I fell silent as the King led me through the corridors of his castle. Beauty was everywhere, and I couldn't help pausing occasionally to gawk at it. Unlike the city, the walls of the castle were all stone, but they were carved just the same. Well, not exactly the same. These walls were more elaborate. They didn't need artwork on them and so didn't have any.
The King finally noticed my awe and slowed down. “Is this your first time in a castle?”
“No, Your Majesty. Actually, I just finished a job for the King of Sken.”
No reaction. “Was his castle not as striking?” Not bragging, just a question.
“It was beautiful, but not like this. Sken is very cold this time of year. You won't find open windows there.” I waved at the windows through the doorways we passed. “I like the fresh air.”
“You are not dawdling for fresh air.”
“Dawdling?” I chuckled. “That's a fun word, isn't it? Daw-w-w-dling.”
“Perhaps you enjoy it because it sounds like your name.”
“Are you teasing me now?”
“Doubtful.” He continued down the corridor.
I grimaced at his back before following.
The Dragon King turned a corner, and the corridor became a colonnade, with one side open to the outdoors. The columns supported more of those beautiful arches. “Here we are, Sebastian. The reason I hired you.”
“The reason . . .” I stepped toward the edge of the walkway, beneath one of those frilly arches, and stared at a garden courtyard, my words trailing away.
Two things became evident to me immediately. One, no one had tended this garden in years, maybe even decades. And two, I could make it magnificent again. I could make it stunningly beautiful. I was certain of it.
“I know it's a lot,” the King said as he stepped up beside me.
I was already entering the garden. So, as he drew close, I moved away, down some stone steps.
The overgrowth might have scared other men, it was that vicious and thick. But I knew what plants to handle with care and which ones I could simply brush aside. I flowed through the greenery like that sea dragon had through his territory, finding my way to the center. Absently, I heard movement behind me, but I didn't look back. I could see something pale peeking through petals and leaves. Flagstones. Walking paths. They radiated outward from something in the center of the garden.
“There you are,” I said when I found it. I brushed aside leaves and twisted branches to find dirty marble beneath. But I have always had the talent of seeing the potential in things. Ididn't need someone to draw me a picture. I could envision it myself.
“I don't know if it still works,” the King said as he joined me.
I looked over at him. He wore light silk garments in pale blue, but his long tunic and loose pants were still immaculate. Nothing had touched him. In so many ways. For so many years. Suddenly I saw the Dragon King's potential. Just like his garden, King Shaleros needed a little love. Some tender attention. I didn't care if he had cut himself off from his emotions. They were still there, they had to be, and I knew if I could just unearth them as I would this marble fountain, he would shine. And this time it wasn't my arrogance talking. It was hope.
“If it doesn't work, I'll find someone to fix it,” I said.
The King nodded, his gaze on the garden. “And the garden?”
“I can fix everything, Your Majesty,” I whispered.
He swung his gaze back to me and it sharpened before it went neutral again. “There's a lot to do. And I don't want you to hire a team. This garden was special to someone who was special to me. I don't want it mistreated, not in any way. No workers stomping through it.”
“It will be a lot to tackle on my own. But I can handle it. Just don't expect overnight results.”
The Dragon King shook his head. “Something that has been neglected for so long requires patience and determination to bring it back to life.”
“Yes, it does.” I looked away from him before I got emotional. This man was affecting me even more than I expected. “I will give it exactly what it needs and restore it to its former glory.” My stare went back to the King. I couldn't stop myself. “No matter how long it takes. You have my word.”
The Dragon King stared back at me for several long seconds and then nodded. “Very good. I will have the original plans delivered to your room today.”
“That would be helpful.”
“If you need anything for the garden, send one of the servants into the city for it.”
