The Rightful Bride Chapter 23
Rose makes her way out of the classroom, avoiding the kids around her. She shifts into her dragon form and flies to the palace, enjoying the sun on her wings. The wind caresses her cheek and holds the majority of her weight.
She lands in front of the palace door. The guard opens it for her.
“Have a good afternoon, Your Highness,” he says.
She flies up to him, nuzzling his cheek. He smiles.
“They dismissed you early today?” the guard says.
Rose nods.
“I don’t think there’s a special occasion,” he says, “but let’s not question it.” He smiles. “I’m not sure where His Majesty is, but there should be no one recording anymore.”
She nods, relieved. Harald said there would be a lot of people, but he didn’t explain why.
“Are you going outside today?” he says. “It’s a beautiful day.”
“Maybe,” she says in shadow tongue.
The guard nods. She knows he doesn’t understand. Harald doesn’t either, but they listen to her all the time.
“Let someone know if you’re going outside,” he says. “We can keep you away from the cameras.”
She nods, flying to her feet.
“I’ll see you later,” he says. “Make sure you eat well.”
She smiles and runs inside the palace. She finds Harald through the bond and quickly makes her way to his suite. She greets the staff and some courtiers, but she only stops for Lady Ashlin.
“Hi, sweetie,” she says. “Can I pick you up?”
Rose flies up to her. Lady Ashlin hugs her.
“How was school today?” she asks in shadow tongue.
“Good,” Rose says. “I’m out early.”
“That’s always good. It was always my favorite part when I went to school, but I didn’t go in the morning. I always went in the afternoon. Where are you going?”
“To see Harald.”
Lady Ashlin smiles. She strkes Rose’s wing.
“Can you help me avoid the crowd?” Rose asks.
“Sure,” Lady Ashlin says. “I’ll take you to Harald’s suite.”
Lady Ashlin and Rose make their way through the crowded palace halls. Some wave at Lad Ashlin. She waves back with a smile. Rose waves to a few.
They arrive at Harald’s suite a few minutes later. Lady Ashlin knocks on the door.
“Come in,” Harald says.
Lady Ashlin opens the door and they enter the sitting room. She makes her way to the dining room.
“Hey,” Lady Ashlin says as Rose flies off her shoulder. She flies toward Harald, wrapping her wings around him when she lands on his shoulder. “There was a pretty big crowd out there.”
He hugs Rose, kissing the top of her head.
“Hi, baby,” he says. He smiles. “Hi, Ashlin. Thanks for bringing her.”
“Sure,” she says. “I don’t mind. She’s great company.”
Rose nuzzles Harald’s cheek and jumps off his shoulder.
“I’m going to get ready,” she says in shadow tongue.
Lady Ashlin translates.
“Okay, sweetie,” he says.
Rose leaves the suite.
“I should–“
“Why don’t you join us for lunch?” he says. “I’ve done a terrible job at bringing you into the fold. I’m sorry.”
Ashlin smiles. When she came to court, she knew he wouldn’t be able to bring her into the fold. She might be one of his best friends, but he can’t control the court’s feelings toward her. The fact that she’s a minor lady makes it close to impossible for her to fit in here.
“It’s okay,” she says. “I know you’re busy.”
He stands and approaches her. He pulls her into a hug.
“I’m sorry,” he says. “I heard things have been very difficult for you. Are you okay?”
It could be much worse. She could be back home, pretending to be the ward of a father who never wanted to take responsibility for her. At least she can make her own reputation here, even if she won’t be accepted by the high society courtiers.
“I’m okay,” she says. “It’s not so bad. Your moms really like me.”
That’s something. It’s progress as far as she’s concerned. She has the favor of the princesses and Princess Natalie’s wife.
That’s something. It’s progress as far as she’s concerned. She has the favor of the princesses and Princess Natalie’s wife.
Harald smiles.
“Of course they like you,” he says. “Why wouldn’t they?”
Harald has never noticed why people would dislike her. Too blunt. Not feminine enough.
She kisses his cheek, stepping out of his arms.
“Thanks for the invitation,” she says, “but I think you have a long conversation with Rose about the crowd.”
“I do,” he says. “I was supposed to explain last week, but she got sick.”
“She seems okay today.”
“Her reaction to the rain is getting worse.”
Ashlin nods.
“I don’t think it’s going to rain this week,” she says.
“The forecast says it shouldn’t,” he says. “Anyway, can you stay? Besides wanting to spend time with you, I need some help having this conversation with Rose.”
Ashlin nods.
“Alright,” she says. “I’ll help you out.”
Rose enters a few minutes later. She sits between Ashlin and Harald and folds her wings.
They eat lunch in silence.
“I know,” Harald says, “that you’re wondering why there are so many people in the palace.”
Rose nods.
“There’s someone I need to find,” he says, “and they’re helping me. There’s going to be a lot more people”–he picks her up and wraps her in his arms–“but no one is going to hurt you. I promise.”
Rose looks up at him, eyes wide. More people?
“She looks very scared right now,” Ashlin says.
He holds her tightly, considering his next few words.
“How does spending some time with Grandmother Eva sound?” he says. “There will be no cameras there and you know how she is about visitors. Would you like that?”
She hesitantly nods.
“You can also spend some time with Ashlin if you want,” he says.
“I’d be okay with that,” Ashlin says. “I plan to stay very far from the crowd and cameras.” Ashlin smiles. “We can have as many sleepovers as you want.”
Rose smiles.
“By dinner,” he says, “they’ll be done recording.”
Rose nods. Harald kisses the top of her head.
“It’s nap time, my love,” he says. “Do you want to stay in my room?”
She nods, nuzzling his cheek. She unfolds her wings and flies out of the dining room, waving goodbye to Ashlin.
“Sleep well,” Ashlin says.
Harald turns to her.
“What do you think?” he says.
“I think it went well,” she says. “You?”
“Still worried.” He considers. “Did she ever mention to you why she’s hesitant to be around a lot of people?”
“No. Sorry.”
Harald nods.
“So,” he says, “are you sure you’re going to be okay with what I’m assuming will be a lot of time with Rose?”
“Sure,” she says. “I don’t have a problem. I’ll help Princess Eva take care of her.”
“Thanks.”
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I’m currently posting a first draft of a story. However, if you’re interested in seeing what my final products look like, check out my debut, Daughter of Death. It’s available in many retailers, including Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo in eBook and audiobook formats. It’s also available in my shop.
I’ll leave you for now. Make sure to come back for the next chapter.
