This is a continuation from my story "Words Can't Express". Reading the other one first may be helpful, but isn't necessary to understanding this story.
As always, I heart reviews!
And...sciffy rules all...and I do not.
Azkadellia sat on a white marble bench in the palace garden, next to the central fountain. It was a beautiful day. The morning sun filtered through the carefully landscaped trees, the leafy shadows on the path dancing as a gentle breeze waltzed through the branches. She lay back on the hard bench, putting her hands behind her head and crossing her ankles. The thought crossed her mind that her mother might find this position unladylike, but she really didn't care. The only sound she could hear was the hiss the fountain water. The sky was very blue today. A single white puffy cloud floated overhead. DG sometimes saw shapes in the clouds, but Az wasn't as good at those things. She was wondering what DG might say this cloud looked like when Ambrose's grinning face filled her view.
"I thought I might find you here."
She sat up, smoothing her green skirt and making room for him as he joined her on the bench.
"I have a new appreciation for this place lately. It's so beautiful out here."
"I noticed you added some flowers from the Papay recently. They look nice on the entranceway arch."
A smile briefly touched her lips, pleased that he noticed. "I brought them back after DG and I visited the Fields and restored the trees. They're one of Mother's favorites."
"I'm sure she appreciates them."
Az's face fell and she shook her head. "She hasn't said anything. I doubt she even saw them."
"Why is that?"
"She never notices what I do. Unless it's something bad. 'Azkadellia, sit up straighter. Azkadellia, that is inappropriate language. Azkadellia, that dress is dreadfully short.' Apparently, showing my calves is indecent exposure. As if after a decade running around in that ridiculous getup the witch had, my greatest wish is to wear more shameless clothing."
Ambrose sighed, and took her hand. He looked her right in the eye. "She's grooming you to be queen, you know."
Az snorted and stood up, pacing. "I don't think so. After everything that's happened, no one will trust me to rule. Besides, DG is Mother's angel."
"DG grew up on the other side. She's not well versed in O.Z. customs, history, geography, economics, politics-"
"Ambrose, from the people's perspective, I am the same person that overthrew the Queen and attempted to send their land into eternal darkness. And from Mother's perspective…" she paused, facing away from him, and closed her eyes. Ambrose stood and came over to her, putting his hand on her shoulder. She turned to face him, eyes brimming with tears. "She won't even touch me. She hates me."
Ambrose drew her into an embrace. "That's not true, Az."
"You don't see it." She said softly. "The night of the eclipse. I came into the room, seeing my parents as me, and me alone, for the first time in sixteen years. She wouldn't touch me. DG came in and it was all hugs and kisses for her. Only Daddy paid me any attention."
Ambrose could tell she had been holding this inside for the past three months. "Az, you should tell her how you feel."
She shook her head. "I get so nervous around her. All my thoughts would fly right out of my head and I'd stand there like a babbling idiot, giving her new reasons to chastise me."
"Then take time to consider your thoughts and order them. Write her a letter." He grinned. "It worked for me."
Azkadellia was silent for a while. "What would I say?" she whispered.
"Everything you just said to me. Just phrased a little more politely."
Az thought for a minute. "You spend a lot of time with her, Ambrose. Would you help me?"
"If that's what you want, of course I will."
A ray of hope rose in Azkadellia. "Can you meet me in the library after supper?"
Ambrose smiled. "I'll be there."
"Az?" DG's voice called from the palace door.
"Time for lessons." Az gave Ambrose a quick kiss on the cheek before hurrying from the garden. "I'll see you later!" she called over her shoulder, leaving him a little bewildered as she flounced back to the palace.