New Life

Lady Rosalina woke early the next morning in her new chambers. These chambers were much smaller than her bedchamber in her home in Alcantara. She sat up and looked around, wondering if she should dress for the day or just close her eyes and return to her home. Finally, the young lady decided that it would not be proper to be late on her first day serving the Queen. Even though the Queen was her Aunt, it would not be a good idea to take advantage of the relationship. Rosalina threw her covers off and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She sat up, stretched, and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She got up crossed the room to sit in front of her mirror. She grabbed her hairbrush and ran it through her long red hair as she thought about how her life would change. A knock at the door broke her from her thoughts. “Yes?” she inquired. “It’s me, Novia. May I enter?” her ladies-maid asked through the door. “Of course, Lady Lucinda.” Rosalina responded turning towards the door with a smile. Rosalina was ever grateful that the Queen allowed Lucinda to remain at her side. Lucinda had been with her, her entire life. Lucinda came to Rosalina as a companion when Rosalina just three years old. Lucinda was twelve years old. Lucinda was there when Rosalina’s parents started fighting. She was there when Rosalina caught her father with his mistress. Lucinda held the young lady’s mother died when she just eight years old. She was the only person who could pull the body of Rosalina’s baby brother from her arms. If Lucinda had not been by her side, Rosalina didn’t think she would have survived. Now, Rosalina needed her friend more than ever. She was in a strange country in the Royal Court and serving as a lady in waiting to the Queen. Rosalina had almost no experience in a royal court. Her father had warned her about life at court and the young lady was terrified. Just because the Queen was her Aunt, that did not guarantee special treatment or protection from the politics of court. Rosalina was young, scared, and vulnerable. If it reached the rest of the court knew that she was a relation to the Queen, they would use her to earn favor or destroy the Queen. Rosalina knew that the people at court were always vying for wealth and power and would use whatever means it took to gain it. Fenris told his daughter to make the best of the situation, to watch and learn. He told her to obey the Queen and keep her head down. “Don’t get involved with the politics, even if that means you avoid friends.” He advised.

             “What will you wear for your first day as a lady-in-waiting?” Lucinda inquired. “I noticed that the other ladies favor dark dresses with silver embellishments.” Rosalina responded. “The black dress with the silver embroidered bodice and the thin line of pearls around the neck and skirt.” Lucinda suggested. “That seems appropriate. With the black hood lined with pearls.” Rosalina forced a smile. Lucinda nodded and found what Rosalina requested. She dressed her mistress and fixed her hair in a braid that encircled her head with a bun at the nape of her slender neck.

             Rosalina stood and looked at her friend questioningly. “You look beautiful.” Lucinda approved. “I suppose we should go to the sitting room.” Rosalina suggested. Lucinda nodded and opened the door. Rosalina to in a deep breath and lead them from her chambers. Her eyes were down cast as they entered the Queen’s sitting room. “Good morning, ladies.” Rosette greeted. “Good morning, your majesty.” They said with a bow. “Rosalina, come sit with me.” Rosette requested, gesturing towards the chair next to her. Rosalina nodded and sat in the chair. Lucinda stood behind her mistress. “How did you sleep?” The Queen inquired. “ I slept well. I found it disorienting to wake up in my chambers this morning.” Rosalina confessed. “I can imagine. The morning after I arrived in Mercia, I remember being disappointed to be greeted by grey clouds and rain beating at my window instead of the golden sunlight I had grown up with.” Rosette reminisced. “ I miss the sunlit mornings of Alcantara. I miss the singing birds in my gardens and the smell of the roses outside my windows.” Rosalina lamented with a momentary look at the Queen. Then she dropped her eyes back to her lap.

             “I know that you have many fears about living at court. It brings me joy to have a connection to my family and home. I will help you navigate and learn. I will do all in my power to protect you. I assure you that you will find your place. If I can find my place, you certainly can as well.” Rosette assured. “Thank you, your Majesty.” Rosalina whispered. “Rosalina, you don’t have to be so afraid here. You can speak louder.” The Queen stated. “I am sorry, your Majesty. I have been told many things about court life and it does scare me. Father said that nearly everyone is maneuvering to advance their own wealth and power. They will use and hurt anyone they have to, to reach their goals.” Rosalina explained. “It is true, many wish to advance their status. You are my niece; you will be afforded great protections. You will also not have to navigate court life as most do. You are of the royal family of Alcantara and will be treated as such.” Rosette stated. “Would it not be a bit dangerous if the court knew about our relations? They could wish to try and use me to gain favor with you or worse, use me to hurt you.” Rosalina questioned looking to her Aunt with concern. “IT is true that you could be seen as a tool for their own gain. However, they may hesitate because you are my niece.”  Rosette suggested, “Besides you are very young and innocent.” She added. “Innocence and youth only mean easily lead. Those seeking wealth and power care not for my age, my good nature, or my intelligence. If I look like a steppingstone, they will attempt to walk all over me. Of course, now as I think about it, if they some how  see me as an opportunity will matter not if they know I am your niece or not. I would suggest do not announce it but also do not deny if inquired upon.” Rosalina stated. “Well, put. By the way, Rosalina, when we are her in my apartments and not at official events you may address me more casually.” Rosette said. Rosalina looked at her confused. “You may call me Aunt Rosette.” The Queen clarified. “Thank you, Your M... I mean Aunt Rosette.” Rosalina looked up and smiled. This time did not return to her eyes to her lap. She beamed at the Queen; Rosalina felt a sense of belonging. “Rosalina, what do you enjoy in your spare time?” Rosette inquired. “I spend most of my time reading. When I need a break, I relish walks in the gardens.” Rosalina responded. “ What do you prefer to read?” the Queen asked. “I do not really have a preference. I like to read everything. Poetry, I find relaxing. Fairytales, give me a sense of adventure and wonder. I take every possible opportunity to learn something new.” Rosalina came alive and excited. Rosette was happy to have found something to help her niece open up and smile. “Why don’t we go for a walk in the gardens, and you can tell me all about your favorite books, authors, and subjects.” Rosette suggested. “That sounds like a great idea.” Rosalina nearly leapt from her chair but decided it would be unbecoming of a young lady of her status, not to mention she was in the presence of the Queen of Mercia. Rosette smiled at the young lady’s excitement. It warmed her heart to see her niece smiling, and to see her emerald eyes fill with happiness instead of sadness and apprehension. Rosette stood and took her niece by the hand and led them from the apartments.