CHAPTER 5

"Alas, my penurious heart aches for thee, Red Carnation" 

Myrtle, 1902

"Cyclamen is the last flower you gave me

the past was Evergreen.

It was fresh

but its flesh was just."

"The place was sprinkled with yellow Lily

while grace twinkle around.

My heart mingled with yours,

and yours tingled"

"No goodbyes,

you are up high.

Red carnation was the quote unlove,

the red heart was fully broke from love."

...

I closed my book as I look forward to the stacks of books on the table that I have read earlier. Everything was calm as it is. I hope so, "Prince Edward, please head into the living room right now. Your Father would want to see and talk to you"

I nodded as I headed out of the Hawthorn Library to go to the Living room to see Father. While walking in the hallway, maids and servants were trembling with fear in their eyes as they continued to work. What's the matter?

As I entered, I saw his urgent eyes look towards me as he called, "Son, come here."

"Yes, Father? Why were the people in the palace trembling?" I asked while I went towards him.

He then sighed, "King of Hemlock declared a war against the Kingdom of Hawthorn." My eyes widen as I heard what he said.

"Hemlock? Why did Uncle declare a war?" I was astonished at what happened. I felt like a Rhododendron flower who knows what's coming up isn't good.

"The people? we can't just leave them like that. They will be harmed" I said as worry and mix emotions consumpts me.

Father left a heavy sigh as he replied, "Your mother is thinking of a plan. Just fetch Lea and her parents."

"Yes, Father," I replied and went out to go to my chambers to change. I left the castle and entered the carriage while another one followed us with one of the palace guards.

After the ride, I went out and knock on the door of Lea and Mr. and Mrs. Floris's home, "Oh, Prince Edward. Come inside." Mr. Floris answered the door and led me inside.

As I went in, Mr. Floris called Lea and his wife Mrs. Floris.

Mrs. Floris went down and asked, "Edward, what made you brought here?" Lea then soon followed as she went down the stairs.

"What's happening?" She asked as she went down

"I will give you all time to get ready because Father wanted me to fetch you all to go to the palace." 

"Is there something coming up?" Lea asked as I looked at her, "The King of Hemlock declared a war against the Kingdom of Hawthorn." 

The three of them went in shock as they head up to get ready.

Few minutes, we went out and go to our carriage. I sat with Lea as we started discussing, "Why did Uncle declare war? did both of them fight?" She asked

"I do not know yet, Lea. But, I do have a strong feeling that they do fight." I replied

Lea thought for a moment, "Was it some year summer ago?" She asked me

"Summer?"

"Yes. I remembered I excused myself since I felt like something was coming up. Have you remembered?" She asked

"Now I do. We shouldn't make ourselves rattle right now." I

said while trying to make her calm.

Let's just hope for the best...

...

Mr. and Ms. Floris discussed with Father and mother about the issue going on. 

"I hope everything will be okay..." She said full of worry, "It will be alright as we hope so." I told her.

With sorrow in her eyes, her voice started to break, "Eddy, do you think we will see each other again?" She asked as I hugged her, "Shhh... let's just hold on with full of trust and hope."

"But what if, it really did happen? The people. The families. Oh, poor them." She cried

Minutes passed by inside the library of Hawthorn, Edward was still hugging Lea. 

Lea then asked, "Do you have anything to make me feel better?" I then said 

"Fear naught.

An Iris, I will give you

full of hope and trust.

we are just on a slope

while we mistrust"

Then she replied

"How could I cope?

mistrust is tearing us apart.

I am bearing this with a heavy

heart. My feelings were bared!"

...

"Do you want to read for a while?" I asked her and she nodded

I pulled her up as we get books from shelves in every aisle, "What are you reading first?" She asked. I then showed her the book as she showed her mine. 

Hours later, the door creaked and we were called, "Good Afternoon Ms. Floris and Prince Edward, the king wants to see the both of you at this moment."

Both of us stood up as they led us to father, "Father, you called us." I said. All of them looked terrified and upset, Did it not go well?

Lea and I sat down as we listened to Father, "I talk to King Ophrys and tried to stop this situation. Sadly, there's nothing we can do..." 

A Tansy flower has bloomed...

"Do we have a plan? Where will the people hide?" Mrs. Floris asked

"We have a secret place below the palace. I think all of them could fit inside." He said as he was unsure.

"Father Willow." Lea called him, "Yes, Lea?"

"I think we should evacuate the people now." Everyone nodded with approval as we start preparing. 

Father made an announcement to the people while all of us are telling the servants and maids what to do. Foods, drinks, and supplies were being prepared.

...

"Edward, do you remember the poem you have read to me before when we were on the lake?" She asked

I suddenly remembered the small poem in the book I have shared with Lea

"Think of me,

our time might come to an end.

In a blink,

you might be blind to see me."

"I am on the brink of the cliff,

can you catch me?

I am shrinking,

will you see me?"

"In a wink,

there's only one eye.

In a heart,

there's only one side"

I haven't given attention to it but, it did affect me. Little did I know, it was the end