Beneath the Periwinkle Sky

Rosalie Deschanel was a simple girl of the 15th century, living in the heart of France. She belonged to a traditionalist family and was fostered by her mother only. During her birth, her father died in an accident. And her mother took the work of her father in De Valois palace. Rosalie often used to accompany her mother.

Her mother, Amelia Deschanel, was a chauvinist and nurtured her with great discipline. From a very young age she was told she is a burden and a bad luck for her mother, and that her mother cannot wait to wed her off. Something she never wished for.

Rosalie was growing up into a beautiful young girl, with moon-eyes and luscious dark brown hair. She wasn’t just a charming girl for her age, she saw the world with a wisdom beyond her years.

Amelia believed her husband died because her daughter brought bad luck with her. She neglected Rosalie in every possible way. Moreover, she convinced Rosalie that she was a satan’s daughter as she was way more appealing than her parents or any other girl in France.

She treated Rosalie in a brutal manner, always belittling her. Punishing her for nothing and everything.

Rosalie routinely spent her nights crying and longing for her mother’s love, and during days, alarmed. She hopelessly wanted to tell her mother she is not at fault. She was even forbidden to talk to anyone.

Every time she tried showing her love to her mom, she was pushed away or being scolded and abused.

One afternoon, when Rosalie was wandering in the garden of the palace, she bumped into a boy of her own age.

“Pardon me, I didn’t see you,” said Adam De Valois.

Adam De Valois was the only heir of the De Valois palace. Brought up with great love and care, and was home schooled.

Seeing Adam, Rosalie turned white. In the midst of summer, she began shivering.

Getting no response, Adam apologized again. But instead of replying Rosalie ran away.

For the next few days, Adam kept visiting the garden at the same hour of the day in hope to see Rosalie again.

At last his wait was over, when one morning he spotted Rosalie observing a plant with keen interest.

“Aren’t they beautiful?” whispered Adam getting close to Rosalie.

Rosalie turned into a stone.

Sensing her nervousness, Adam softly explained to her who he was, why he was here and she was safe with him.

Hearing the politeness in his voice, Rosalie let go of her guard.

“Do you know the name of this purple flower?” asked Adam.

“No,” replied Rosalie

“ I could tell you, if you like,”

“Yes, please,”

“ It is called Lesser Periwinkle. It is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family, native to central and southern Europe.”

Rosalie was quite astonished hearing Adam and being hungry for knowledge she kept asking questions to know more.

Since that moment, they bonded. Over and above that, Roselie started joining Adam in his classes. Adam used to share his books with her and they used to spend hours in the garden chattering about plants.

Over time, Rosalie opened her heart to Adam sharing her misfortunes. Adam encouraged her to seek a life where nothing such was believed and women were safer and empowered during that century.

As she was learning more about the things and cultures of the world, she began picturing her life in another country, living freely and happily.

Being from a poor family, her mother wasn’t able to put enough for her dowry yet. And the moment she turned a teenager, she started working in the palace along with her mom. After working for a few years, she was able to save enough for herself.

When the big day came for Rosalie, she filled in Adam with her plan and all the details, thanking him for everything.

“Adam, here is a small gift for you.”

“For me?”

“Yes, remember one sunny afternoon, when you secretly took me to the beach, and collected all these shells for me?” “I made this bracelet from them, to preserve our friendship and so you never forget me.”

Overwhelmed with emotions Adam replied “I will never forget you. Thank you. I will pray you get the life you dreamt of, and we will always be in touch through letters”

That night, leaving a small message and some hard cash for her mother, Rosalie left France forever to live a life where she isn’t a burden or a bad luck.

It was really hard for her to leave her mother, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to live her life with such misery. With watery eyes and a heavy heart Rosalie sealed the message and the cash envelope. Tying her hair in a bun, closed the door behind her.

Despite knowing it was too dangerous for girls like her to travel alone, she summoned her courage.