Petals:

Days went by, slowly turning into weeks, and finally a whole month passed during which I watched the twins practice their target shooting, endured the off-key,harp-accompamied, noisy songs of Burya , and rolled my eyes at Sarab's sarcastic comments.
During that time, the Emperor had the twins or Burya brought to his presence with great frequency, even Cítiê accompanied us to breakfast showing that expression of silly happiness that gave her away, I didn't really cared.
On the contrary, the attentions that our King lavished on the other women had lightened the tension that had begun to arise between us all.
One evening, three months after I had arrived at the palace, Lady Cítiê came for me with orders to go meet our ruler.
—Our beloved haven't sent for you in a while, Lady Umara.-she commented.- Have you done anything to offend him?
I asked for my freedom, I thought, hiding a rebellious smile.
—No.- I replied to Cítiê, entering the imperial chambers.
Once again I found myself completely alone. Going to the door that led to the garden, I crossed it and contemplated with pleasure the indisputable and beautiful changes on the landscape . Where death and ruin had reigned, greenery and life had gained strength. The branches of the imposing tree swayed in the sunset wind and the flowers awaited the arrival of night to open their perfumed centers.
—The difference is undeniable.- a voice whispered behind me and my heart sped up. I kept my position firm, keeping my back to my companion, and he walked a few steps until he was right next to me.
—Good afternoon, Lady Umara.- he murmured softly, and I responded with a broad smile.

—Good afternoon, my lord Gardener.
My eyes devoured his simple appearance. He was dressed completely in white, with the characteristic burqa that completely covered hi face, except for his sparkling honey eyes.
Once again comparing him to the emperor, my friend seemed to me much more manly and much more beautiful.

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After we sat down under the big tree and enjoyed a light snack together, my companion proceeded to give me a scolding.
—The Emperor is greatly displeased with you, my Lady. During these weeks nothing else has been discussed among the Palace servants. Why didn't you settle for some jewelry? You could have simply thanked our lord for his generosity but keep your true feelings to yourself.
—I know, and believe me, I didn't do it out of spite. I just couldn't contain myself.
—If our lord had given you your freedom, what would you do with it?

—I would go back to the desert and once there I would try to find my father…and also, i´d try yo find out if my mother and sisters are alive or not.
—I understand. Yours are very noble aspirations, Lady Umara.
—Thank you, my Lord.
He denied shaking his head.
—Don't call me that, I am a mere servant after all.
—Oh…then tell me your name. You know mine and have used it freely, tell me, what is your name?
He pondered his answer for several minutes and then I heard him whisper.
—Alessios. That's my name, you can call me Alessios.
—Alessios.-I murmured and he looked me straight in the eye for a moment.

Dusk quickly gave way to night and as the hour progressed, the night flowers began to open their colorful petals. Alessios and I didn´t need the help of a lantern to light the way for us, since many of the plants we had sown were fluorescent and gave off light in shades of dissimilar colors.
—It is wonderful what you have achieved, my Lady.
I narrowed my eyes.
—Please, enough of the false flattery. I haven't done anything and you know it. Everything achieved so far is due to your interest in restoring the place, I only gave you a little help.
—You are too modest. Without you I never would have discovered that this place was poisoned, not cursed, as I had been first told.
I bite my tongue. The last thing I want to talk about is the poison thing, that reminds me...
A swarm of dancing fireflies took flight, joining the nightly light show. Alessios offered me his hand and I took it, noticing again how soft and warm his palm was. We walked among the flowers, enjoying the different aromas of each one, some were sweet, others soft, however, all of them were attractive.

My companion approached a gigantic red flower, separated it from its stem and offered it to me. I frowned.
—I recognize this one, Alessios, it comes from the desert, but I haven't planted it myself, I would remember it.
— It was my doing. It was the late empress´favorite flower.
—The Emperor's mother?
—Yes.
—I seem to remember that this private garden used to belong to her and that is why it is our lord's favourite place withing the palace grounds.-I commented.
—You have a good memory, yes, that is correct.
—I imagine the emperor was very pleased to learn of the inclusion of this flower. It must bring him good memories.- I commented bringing my nose closer to the red petals and inhaling gently. The aroma of the flower reminded me of the characteristic humidity of an oasis.
I sighed sadly.
—Very much, our lord was greatly delighted by this detail. His mother belonged to the nomadic tribes, did you know that?
I pushed the flower away from my face and gazed at my friend in amazement.
—I had no idea.
—Well, yes. - He murmured, offering me his hand again and leading me to the nearest marble bench. - The late emperor was lost in a sandstorm during a caravan, he was found on the verge of death by a very lively, indomitable and spirited girl . It is said that her wooing was not easy. He wanted her as a concubine and offered her that position in the Palace on multiple occasions, however, she did not give in until she became his wife. The only one, by the way.
—How admirable.
—While she was alive, the royal harem was kept empty. She was a remarkable woman.
—I'm sure. It is a pity that… well, that the current emperor does not keep the precepts of fidelity that his mother defended so much.
My partner tenses up immediately.
—You have too sharp a tongue, little desert flower.- he comments disapprovingly. -I knew you were a nomad from the first moment we crossed words.
—Oh, did you? Why, my lord?
He gets to his feet and I follow him with my gaze as he walks away, turning and throwing his next recrimination at me over his shoulder.
—No other woman would dare to go barefoot in the presence of the emperor.