18th Roses Novels & Stories

Patricia explained. "That's why we are plucking flowers from here for decoration." Suzanne added after her. They both were concentrating on plucking the flowers carefully and delicately. They didn't want the flowers to lose petals nor they want to get hurt but the thorns of the roses. So they didn't realise where Athena was going. "But why aren't there any red roses?" Athena asked as she sat down near the red rose section carefully. She slowly ran her hands over the flowers in fascination. "Well, Dominic doesn't want Stacey to use red roses. Anything but that. Well, he doesn't want anyone to touch his red ros-..."

And the blush that was barely receding was back again. "I'm not a pretty little flower, Roses are as pretty as they are dangerous." He scoffed, standing up and even from where he was standing, I could see that he'll tower over me. He straightened out his suit jacket. Eyes boring into mine. "The only dangerous roses are those with thorns Rose, and you my dear, you have no thorns. You're a pretty little flower, a harmless little flower." He walked towards me till he was standing right Infront of me, towering over me as expected, I craned my neck just too look at him. "I'll be taking my leave now pretty flower, say hi to Mr. Potter for me."

Mesmerised, I stare at them as the butler comes to the bed, smiling. He gives it to Christian and disappears right away. Christian looks at the bouquet first and then at me. I can't wait to hold that beauty. "You want them?" He raises his eyebrows. "Yes", I nod excitedly just like a toddler does for chocolates. "They are so pretty" "183 roses for spending 183 days with me" He gives it to me but keeps holding it because it's too heavy. I stare at the blood-red petals. "Hey, I didn't give them to you for this", he suddenly came in between me and my lap where I have the roses.

“Cousin, stop fidgeting. Let me help you.” I have grown more comfortable around him since we all joined together with Rosie. Yes, he’s still a jerk, but he is also family. “There,” he pats me on the shoulder after adjusting my collar. “Let’s not keep her waiting, shall we?" Together, with my cousin at my back, we walk down the stairs into my living room where the rest of our guests are waiting. Every surface has been covered in roses of every imaginable color, harvested from Evander’s gardens, both on Terra and in Tara, a mixture of magical and traditional blooms--just like our Rosie, they are a mix of everything.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅• Caroline sat beside her mother, Agatha, flipping through the glossy pages of a wedding catalog, scanning the carefully curated arrangements of flowers. Soft sunlight poured through the window, illuminating the pages, casting a gentle glow over the delicate bouquets displayed on each spread. Agatha’s fingers lingered over an image of pristine white roses, her expression calm yet decisive. "White roses," she said firmly, tapping the picture with purpose. "Classic, elegant. They symbolize purity and new beginnings. They’re perfect."

I brushed my thumb over the petal and explained, “Why black rose? I want to know.” His eyes were fixated on the rose in my hand as he swallowed before opening his mouth, “Because nothing depicts me better than a black rose. The black rose is a symbolic flower with multiple meanings and interpretations. It represents intensity, darkness, passion, rebellion, and dominance, all of which resonate with my personality. A black rose is also a symbol of mystery, unknown, and unrequited feelings, which perfectly portrays whatever is between us.”

I smiled. Rose had mud covering her clothes, with splashes of water on her top as well. "You should change your clothes, otherwise you will catch a cold." She nodded with a sheepish smile, "I went to collect water from the river but slipped over the rock and fell." I paused but continued stirring again...the river. "Can you add the final petals and stir this? I have some work to do." Rose looked at me in shock and to my surprise, she shook her head in a no immediately, "I can't do that, you shall always complete your work other..."

However, before the food was served, the waiter brought over a bouquet of red roses. "This is for Ms. Stafford, sent by one Mr. Pennington in congratulations for the successful art exhibition." Heather did not take the flowers. She told the waiter to send them back. "Tell Mr. Pennington that I don't like red roses." Red roses were Anne's favorite, not hers. She only liked pink ones.

ROSALINE Today was wedding day. I'm supposed to be happy, I know. Happiness was far from what I was feeling at the moment. "You look beautiful. Like a queen this time," Lisa said to me. I couldn't smile because I wasn't happy at all. The makeup artist did well to give me a light makeup. The door opened and I could see Catherine and Kimberly walk in from the reflection of the mirror. I rolled my eyes knowing they were only coming here to spit nonsense like they usually do.

“Sorry, I’m a bit out of it.” She shrugged, and opening the small door in the gate. She had no umbrella with her, I’m guessing she go out in a hurry. Who wouldn’t when their cousin was standing in front of her own home gate, and staring at her house like a psycho? “Don’t apologize. Let’s get you inside before you catch a cold.” I nod, following her through the door. The walkway is just like I remember, on each side are prize winning roses. Of different colors. Huh? When do black roses exist? I took a small detour from following Alexis, bending over a patch of those strange black roses.