A Page entered the study of the King of Mercia. He bowed, “Your Majesty, you have a visitor.” “Send them in.” the King responded, looking up from his papers. The Page motioned for the visitor to walk through the door. An older man walked through and the Page left, closing the door behind him. “Fenris Loken, it has been too long,” the King stood and rounded his desk to greet his friend. “How long has it been.” He questioned. “Nearly ten years, my old friend.” The men shook hands. “Has it really been that long?” the King asked. “Yes, it has. I have been serving my King and defending my country and I have a twelve-year-old daughter. She is brilliant and actually why I have asked to speak with you.” Fenris answered. “They grow up so fast. The last we spoke; you never mentioned a daughter. What is it that you need?” The King asked. “ I know, she was so young, and I have tried to keep her from Court. She is a very reserved but trusting girl. I know that she will be easily led by those who would use her to further their own agendas.” Fenris explained. “I understand. I have done my best to protect my own precious daughter. She is my pearl, and I would do anything to keep her from suffering at the hands of those with darker intentions. What is it that brings you here today.” The King inquired. “I know that I have no rights to ask for favors but I have been called back to the front lines. The Hoards are threatening invasion of Alcantara, and King Maximo needs me to keep them out. I cannot take Rosalina with me. With her mother gone I cannot leave her home alone.” the General explained. “She is old enough to take care of the household in your absence.” Edmund suggested. “She is old enough and more than capable, but I cannot expect that of her again.” Fenris said. “What do you mean 'again'?” Edmund questioned. “When Rosalina was just eight years old, she watched her mother die in childbirth. My wife had just given birth to my son, Finn. I was away and Rosalina had taken on the responsibility of caring for her brother and the household. When Aracelia died Rosalina tried to become a mother to Finn and to take on the responsibilities as lady of the house but was so young and unprepared.
When he was two years old Finn got sick and died. She blames herself and says that she should have done more to protect him. I keep telling her that it was not her fault and that there was nothing more she could do. She was just a child taking on more that she should have. I do not want her to have to take on more than she must before she is ready. I would feel even better if she was in a place where I know she was safe and well taken care of. She is all I have left in this world.” Fenris explained. “I understand she has been through much and she should have the opportunity to learn how to take care of a home and family. With no mother to teach her it will be a hard life for her. What do you think of her living in the palace?” Edmund asked. “I do not know how I feel about that. I never really considered her living in a palace. What did you have in mind/” Fenris questioned. “We could place her in the Queen's household as a lady in waiting. She can live here and learn from the Queen and the other ladies. And you will not have to worry about her safety because I will personally watch out for her, and I am sure that the Queen will care for her as her own.” Edmund suggested. “Are you sure, Your Majesty?” Fenris looked unsure. “Yes, I am sure, and I think that it will be an important opportunity for her to learn and to make connections within court.” Edmund answered. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Fenris said shaking the King's hand. “You are welcome, old friend. Bring her here tomorrow to meet the Queen.” Edmund said. Fenris bowed and left the study.
The King returned to his papers. He finished the new laws that he had been working on and his plans for Josephina and their future. He put the papers away and put the books back on the shelf. He left his study, running into his best friend along the way. “Edric, how do you fare today?” he asked. “I am well, M’Lord. How do you fare?” Edric responded. “I am not as well as I should be.” The King admitted. “Still considering leaving the Queen?” Edric questioned. “You know, as well as I do, my marriage is unlawful before god. I cannot continue to lay with my brother’s wife.” The King replied. “Your Majesty, the Queen has been loyal and loves you deeply. I remember when you returned how you confessed your undying love for her and lamented how your brother was being handed such a jewel. Did you not say that she loved you as well? I doubt she ever loved your brother. And that is all that matters in a marriage.” Edric explained. “Love is not the law of God. Love is not enough to not commit a crime against God by taking my brother’s wife as my own.” The King got frustrated. “You swore that she should be your wife not James’. You swore to God that she was supposed to be your wife. Before God, you vowed to be her husband. You married her before the papers were signed. She is your wife and you her only husband.” Edric stated and walked away. The King was angry at his friend and refused to change his course. He knew that he has angered God and was being punished by not being given the son that he needed to continue his dynasty. He continued his journey to the Queen’s apartments.
The guards allowed him to enter the apartments. In the dining room the ladies-maids were preparing the evening meal for the Queen. The King cleared his throat and the ladies gasped and turned. They bowed to the King. “My I join you?” he requested. “Of course, your Majesty. You are always welcome at my table.” The queen responded. The maids provided a plate and utensils for the newcomer. The Queen seemed happy to see her husband. After the previous meeting between the two, the ladies were not sure that they would see the king here for a meal again. The couple sat at the table and started to eat. “How are you faring today?” he asked. “Not well.” She responded. “What ails you?” he questioned. The Queen looked at him wondering what he could be thinking. He obviously didn’t believe she should be upset. “Nothing.” She responded. She felt it better not to start a fight. “How are you faring, M’Lord?” she asked. “I am well. I have just finished a few new laws and had a successful hunt yesterday.” He responded. “What of Lady Ivrea?” The Queen asked before she could stop herself. “I do not wish to discuss her at this time.” He glared at her. She rolled her eyes and looked away. “I have come to tell you that your new ladies-maid should be arriving sometime today.” He announced, ignoring her eye roll. “I can’t believe that you would place another lady in my household without talking to me first.” She complained. “I am the King; I will appoint anyone to any position I see fit.” He responded angerly. “Just another lie you told me.” She whispered. “What is that supposed to mean?” he questioned. “You promised to love me for the rest of our lives, that didn’t last. You promised to rule this country with me, I haven’t been privy to any information concerning “our” kingdom in years. You promised that my household was mine to manage. You said that I would choose who was to be in my household. Just another promise broken.” She explained. “This is MY kingdom, and I will rule it as I see fit. You are not my true wife and therefore you have no power here.” He yelled and stormed out. Rosette’s eyes grew and tears fell once more.
The tears were a mixture of heartbreak and mostly anger. She had never imagined her beloved husband could be so heartless and cruel. she was so angry he would force her to accept a new lady that he wanted there so much. This made her think that it was just another whore for him to bed. She decided that if she had any say in the matter the woman would not last long.
The evening grew on as a carriage arrived at the palace. A young redhead stepped out followed by one of her Lady's maids. A footman met then at the door and led them to the Queen's apartments. The Queen's secretary met them at the doors outside the apartments. “Welcome, Lady Rosalina. When you meet the Queen address her as 'Your majesty'. Speak only when spoken to and keep your answers short and clear. Do you understand?” The secretary instructed. “Yes, sir.” Rosalina responded in a whisper. The secretary nodded and led the women inside. He bowed to a woman sitting in a chair in front of the fire facing the door. The older woman wore a very stern look on her face. “Your Majesty, may I introduce Lady Rosalina of Baelo Claudia and her Lady's maid, Lady Lucinda Soto.” The Secretary introduced. Rosalina stepped forward and bowed to the Queen, “ Su Majestad.” she greeted. Queen Rosette was surprised by this lady. She was much younger than anticipated and was clearly scared. This child wa
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 smi
The days and the weeks passed and the young redhead found her place within the court. The Queen was happy to watch her niece growing and fitting in with the other ladies. The King found her intriguing and an honest person and friend. He really enjoyed the times that they sat together discussing all manner of subjects. Her days were spent with the Queen learning how a lady should act in court and the proper manners expected of a person of her position. The evening would be spent before the fire discussing her interests and the knowledge from books. She was also privy to information that normally would be reserved for privy council meetings. The Queen had not been allowed to attend state meetings in many years. Rosalina was asked for her opinion on sensitive issues that a lady of court was usually not even thought to understand. Edmund grew to trust Rosalina more than most, the only other person he had ever really trusted more was Rosette. She would ask
Lady Lucinda woke up the next morning worried about her mistress. She walked into her lady's chambers and found her sitting up in bed brushing through her long red hair. “How are you feeling, M’Lady?” Lucinda asked as she closed the chamber door. “I am very well. At first I was frightened but after sleeping I am very happy and ready to face what they believe they can accomplish.” Rosalina answered confidently. “You know they are ambitious and feel that they cannot be touched. That makes them very dangerous. They will do what they must, to get that power that they seek. You are nothing but an obstacle in their way to them. They have no love for you and they have no compassion for your life. You should really be careful.” Lucinda warned. “I know how dangerous they are, Luci. I cannot live my life afraid of them. In a royal court there are always those that want power and believe that they can use any means
Josephina watched as the man that swore his undying love for her looked back to the foreign bitch as if she was the only woman in the world. She also saw how happy the others were and noticed that no one was making an effort to acknowledge her. Rosalina saw the lady and decided to make nice with her. “Lady Josephina, we are going to spend the day in the gardens. Would you like for me to weave flowers in your hair like the rest of us and join the garden party?” she asked. “That would be lovely.” Josephina smiled. The ladies and the Queen looked at Rosalina questioningly, the Queen for reasons the other ladies did not understand. She simply smiled at them and said, “We will meet you all in the gardens.” The Queen nodded as did the king. The party left and Josephina picked out flowers from what had been left.
The pair left the apartments and made their way through the castle to the gardens. They found the party in the gardens on the side of the palace in the shade of the oak trees. They approached the King and Queen, Josephina noticed that the King could not take his eyes off Rosette. This upset Josephina knowing that he had never looked at her with that much devotion and love in his eyes. “Your Majesties.” Rosalina said as they bowed to the lounging monarchs. The King and Queen looked to the arrivals with smiles. “Lady Josephina, your hair looks very beautiful.” Edmund commented. “Thank you, your majesty.” she responded. “Lady Rosalina, you did well.” The Queen smiled at her niece. “Thank you, your majesty.” Rosalina smiled. Josephina went to join the other ladies. Rosette motioned for Rosalina to sit next to her. Rosalina obliged and sat to the side of her aunt. Rosette leaned over and whispered
Jospehina made her way back to the gardens. When she arrived the sun began its descent below the horizon. The garden party was making its way back to the palace led by the King holding the hand of the Queen. Josephina stood in the shadows as they passed and fell in behind the other ladies. They all expected to return to the Queen's apartments for a small evening meal. Instead the King led them into the great hall. They were in awe as they walked in and found it to have been decorated in the most beautiful flowers they had seen. Rosette recognized her favorite flowers from her home. She looked to the King with tears in her eyes. Edmund had watched her look around and smiled as tears rolled down her face. “ Happy Birthday, sweetheart.” he kissed her cheek. “ Not that I am complaining, however my birthday was a few weeks ago.” she said. “ I know and I am sorry that I missed it. I have not been kind to you nor have I re
Rosalina sat watching the fire die down. Lionel's attack and Owen's words replayed in her mind over and over again. Tears began to roll down her cheeks. The flames withered and only the embers glowed in the darkness but the lady did not move. It was not until the room was pitch black save for the moonlight streaming in through the window that Rosalina left her seat and went to her chambers. She fell upon her bed not even bothering to change.To herself at least she had to admit that she was afraid. She was afraid of what they might do to her and what would happen if she was not there to protect her family. She cried softly into her pillow until she was just too exhausted to continue and fell asleep. That night her dreams were fearful and dark.She was alone in her chambers and Lionel attacked her again. She managed to get away and ran
Chapter 1: Tears and WavesBypassing any conversation with her father, Rosalina bravely climbed into the awaiting carriage. She glanced back at Edric, her dear friend, waving in a melancholic farewell as the carriage set in motion. The rhythmic clatter of hooves and the creaking of wheels resonated through the bustling streets of the capital city. As the carriage smoothly traversed the well-trodden paths, Rosalina's heart ached at the sight of the tearful citizens lining the roads, their eyes filled with bittersweet emotions. They waved their heartfelt goodbyes, bidding farewell to the woman who had left an indelible mark on their lives.Lady Rosalina had been a shining beacon of hope and positive change in the kingdom. The people had witnessed firsthand the harmony within the royal family, finding inspiration and solace in the love and unity displayed. Her presence had kindled a sense of optimism, promising a brighter future. Overwhelmed with emotion, Rosalina's cheeks were stained w
Lady Lucia sat up late one night and penned the letter. She left out as much detail about Rosalina’s life as possible without Edric missing the point of the letter. When she was finished, Lady Lucia called a messenger and told him to get the letter to Mercia as quickly as possible. She knew that Edric would be furious when he read the letter and would go straight to the King and Queen. She hoped that soon her mistress would be saved from the monster she had been forced to marry. Lady Lucia returned to Lady Rosalina’s chambers and laid down in her bed until Rosalina woke up. The sun rose in the sky and the birds began to sing. The light invaded the windows and crossed the stone floor to the bed where Lady Rosalina was sleeping. The rays of the sun illuminated the bruises that covered her face. The bright light of the sun hurt her eyes, she was a little thankful that her eyes were swollen, so that she didn’t have to squeeze her eyes closed. Lady Rosalina rolled over and gasped at the
Hey everyone. I want to let you know that After reviweing my chapters and lost notes I will have an extended version of Rose Court coming out soon. There will be more detail that will help the story along more. I hope that you are enjoying this version and will come back for the extended version. We shall call it the author's cut. HAve a great day and I will return soon with more on the life of Lady Rosalina and the Court of Queen Rosette. I do have a plan in place to read the story through letters between sister Queens. We will also see a little more of Princess Rosaline's life as she grows up in the Palace of Alcantara. This story has so many layers that just one novel can't contain it all. I really hope that you all will like the rest of this series. Thank you for reading.
Lady Rosalina stepped into the black, box carriage with tears streaming down her face. Lady Lucia followed and sat next to her mistress. As the carriage started to move, Lady Rsalina collapsed into Lady Lucia's lap and sobbed. Lady Lucia just held the young woman and let her cry it out. SHe knew that Lady Rosalina was hurting and there was nothing that could changed what fate had handed her. The journey to the port passed with nothing more than the sounds of the horse hoofs clopping on the cobblestones, and the soft sobs of Lady Rosalina in Lady Lucia's lap. About an hour of travel and they arrived at the port. General Fenris awaited his daughter to ferry her to her future. The carriage stopped and a page opened the door. Lady Lucia stepped out and helped her mistress exit the carriage. Lady Rosalina stepped onto the dock and approached her father. Her head was down, eyes staring at the cobble stones of the road and the wooden slats of the dock. Fenris help a broad smile and made
It has been a while since my last post. I wasn't sure if I wanted to end this novel now and continue the story in the next novel or just continue.After much thought I have decided to continue to the next parts of this story. Lady Rosalina will enter a new world, the question is; will it be all that she feared or will she find a new home to love like she found in Mercia? WARNING: the story gets dark and violent. Thank you for your patients. More chapters are coming and the story will continue. Thank you for ready and please come back for more.
The night before Rosalina was supposed to leave a feast was held to say a proper goodbye. The next day the weather seemed to share the mood in the castle. The sky was dark gray and the rain poured as if from a pitcher in the sky. The King sat in the chair staring into the fire brooding. The Queen finally stopped trying not to cry. Bethany held Rosalina's hand crying. The three toddlers do not really know what was happening so they played on the floor. Their laughs were the only sounds to break up the crackling of the fire and the rain beating on the window.Tears fell silently from Rosalina's eyes, Edric walked into the room to let them know that Fenris was waiting at the carriage. The women gasped and grabbed each other. They hugged and cried on each others shoulders. Prince James stood up and pulled on his mother's skirt, “ Mamma, why you cry?” he asked.
Edmund asked Rosette and Rosalina to join him for the evening meal one night in his chambers. They both arrived a little confused as to why they were meeting there instead of in the Queen's chambers. They entered and the King led them to the table. They sat and waited for the King to explain. “ I know it is unusual to meet here for a meal, however I need to speak with the both of you about something important that is a family matter first and foremost.” he said. “ What is it, love?” the Queen asked. “ I believe it is time that we found a marriage for Bethany. I know that we have been down this road before, Rosette, and those times did not work. I want the both of you to help me this time.” he admitted. “ What do you hope to get out of the union?” Rosalina questioned. “ A good match for Bethany and a strong alliance for Mercia. I do want Bethany'
Rosalina was praised for such a moving speech and solidified her place among the elite. Just after the speech Edmund announced her official status as an adviser to the King and named her Duchess of Cardiff along with three estates. Rosalina and Rosette presented plans for hospitals, orphanages, almshouses and homeless shelters to the King. He agreed to all of the plans and demanded the nobility to contribute to the cost. At first they grumbled and complained, that was until the King said either they volunteer or they will be stripped of the titles and wealth to fund the improvements of the Kingdom. They became a lot more generous.Together, the two women and the King chose unused estates for the hospitals and shelters and old unused churches for the alms houses. The constructions projects created jobs for the locals and helped the business owners in the area increase their incomes. The
Small grumbles began to surface from a member of court who felt that he should be on the throne and that it was stolen from his family. John Bellham, duke of Winchester, started to secretly gather supporters to his cause. His plan was to amass an army and to take back the throne the same way it was stolen. He found it difficult to gain support. Most said that though the King had done terrible things in the recent past, Queen Rosette was a wonderful Queen and that Lady Rosalina was the best thing to ever happen to the royal house. To get rid of Edmund would take Rosette and Rosalina away from the country that loved and needed them.This angered the Duke because, unlike many at court and the King, did not see the value of educated women. Another nobleman warned John of returning the country to the dark years of civil war. He told him that if he had any love what so ever for Mercia he woul