The White Wolf Chapter 136: Greenhouse

“It could be nothing.” Luca shrugged and Alwxoa just nodded even though it seemed unlikely. 

Knowing Alexia had work to attend to, Luca said his goodbyes standing to give her a parting hug. As he walked through the doors he motioned for Harley to enter holding the door open for her before he left. 

Harley informed Alexia that the jewelry would shine as bright as a star at dinner that evening. Alexia gave her a nod of approval. 

Tired of working with the ledgers, Alexia made quick work of them and then sent her notes to the various department heads. They were to meet with her to explain any discrepancies there may be the next morning. 

All papers were filed. Correspondents in the mail. A servant was set to deliver a basket of goods to Luca’s chambers for Abi. There was an overview of the blood moon festivities that she needed to read but she could not bring herself to. She longed for a break. 

Needing fresh air she stood from her desk moving from behind the ornate piece of wooden furniture. Harley followed behind diligently. 

Footmen opened the door leading to the gardens. The fresh air hit her face as she began to start to feel better already. 

Across the gardens, she could see the greenhouse. She needed to be around nature so she said to Harley “Send word I would like to have tea in the greenhouse.”

“Right away Your Majesty.” Harley immediately found a doorman who hurried off to prepare. 

Her footsteps echoed against the stone pavement as her feet made contact. The faint breeze had her wrapping her arms around her middle at the sudden cold. The trees swayed with the wind while birds perched on their branches. 

Warmer weather could not come soon enough. The garden was still bare but just being outside improved her mood by the minute. 

The path was lined with bushes that had been perfectly manicured. In the distance, she could see servants rushing in and out of the greenhouse no doubt making sure it was suitable for the queen. As she walked her hand would gently touch the bushes. 

Harley stayed several paces back giving the queen the space she so desired. Enzo was even further standing near the door but where he stood above the steps leading to the gardens he was able to see farther distances. Guards were stationed periodically throughout the area. Even though they did not move she knew they were watching her carefully. 

Taking her time she wondered the path. She longed to abandon her shoes and step into the forest that lay beyond the ground but propriety called for her to behave. Plus her mate would not appreciate her wandering off. Again. 

A rabbit jumped into her path. Its nose twitched as it sniffed the air with no sign of fear as the queen watched it. With a few hops its white tail vanished into the bushes. 

Knowing she was short on time Alexia began to make her way to the greenhouse ending her few moments of relaxation. 

As she approached servants filled in carrying trays. She took in the sight as she reached the entrance. 

The greenhouse had a wooden frame that had intricate carvings done by a master craftsman. Between the frames were thick panels of glass that had been cleaned so thoroughly that they shined in the sunlight. The double doors of the entrance had the royal family’s coat of arms engraved into the wooden frame. Steeping through the threshold the floor was made up of large stones with tiny stones in between. 

Around the edges of the room were delicate potted plants that lived inside the greenhouse to protect them at the greenhouse. At the very center of the space was a potted rose bush that grew tall and was peppered with blooming red roses. 

Tables and chairs encircled the bush. The servants had been busy placing tablecloths, pastries, and tea on one of the tables. At the very center was a small crystal vase that contained freshly cut roses. 

The servants finished up their tasks and quickly made their way to the exit. Passing the queen, they stopped to bow. 

“Thank you, it looks splendid.” She smiled at them. Surprise crossed their faces but they quickly regained their composure and left. 

She took her seat as Harley chatted away about details that Alexia could not recall. Instead of listening to her secretary, she scrolled her phone making sure no one of importance to her was trying to contact her. 

Satisfied, she sent Caspian a message that she was thinking of him and then placed her phone done. Enzo looked bored as he stood against the wall. 

As Harley finished her speaking Cynthia arrived at the doorway. “Your Majesty, my apologies for the delay.” She stepped through and bowed. 

“No need to apologize, we have not been here long.” Alexia smiled. “Please come sit.” 

Enzo’s face looked shocked to see her. Alexia may or may not have decided not to tell him of her tea guest. 

As she crossed the room, out of the corner of her eye Cynthia spotted Enzo standing against the wall. Her feet stuttered but she caught herself. Enzo’s body flinched as if he were going to catch her but stopped himself. 

Alexia pretended not to notice as Harley poured her tea. “Please, have a seat.” 

Cynthia sat down visibly flustered as Harley offered her tea. Quickly she took a drink trying to calm her nerves. 

“The flowers are beautiful your majesty,” Cynthia said anxiously. “I do not think I have ever seen a more beautiful rose.” She said looking at the roses on the table. 

“Thank you, I do enjoy them.” Alexia blushed as her thoughts drifted to her mate and then changed the conversation before they drifted too far. Thinking of her mate could lead to thoughts that she did not want to have around others. “Do you have a preference for flowers?” 

There was a pause as she thought “You must forgive me but they are not of refined taste.”

Intrigued Alexia asked, “Oh no all flowers are lovely, which one is it?”

“Daises” the word did not come out easy. 

“Daises, how nice. What is it about them that you admire?” Alexia asked as she reached for one of the treats that had been laid.

“There’s a field not too far from our home and every spring they would bloom covering the field,” she answered as she reached for a small sandwich. 

“Do you still go there?” 

“No, it has been some time. My father moved us to the palace when I was a teenager.” her voice dropped with a hint of sadness. 

Alexia and Cynthia talked about palace life and their childhoods. The queen was eager to learn more about this female. Enzo sat back listening to every word as if he were dying of thirst as if the words were drops of water. 

Harley hated to interrupt but the queen had a meeting to attend to at this rate she would be later than she had wanted. “Your Majesty.”

“Is it time Harley?” she said taking another sip of tea. 

“Yes, your grace,” Harley said regretfully

“Very well so be it.” She said setting down her tea. “Cynthia, it was a pleasure and I hope to see you later this evening at dinner.” She rose as she spoke from her chair. 

Cynthia quickly got to her feet. “The pleasure was mine, Your Majesty.” She said with a bow. 

Alexia smiled and then left for the door. Harley followed at her heels. Enzo stared at Cynthia and she stared at him as the Queen left the greenhouse. He knew he must go but just a few seconds longer. When he could no longer stay he turned and went through the door.