Leo woke up early, eager to start his day. After washing up, he ate breakfast - eggs with bread and some tea. His mother helped him dress, selecting a grey t-shirt and shady blue pants, and gave him a hoodie to keep warm in the cold Russian weather.
"Darling, be careful, alright?" Jessica said with a warm smile, a hint of worry in her eyes.
Leo grinned. "Mom, don't worry! I'll be fine!"
His mother laughed. "I'm not so sure. I know how naughty you can be!"
"Mom!" Leo pouted, but then he waved back as he left. "Bye, Mom! See you tonight!" His mother waved back, watching as Leo joined his father outside.
They took a carriage towards the mansion since it was far away. Leo was mesmerized by the sights. "Wow, Dad! Look! There's a flower field on our right side. What are those flowers called?"
Leo's father glanced outside. "Those are chamomiles. They're quite common, dear," he said, yawning.
"They're beautiful! Between white and yellow, I like yellow the best!" Leo said cheerfully. The ride continued like this for about an hour.
When they arrived, his father thanked the carriage driver and led Leo to the gate. Two serious-looking guards in dark blue and black uniforms with guns at their waists stood watch. One of them glared at Leo while the other checked his father's ID. After a thorough inspection, they opened the gates and let them in.
The mansion was even grander inside than out. "Wow!" Leo mumbled, eyes wide as he took in the garden with its myriad of flowers in different colors. "Dad, this garden is really cool!"
His father grinned, proud of his work. "Thanks, son! Now, I'm going to work over there. You can play in the garden, but don't go any further. Got it?"
"Yes, Dad. I'll be careful," Leo assured him. As his father walked away, Leo headed to the rose section to play. The first 40 minutes were enjoyable, but soon he grew bored. Curious, he decided to explore further.
Checking to ensure his father wasn't watching, Leo gulped and ran towards the mansion. He eventually stopped, realizing he was no longer near the garden. He knew he had to go back, but his curiosity got the better of him. This part of the mansion didn't have many flowers - just a bench and a flower path.
As he was staring, he heard someone behind him. Turning around, he saw a boy around his age, dressed in a white outfit with long socks and black shoes, glaring intensely at him.
"Hello, little boy!" Leo greeted, smiling brightly.
The boy just looked at Leo with a piercing glare. "I am Leo… who are you?" Leo asked, still smiling.
The boy sighed. "Who are you?"
"I told you, I'm Leo," he repeated, grinning. "What is your status?" The little boy said a little cold .
"Oh, you mean how am I here? Well, my father is the gardener here, and I'm here to see him work!" Leo explained. "So, who are you?"
The boy mumbled something under his breath. "I am Adrian."
"Hey, Adrian! What are you doing here alone?" Leo asked, noticing Adrian's softened expression.
"Well, I was taking a stroll," Adrian replied.
"Me too! Say, I'll be coming here frequently. What do you say if we play together?" Leo suggested excitedly.
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Play? With me?" he asked, trying not to laugh.
"Yes, what's wrong with that?" Leo pouted.
"There's nothing wrong with it, but…" Adrian hesitated.
"But…?" Leo prompted.
"It's nothing," Adrian shook his head.
"Then… what do you say? Wanna play with me?" Leo asked, reaching out to Adrian.
"I need time to think about it," Adrian replied.
"You're picky," Leo mumbled, pouting.
Adrian looked shocked. "What?"
"Did you just… curse me?" Adrian asked, surprised.
"No way!" Leo gulped, worried he might lose a chance to make a friend.
Adrian smiled a little. "See you tomorrow, Adrian. You can give me your answer by then ," Leo waved as he quickly ran back to the garden.
Adrian stood there for a few minutes, then smirked. "Interesting," he said, walking past a bowing maid with a look of fear in her eyes.