TYPHONE

  We walked around the palace and into the greenhouse where more flowers bloom and colorful plants were seen. Avery gasped in surprise when we entered. She pulled away from me and walked deeper inside the greenhouse.

  "I didn't know these kinds of plants could grow here." She said in awe.

  "It's rare and took the scholars a few years to research what plants could grow in Lazarith." I replied, eyes darting to a yellow flower.

  "So... that means you gave them the budget and supplies to conduct their research, correct?" She asked, turning to me with her eyes wide in shock.

  "Yes. I did. I thought it would benefit Lazarith and it did. Some of our plants were cross bred with another in order for them to grow." I explained while touching a beautiful red rose.

  "You are amazing. Lazarith is amazing." She mumbled loud enough for me to hear.

  My eyes widened in surprise and I looked at her as she sniffed the pink roses. I wanted to hug her and kiss her and tell her that everything in Lazarith is as good as hers, but I could not.

  I was so lost in thought that I did not notice Avery calling me. I looked at her. She had her eyebrows knitted together in confusion and she was so close to me that I could smell her.

  She smells like roses and milk.

  "What was it you're saying?" I asked, moving a step back from her.

  "I was asking you if I could take a quick look around the greenhouse. Are you alright? You were spacing out." She said softly.

  I nodded and gave her a half smile, "Yes. Yeah. Go ahead. I'll follow behind you, princess."

  She stared at me for a brief moment before turning on her heel and walked where the other plants were. I followed her and watched as she stopped here and there, admiring the various plants.

  "Your Majesties! We didn't notice you were walking in the greenhouse." One of the scholars, Khiel, gasped.

  I nodded at him and noticed that him and the other scholars were doing an experiment. I turned to Avery and was about to ask her if she wanted to watch the children, but Khiel beat me to it.

  "Your Majesties, do want to watch our experiment? We're cross breeding a rice plant with another plant that lives in a hot and dry land." Khiel said. Avery and I approached them, watching them do their research.

  "This study finally had progress, I presume." I commented and Khiel nodded excitedly.

  "Yes. Finally... people who are living in hot and dry lands can grow grains." He said and poured some chemical onto a container,

  I could feel Avery's eyes on me so I looked at her. She was slightly surprised and turned back to the experiment. She blushed and I could see her ears turning red.

  She's too adorable. Really.

  **********

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  We watched the scholars for about half an hour before leaving and finally went to the sun room where, in fact, snacks and tea were prepared for us.

  "Wow. Those cookies smell amazing." Avery said and walked towards the couch. She sat there and I chuckled sitting on the couch across from her.

  "I didn't think Jareth will make this much." I noted, looking at the different kinds of sweets and snacks laid out in front of us.

  "I know. He's so hardworking." Avery said and giggled.

  There was a knock on the door. I glanced at it, "Come in."

  The door opened and revealed Senha. She smiled brightly and bowed to us.

  "Good afternoon, Your Majesties. I'm here to serve you a fresh batch of tea and coffee." Senha cheerfully said and placed down a new set of tea and coffee on the table.

  "Coffee? You have coffee here?" Avery asked and tilted her head slightly.

  I chuckled and offered, "Would you like a taste?"

  "Can I? Growing up, I have always drank tea and by now, I think I think I can make my own blend." She giggled and I nodded.

  "Sure." I ushered Senha to serve Avery some coffee.

  "Would you like to taste it first, Your Majesty?" Senha asked and Avery nodded.

  Senha served her the freshly brewed coffee without any milk or sugar. Avery took a sip and immediately, her face scrunched in distaste. I suddenly burst out laughing and Senha giggled.

  "That was so bitter." Avery said, handing Senha her cup.

  "I'll add some cream and sugar, then, Your Majesty. You can add some more to suit your taste." Senha adviced and Avery watched her mix in some cream and sugar.

  Then, Avery glared at me and I cleared my throat. I grinned at her and she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

  "What's so funny, Your Majesty?" She asked, sounding angry.

  "Oh. It's nothing. I was just impressed by your... expression." I teased and she just turned to Senha who handed her the new cup of coffee.

  Avery took a sip and moaned in delight, "This is better. So much better. Thank you, Senha."

  "You are very welcome, Your Majesty. I'll leave now, Your Majesties." She said, bowed and left the room.

  Avery seemed to enjoy her new drink and I enjoyed mine as well.

  "Coffee is mostly drank by men so I did not expect you to like it." I said and she looked up at me.

  She set down her cup, "My father hates coffee so we don't have it in our kingdom, but I've read all about it. Maybe I'll try drinking coffee more often. I like how it tastes with cream and sugar."

  "There are different blends as well. If you want something fruity or something more bitter, you can ask Senha or Grimore." I said.

  "I can do my own experiment, then." Her eyes widened and shone brightly. She looked so excited and it made me chuckle.

  "Sure, princess. You can do that." I said, grinning from ear to ear.

  We enjoyed our short break before we got busy with out tasks again. There was small talk here and there as well as the occasional banter and teasing.

  **********

  After that break, I was locked in my office by Grimore who forced me to finish all the paperwork today.

  "Grimore. Don't forget. I still have to join my wife for dinner." I reminded him while signing some documents.

  "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I won't miss that." He said curtly as he scanned through some documents on his own desk located on my right.

  I glared at him and without looking up, Grimore said, "Don't look at me like that, Your Majesty. It's your fault for leaving the office and not finishing the paperworks."

  "Senha was right. You're a monster." I grumbled and sighed, signing more documents.

  Now, the room was silent and only the rustling of paper was heard. As I flipped through a page, the content piqued my interest and I raised a brow.

  "Grimore. Tell me. What monsters are evident in our kingdom currently?" I asked.

  "Some wild wolves, ogres, and some huge snakes, Your Majesty. I heard they were spotted the day of your wedding, but was taken care of." Grimore replied.

  "This report. A large snake was illegally exported from our kingdom. Have you heard of that?" I looked up at Grimore and he seemed surprised.

  "I haven't, Your Majesty. Who wrote the report?" He asked and I scanned the document.

  "Count Windermere." I recited the name and Grimore hummed in thought.

  "It's not impossible for him to report it since he lives near the border. Shall I write a letter to him, Your Majesty?" He asked.

  "Yes. Set a meeting with him for tomorrow. I need to find out who's behind this."

  "Is it possible that those people are behind the disappearance of some dragons recently?" Grimore asked and I narrowed my eyes at the papers I was holding.

  "It's possible. I have to talk to the Count. Send him a letter immediately." I ordered Grimore. He pulled out a paper and began writing.

  Whoever is doing this in my domain is going to get their heads cut.