As Kaiden navigates the empty courtyard back towards his room, he suddenly trips and falls hard onto the ground. Dazed, Kaiden mutters to himself, "Not again, what did I do now? What did I trip over this time?"

Kaiden's eyes widen in surprise as he turns to find a young lady near his feet. Her head lowered and her hand touching her head, she appears to be in pain.

Kaiden moves to kneel beside the young lady, his voice filled with genuine concern. He apologizes sincerely, "I am so sorry. I didn't see you there honestly. Are you alright?"

The young lady, dressed in elegant and regal robes of exceptional craftsmanship, slowly raises her head. As their gazes lock for a moment, she speaks softly, "I'm okay. It will..." Her words trail off mid-sentence.

Kaiden is momentarily captivated by her graceful beauty as a part of him instinctively urges his hand to reach out. Snapping out of it, he quickly moves his hand to the ground where it encounters a curious object.

Kaiden's gaze turns downward, and with it, he lifts a chain of flowers woven together. Holding it aloft, he looks back at the girl, asking curiously, "Did you make this?"

The young woman nods shyly in response to Kaiden's query. "Yes," she confides meekly. "I was gathering flowers to extend my chain when you accidentally stumbled upon me. In the process, I knocked my head against your leg," she clarifies apologetically.

Kaiden's face contorts into a look of remorse as he sincerely apologizes, "I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"

The young woman shifts back and gracefully sits down, using her elegant garments to cushion her landing. She places a finger thoughtfully on her chin, contemplating silently for a moment before settling on an idea.

The young woman then lowers her hand into her lap, a smile forming on her lips as she responds with a proposal. "I know," she says, "Could you please help me gather flowers? It would surely go faster with a second pair of hands."

Kaiden's face brightens with joy as he nods his head in agreement. "Of course!" he responds, "I would be more than happy to help. Let's pick those flowers."

Kaiden scans the surroundings, but there are no flowers in sight. Instead, he sees just dirt and sparse patches of grass. Confused, he glances around and asks curiously, "Where are the flowers?"

The young woman joins Kaiden in a kneeling position, placing her hand out in front of her. Her voice holds a tinge of disappointment as she admits, "I thought they would have been around here," searching the surroundings.

Kaiden leans back to sit on the ground, his confusion evident on his face. He looks around once more before questioning the young woman, "There are no flowers around here. Can't you see that?"

The young woman turns to Kaiden, her silky hair cascading gracefully behind her as she faces him. With a solemn expression, she shares her unfortunate circumstance, "I'm afraid I cannot, young sir. I lost my eyesight as a small child."

Kaiden's surprise mounts as he gains a newfound understanding, realizing the young woman he has been interacting with is blind. He reflects on the moment when their eyes locked earlier, questioning how he had missed this crucial detail.

As Kaiden peers closely at the young woman's visage, his gaze fixating on the subtle difference in her eyes. A pang of guilt washes over him, and he apologizes profusely, "I am so sorry. I didn't realize."

Despite Kaiden's apology, the young woman gently shakes her head, dismissing the need for further remorse. With a composed demeanor, she introduces herself, "It's alright. You get used to it. My name is Margaretta Hargreave. It's a pleasure to meet you." Her slender arm extended in offering of a handshake.

Kaiden reaches out and grasps Margaretta’s offered hand in a firm yet gentle handshake. His voice is warm and friendly as he responds, "My name is Kaiden."

Margaretta smiles graciously as she releases Kaiden's hand and readjusts her stance. With a gentle tone, she proposes, "It's a pleasure, Kaiden. Should we move to another part of the courtyard to search for flowers?"

Kaiden nods affirmatively, but then swiftly realizes his error and responds aloud, "Yes." He begins to walk, but soon stops and returns to Margaretta's side. Extending his arm towards her, he offers his assistance. "Shall I escort you?"

A smile forms on Margaretta's face as she acknowledges Kaiden's courteous gesture. "Such a gentleman," she praises, and then gently grasps his outstretched arm. Her initial attempt to grasp his arm is slightly amiss, but she eventually finds a secure hold. Softly, she requests, "Please lead the way."

Kaiden begins to walk, moving at a leisurely pace to ensure that he doesn’t inadvertently tug on Margaretta. As they move together in silence, Kaiden keeps a vigilant eye on their surroundings, diligently searching for patches of grass adorned with flowers.

As Kaiden moves forward with Margaretta, they proceed through the courtyard for a few minutes. A handful of passing servants swiftly hurry by on the walkways, grouping together and engaging in hushed whispers for a brief period before quickly departing. Kaiden observes this mysterious behavior, perplexed at their actions.

Margaretta responds to Kaiden's concern with a gentle assurance, "Don't mind them. It's palace gossip, they're always speaking about me. It's been a topic of conversation among the staff for many years now." Her voice carries a hint of sadness initially, but she swiftly regains composure, her tone becoming more resolute as she concludes, "It doesn't bother me."

Kaiden briefly watches the staff members as they hasten away, before returning his attention to the young woman on his arm. His mind considers the idea of speaking to the Emperor about the staff's behavior and treatment of Margaretta, wondering if he could influence a change to improve her circumstances.

Suddenly, Margaretta halts, grasping hold of Kaiden's arm tighter. She looks ahead and remarks, "If I recall correctly, the pond should be straight ahead and around a wall. It's located in a secluded, tranquil area within the palace courtyard, providing both privacy and a peaceful atmosphere."

Kaiden contemplates her suggestion, appreciating the thought of a tranquil area for reflection, secluded from the presence of others. He reflects on the idea before replying, "Alright, sounds good. The pond should have plenty of flowers nearby."

Kaiden and Margaretta continue moving forward, traversing the length of the vast courtyard. As they approach, Kaiden notices a tall wall in the distance, with an opening in its structure just ahead.

Kaiden gently maneuvers them through the opening, steering clear of the wall and rocks as he considers Margaretta's needs. As he turns to absorb the sight before them, a breathless awe overcomes him. The pond is an absolute vision, complemented by a charming gazebo, a scattering of trees, and an abundance of vibrant flowers that embellish the entire landscape.

Margaretta lets out a soft chuckle, amused by Kaiden's reaction. With a nostalgic sigh, she remarks, "It really does take your breath away, doesn't it? Only a handful of people ever come this way, and as much as I'd love to see it, I've had countless people describe it to me. I've got a vivid mental picture in my mind."

Kaiden guides Margaretta toward a patch of flowers, his heart aching with a subtle pang. As they reach the spot, he gently suggests, "Sit here. I'll gather the flowers for you, and you can start the braiding. Is there a particular color you have in mind?"

Margaretta shakes her head, replying, "Feel free to choose any flowers you find pretty. I can't discern colors, but I'm quite proficient in identifying their fragrances."

Kaiden assists Margaretta in sitting on the ground, carefully extracting the floral chain from her dress as she settles comfortably. As she waits patiently, he busies himself, picking an array of flowers from the ground near them and delicately placing them on her lap. As Margaretta commences the process of feeling and braiding the flowers, her delicate hands move with skillful precision. The melodious humming that escapes her lips adds to the tranquility of the moment. Kaiden finds himself drawn to the sound, realizing he doesn't recognize the tune because it originates from this world. Kaiden continues collecting flowers, diligently placing dozens of them in Margaretta's lap. Feeling a bit weary, he slowly lowers himself to sit beside her, watching her nimble fingers expertly braid the flowers together.

Margaretta gently lowers her hand, skimming her fingers over the flowers on her lap. With a grateful smile, she speaks, "Thank you, these are more than enough."

Kaiden nonchalantly places his hand upon his head, assuming his usual casual stance. With a hint of levity, he responds, "No problem at all. I consider it my responsibility since I stumbled upon you in the first place. I must admit, I can be quite clumsy at times."

Margaretta softly chuckles, her voice carrying a tone of amusement. "Ah, I must confess, I can be quite clumsy myself. The palace servants often hesitate to place fragile objects in my care, as they fear I might accidentally break them. It seems we share a kindred clumsiness."

Margaretta continues to braid a few more flowers, then quietly poses a question, her tone laced with curiosity, "Might I ask what brings you here to the palace? I don't recall encountering you within these grounds before."

Kaiden gazes up toward the sky, shifting his body to rest his back against the ground. His mind wrestles with uncertainty as he contemplates what to say. Just as he is about to utter a response, however, he is interrupted by Margaretta's interjection.

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Margaretta interjects with a direct question, her tone curious. "Forgive my forwardness, but are you possibly the priestess? I overheard a few servants mention that a man was summoned by Astralyn. Is that the case?"

Kaiden responds with a casual reassurance, maintaining his relaxed position on the ground. With a tone that exudes comfort, he explains, "Ah, it's no bother at all. Yes, I am indeed the priestess summoned here to fulfill my duties.”

Margaretta continues to work diligently on her flower chain, her hands moving with skilled precision. With a composed expression, she adds, "Yes, the celestial energy surrounding you is undeniably strong, similar yet distinctly different in intensity to that of Wulfric. It's soothing to observe. I must say, I was initially torn between guessing whether you were a warrior or the priestess himself."

Kaiden abruptly sits up, his voice laced with a mixture of surprise and confusion. He struggles to comprehend her statement, his tone reflecting puzzlement. "Wait, you can see the energy around me? I thought you had lost your sight. How are you able to perceive the energy if that's the case?"

Kaiden quickly adds a word of apology, recognizing the insensitive nature of his words and tone regarding her loss of eyesight, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound insensitive about your loss of vision. I was just surprised to learn that you could still perceive the energy around me, even without sight."

Margaretta gently shakes her head, setting down her flower chain and beginning to weave together a new batch of flowers. With a composed demeanor, she reassures him, "No worries, it's perfectly understandable. People often react with surprise when learning about my capacity to perceive auras. It's a natural part of my abilities."

Kaiden's curiosity peaks, and he sits up more upright, his voice betraying a hint of excitement as he asks, "Margaretta, are you a celestial warrior by any chance?"

With a gentle shake of her head, Margaretta positions the new flower chain against her heart, her voice tinged with a sense of longing. She replies, her tone filled with a hint of mourning, "I'm sorry, but I am not a celestial warrior. I was only granted a small measure of sight due to the blessings of Astralyn himself."

With the new flower chain held close to her heart still, Margaretta continues her story. "Long ago, during the time of the priestess Molly, one of my ancestors was a devoted and valiant warrior. He served faithfully until the end, leaving behind a legacy that has kept our family near the favor and heart of Astralyn. As a tribute to our rich family history, the Celestial Astralyn has bestowed upon me the gift of sight, signifying his enduring appreciation for our heritage."

Kaiden experiences a moment of astonishment, his mind buzzing with a whirlwind of thoughts. The connection to Margaretta's ancestor strikes a chord within him, evoking a deep sense of surprise and wonder. He reflects on the significance of the fact that this ancestor was a warrior who stood by the side of his grandfather's sister during their shared journey in this world.

Kaiden takes a moment to find his words, finally exclaiming, "Amazing."

Margaretta chuckles softly, "I understand it's a lot to take in, but I'll be here at the palace for a few weeks assisting with the festival. We can certainly speak more about your ancestor if you'd like, Kaiden."

Kaiden responds with a note of weariness in his voice, "That sounds nice." He then relaxes, leaning back onto the soft grass, finding a comfortable resting position on the lush ground.

Kaiden gazes up at the sky, teetering on the edge of slumber, but resisting the urge to do so out of fear of encountering the haunting dreams that have plagued him. The memories of those nightmares linger in the back of his mind, reminding him of the unsettling visions that haunted his rest.

Margaretta emits a thoughtful "hmm" sound, drawing Kaiden's attention, and he turns his head to see her leaning over beside him. She gently places the new flower chain onto his head, the delicate petals brushing against his forehead.

Kaiden carefully lifts his hand and gently touches the flowers now adorning his head. He takes a moment to inhale the soothing fragrance that emanates from the petals, finding a sense of tranquility in their gentle perfume. A grateful expression graces his features as Margaretta speaks, her voice soft and reassuring. "The scent should help you relax," she affirms, moving back to sit on the ground, respecting his need for space.

Kaiden expresses his gratitude with a warm tone, "Thank you, Margaretta." He then settles back on the soft grass, his gaze fixed on the clouds above, watching them slowly drift across the endless blue expanse of the sky. The soothing sound of Margaretta's gentle hums fills the air, adding a soothing atmosphere to their tranquil surroundings.

Kaiden's body gradually relaxes as he listens to the melody of the humming, the ambient sounds blending together in a soothing harmony. The cool breeze and the melodic rhythm of the pond lull him into a state of tranquility. His eyelids grow heavy, and he drifts off into a peaceful slumber, resting next to Margaretta in a moment of peace.

After a few hours of peaceful slumber, Kaiden is gradually awakened by the light, gentle touch of a hand on his arm, followed by a soft, whisper-like voice calling out his name. The touch and the voice awaken him slowly, coaxing him back to full consciousness.

Kaiden opens his eyes to find himself looking up at Margaretta, her head leaning over him as her hand rests gently on his shoulder. The closeness of her proximity catches him off guard for a moment, and he blinks a few times as he adjusts to fully waking up.

Kaiden rubs the last remnants of sleep from his eyes, feeling a noticeable difference in his energy and well-being compared to the earlier nightmare-filled night. He directs a question to Margaretta, his voice slightly scratchy from his rest, "What time is it?"

Margaretta shakes her head, stepping back a little to give Kaiden some space to sit up. With a note of uncertainty in her voice, she replies, "I'm not sure exactly. We've been here for quite a while, a few hours at least, possibly even more. We should probably head back soon; people might start looking for us if we stay here any longer."

Kaiden rises from his sitting position, using the momentum to stand up. He stretches his limbs, relieving the stiffness from his nap. "Loden and Wulfric are probably looking for me since I asked them to tell me when lunch is ready," he explains. With a gesture of chivalry, he offers, "I'll walk you back, Margaretta."

Margaretta smiles softly, expressing her gratitude once more. "Thank you, Kaiden. I appreciate your kindness." She extends her hand for assistance, and Kaiden helps her up, pulling her to her feet. In the process, Kaiden feels the flower chain crown on his head shift slightly. He reaches up to touch it, feeling the delicate petals against his fingers.

Kaiden gently removes the flower chain crown from his head, holding it out in his open palm toward Margaretta. He offers it back to her with a small smile. "I should give this back to you," he says, appreciating the moment they shared.

Margaretta, still holding Kaiden's other hand, gently shakes her head and gestures for him to keep the flower chain crown. "No, please keep it," she says with a soft smile. "I can always make a new one if you need." She giggles a little at the end, and Kaiden feels a blush rising on his cheeks. This is undoubtedly a new experience for him, spending time with a girl apart from his little sister and his mother.

Kaiden graciously accepts the flower chain, gently placing it in his pocket. He looks at Margaretta with gratitude, his voice filled with sincerity. "Thank you. I'll take good care of it," he assures her.

Margaretta elegantly suggests, "Shall we?" She moves their arms forward, linking them together. Realizing what she means, Kaiden responds with a nod, "Yes," and they begin walking side by side away from the pond and the tranquil space.

As they draw closer to Kaiden's courtyard, a question arises in his mind. He turns to Margaretta and asks, "When you said they would be looking for us, what did you mean by that?"

As Margaretta attempts to answer Kaiden's question, their conversation is abruptly pierced by a loud, familiar voice nearby. A hint of surprise and recognition flickers across both their faces. Both Kaiden and Margaretta turn to find Wulfric approaching, a mix of worry and happiness evident on his face. Close behind him is Loden, his emotions mirroring his companion's; however, they are much briefer. Wulfric swiftly advances toward them, and as he approaches, Margaretta releases Kaiden's arm, and Wulfric immediately pulls her into a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground. Spinning her around, Wulfric lets out a small laugh, unable to contain his excitement. Loden moves closer to Kaiden, joining him as they watch Wulfric excitedly twirl Margaretta around in a joyous hug. After placing her back on the ground, Wulfric continues to keep a protective arm around her.

Kaiden observes Wulfric and Margaretta, perplexed by the unexpected turn of events. "I'm a bit confused," he admits, addressing Wulfric's uncommon display of happiness. "I've never seen you smile like that before, Wulfric."

Wulfric nonchalantly shrugs off Kaiden's comment and continues holding onto Margaretta, his gaze fixed on her. "I was worried for my niece's safety," he explains, "and was relieved when we found both of you. Your attendant couldn't locate you, and it was through our search for Kaiden that we found you both."

Kaiden's eyes widen with realization as he processes this newfound information. To himself, he thinks, "Wait, Margaretta is Wulfric's niece? They are related. This situation is getting more puzzling with each passing day I'm here."

Loden intervenes, breaking the silence. He initially raises his hand to place it on Kaiden's shoulder but subsequently lets it fall back to his side. "You told us you would be in your room, but you were not there," he reminds Kaiden. "That was five hours ago."

Loden proceeds, "We began to worry that something might have happened to you," he explains. "We tried to sense your presence through our celestial marks, but we couldn't feel anything. We are relieved that we were able to find you when we did."

Kaiden can't help but feel a small smile spreading across his face, sensing a sense of loyalty and concern from Loden. Despite his mixed feelings about Loden's distance, Kaiden composes himself and says, "Thank you, Loden and Wulfric, for searching for me."

Wulfric grins and gives Kaiden's hair a friendly tousle. "You needn't worry about Gideon anymore when we next see him," he assures Kaiden. "He'll be on his best behavior from now on. It was quite the scene, seeing you escorting my niece across the grounds."

Kaiden swiftly brushes away Wulfric's hand from his hair, expressing his annoyance. "It was nothing," he responds. "I simply owed her a favor."

Wulfric lifts an eyebrow in intrigue, his curiosity piqued by Kaiden's remark. "What favor is it that you owed my dear niece?” he inquires.

Kaiden stands there, briefly taken aback by the question. He wonders whether he should disclose the truth, that he encountered Margaretta in the courtyard, or if he should provide a somewhat accurate or completely different explanation.

Margaretta steps in to aid Kaiden, gently grasping Wulfric's arm and explains in a soft tone. "It was an accident," she says. "I stumbled upon him while I was in the courtyard searching for flowers. Kaiden was kind enough to help me collect them to finish your flower chain, uncle. Look." She motions to the flower crown in her hand, emphasizing the point.

Wulfric responds with a mix of concern and scolding, saying, "It was kind of Kaiden to assist you, but you are aware of the importance of not being separated from your attendants. What if something had happened?" He is cut off as Margaretta interjects.

Margaretta tightens her grasp on the flower crown, almost crushing the delicate blossoms within her palm. She speaks with a firm voice, emphasizing her safety. "If I had been kidnapped, or I had fallen, or gotten lost, I know all of that," she says defensively. "I am fine, uncle."

Wulfric lifts his hands in a surrendering gesture, expressing concern and endearment. "I just worry about you, my dear little blossom," he says with a protective tone. "I will always shield my favorite niece." He wraps his arms around her, embracing her affectionately.

Margaretta grins warmly, embracing Wulfric in return. "I know, uncle," she replies. She then raises the flower crown, offering it to him. "Please wear your crown," she adds, placing it gently on his head.

Wulfric graciously accepts the flower crown and returns a grateful smile to his niece. "Thank you," he says. He turns his attention to Kaiden and Loden. "It's well past lunchtime now," he remarks. "Why don't we head in and get something to eat?"

Both Kaiden and Loden nod in agreement, simultaneously uttering "yes" alongside Margaretta. A shared laugh erupts from the group, as they begin a leisurely stroll together towards the banquet hall in search of sustenance.