"Royal balls are such a bore," Sniffed Gordon.

"I agree, dear brother," Said Rosie, her eyes boring into the souls gliding across the dancefloor; reds, blues, pinks, lavenders, purples and whites bloomed across the cream and green floral-patterned marble floor.

Edward and Thomas could not help but agree with their sibling's statement. Balls were indeed boring, as their friends were often barred from attending, and obnoxious, snooty dukes, princes, princesses and countesses, and many other men and women of 'noble rank' came flocking to the floor instead.

Not only did this bore the four out of their minds; but Frankie forbade them to dance or even speak with any of their guests. Nor were they allowed to sneak away from the ball to their rooms, or even ask to be excused.

"At least it can't get worse than this, right?" Thomas asked bravely, trying to make his siblings feel better about their dire circumstances, but clutched the lace of his gown, fearing their responses.

"It's only just getting started, little Thomas," Gordon said grimly. He did perk up a little as a couple danced past; the lady was dressed in a fuchsia ballgown, and the gentleman in a teal blue suit; but he soon slumped again when they danced past without a word to the royal quartet.

Rosie wondered why he would think that; but it suddenly dawned on her that in addition to the dancing itself, there was a lavish and extravagant feast. This was her favourite part about balls. It reminded her of one of her fondest memories was that when she was 18 years old.

She sighed, allowing her mind to replay the memory.

….

"Rosie, would you mind watching Thomas until his nanny arrives?" Asked 21-year-old Edward.

"Why me?" Rosie asked, confused, as Gordon handed her their little brother. Thomas gave her an adorable, toothy smile; that, combined with his handsome brown curls, made Rosie's heart melt repeatedly.

"Well, Father wants to introduce me to several daughters of his trading allies," Replied her elder brother.

"He's trying to get me married off, too," Grunted Gordon grumpily, before softening his tone. "Do not fret, dear sister; you only need watch him for an hour. If any longer, I'll fire the nanny."

Rosie smiled uncertainly. "O…Okay. Good luck, you two,"

Edward smiled politely, and then King Godred arrived to introduce them to some royal princesses of neighbouring kingdoms; leaving Rosie with their baby brother.

"Well, brother mine, looks like it's just us," She said lovingly.

"Why?" Thomas asked innocently.

"Father wants our brothers to marry princesses." She replied.

"Yuck!" Thomas exclaimed.

"You said it," Agreed Rosie.

….

Meanwhile, Gordon watched as the strange couple from before passed them again. This time, however, the gentleman in teal blue saw Gordon sitting with his two brothers and sister and winked at the prince when his partner wasn't looking.

Gordon's face flushed bright red. Only Thomas seemed to notice this, however- as Edward was looking elsewhere, and Rosie was lost in her daydream.

….

"So, Thomas, what shall we do?" Rosie asked.

"Can we eat?" Thomas asked, hopefully. "I'm hungry."

The princess knew that eating before the king would get them into trouble, but she did have an idea on how she could resolve this. However, it did involve breaking the rules.

"Now, Thomas, I will be back in a minute, okay? Don't tell anyone." She watched as Thomas nodded obediently, before slipping into the kitchen.

…

"Gordon, do you know him?" Thomas asked quietly, so their siblings wouldn't be disturbed. Though it hardly seemed to matter; for they both appeared to be lost in their own worlds.

"No, I do not," Gordon answered, regretfully. "I do not recall seeing him before, actually. I wonder who he is?"

"Shall we ask Edward? He might know," said Thomas thoughtfully.

"No!"

….

Rosie took deep breaths to calm her beating heart as she slipped into the Royal Kitchens, aka the Forbidden Terrain. She tiptoed across the stone floor, making certain that she didn't reveal her presence to the chef or the staff.

At last, her lavender coloured eyes secured their prize; a golden bowl filled with chocolate covered strawberries. She allowed herself to take a small handful of strawberries, and dashed out of the kitchen, where she shared her haul with a delighted Thomas.

….

Despite her getting into trouble with Thomas' nanny for feeding him chocolate before bed, she felt it had been worth it to see him smile; and ever since that night, she always ate chocolate covered strawberries at balls.

….

"So, you think she might try something at her own engagement feast?" Thomas asked uncertainly, causing Rosie to come back to reality with a jolt.

"I know she will try something at the feast, Thomas," Replied Gordon, irritably. "She's up to no good."

Thomas bit his lip, but Rosie spoke up, "I get we're all upset about her becoming our stepmother, but maybe she's just not sure what to do. She is marrying the most powerful man in the land and becoming a second mother for his children. Maybe we should give her a chance."

Gordon balked at her words, and was about to protest when Edward stepped in. "I see nothing wrong with trying Rosie's suggestion." He said carefully. "She is new, and we know little about her."

"But, Edward"-

But the Crown Prince gave Gordon a stern look, and the younger man relented. "Alright." Gordon huffed sulkily, glaring as Frankie, who was dressed in a gorgeous teal coloured ballgown, waltzed past him, her fingers curled round Godred's shoulder like a hawk securing its prey.

Just then, a loud bell chimed half past nine, and Henry strode in, wearing a bright green shirt and a pair of freshly-pressed black trousers. In addition to the Royal Gardener, he also served other duties to the king, such as a valet and announcing the beginning of feasts.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the court, the Royal Feast is served," he announced, bowing respectfully as the King entered the dining room first, with Frankie's arm through his own.

Next to enter were Rosie and her brothers, who swept into the dining room in a diamond formation; Edward in front, Rosie and Gordon side by side, and Thomas at the back. As she passed Henry, Rosie felt a piece of folded paper brush past her fingers. Looking at their friend's face, she saw an urgency in his normally soft and kind jade green eyes which compelled her to accept the note discreetly, tucking it into the sleeve of her gown.

As the four made their way to their seats and sat down near their father and to-be stepmother, waiting for the kitchen staff to bring forth the dishes, the princess read the note.

The handwriting read:

'Proceed with grave caution, Your Majesties. The new Queen has ordered a 'special meal' for you all against our wishes.

With much regrets,

Henry'