?The Lavender Garden - Wisteria?

  Late one evening, I went to a masquerade. Hiding behind a flimsy mask, I was able to be more myself. I met people; I befriended them. Still, it got overwhelming. So, I hid on the balcony. The chilly evening air was jarring yet strangely comforting. Then, I saw something in the garden. It was a familiar white hair—Sylvainne. Once again, she was accompanied by someone, but this time the man was not cloaked. He had the same blonde hair; a mask obscured his face, but I could tell. He was someone familiar to me, or at least, he should be.

  Again, he handed her a single lavender flower. Feeling intrusive once again, I turned my back on them. I stood on the balcony, staring at the stars until the masquerade ended.

  I accompanied my father to the castle the next day. That was when I accidentally found Sylvainne in the garden—a single lavender in her hand. She greeted me with grace and mentioned visiting her brother, the captain of the royal guard. However, her brother had the same striking white hair as her. I never mentioned what I saw; I never questioned her. I simply smiled and made an excuse for myself.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Then, I was invited to the Vaelor manor. It was a brief visit with my father to strengthen the alliance between the two families. I went to accompany Sylvainne to their garden; we exchanged a few words over tea. In my nervousness, I accidentally spilled tea on my dress. That was when Sylvainne offered to let me borrow one of her dresses. She led me to her room, and on her vanity in a corner, I spotted them—a vase full of lavenders.

  She must have noticed my gaze, as she always does.

  "Do you know why I am associated with lavenders, Lady Lamprys?"

  "Your eyes?"

  "Perhaps, but lilac eyes are not a trait of the Vaelors. It is from my mother's side. The reality is, I am known to have the same effect as a lavender. What that means, I will let you decide."

  Then, she left. After I got changed, I went back to the garden. As I got near the gate, I spotted Sylvainne talking to someone. It was the blonde-haired man; a strong gust of wind blew his cloak open. That was when I caught a glimpse of gold in his eyes. At that moment, I realized what I saw, who that was, and what it all meant.

  I ran away. I never looked back; I could not bring myself to. I rejoined my father in the meeting. I made an excuse for Sylvainne. I never said anything about the man—not about Sylvainne, the flowers, or everything. I sat there, staring at the lavender petals in my tea. As the petals moved, I saw my own eyes staring back at me.