🌷 Chapter Five – In the Garden of Shadows, a Blooming Heart
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Before leaving the greenhouse, Arsyn leaned down and whispered quietly to Karina.
“I trust you won’t meddle with my wife.”
“Oh, hush. Go already.”
Karina waved him off with an irritable flick of her hand.
When Noel’s voice grew sterner outside, Arsyn had no choice but to leave, though he cast one last despondent glance back.
Once he disappeared from view, Evelina remained silent.
Her nerves were so frayed she could hardly breathe—but then came a voice, soft and warm.
“My dear, that dress is simply divine. It suits you perfectly.”
“Th-thank you…”
“Originally, Arsyn was meant to show you around, but since he’s caught up elsewhere, may I have the honor of guiding you through the greenhouse instead?”
“Of course, Mother.”
The corners of Karina’s lips twitched into a delighted smile.
From the very first moment she laid eyes on Evelina’s portrait, Karina had been captivated.
She could never understand how such a child had remained hidden all this time.
‘Cursed princess, they said? What utter nonsense. This child is nothing short of a masterpiece.’
Karina scoffed inwardly.
Even though she resided in the North, far from the capital, she knew well enough how Evelina had been treated in the duchy.
Her brows furrowed, and she murmured so faintly it was barely audible.
“Those wretches… nothing but filth.”
“Pardon? Did you say something?”
“I said the flowers are lovely—just like you.”
With a soft smile, Karina deflected smoothly, and Evelina’s cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink.
“My dear, you haven’t made your social debut yet, have you?”
“Um… no…”
Evelina’s voice dwindled into a whisper.
She was clearly chastising herself again for being a burden.
Karina glanced at her thoughtfully and then spoke with gentle purpose.
“Don’t you think it would be best for you to make your debut before the wedding? Let’s see… The next grand event is the National Foundation Day celebration.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s the perfect occasion to introduce you to society, my darling. So let’s make your grand debut at the imperial ball.”
“N-no… That won’t be necessary.”
Evelina shook her head quickly.
“There’s no reason for me to appear at such gatherings… My very existence is trouble enough. You needn’t go out of your way for me.”
Karina gazed at Evelina with deep sorrow.
After a pause, her lips curved into a gentle smile.
“Then think of it… as my wedding gift to you.”
“A… wedding gift?”
“Yes. I’ve been pondering what I might give you—and now I believe I’ve found the perfect present.”
Evelina stared back in confusion.
Karina couldn’t discern her expression, as Evelina’s eyes remained veiled beneath black cloth. But she could sense it—hesitation, disbelief.
Karina vowed to herself: one day, no matter how long it took, she would help Evelina find the courage to walk through the world with her eyes uncovered.
“I hear the designer will arrive tomorrow. Perhaps we should have a dress made for your debut as well.”
Karina beamed with satisfaction.
“Though, naturally, you’d look beautiful in any gown you wore, my precious girl.”
“I… I don’t think that’s true…”
Evelina offered a faint, embarrassed smile, her voice barely audible.
Karina didn’t argue further—because in her heart, she knew she was absolutely right.
Even after the greenhouse tour ended, Arsyn did not return.
During that time, Evelina’s tightly coiled nerves began to ease.
Karina looked out at the darkening sky and said,
“It’s already nightfall. Forgive me for keeping you out so long without rest.”
“Oh—no, not at all! The flowers were so beautiful… and it’s been such a long time since I’ve walked freely outside like this…”
Evelina’s cheeks flushed with color, realizing she had perhaps spoken too casually.
But Karina only smiled.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it, truly. Now, let us head back inside.”
“O-of course.”
In quiet harmony, they returned to the palace.
“Take a bit of rest in your room for now. We shall see each other again at dinner.”
“I…”
Evelina paused at the foot of the stairs.
She had never once shared a table with her family.
Even though her crimson eyes were hidden, the Duke had always said that just seeing her face spoiled his appetite.
She had eaten alone, always.
Her meals—cold, flavorless broth and stale bread—had never once included a warm slice of meat.
Karina’s words startled her so deeply, she couldn’t form a reply.
Yet Karina waited patiently, never pressuring her.
“I… may I… join you all for dinner as well?”
Her voice was so soft that it might have gone unheard—were it not for the stillness and Karina’s attentive ears.
Evelina bowed her head and fidgeted with her fingers, guilt swelling within her.
Had she overstepped? Misunderstood?
Maybe Karina had simply been polite, and now Evelina had made a fool of herself.
She shut her eyes tightly, bracing for the reprimand she knew would come.
But the reply she received was gentle, as warm and golden as a spring afternoon.
“You are part of this family now.”
“…!”
“So isn’t it only natural that you share meals with us?”
Karina cupped Evelina’s face tenderly, lifting it with care.
“The chef has prepared something special tonight—he was quite excited, knowing you’d be joining us. We’ve all been looking forward to dining with you.”
“…Yes.”
“So go on and rest for a while. I’ll see you soon.”
Karina remained there, watching until Evelina ascended the stairs and disappeared into her room.
Only after the door shut did she move again.
‘She’s lived for twenty years as if she bore a scar upon her soul. How could that possibly change in a day?’
Karina’s heart ached.
‘If only she had been mine instead of Arsyn’s…’
She clicked her tongue and muttered, a trace of disappointment in her voice.
Still, as long as Evelina remained under her roof, Karina would ensure that she knew only kindness.
She would clothe her, feed her, cherish her—until all the wounds of the past faded into nothing.
And should anyone dare to slight her, ignore her, or—Heavens forbid—hurt her… Karina would see to it they begged for death before she was done.
With thoughts far darker than her graceful expression betrayed, Karina turned and headed to her chambers.
Meanwhile, Evelina sat in her room, heart pounding.
Karina… was the first person who had ever looked upon her without prejudice.
‘She’s so warm… so kind… Nothing like the rumors…’
Unlike her first sharp impression, Karina had shown her nothing but gentleness.
Evelina recalled the gossipy maid from her father’s house—the one who always whispered harsh things.
She had once overheard her speak of Karina.
“That woman’s impossible to please—always making a fuss over the smallest things.”
But that, Evelina now knew, had been nothing more than slander.
‘The Archduke is kind… and Mother… she seems like someone truly loving.’
The word ‘Mother’ slipped from Evelina’s lips before she could stop it.
“…Mother.”
It was the first time she had said it since she was too young to remember.
The last time she’d spoken that word, the looks she received were not of love, but contempt.
No one had ever told her about the late Duchess.
So, one day, Evelina had asked a maid directly:
“Please… what kind of person was my mother?”
The maid’s gaze turned ice-cold.
Her lips twisted into a grim line as she answered,
“She was gentle. Wiser and more compassionate than anyone.”
“…Really?”
“But you killed her.”
The words were like knives. Too cruel for any child to bear.
“You’re cursed. A child who devoured her own mother’s soul.”
“…”
“You didn’t know?”
Evelina had nodded silently, trembling.
She could not meet the maid’s eyes, lowering her gaze in shame.
From that day on, she had never again spoken the word ‘Mother.’
But today… she had whispered it once more.
‘Mother…’
She said it again and again, softly, as if to convince herself it was allowed.
It filled her with a strange sadness… and a gentle warmth.
Then, a fear bloomed in her chest.
What if something terrible happens to Karina because I dare to call her Mother?
That terrifying thought made her expression go pale.
She had forgotten, even if for a moment…
She was still the cursed child.
If she truly wished to protect Karina, she had to keep her distance.
Evelina sat on the edge of her bed and stared blankly into space.
How much time had passed?
A knock at the door pulled her from her daze.
“Your Grace, are you inside?”
“Yes, please come in.”
The door opened, and Berri stepped in.
“Dinner is ready, Your Grace.”
“Oh… already?”
Evelina rose and followed Berri.
Though Arsyn had shown her around earlier, the palace layout was far too complex to remember after a single tour.
Berri assumed Evelina would be lost—yet to her surprise, Evelina moved without hesitation.
“Your Grace… do you remember where the dining room is?”
“Of course. The Archduke pointed it out earlier.”
“Oh! I see!”
Berri smiled brightly.
Evelina navigated the winding halls with uncanny precision.
Berri, trailing behind, stared at her in astonishment.
Even she had taken a full week to memorize the palace’s structure.
‘Could it be a coincidence?’
She tilted her head thoughtfully.
Perhaps it was just that the dining room held special importance.
She didn’t dwell on it further and opened the door for Evelina, who had just reached for the handle.
“Thank you, Berri.”
“It’s my pleasure. I’ll see you later, Your Grace.”
With a respectful bow, Berri withdrew as Evelina stepped into the dining hall.
She seemed to be the first to arrive—no one else was present.
One of the waiting maids approached and bowed lightly.
“Welcome, Your Grace. This is your seat.”
The maid pulled out a chair, and Evelina sat with a shy smile.
As she glanced around the grand hall, curious and uncertain, she suddenly heard voices rising beyond the doors—voices that sounded… like an argument.
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