prince Fraser. But who should I choose?

__________

    "Csille Lauretré? What do you need for me to do?"

   I turn to face Farren Brichagnac as he approaches me, scanning our surroundings cautiously. "Don't worry. I have my guards here to ensure our privacy. Even Raze wouldn't detect your presence." "Raze" is the alias used by Prince Fraser in this part of the kingdom. Using his real name might draw unwanted attention and suspicion..

    Farren settles into the chair opposite me. We're seated in the only cafe in the western region, where I often keep watch over Prince Fraser from a distance. Typically, I'd occupy the second floor for a better vantage point, but today we're on the ground floor. I prefer to keep my acquaintance with Farren discreet from Prince Fraser.

   "Don't worry. This won't take long." I retrieve the Rhododendron flower from one of my maids standing behind me. "I simply need you to discreetly pass this to Raze. Ensure he remains unaware of its origin or your involvement."

    Farren accepts the flower from my hand and examines it. Even if you were to look at it Paislee, you wouldn't understand its meaning. Princess Paislee doesn't know the language of flowers. That's why it takes years for her to realize that Prince Fraser was in love with her disguise.

"I thought you didn't love him?"

    Silly! Of course, I don't. How could I fall in love with a fictional character I created? "I don't. Just give it to him. Don't worry. It's just a simple flower. I just remembered that he likes flowers. So I want to give him one."

Farren looks at me skeptically. Miss female lead! Can you not do that? It's impossible for Csille and Prince Fraser, okay? In the end, he will choose you. So, don't look at me like that, okay?

   He takes the flowers from my hands. "Okay. I'll do that. Is there anything else you want to say?"

"No, you can go now. Just make sure he doesn't know where the flowers came from, okay?"

    Farren nods and leaves the cafe. Farren Brichagnac, the male guise of Princess Paislee. I hope he doesn't get caught, and I hope he can deliver the flower to Prince Fraser. I hope nothing will hinder it. He needs to know. Even you, you need to know. But how can I warn you?

I sigh deeply. One month — only one month remains before the danger arrives. Is there truly nothing I can do to prevent it?

I signal to my maid to secure us a spot on the second floor. I need to keep a close watch on what unfolds next. Once everything is arranged, I quickly ascend to the second floor. From there, I have a clear view of Prince Fraser's fishing stall. Farren has returned and is now assisting Prince Fraser in selling the fish.

    When Prince Fraser was too busy entertaining a customer, Farren placed the flower in the basket beside Prince Fraser. He successfully placed it inside the basket. Now, I only need Prince Fraser to see the flower and decode its meaning.

I glance at Farren, pondering whether he's aware of Prince Fraser's true identity. Reflecting on my novel, I recall that Princess Paislee remains unaware of Prince Fraser's identity until after an accident. She only learns he's the Crown Prince later on. Given Prince Fraser's changed appearance from childhood, it's understandable why she wouldn't recognize him. Prince Fraser looks so different compared to when he was still a child.

After they sell all the fishes, Prince Fraser and Farren returned to their residence, where Prince Fraser resides. I trailed behind them to their home, scanning the surroundings if there is anyone around. I then asked the guard accompanying me to keep watch while I listened in on the conversation inside.

Leaning against the wall outside the house, I eavesdrop on their conversation. Footsteps echo, followed by the sound of someone rummaging.

"Farren, do you have any idea where this flower came from?" Prince Fraser's voice reaches me.

"I'm not sure. Where did you come across it?" Farren responds.

Once more, I hear footsteps within the house. From my vantage point, I'm unable to witness the scene happening inside. I listen to hear Prince Fraser's response, hoping for a clue.

"It was in the basket. Someone must have placed it there. Rhododendron?"

I heard the sound of a chair being pulled. "Rhododendron? Is that what the flower is called?"

I didn't hear Prince Fraser responds. He probably just nods his head.

"Are you alright? You seem frightened. Is there a problem?"

Frightened? He might have interpreted the meaning of the flower. Yes! He understands! I just hope he realized what he needs to be wary of. Please, Prince Fraser, I need you to grasp its meaning. I need you to be cautious.

"Nothing! I need to step out for a while. Don't wait up for me. I might return home late."

I heard the door opening. He's leaving? Where could he be heading?

I emerge from my hiding spot and make my way to the waiting carriage. Where is he going?

___________

I'm on my way to our residence in the western region when our carriage unexpectedly halts. Glancing at the maid and the henchman, "What's the matter? Why have we stopped?"

The henchman turns to me and responds, "Apologies, Lady Lauretré, but someone is obstructing our path."

I peer out of the carriage window and am astonished to see Prince Fraser blocking our path. Quickly, I step out of the carriage, surprised by his unexpected presence.

What is he doing here?

   The guards halted me when I attempted to approach Prince Fraser. "Miss, please step back. Allow us to question this individual first," they insisted.

I fixed a stern gaze on the guard. "It's fine. I recognized him. Could you please give us some privacy? I need to have a word with him."

   The guards and maids hesitated briefly before stepping back a meter.

"Is everything alright?"

Prince Fraser glanced at the guards and maids to ensure they were out of earshot before talking. "I'm here to warn you. I received a flower today." He retrieved the Rhododendron flowers from his bag. "This. It's Rhododendron, and I suppose you know what it signifies."

I attempted to speak, but it seemed like I couldn't control my mouth. Csille, please, let me talk to him! We must warn the Crown Prince. However, she didn't heed my plea.

"I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with its meaning. Should I be concerned?" Csille! No! Let me talk to him! I begged you!

Prince Fraser appeared disappointed with Csille's response. He likely expected her to understand the significance of the flower. Of course, I know its meaning. I was the one who gave it to you, Prince Fraser. I wanted to convey this to him, but my mouth seemed to be unresponsive. Oh, please! Let me speak!

Prince Fraser shakes his head. "Never mind. Just be careful, okay? Don't approach me for a while. I'm afraid something will happen."

Yes! Yes! Something will happen.

"Perhaps you're mistaken, Prince Fraser. It's only a flower. What harm could it signify?"

Prince Fraser appears confused as he looks at me. Naturally, anyone would be puzzled if someone knowledgeable about flower language suddenly dismissed its significance. He likely suspects something is wrong with me. It's your fault, Csille!

He gazes at the Rhododendron flowers before returning them to his bag. "Just be careful, okay? Please listen to me right now. I need you to stay at home and don't leave for a moment. You need to promise me Csille."

My head nods on its own. Satisfied with my answer, he gently cups my cheeks and plants a kiss on my forehead before hurrying away.

Did he just kiss my forehead?