Rose and Thorne - Chapter 1

“Aren't you excited? You're meeting your betrothed today!” Daisy said, running the brush through my hair, “And who knows! Maybe he will even turn out to be the love of your life!”

I laugh lightly at her words, rolling my eyes at her in the mirror in front of us. While I am excited for my birthday and the ball, meeting Prince Leif has me nervous. To be betrothed to a man I've never met, and betrothed since I was a babe nonetheless...

I sigh.

Daisy looks at me with concern in her eyes, “What is it, Rosie? Are you okay?” she asks with concern.

I shake myself from my thoughts, smiling up at the handmaiden who has cared for me my entire life, “Yes, just lost in thought. You needed worry about me” I reply. Though I can't stop myself from asking the question still on my mind, “Was my mother betrothed to father like I am to Prince Leif?”

The booming voice of my father replies as he enters the dressing room behind us, “That she was, daughter. Though our parents arranged our marriage and we didn't even know until that day! I was as nervous as a wee baby bird trying to fly. Your mother though, she was so poised and graceful, you'd have never known that it was a surprise to her. It wasn't until that night when I found her teary eyed as she gazed out the window that I knew that she was as rocked by this duty as I was.”

He crossed the room to stand behind me, putting his hands on my shoulders and looking at me through the mirror, “How I wish your mother could be here today, I know she would have the right words to say to you. But Prince Leif is an honorable man, and by announcing the wedding today, it will give the kingdom something to look forward to! This uniting of our kingdoms will bring prosperity back to the land, and this by your hands, Rose. I know that you will make me so proud.” He pats the top of my head and turns to leave, “I'll be just outside. Finish getting ready so that you can make your grand entrance!”

I look at Daisy and she sighs, “Well, let me redo your hair that, ahem, somehow got tousled and let's get you in your dress.”

The silence draws on while Daisy fusses over me, but it isn't an uncomfortable silence. Unlike with my father where I must be perfect at all times, I know I can let my guard down with Daisy. She helped raise me after my mother passed and has been with me every day since. While I have seen others in court not pay their handmaidens much mind, I love Daisy dearly.

She hums while she puts the finishing touches on my appearance for that night and I can't help but smile at the familiar tune. Almost effortlessly, she braids my red plaits atop my head, my circlet resting perfectly atop them. She helps me into my dress, tightening the straps of the corseted top to the point of my nearly not breathing. The pale pink fabric cascades down, feeling like water on my skin. It looks akin to rose petals and a can't help but marvel at it in the mirror. I make a mental note to send a word of thanks to the royal seamstress for her beautiful work. Daisy slips a matching petaled mask upon my face for the masquerade ball and smiles at me, slightly teary eyed.

She pats my cheek, “As beautiful as ever, Rosie.” she says. I take her hand in mine and hold it to my cheek for a moment, smiling at her. Quietly through the hall we can hear music from the ballroom. I sigh again, accepting the inevitable as I walk towards the door.

Before I open the door, I turn to Daisy. “You know, I'm sure there's another mask around here somewhere. You should enjoy yourself tonight, too!” I smile at her, “Please? For me?”

She laughs, looking down at her work clothes. “You know I can't say no to you, love. Plus, I have to be there to see you meet the man of your dreams, right?” she winks at me.

I roll my eyes and step out into the hall where my father is waiting for me. His face is mostly covered by a mask that is reminiscent of violet petals. He smiles, his eyes twinkling as he looks at me, “Well my daughter, let's not keep the festivities waiting any longer.” He offers me his arm.

“ Shall we?” he says.

I take his arm, the nervousness truly setting in now. I stand up straighter, holding my head high. Half of the kingdom must be here, I think to myself. I must be the perfect lady. Like my father always says, I am representing the kingdom at every moment. And every moment I must be the perfect princess. Live up to my mother's memory, to my father's expectations.

The sound of the ballroom as the doors were opened jolts me out of my thoughts. I put a small smile on my face and let myself be led inside.

“Announcing my daughter, Princess Rose.” My father voice booms, silencing the ballroom in a moment, “We come together today to celebrate not only her 18th birthday and her stepping into her role in court, but also to announce the date of her wedding to Prince Leif of the Arbor kingdom one month from today! Celebrate and make merry this day!”

The applause drowns me.