"In the Garden" by Kelli Armstrong

Malek found himself walking the garden.  The smells of Shade Lily and Winter Rose twisted among the sharp clean smell of freshly fallen snow.  Hedges taller than three men kept him from prying eyes.  He knew the King would be looking for him.  Perhaps Malek would venture into the hedge mazes and be lost properly so he could collect his thoughts.

The Prince knew that being King would never suit him.  The thought of ruling the Northern Regions held no fascination for him.  Power, at least the kind his Father favored, drew none of his lust.

The only thing that kept him from leaving was Victoria.  She was so unlike the rest of the Greenrose bloodline.  She was much more than the King would ever know her to be.  Malek feared that without his influence she would become just like their Father: a weak slave to the lands.  Malek was sure that their father would trade her to some pompous Baron for a tighter grasp upon the surrounding lands.

“But she is fourteen years of age now, old enough to see through such false power.”  Malek told the hedges.  “I must go…”  When he spoke the words, a familiar slow heat welled behind his eyes.

“Yes…”  The young prince jumped.

“Who’s there?” he said loudly.  “Stop this sneaking about, and show yourself!” No one spoke.  After long moments of silence, Malek shrugged.  Then he stared off toward the castle gates.  His mind set.