As time passed Rosalina grew stronger and little was mentioned about her marriage. The King Queen seemed to be growing closer and happier. Three months after the disrupted feast the Royals had something of a miracle to celebrate. The Queen fell ill and a doctor was sent for. The doctor finished his exam and went to talk to the King while Rosalina and Bethany attended to Rosette.
The King waited impatiently in the sitting room for the doctor. Finally he emerged looking shocked and confused. “ What is it?” The King demanded. “ Your Majesty, it is hard to say.” the doctor said. “ You do not know what is plaguing my wife?” Edmund questioned. “ I know what it is. It is just hard to say. I do not understand how it is possible.” the doctor responded. “ Tell me what is wrong, speak plainly, sir.” Edmund commanded. &ld
The next few months passed uneventfully. They long refused to send aide either Jutland or Thuringia stating that he could not spare resources for a petty squabble. The Kings of both countries were furious. Edmund concentrated on making his subjects happy and focused much attention on Rosette, Bethany and Rosalina. In the middle of the night the castle came alive. A doctor, the healers and midwives were rushed in. Rosalina directed and made sure the process was completed with military precision.The Queen was in labor and the court held their breath. Before the sun rose in the sky the Queen delivered a healthy baby girl. The child was quickly taken behind curtains hung around the bathing tubs Rosalina had set up. The new princess was thoroughly cleaned and wrapped. The sun began to peek over the hills and second child was born to the Queen, this time it was the male they had sought for s
She is teaching Bethany so Bethany can teach the children when she leaves.” Rosette smiled.” Why wouldn't Fenris find her a good match here? She is obviously happy and growing well.” Maximo questioned.“ The only reasons I can think of are that he wants her to live in his home country, Tore is a good friend. He is afraid for her safety. She has been threatened, poisoned and most recently held at knife point by the Ivrea faction.” Rosette explained. “ I would fear for her safety if it wasn't for the facts that she is alive and the threat has been removed.” Maximo commented. “ I agree but no one can change Fenris' mind, we have tried. Rosalina cried and screamed when he told her.” Rosette explained. Just then Princess Rosaline approached and bowed. “ Your Majesty, May I speak with you.” she asked the Queen. “ Of course, your highne
The following evening Rosalina received a letter from her betrothed. He told her that the war campaign would take quite some time and he asked her to stay faithful and wait for him. She did not know how to respond. She could not bring herself to tell him that she was looking forward to the marriage and that she would be willing to wait as long as it would take. She actually hoped that this would make her father change his mind and find her someone closer to where she was happy. Instead he encouraged her to respond to the letter and start looking forward to marrying this man. Edmund and Maximo tried to intervene on her behalf over the next few days but Fenris would not budge.Rosalina's emerald eyes grew dull and more and more the shadowed as the days and weeks passed. Few things brought her joy. She spent all of her time with the children. Maximo and Bethany had great concern for the young lady
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
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
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'
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.
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.