?The Lavender Garden - Hydrangea?

  As I grew stronger from my illness, I was able to formally fit in with high society. I would accompany my father to meetings, host my own parties, and start my education as an heir. I would often meet Sylvainne at balls, and we would chat enough to be considered acquaintances. However, she never once mentioned the garden or the cloaked figure. Maybe she did not want to draw attention to it; maybe it was nothing to her.

  At one of the parties, I was invited to join Sylvainne and Caecilia's table. Then, an interesting topic came to be: marriage. It was not something I had thought of before. When I was a child, I never dreamt of anything but surviving the day. The topic stunned me; for the first time, I did not know what I was feeling.

  Caecilia mentioned her indifference to marriage. As the only daughter of the duke, her marriage could be used as leverage, much to her disdain. Sylvainne had a similar disposition. It is not beyond her that the crown wants to control the Vaelors. So much so that there have been talks of marrying Sylvainne to the second prince. Of course, the Vaelors are quick to decline this offer. Nevertheless, the crown remains adamant.

  After all, it came as a shock to everyone when Sylvainne's sister, Seia, married the northern duke. Marrying in secrecy has been a trait of the Vaelors. Publicity is not something they partook in, especially regarding their romantic pursuits. If Sylvainne were to marry into a higher status, the crown fears the Vaelors might gain too much power over the throne.

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  Then, an exchange between Caecilia and Sylvainne caught my attention.

  "Well, are you going to follow your sister's footsteps, Lady Vaelor? Marrying for love?"

  Despite Seia's marriage being a surprise to most, it soon became evident that theirs had been one of love. After publicly confirming their relationship, many people connected the dots. They would often be spotted at the same events, disappear at the same time, and reappear within close proximity. Eventually, their love story became popular among young women—those who wished to pursue their own love.

  "Who knows? We have been taught from a young age to never back down in the face of our desires. I intend to follow my teachings."

  Desires are not something I have. Or maybe they are something I do not fully understand. Maybe my isolation has led me to believe I had none. Nevertheless, it changed something within me.

  As the day came to an end, Caecilia left the table, leaving me alone with Sylvainne. The isolation suffocated me; I could feel my breath grow shaky. It is something I was used to, but this time, it was different. I could not name what it was, but I did not like it. It was uncomfortable.

  Sylvainne looked at me, her lilac eyes peeking through her white bangs. She smiled, the soft smile she always had. She poured tea into my cup; her posture looked composed. Then, she pushed the cup towards me.

  "Lavender tea can calm your thoughts. Care to share them, Lady Lamprys?"

  Something inside me broke. It was as if the cup overflowed, like the medicine that was once sweet turned bitter as it lingered in my mouth. I do not remember what I said that day. But I remember I left that day feeling both empty and free.

  Once again, Sylvainne Vaelor remained a step away.