Rose Court:
Who Can Save Us?
Preface:
Rosette of Catalonia, Queen of Mercia, sat before the fire in her sitting room with tears rolling down her cheeks. The previous evening replayed on her mind.
Edmund, her husband of nearly twenty-four years and the only man she had ever loved, told her their marriage was at an end.
No…
He said that their marriage was an unlawful abomination before God. Since she had had previously been married to his brother, James, and therefore never was. He turned his back on her and walked out the door. She stared at the door in shock. She could not believe such words could over his lips. They had fought for so long and so hard to be together. They suffered through several years of uncertainty, heartbreak and broken dreams. Rosette crumbled to the floor, sobbing into the carpet. Lady Elizabeth, her lady-in-waiting, tied to pull the Queen off the floor. After several minutes of begging and pleading, Lady Elizabeth was finally able to get her mistress to her feet. They shakily walked to the Queen’s bedchamber. Rosette collapsed into her pillow and cried more. Lady Elizabeth sat with the Queen until she fell asleep.
Rosette knew Edmund was unhappy with her. She had failed. She had bore many children in her life. Sadly, just one remained living, not the son the King desperately sought, a beautiful daughter. He was convinced only a male heir would secure his legacy and the Dynasty. Rosette had not failed her beloved, she had failed the kingdom, her family and her country. The alliance with Alcantara depended on the success of her marriage and the production of an heir. Everything she was raised for was crumbling around her. Edmund blamed her for not giving him a son. She remembered every loss, she still felt the pain of the miscarriages, the still and the sweet eyes of those who drew breath but still did not survive. Rosette wished she could go back and save at least one. If she could just have one son, Edmund would return to her side. The love once they shared would not be lost.
The Queen stared into flames wondering, “What could I have done differently? How can I mend my marriage? Can it be mended? Is there still in his heart for me? Will he truly cast me aside? Am I doomed to pass into obscurity? What of Bethany? Will he leave her out in the cold as well? Has God forsaken us? Is there anyone out there who may help us?” “Who can save us?”
These questions spun around in her mind. She was lost. The Queen did not know what to do or what to say.
The day wore on. Her ladies were growing increasingly worried. They offered the Queen wine and food but she would not even speak. As the evening approached, Lady Elizabeth tried one more time, “Your majesty?” she questioned. “What is it, Lady Elizabeth?” Rosette responded. “Will you, please, take your evening meal?” the Lady begged. “I have no appetite.” Rosette lamented, “I believe I will take to my bed.” she added and headed for her bedchambers. Ignoring the protests of her ladies.
The next morning the Queen did not emerge from her bedchamber. Her ladies waited but there were no signs of life. They grew more and more concerned. They wondered if they should send for a doctor. Around midday Lady Elizabeth knocked on the bedchamber door, “Your Majesty, are you unwell?” she asked. Queen Rosette refused to respond and would not come out. Lady Lucilla was afraid they may lose their Queen and decided to summon the King. By evening the Queen remained sequestered and the King had not come to see her. They knew not what could be done. Was there no one who could save the Queen and the Kingdom? They wondered.
It was on the third day around midday, when a ray of hope crept into the Queen’s apartments. The King sent a message for the Queen.
Queen Rosette,
I am writing to inform you of a new appointment to your household. She will be arriving this evening. I expect you to greet her and treat her with the utmost respect. She will be very apprehensive,please, ease her mind and make her feel welcome.
Sincerely,
Edmund IV, King of Mercia and Menapii
Rosette was angry; angry that he would appoint a new lady to her household without consulting her. She wondered if he had tired of Josephina and found another. Was this new lady a conquest he wanted to keep close? In her mind, she decided to go along. If she could help it, the girl would not stay long. Reluctantly, the Queen allowed her ladies to dress her. She instructed them to dress her in her finest. Rosette decided to show she was STILL the Queen. In her sitting room she awaited the arrival of her new Lady-in-waiting.
Chapter 1: Emerald Spark
The evening drew in closer as a carriage stopped at the front entrance of the Palace. A stern looking man waited at the top of the steps. A footman opened the door to the carriage. Out stepped a young red haired girl, followed by an older dark haired woman. The redhead child paused at the bottom of the steps. She looked up at the white stone walls that rose into the heavens like a great monolith of legend in fear. Never had she been to such a place. “We must walk through the doors, Jovia.” the dark haired woman prompted. The girl breathed in deep and nodded. She set her eyes upon the doors and started her accent up the stairs. She stopped at the top in front of the stern, balding man. “Welcome, Lady Rosalina.” he greeted Lady Lucinda.” he addressed the dark haired woman. “Thank you, sir” Lady Lucinda responded. Lady Rosalina just nodded with her head bowed. “I am Lord George Clifford, Personal Secretary to her Majesty, Queen Rosette of Catalonia.” he introduced himself. “Nice to meet you, M’Lord.” Rosalina whispered. Lord Clifford turned and led the ladies into the Palace.
Through the corridors, Courtiers and staff members stopped and looked at the new arrival, whispering. The young lady was very young, clearly nervous but still carried herself with a regality to match the Queen. Lady Lucinda kept a watchful eye on her mistress, trying to encourage her to ignore the whispers. They stopped in front of an ornate set of oak doors. “ When you meet the Queen, address her as ‘Your Majesty’, speak only when spoken to. Keep your answers short and to the point.” the secretary turned and instructed, “Do you understand?” he questioned. “Yes, sir.” Rosalina responded in a whisper. He nodded and led them into the apartments.
As they entered, the secretary bowed to a regal, auburn haired woman sitting with a fire behind her. This woman wore a stern look on her face. “Your Majesty, may I present, Lady Rosalina of Baelo Claudia and her Lady’s maid, Lady Lucinda Soto.” Lord Clifford introduced. Lady Rosalina stepped forward and bowed to the Queen, “Su Majestad.” she greeted. Rosette was taken aback by this lady. She was not what the Queen had expected. Rosalina was much younger than anticipated and was clearly scared. This child was not a threat, just a child in a new place. “Buenos Dias, Senorita Rosalina. Bienvenidos a mi hogar.” Rosette greeted with a smile. The Queen gestured towards the chair next to her.” Gracious, Su Majestad.” Rosalina whispered and sat in the chair. “ How old are you?” Rosette inquired. “I am twelve years old, ma’am.” Rosalina replied into her lap. Rosette could see that Rosalina was nervous and terrified and felt sorry for her. “I know that a royal palace is an intimidating place and the prospect of living at court can leave a person apprehensive. To tell you the truth, court still scares me sometimes.” Rosette admitted. “Just remember that you have nothing to be afraid of here. Here you are safe and welcome.” she patted the girl’s hand. Rosalina looked up for a moment and gave a weak smile, the quickly looked back down. Rosette was shocked by those green eyes, never had she seen jewels in another person’s eyes. The Queen gently placed her hand under the young lady’s chin and pulled the little face up, Rosalina kept her eyes on her lap. “Look at me.” Rosette coxed. Reluctantly Rosalina allowed her green eyes to meet the blue eyes of the Queen. “Oh, my those eyes are breathtaking. Has anyone ever told you that your eyes look like emerald?” Rosette questioned. “My mother always told me the Gods made me so beautiful that precious stones were the only eyes I could have.” Rosalina responded with a stronger smile than before, but her eyes remained sad. “Well, at least I got a smile.” Rosette quipped. Rosette could not help but notice, even though Rosalina was sad, she opened up when talking about her mother. “Tell me about your mother.” she suggested. Rosalina’s face lit up, “ She was beautiful and strong. She was so smart, she thought differently than most around. She gave me a love of books and learning. She would tend her garden, one of her favorite activities, but if the situation called for it, she could wield a sword. My father used to say that she could use a sword and shoot a bow better than he could. One time, I asked her why she wanted to use weapons of war. She told me that just because she was a woman does not mean that she could not die at the end of a blade. She also believed that all women should learn to use weapons just as men and that they should be just as educated. Mamma promised to teach me how to wield a sword and shoot an arrow when I was old enough. I guess that was not meant to be.” the young lady trailed off. “Why has she not taught you?” Rosette questioned. Rosalina’s smile vanished and she was no longer looking at the Queen, “ When I was around six or seven I caught my parents fighting. I could tell that they had been fighting for quite some time but I had not seen it. Father would leave for days. Mamma would take to her bed until he returned. When he would return, she would do everything she could to make him happy. She neglected her garden and spent less time with me. Soon she became with child. Father did not seem concerned with Mamma anymore. Mamma’s mood declined more and more. She would not even sit and read with me anymore. When Mamma went into labor she refused to allow anyone to send for Father. She said he did not care and would not bother with the baby. In the early morning hours she gave birth to a baby boy, Finn."
Who Can Save Us?
Preface:
Rosette of Catalonia, Queen of Mercia, sat before the fire in her sitting room with tears rolling down her cheeks. The previous evening replayed on her mind.
Edmund, her husband of nearly twenty-four years and the only man she had ever loved, told her their marriage was at an end.
No…
He said that their marriage was an unlawful abomination before God. Since she had had previously been married to his brother, James, and therefore never was. He turned his back on her and walked out the door. She stared at the door in shock. She could not believe such words could over his lips. They had fought for so long and so hard to be together. They suffered through several years of uncertainty, heartbreak and broken dreams. Rosette crumbled to the floor, sobbing into the carpet. Lady Elizabeth, her lady-in-waiting, tied to pull the Queen off the floor. After several minutes of begging and pleading, Lady Elizabeth was finally able to get her mistress to her feet. They shakily walked to the Queen’s bedchamber. Rosette collapsed into her pillow and cried more. Lady Elizabeth sat with the Queen until she fell asleep.
Rosette knew Edmund was unhappy with her. She had failed. She had bore many children in her life. Sadly, just one remained living, not the son the King desperately sought, a beautiful daughter. He was convinced only a male heir would secure his legacy and the Dynasty. Rosette had not failed her beloved, she had failed the kingdom, her family and her country. The alliance with Alcantara depended on the success of her marriage and the production of an heir. Everything she was raised for was crumbling around her. Edmund blamed her for not giving him a son. She remembered every loss, she still felt the pain of the miscarriages, the still and the sweet eyes of those who drew breath but still did not survive. Rosette wished she could go back and save at least one. If she could just have one son, Edmund would return to her side. The love once they shared would not be lost.
The Queen stared into flames wondering, “What could I have done differently? How can I mend my marriage? Can it be mended? Is there still in his heart for me? Will he truly cast me aside? Am I doomed to pass into obscurity? What of Bethany? Will he leave her out in the cold as well? Has God forsaken us? Is there anyone out there who may help us?” “Who can save us?”
These questions spun around in her mind. She was lost. The Queen did not know what to do or what to say.
The day wore on. Her ladies were growing increasingly worried. They offered the Queen wine and food but she would not even speak. As the evening approached, Lady Elizabeth tried one more time, “Your majesty?” she questioned. “What is it, Lady Elizabeth?” Rosette responded. “Will you, please, take your evening meal?” the Lady begged. “I have no appetite.” Rosette lamented, “I believe I will take to my bed.” she added and headed for her bedchambers. Ignoring the protests of her ladies.
The next morning the Queen did not emerge from her bedchamber. Her ladies waited but there were no signs of life. They grew more and more concerned. They wondered if they should send for a doctor. Around midday Lady Elizabeth knocked on the bedchamber door, “Your Majesty, are you unwell?” she asked. Queen Rosette refused to respond and would not come out. Lady Lucilla was afraid they may lose their Queen and decided to summon the King. By evening the Queen remained sequestered and the King had not come to see her. They knew not what could be done. Was there no one who could save the Queen and the Kingdom? They wondered.
It was on the third day around midday, when a ray of hope crept into the Queen’s apartments. The King sent a message for the Queen.
Queen Rosette,
I am writing to inform you of a new appointment to your household. She will be arriving this evening. I expect you to greet her and treat her with the utmost respect. She will be very apprehensive,please, ease her mind and make her feel welcome.
Sincerely,
Edmund IV, King of Mercia and Menapii
Rosette was angry; angry that he would appoint a new lady to her household without consulting her. She wondered if he had tired of Josephina and found another. Was this new lady a conquest he wanted to keep close? In her mind, she decided to go along. If she could help it, the girl would not stay long. Reluctantly, the Queen allowed her ladies to dress her. She instructed them to dress her in her finest. Rosette decided to show she was STILL the Queen. In her sitting room she awaited the arrival of her new Lady-in-waiting.
Chapter 1: Emerald Spark
The evening drew in closer as a carriage stopped at the front entrance of the Palace. A stern looking man waited at the top of the steps. A footman opened the door to the carriage. Out stepped a young red haired girl, followed by an older dark haired woman. The redhead child paused at the bottom of the steps. She looked up at the white stone walls that rose into the heavens like a great monolith of legend in fear. Never had she been to such a place. “We must walk through the doors, Jovia.” the dark haired woman prompted. The girl breathed in deep and nodded. She set her eyes upon the doors and started her accent up the stairs. She stopped at the top in front of the stern, balding man. “Welcome, Lady Rosalina.” he greeted Lady Lucinda.” he addressed the dark haired woman. “Thank you, sir” Lady Lucinda responded. Lady Rosalina just nodded with her head bowed. “I am Lord George Clifford, Personal Secretary to her Majesty, Queen Rosette of Catalonia.” he introduced himself. “Nice to meet you, M’Lord.” Rosalina whispered. Lord Clifford turned and led the ladies into the Palace.
Through the corridors, Courtiers and staff members stopped and looked at the new arrival, whispering. The young lady was very young, clearly nervous but still carried herself with a regality to match the Queen. Lady Lucinda kept a watchful eye on her mistress, trying to encourage her to ignore the whispers. They stopped in front of an ornate set of oak doors. “ When you meet the Queen, address her as ‘Your Majesty’, speak only when spoken to. Keep your answers short and to the point.” the secretary turned and instructed, “Do you understand?” he questioned. “Yes, sir.” Rosalina responded in a whisper. He nodded and led them into the apartments.
As they entered, the secretary bowed to a regal, auburn haired woman sitting with a fire behind her. This woman wore a stern look on her face. “Your Majesty, may I present, Lady Rosalina of Baelo Claudia and her Lady’s maid, Lady Lucinda Soto.” Lord Clifford introduced. Lady Rosalina stepped forward and bowed to the Queen, “Su Majestad.” she greeted. Rosette was taken aback by this lady. She was not what the Queen had expected. Rosalina was much younger than anticipated and was clearly scared. This child was not a threat, just a child in a new place. “Buenos Dias, Senorita Rosalina. Bienvenidos a mi hogar.” Rosette greeted with a smile. The Queen gestured towards the chair next to her.” Gracious, Su Majestad.” Rosalina whispered and sat in the chair. “ How old are you?” Rosette inquired. “I am twelve years old, ma’am.” Rosalina replied into her lap. Rosette could see that Rosalina was nervous and terrified and felt sorry for her. “I know that a royal palace is an intimidating place and the prospect of living at court can leave a person apprehensive. To tell you the truth, court still scares me sometimes.” Rosette admitted. “Just remember that you have nothing to be afraid of here. Here you are safe and welcome.” she patted the girl’s hand. Rosalina looked up for a moment and gave a weak smile, the quickly looked back down. Rosette was shocked by those green eyes, never had she seen jewels in another person’s eyes. The Queen gently placed her hand under the young lady’s chin and pulled the little face up, Rosalina kept her eyes on her lap. “Look at me.” Rosette coxed. Reluctantly Rosalina allowed her green eyes to meet the blue eyes of the Queen. “Oh, my those eyes are breathtaking. Has anyone ever told you that your eyes look like emerald?” Rosette questioned. “My mother always told me the Gods made me so beautiful that precious stones were the only eyes I could have.” Rosalina responded with a stronger smile than before, but her eyes remained sad. “Well, at least I got a smile.” Rosette quipped. Rosette could not help but notice, even though Rosalina was sad, she opened up when talking about her mother. “Tell me about your mother.” she suggested. Rosalina’s face lit up, “ She was beautiful and strong. She was so smart, she thought differently than most around. She gave me a love of books and learning. She would tend her garden, one of her favorite activities, but if the situation called for it, she could wield a sword. My father used to say that she could use a sword and shoot a bow better than he could. One time, I asked her why she wanted to use weapons of war. She told me that just because she was a woman does not mean that she could not die at the end of a blade. She also believed that all women should learn to use weapons just as men and that they should be just as educated. Mamma promised to teach me how to wield a sword and shoot an arrow when I was old enough. I guess that was not meant to be.” the young lady trailed off. “Why has she not taught you?” Rosette questioned. Rosalina’s smile vanished and she was no longer looking at the Queen, “ When I was around six or seven I caught my parents fighting. I could tell that they had been fighting for quite some time but I had not seen it. Father would leave for days. Mamma would take to her bed until he returned. When he would return, she would do everything she could to make him happy. She neglected her garden and spent less time with me. Soon she became with child. Father did not seem concerned with Mamma anymore. Mamma’s mood declined more and more. She would not even sit and read with me anymore. When Mamma went into labor she refused to allow anyone to send for Father. She said he did not care and would not bother with the baby. In the early morning hours she gave birth to a baby boy, Finn."
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