The Royal Garden

Kira arrived in the Royal Gardens, near the top of the tower. Upon first entering, one would witness the 'Prisoners of War', or various flowers captured from other, rival factions of the past. There were pink roses from the once feared Galtan Empire and the eight-petalled Spider Orchid from Polos, the home planet of the Vatari Nation. Standing in front of the Conefruit Tree, a prized species of fruit from Shalusa. Standing in front of it was a native of Shalusa, who had his seven hex-shaped tattoos on display. The man looked at Kira with his sky blue eyes and said “Princess. I did not realize I was in your presence.”

He took a bow before she said “It's fine. I'm just relaxing.”

“Of course. I am Captain Kalic Alhara of the Black Daggers.”

“A pleasure to meet you.”

“I assure you the pleasure is all mine.”

Kira's smile only grew, basking in the compliment she'd just received.

“I must say, this is a lovely garden.”

“It sure is.”

He looked at the tree from his homeland. “This tree must be rather old."

“Almost a century, I believe. It was captured when our people were fighting.”

“Ah yes. Funny how time seems to heal wounds, isn't it?”

“I suppose.”

“At least it is safe, here to be admired."

“Well, that's one way to look at it.” Kira did her best to hide her annoyance at hearing similar sentiments.

“And another?”

“Well, one would feel trapped spending one's entire life in a box."

"You think the plant can feel?"

“What says it can't?"

“Well I suppose stranger things have happened. 70 years ago I'd have been executed on sight if I had walked these grounds.”

“And that would've been a shame."

"And why's that?"

Before Kira could give an answer, Colonel Bravi interrupted the two. “Captain. You're not bothering the young princess? We are guests here."

“My apologies.”

“It's no bother.” Kira said. “We were just making idle conversation.”

“I see.”

“So I guess you are the one who should apologize, Sir.” Kalic chuckled, which Kira joined in.

“Careful. I can have you on cleaning duty at a moment's notice.”

“Of course. Sorry Sir."

"Anyway, I need to speak with you, in private. Wait for me in the elevator."

"Yes Sir."

Kalic walked to the elevator, “I'm sorry if he was of any bother, Princess.”

“It's fine Colonel. Truly."

“Right. I'm not used to how much more liberal your ruling class is here on Seranis.”

Kira winced slightly. “It's fine.”

“Then I shall leave you peace, Kira.”

Bravi walked off as Kira looked at the tree once more. Its branches were a light shade of pale green, but the fruit it bore was a bright pink, designed to attract the eyes of those who'd spread its seeds far and wide, much like a princess attracting suitors who saw her as nothing else but a ticket into the royal family.