The Rose that Waits

Asher, I know you never loved me.

Or did you?

I thought you loved me, more than anything.

Then why?

You knew my family was ready to hand me over to Lord Augustus, but you still didn't come to ask for my hand. You decided not to take a step further for my sake. You could've come and held my hand, looked in my eye, and said:

"Rose, don't worry! You're mine and mine alone. Take my hand and let's go. Far away, where we can be together, forever."

I would've left everything behind for you and rushed into your arms. I just wanted to let you know that you never tried to do that. You chose to seal your lips when it was time for you to speak, for you to say,

"Rose, I Love You"

How hard were those 3 words?

I can say those a thousand times:

I LOVE YOU, ASHER

Because I'm not afraid of anyone. I'm not a coward like you! I can't let anyone decide my partner and soulmate. Not even my father, King Bruce. But you were brave, weren't you? You used to fight for me like I was the only person you cared for in this world.

When did you become such a coward to not come on the day when King Bruce announced my marriage to someone else?

Someone else? 💔

How could you even bear hearing my name being associated with someone else?

Asher, you weren’t like this… I know the Asher who wouldn’t let any girl in the castle touch him because, in his eyes, only one girl mattered: Rose. It was always me, Asher.

Tell me, Asher,

If you think this love is one-sided, then what about the time when Queen Aris raised her hand to slap me, and you stopped her, knowing it could cost you your life? What about when my father, King Bruce, sent all the Guardians to find medicine for me when I was ill? Everyone else returned empty-handed, but you came back with scars and bites, yet still brought me the remedy I needed.

Tell me, how could such acts come from anything less than love?

You were 8 when I was 5.

You cared for me as I was your life.

You taught me to write when you were still a kid

You had feelings for me, Why did you hide?

You promised me you'd be mine, forever

How could I be someone else's? Never!

Do you remember when you told me I wasn’t brave? When we played hide and seek, I’d start crying if you hid for more than a minute, terrified of losing you.

Look at me now, Asher.

See how brave I’ve become?

I've left everything for you!

Yesterday, the Royal call told me to prepare. The bridesmaids came to transform me into a bride no one would ever see.

So, I became the most beautiful bride, ready to be married off.

Then I ran. I left the castle.

A rebel?

Yeah, maybe I am.

I didn't need 'Royal Treatment' and those fancy carriages to carry me.

All I ever wanted was your care and love, reflected in both your words and actions. I just wanted your back to lean on, to hop onto, and let you carry me through it all.

Today, I wait for you. For you to answer all my questions.

Asher! Come and prove me wrong. Come and tell me that I was wrong when I said, "You Don't Love Me".

Asher, I feel cold... I feel dead inside... Please, carry your Rose and take her to your tiny house. Take me close to your heart.

Wrap me in your arms and don't let me go, ever!

Where have you gone, Asher? Where?

Come Back, Your Rose Misses your innocent and almost breathtaking face. Your Rose misses your soft hands.

Come Back, Asher. I need you!

Rose folded the letter and sent one of her Royal guards to deliver it to Asher. King Bruce had sent this guard to take care of his daughter, no matter the disputes.

The next day, Drolva, the Royal Guard, returned with a letter.

A letter?

Maybe from Asher...

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Author's Note:

Do you want to read Asher's Letter?

It's been uploaded by Jesse aka Rowan Finley. He's an incredible writer, an amazing person, and someone who truly knows how to weave emotions into words!

Read it now, 'cause you don't wanna miss Asher's response ;)

Part 2: