Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 73: The Greenhouse

Chapter 73: The Greenhouse

The moment the door creaked open, Tillian carefully guided Aideen inside, a gentle but still reassuringly firm grip on her hand.

Expecting the usual coldness which was also fueled up by the unpleasant recollections and Bella’s stories about the annex, upon stepping inside the building, the princess was pleasantly surprised by the sudden warmth that enveloped her, as if the seasons had seamlessly transitioned to summer within the confines of this mysterious space.

Another nice surprise was an intense, yet familiar comforting aroma of flowers wafted through the air, tugging at her memories of the Royal Palace.

"What... Where are we, Your Grace?" The lady stammered, her eyes widening in astonishment.

Tillian smiled, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"This is the surprise I prepared for you, Your Highness. It’s a greenhouse."

"What?!"

Shocked beyond belief, Aideen’s peculiar eyes widened even more while her expression acquired a clear shade of shock.

"How––How is it possible? A greenhouse, here, in The North?!"

The Duke released a warm chuckle as the princess’s bewilderment was as adorable as ever. He gently placed her hand on top of his forearm and answered her astonished remark,

"Anything is possible when you have the means, My Lady. Now, allow me to show you around, simply standing here won’t do us any good."

With that, the man started walking acting as a cautious guide through the unfamiliar place.

As they strolled through the enchanting greenhouse, Tillian attempted to describe every little detail that was surrounding them – the colors of the walls, the texture of the glass that served as the greenhouse’s ceiling, the shapes of the stones on the pathwalk beneath their feet, and finally, all the shapes, colors, and shades of the vibrant blooming peonies that spread all around them akin to magical blankets.

The air, too, was filled with the delicate but rich fragrance of blooming flowers, and although she could not see them, with the Duke’s detailed description of them, she could imagine their petals boasting an array of colors.

Indeed, the glorious peonies painted the atmosphere of the greenhouse in all hues of pink, red, purple, and white. And although the day was gloomy and gray, the artificial, magically crafted sunlight was spreading its golden rays over the translucent roof, casting a warm and inviting glow on the lush foliage below.

From time to time, Tillian paused their little journey, gingerly guiding Aideen’s hand to touch the velvety petals and inhale the sweet scent of the blossoms. Each flower seemed to infuse the princess with a myriad of happy emotions, curling her lips into a subtle smile every time the aroma of the flowers enveloped her face.

"Here, My Lady, is a collection of rare peonies imported from Anathaen. They can only be found in the Capital and, well, now here as well," Tillian explained, guiding the woman to a corner where unique and exotic varieties flourished in vibrant unison. "I wanted to create a haven similar to the greenhouse you once had in your quarters of the Royal Palace. In fact, this one is even more magnificent."

Aideen’s eyes sparkled with delight as she silently marveled at the carefully arranged little heaven around her. She could feel it all – the meticulous touch of the skilled florists and gardeners was evident in the symphony of shapes that were so pleasant to her touch. She couldn’t believe the effort Tillian had gone through to recreate a piece of her past, and the surprise left her utterly astonished.

"How... how did you manage all of this?" The princess finally asked, her voice filled with genuine wonder.

Duke Valentine chuckled, his warm gaze firmly fixed on her beautiful face as he explained,

"It wasn’t easy, Your Highness, if I must be honest. I sought out the finest florists in the Capital, and they worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Every detail, every petal, was carefully chosen solely for you."

As they continued their little journey through the greenhouse, Tillian revealed more of the breathtaking features of this magical place. A small cascading waterfall in one corner provided a soothing melody, and benches nestled among the flowers offered a perfect spot for reflection of one’s thoughts and worries.

Finally, as they reached the heart of the greenhouse, Tillian paused and turned to Aideen.

"This, My Lady, is the centerpiece of your little haven."

In the center stood a majestic peony, larger and more splendid than any other. Its dark red petals unfolded gracefully, creating an awe-inspiring display. The fragrance was intoxicating, a perfect blend of sweetness and sophistication.

Placing the woman’s hand on the flower, the Duke carefully observed the change in her expression, and once he saw the subtle hint of happiness gracing her features once again, he sighed and relief, and added,

"This flower was grown specifically for you, Your Highness. It’s tall, soft, full of life, and bears the most unique shade of red ever cultivated in flora. It’s your peony, My Lady. The one and only."

Aideen, overcome with emotion, turned to Tillian and whispered, struggling to control her voice,

"Incredible... Why? Why did you go through all of this trouble, Your Grace?"

The man met her gaze with sincerity reflected in his own gleaming eyes.

"Because, Your Highness, I realized how important the greenhouse was to you. I wanted to give you a piece of your past, the one actually filled with positive memories, a haven where you can find solace and joy. This is my gift to you, for our upcoming wedding."

The princess was speechless, her heart swelling with gratitude and somewhat melancholic longing. She never expected such a thoughtful and meaningful gesture, yet once again, it was Tillian who managed to fill her heart with happiness.

"There’s one more thing I’ve prepared for you, Your Highness." Tillian’s voice broke through the wholesome serenity that settled in Aideen’s consciousness.

Intrigued, the woman looked at him, prompting him to reveal his secret.

"What is it, Your Grace?"

With a mischievous smile, Duke Valentine shared,

"I was waiting for something else to arrive from the Capital. Something that would complete this gift to perfection, I suppose."

"Oh?"