Mary: Tears in her eyes You? here? Why? Do you kn-know the danger?
I don't care about danger...I only care about you..but if it takes being part of the emperor's concubines to save you...then so be it...I will lose my freedom for you...but if someone harms you....they will die by my hands...
Mary's eyes widen in surprise, a mix of fear and relief crossing her face I... I can't believe it's really you... she stammers, tears streaming down her cheeks
What are you doing here? A garden? Are you the new concubine? You know I won't tolerate anyone touching you...
She nods, wiping away her tears Y-yes, I am one of the emperor's concubines... her voice quivers I was forced into this position...
If anyone dares lay a hand on you...they will die a slow and painful death...Mary...I wish I could see you every day...I miss you...
Mary's eyes well up with tears again, this time tears of gratitude B-boost...thank you... she sobs softly I...
What's wrong? Have you been crying? Has someone hurt you? Tell me who did this and I will end them...
N-no...it's not that...just...knowing that you're here, that you're safe...it brings me a sense of peace... Mary wipes her tears with the back of her hand
I wish we were back home...things are so cramped here...but at least I am closer to you...Mary...do you miss me?
Mary bites her lip, her voice barely above a whisper Every single day...boost.
Cramped?! We have an entire mansion to ourselves...we can do whatever we want...do you like the garden?
Mary looks around the garden, taking in the vibrant colors and fragrant scents It's... it's beautiful, boost. Your attention to detail is truly remarkable...
How about we go for a walk...together?
As Mary and BoostIntincr take a walk through the palace gardens, they share intimate details about their lives apart from each other, rekindling their love and strengthening their bond.
So you are a gardener now? Do you tend to all the flowers in the palace?
Well, I wouldn't say a gardener exactly. It's more of a... hobby of mine. Yes, I do tend to some of the flowers in the palace, including the ones in the secret garden. It brings me a sense of peace, you know?
Can you tell me about your family? I bet they are well and healthy...
A look of sadness crosses Mary's face Oh, boost... if only you knew... she takes a deep breath
Mary...what happened? What happened to your family?
Mary's eyes fill with tears as she struggles to find the right words Our hometown... it was destroyed in a brutal attack... she pauses, her voice cracking
Why didn't you tell me before? I would have come sooner...I would have tried to help...
Mary sniffles, trying to compose herself It's... it's just... I didn't want to burden you with my problems, boost. But the truth is, I...
Burden me? Your family is a part of you!And I love you...if your family got hurt,you got hurt,and I got hurt...We are a part of each other...take it from someone who has been separated from you for months...if I had known,better than anyone else,was suffering...I would have moved heaven and earth to get to you...
Mary's tears flow freely now, her voice trembling with emotion Y-you don't understand, boost... she sniffles
I don't understand...?Mary,we were raised together!We lived together our whole lives!How can I not understand? I was raised apart from you for months...those were the darkest days of my life...
Mary takes a deep breath, her voice shaky You may not understand why I kept it from you, but... I had my reasons.
That's fair...I probably would have been angry if I found out someone hurt you or your family...and I might have done something rash...which is why I try not to think about it...but even if you kept it from me for my safety...I still would have tried to find out...because even apart from you,I still loved you...
Mary wipes away her tears, taking a moment to gather herself Thank you, boost. I know I can always count on you to have my best interests at heart.
Of course...Let's sit down and talk about it...What happened to your family?
Mary takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself Well, boost...the attack on our hometown came without warning.