Chapter Fourteen.
Two Weeks later.
I had never been so busy in my entire life.
I seemed to never stop running.
Get this thing, grab that; why were all these things on the complete opposite side of the palace from each other?
On the positive side, I did now know that layout of the palace like the back of my hand.
On the negative side, I never thought I was going to have enough breath in my lungs ever again.
Just as I would cross one task off my monumental to-do list, someone would come up to me with another. I hadn't quite learned all the servant's names yet, but I was getting there slowly.
There was Mrs Chambers, the housekeeper, and her small army of helpers, that included, but was not limited to; Mary, Ellen, Bessie, Philippa, Rosie, Tilly, Violet, Annie, and that other one with the frizzy hair that never seemed to want to be tied up that I could never remember the name of.
And they were just the maids.
There were also countless footmen, gardeners, guards and groomsmen, all under the control of Mr Lupton. I had seen them around, but not had any time to meet them properly.
But to be fair to them, they also had a lot of us to meet as well. I did have a ridiculous number of siblings.
Most of them had worked at the palace before. A small handful of them had worked for Duke Knox, all those years ago, and so knew Bianca well. The others who had worked there had been under Nerissa, but a fair number of them knew Scarlett as well. The pair of them had greeted their old servants as friends, and Scarlett in particular was eager to catch up on all the gossip she had missed in the past few months.
That had been the last time I had time to spare. Daniel, Alexander and I had also been introduced to everyone, but a lot of them wanted to talk to the Knox sisters, which was to be expected.
How I wish I had time now.
For some reason, either the housekeeper or the butler, had decided that due to the fact that I was 'Lady Thorne', I was qualified to make all these decisions about the event. Which colour fabric to drape from the walls, which flowers to display, and which vases to display them in. Then there were rooms to organise, and guests to invite, musicians to employ and host for the night.
Scarlett had offered to help, but her nausea had started to get worse and worse, making her bed ridden for most of the day. Alexander was about as much help as a pillow when it came to organising as he was so distracted by Scarlett's condition constantly. And Daniel had decided to dedicate his time to impressing as many maids as possible. I was about ready to hit him, but I didn't have time. When I confronted him about it, he argued that he deserved a break after living in a military camp for several weeks. I didn't have the energy to point out we had all been living there, so I left him too it.
And poor Bianca.
I hardly saw her. She was possibly even busier than I was. She had the monumental task of actually ruling the county. There were petitions and permits to sign, legal documents to ratify and taxes to keep count of. And she also had to figure out some way to undo all the changes Nerissa had made in the past six years. Many of the changes disadvantaged the already poor lowborns, and could not simply be overturned by Bianca's signature. There were highborns to meet with, and trade agreements to sort out.
I did not envy her task at all.
But, with Scarlett unwell, and my brothers not being very useful, it was left to me to organise the event.
I had been glad to do it. To take some of the stress of Bianca.
However, having never planned a highborn event before, and especially not one was important as this…the stress was starting to get to me.
Thankfully, a week after Nerissa was dragged from the Palace, Daniel set off with two carriages and a cart. And returned the next evening with five children.
I hadn't seen them in a month, and my heart soared to see Gwen run up the Palace steps to fling her arms around my stomach.
She was ten now, we had missed her birthday a few days ago. She squealed with excitement as she was shown her new home, her brown curls bouncing as she ran down one of the long corridors.
Robbie had been equally as excited, and had greeted me quickly, before chasing after our little sister, determined to not let her win at whatever competition they currently were playing.
Tom and Richard simply stood in wonder at their new home. Tom's mouth fell open, but Richard seemed to be surveying it, trying to commit as much as he could to his mind already. I had an inkling that I wouldn't understand what was going on in his head at the moment, but presumed it was something well beyond my own capabilities.
And finally, Clara almost fell into my arms.
'Don't ever leave me alone with them again. I can't take much more of it.' She complained.
'They're not that bad!' I countered.
She heaved.
'They are when Gwen is pushed into a puddle of mud by Robbie, and not only screams loud enough that the whole village can hear, but then also falls onto the carpet and refuses to move. It took me three days to scrub the mud out! THREE DAYS!'
'And what do you think we've been doing? Attending balls and wearing pretty dresses?' I argued.
'Not yet, but isn't that next week?' Clara asked excitedly, her previous hardship forgotten instantly at the prospect of a ball.
I rolled my eyes at my sister.
'You're not predictable at all.' I said sarcastically.
'I am well aware I am predictable. That shouldn't matter, I want a ball!'
'And one we shall have, once I get everything organised.' I replied, trying to sound optimistic, but knowing how much left there was to do.
'I want to know everything. But first, where the hell is Alexander?' She demanded.
I sighed.
'Daniel told you? You know he did that just to annoy Alexander.'
'That's not the point! Why am I always the last person to hear about these things?'
'You're not always last! Do the little ones know?'
Clara stumbled for a moment.
'That's not the point!' She argued.
'You weren't here! He's not magic, you know. We can't speak mind to mind! And you know now, so does it really matter?'
'Oh Marion, so naïve. The question of my niece of nephew does matter!' She said, turning around and running into the palace.
'How am I more naïve than you? I'm four years older?' I argued, running after her. 'And do you even know where you are going?'
'Also, not the point Marion!' She said, keeping up quite an impressive pace. So impressive in fact, that I had to stop and shouted to her.
'Top of the stairs, down to the left and forth door on the right.'
Clara grinned wickedly, and then disappeared out of sight.
Eventually, I did manage to catch up and stood outside Alexander and Scarlett's room while I heard Clara scream at Alexander in anger, but squeal at Scarlett with delight. The two of them had missed each other, that much was obvious. I just smiled on the other side of the door. In the end Alexander left the two of them to catch up and walked out, while massaging the clearly smacked back of his head.
'I'll get you back for this.' He joked, spotting me outside. 'Couldn't you have slowed her down a bit? Or warned me?'
I only shrugged.
'Can anything stop her?'
Alexander sighed.
'Right, I supposed there's no putting off telling the rest of them. Where are they?'
We tracked them all down, told them the news, and then showed them to their new rooms.
Bianca had offered for us all to live in the palace with her, as payment for letting her live with us for the past year. And considering she had more than enough space for us all, we accepted.
I didn't really like the idea of going back to Rault anyway. It was so far away from Bianca, and I never really fitted back in there. Also, Scarlett seemed to want to stay with her sister and have her baby in comfort, and not in the cramped cottage they had back in Rault. And if Scarlett stayed, Alexander stayed. We would all have been split up.
So, the alternative was living in a Palace. How hard for us all.
We were never again going to go hungry, or have to wear our clothes until they were threadbare.
We were going to live like Highborns again.
And after all we had been through with Nerissa, I didn't feel the least bit guilty about becoming wealthy. We had earned it, and now, I was going to enjoy it.
But now, after living in the palace for two weeks, almost everything was organised. It had taken every waking second, but I had done it.
The cook had been informed of the menu, and was working on the food right now. The guests had been invited, and those who were staying overnight had been assigned a room, which had been cleaned out. The musicians, the decoration, the two thousand candles were all in position to be lit. And somehow, I had also managed to get all my siblings fitted for clothes, as well as Scar and Bea.
There were only the last minute touches that needed putting in place. Like the flowers that I was currently holding, which needed to be place in the vase by the window.
They had only been picked this morning, in order that they weren't half dead by the time the ball started this evening. A lovely bouquet of red roses, at Bianca's request, I carefully placed in the glass vase. She said that it had been her mother's favourite flower, and she wanted as much of her mother here today, to wipe out all traces of Nerissa. I wholeheartedly agreed.
There was little over an hour until the ceremony started, and I still wasn't dressed. Guests had already begun to arrive, and Scarlett had been the given the task of greeting them. I would have done, but there were too many other things for me to get done that I had to delegate that task. Also, Scarlett had been a highborn all her life, she knew how to do these things. I didn't.
I could be polite, but I didn't know the proper way to address highborns by rank, who to curtsey to or not to. Scarlett would do a much better job than me.
Many of the maids around me were also working hard to put the final polish on everything. They were all wearing their smartest dresses, with aprons over the top to keep them clean. They were in no danger of being confused with the highborns. Not after some of the dresses I saw some ladies in. I thought they must all have been in a competition with each other as to who can show off the most wealth on a dress. Some actually had jewels sown into the fabric of the dress, not just around their necks or on their ears.
Some of them look hideous. But I kept that opinion to myself. Today was not a day to think of anything but Bianca.
This was all for her. It was her day. I wasn't going to ruin it by talking about someone else's dress behind their back. As much as they deserved it.
I moved the flowers around a little, pushing the more blossomed ones to the front.
'Lady Marion, we have this in hand.' One of the maids said from behind me. I turned to see Annie stood there. 'You should change.'
I glanced down to see my usual brown dress still on me. Clara had been in her new dress since she had awoken.
'Are you sure there's nothing else to be done?' I asked.
Annie nodded.
'Yes. You're going to be late if you don't go now.' She insisted.
I sighed.
'Alright. Thank you.'
'Go!' She pushed me forward, making me smile. I liked Annie, she had a good sense of humour. And she didn't seem intimidated by my title. She just saw me for what I was, a lowborn with good luck.
Running down the corridor, I pulled at the strings holding my apron on. I had less than an hour to get ready for possibly one of the most important events of my life.
Getting ready in a short space of time was something that I had done before. My wedding day came to mind. But the standard was a little higher here. I wasn't getting changed in the middle of the forest, but in a grand palace. I had only James to impress that day, but here, I had far too many pair of eyes on me.
I was the lowborn friend, whose brother had married one of the highest born women in the country. It didn't take a genius to work out that we were going to be the subject of much gossip today. Add that to all the rumour that were going around about how Bianca rose from the dead, it was no surprise that many lords and ladies had responded to the invitation. The main hall was going to be packed with people all desperate to get a glance at the miraculous Duchess.
We all knew it was going to be a trying day.
I ran back to my room, pulling the apron off as I strode through the door. My room was just as grand as it had been in Thorne manor. Large and painted dark green and gold, it had been one of the few guest rooms in the east wing of the palace. The Knox family had generally lived on this side of the palace, and the guests had been traditionally housed in the remaining three wings. Bianca had taken her father's room, Scarlett and Alexander had moved into her old chamber. I had been given one of the other rooms, as well as Gwen, who now lived in the nursery. She very much liked living in a room full of toys and space to play. We knew that in a few years she would be too big to live there, but by that point, we would have another little Brown that could live there. If not several (Scarlett had already hinted that she wanted this little one to have at least one other sibling…)
Daniel, Clara, Richard, Tom and Robbie had all been given their own rooms in the South wing. Where they were no doubt all getting ready now.
My dress was already draped over the wardrobe door, and had been since last night. The silk rustled as I pulled it down. I changed as quickly as I could, my fingers fumbling over the buttons and my old brown dress was left in a puddle on the floor. I didn't have time to pick it up.
It was an unusual dress for me. Yellow silk. I nearly always dressed in dark or earthly tones, mainly because I couldn't afford anything else. But even the ball gowns I had owned had been shades of green and blue.
But this dress, the slightly muted yellow tone, contrasted nicely with my dark brown hair. Or at least that was what the seamstress had said. I think it was one of the fabric in the shop she hadn't seemed to be able to get rid of so had pushed it at me. However, I rather liked it.
It reminded me that today was a day of celebration and joy. We had won, and it was time to revel in our victory. Now was the time for happiness, no more darkness.
I never wanted any more darkness. I'd had enough for several lifetimes.
Moving to the small dressing table, I pinned my hair back out of my eyes and secured a golden chain in my hair. My emerald still hung against my neck, as it had been since this morning. That was the only jewellery I wore. I knew I would stand out from all the other guests, but I didn't care. I wasn't like them anyway.
A quick brush of powder over my cheeks and rouge on my lips and I was done.
I looked rather pretty, even if I did have to say it myself. Not beautiful, but I would never be that. But still…pretty.
A knock came at the door.
'It's open.' I shouted, pulling a lock of hair over my shoulder.
The door swung open and I saw Clara lean through the doorway.
'I can't get Gwen's hair to stay put. And she keeps trying to spin around in her new dress. Can you give it a go?'
She looked beautiful. And I wasn't sure if that was just because I was happy today, or that she was my sister, but I thought she had never looked better. She clearly had taken a great deal of pride in her appearance today. Her peach dress made her look stunning. She was truly going to be the belle of the ball, as she had always dreamed of being.
I sighed.
'Fine.' I said, pushing myself up. 'You round up Richard, Tom and Robbie. And possibly Daniel, if he hasn't moved yet.'
'I can't run in this dress!' Clara complained.
'What do you think I've been doing all day! And will be doing! You can manage shouting at them to hurry up, I hope.' I retaliated, following my sister down the corridor.
Clara mumbled something about letting her have the day off, but turned off towards the south wing, while I made my way to the door of the nursery.
'Gwen? Come on, we don't have all day.' I told her, spotting her sitting on the rocking horse on the other end of the room. She looked like a little princess in her blue gown.
'Look Marion! I'm a lady riding on her horse.' She said, waving politely with her hand.
'Well, you have to be a lady at the ceremony, but without the horse.' I said, pulling her down from the rocking horse. 'Now, stand still, or we're all going to be late, and Bianca won't be happy.'
'But it hurts when Clara brushes my hair!' Gwen complained, as I made her sit at the dressing table.
'I'm not Clara.'
'It hurts when you do it too.'
'Well tough. That's just what it's like to be a girl with nice hair.' I told her, attempting to tame her curls.
After that, Gwen was quiet. I secured her hair out of her eyes with a blue ribbon, and then took her hand and dragged her out of the nursery. We didn't have much time to get down to the hall. We almost ran down stone corridors and across small meeting rooms until we managed to get to the entrance hall outside the main hall.
There was still quite a sizable crowd of Highborn lords and ladies waiting to be greeted by Scarlett. I pushed past them all, waving briefly to Scarlett with my free hand. Alexander was stood by her side, looking very dashing in his new navy blue jacket and his hair combed back for a change.
Even I had to admit that the main hall looked rather good.
I had designed the entire thing. And I took great pride in it.
Flowers of all sort stood proudly in vases. Patterned cloth hung from the high ceiling, and candles stood ready to be lit once the sun began to set.
All the crockery that was to be used for best was out, as was all the fine vases and candelabras. Everything had been polished at least three times until it shone like the sun, and everything had been placed in precisely the correct spot, down to the inch.
As it was my first time, I wanted to leave a good impression. And to also make sure that Bianca would be letting me do this again. Maybe without so much pressure on me this time.
However, the nerves were still trapped inside me. I thought they would have gone by now. Maybe once the ceremony and ball were over, maybe then….
Gwen was pulling on my hand now. I'd gotten so lost in looking around at my work that I hadn't seen the rest of my family already in place.
I couldn't help but smile at how smart they all looked. All of us, in our new clothes, ready to celebrate the victory we had won. Our entire family, back together.
There were moments on that horrid day that I thought that we would never be all together again. That we would have to go home and pass on the news that Bianca or Scarlett hadn't made it back. It would have killed me to tell them that.
But all of that was behind us now.
'This shirt itches. I don't like it.' Robbie complained, pulling it away from the skin of his neck.
'Mine does too.' Tom added.
'Well, tough. You all look smart, and you are going to keep those clothes this clean, or there will be trouble. The poor maids need a break after all they've done for the past two weeks.'
'But I don't want to stand still, or go to the ball if we can't do anything!' Robbie complained.
'We're doing it for Bea. Just behave through the ceremony and after an hour at the ball, you can go back to the nursery to get changed, and then you can do whatever you want.' I proposed. 'Does that sound reasonable?'
Robbie shrugged, but he didn't look too happy about it. Tom just nodded.
They had all been made new jackets, waistcoats, trousers and shirts. Robbie's had been made with the same fabric as Alexander's, whereas Richard and Tom's were a dark brown colour. Daniel had decided to stand out with his forest green jacket, and as already scanning the room for pretty girls. He'd already tried out his charms on several maids, but hadn't had much luck.
We had a spot right at the front. Family of the Duchess. I allowed myself to feel a little smug that we were the guests of honour here, not all these highborns.
The room only continued to get more and more crowded.
Eventually, familiar faces began to join us.
Antony strode over to where we were standing, a large grin from ear to ear. He too was dressed for the occasion, and had been staying the palace for the past two days. He had his own room, but it was the worst kept secret in the palace that he hadn't been sleeping there.
He was then joined by Christopher, who brought a rather special guest.
My heart leapt at the sight of a very small person toddling along by his side.
'Well, hello there!' I said, bending down a little.
A small boy, only about as high as Christopher's knee glanced up to me with big brown eyes. Familiar eyes. Eyes of someone I used to see every day.
The little boy blinked.
'Say hello Jonathan! This is your Aunt Marion!' Christopher pushed his son forward.
Baby Jonathan's lip trembled as he tried to hide behind his father's leg.
'It's little Jonathan!' Gwen squealed. 'He's all big!'
'Daddy?' Jonathan asked, reaching his hands up, clearly wanting to be lifted.
'Why have you gone all shy? This is your Aunt!' Christopher told the small boy, lifting him into his arms.
'Look at you Jonathan! You're all grown up, and a big brother now. How smart you look!' I said to him in a high voice.
'Ellie's not here. She's too small.' Jonathan told me. 'With Mummy.'
I glanced up to Christopher.
'He's very bright, isn't he!' I said.
'Oh yes. You're a very clever boy, aren't you! And a lovely big brother!' Christopher cooed. Jonathan smiled while his shoulder's rose up to his ears. Behind me, I heard Clara loose an 'aww.' My own heart felt very full seeing Christopher and his son.
Even though I was not his godmother, I still felt a connection with Jonathan. I was there when he had been born, had heard his first cries in the world.
And of course, I had been close to his actual Godfather.
James had loved Jonathan. He had adored this small boy. That day that Christopher and Ella had visited Thorne Manor, it was plainly obvious that James loved the little toddler. And as he never got to have any children of his own, I knew he would have treasured him.
And that would have made him my godchild. And I would have treasured him as well.
I truly did feel a sense of loss that I hadn't seen him in over a year. That this feud between me and his mother had prevented me for being a part of his life.
But at least now, there was hope I might be able to see him more often, through Christopher. And maybe, one day, I might meet his sister, Eleanor Cecily. Christopher had told me that she looked like her grandmother, the late Lady Eleanor. Or at least, according to Ella. I had always liked Lady Eleanor; she had died too young. As had too many people in my life.
But Jonathan was here now. This beautiful, smart little boy was here, that was what I should have been focusing on.
'Right, come on Jonathan. The ceremony will be starting soon. Say goodbye.' Christopher said.
'Bye bye.' Jonathan said, waving, 'Aunty Marion.'
My heart felt like it was going to burst.
Jonathan's eyes didn't leave my own as his father led him away, his head resting on his shoulder. I waved a little at him, as did a few other of my siblings.
'Can't he stay here? I just want to…I don't know the word.' Clara said. 'He's just so adorable.'
'He really is.' Tom said.
'Can we play with him after the ball. He'd like the toys in the nursery.' Gwen pleaded.
'I'll ask Christopher later. It'll be starting any moment now.' I told her.
'Speaking of that.' Daniel noted, inclining his head towards the door.
Two footmen had closed the door, and all the highborns had taken the hint and moved to their assigned seats. On the end, Richard sat, then Tom, Robbie and Gwen.
'Move over, I want to sit next to Alexander.' Daniel announced.
'You want to be within sight of that blonde over there.' I mumbled, knowing exactly why Daniel wanted to be in that seat. It was about as subtle as a hammer.
I sat next to Gwen, while Daniel shifted into the seat next to me.
Alexander and Scarlett would be joining us later. They were due to come in last. To make sure there wasn't anyone else who needed greeting if they arrived late.
My hands started sweating. Maybe I should have gone to see her. I should have been outside with her. She was no doubt a nervous wreck, and I wasn't there to support her.
What if she didn't like the decoration? What if I had forgotten something? What if I had messed everything up.
The doors at the back opened, and a handsome couple strode down the middle of the hall.
A radiant red head, and my brother walked past all the seated highborns to the front of the room, heads held high, and arms clasped together. Scarlett looked stunning in a burgundy dress that complimented her hair amazingly well. They reached the front, and then took the two empty seats of the end of our row.
'They've arrived?' I whispered to Scarlett.
She nodded.
'Yes, they're both outside now.'
'And how's Bea?'
Scarlett beamed.
'As ready as she'll ever be. I never thought this day would come!'
I nodded.
'Well, it arrived.' I told her.
The footmen at the back of the hall gave the signal, and the two trumpeters took a breath and began to play.
The entire room fell silent to listen.
The fanfare was short, but familiar. I'd heard it once before, at the royal court that day Scarlett and I had gone.
It was really here. This was happening.
After all this time, the day had arrived.
The Fanfare ended, and the trumpeters lowered their instruments. I swivelled around in my chair to face the back, as did many other lords and ladies.
The door opened, and another handsome couple stood in full view of the crowd.
This time, they wore matching silver clothes, as well as silver crowns on their heads.
We all rose to our feet out of respect.
As the Crown Princess and Prince made their way down the centre of the Main hall.
The moment they began to pass, lords and ladies sunk into low bows and curtseys.
They looked truly regal. Like they had been born to it.
It was quite remarkable, the transformation in Rose since the first time I met her. She had changed when I saw her at the palace, but now, without her parents around, she really shone.
The lost princess, now found and happy.
Philip smiled politely as he passed through all the assembled people. He looked just the same as he had while he had been in charge of the war camp.
Calm, controlled, collected.
But now, he looked happy. Not weighed down by decision making, or strategies, or command.
He deserved it. He had been a good leader, looked after us all, and ensured our victory. We owed him a great deal for today. We had tried to thank him in the days after Nerissa's defeat, but he had told us that no thanks were necessary. He had only done what he would do for anyone suffering the greatest injustice. And he said he would have done the same for any of his friends. Or his friend's wives.
That night we moved in, we had stayed up late. All of us, and Philip had raised a solemn toast to friends no longer here. To friends who would have been here if they could have been. We all knew exactly who he meant.
Rose and Philip strode past us, and we all bowed with respect. Even Gwen lowered his head as she curtsied.
They reached the front and turned around to face us all. Philip loosened his grip on his wife, and stepped forward.
'Greetings, to all.' He started, his voice clear and steady. 'And thank you, for joining us on this special occasion. Please, be seated.'
At his command, everyone took their seats.
'Today, we celebrate the end of a great injustice.' He announced. 'An injustice that began almost six years ago, at the tragic loss of the late Duke Knox. His murderer went unpunished, in fact rewarded, and twisted the truth to protect herself. But, in the end, through hard work and dedication, she was brought to justice, and the situation righted. I can only thank the men and women who worked with me at the siege, for their patience and loyalty. It is thanks to them that we stand here victorious.'
There were a few mumbles from the back. I wasn't sure if that was in agreement of his statement, or in opposition.
'Without further ado, it is my privilege to present one of the most remarkable women I have ever known. The rightful successor to Duke Thomas Knox; his daughter, Bianca Knox.'
I couldn't contain the enormous grin that spread over my face.
Everyone turned around as the large doors at the back of the room opened once more, and a single figure stood proudly, confidently waiting.
She wore a new silk dress of deep purple, her hair unbound for once. She looked like a proper lady, a real highborn Duchess. Her eyes remained fixed ahead of her, and her chin was raised.
She looked surprisingly…feminine. Which was something I'd never seen her look. Not even at Scarlett's wedding, she'd had her hair up then but she had worn a dress. If I hadn't known her so well, I would have thought that this was her usual attire. She wore it well. But she had been raised in the knowledge that she would be a Duchess one day, so she had no doubt been trained for it.
Bianca took her first step, her dress trailing behind her.
My heart soared.
This was it.
I had never been so proud of anything in my life.
Than seeing my greatest friend proudly walk towards her destiny. That was right in front of her for the taking.
After all she had suffered and fought for. She had earned this, tenfold.
This was what we had dreamed of.
Bianca had reached the middle of the room now, a controlled smile on her face.
But I…I was blinking back tears.
Her father would have been so proud of her. Here she was, becoming the woman she was meant to be.
All the hiding and terror and fear was behind her. All the injustice overturned and put right.
It all seemed too good to be true.
Something was finally going right for us. That was a rare thing in itself.
Bianca reached the front of the crowd, and allowed her eyes to drift over to where we were sat.
I only beamed, but I saw Scarlett nod, and Gwen waved to her sister in law. Bianca just raised her eyebrows at us.
She stopped about three steps ahead of me, in front of the carved, golden decorated throne that we had happily dragged Nerissa out of two weeks ago. Then, after a deep breath, she ascended the two step Dias and turned to face us.
The princess stepped to her side.
'In her parent's place, Princess Rose will conduct the ceremony.' Philip announced, glancing to his wife.
Rose smiled.
'Are you Bianca Knox, daughter of Duke Thomas and Duchess Elizabeth Knox?' She asked.
'I am.' She replied, her voice shaking a little.
'Are you your father's heir?'
'I am.'
'And are you ready and willing to take on the duties and responsibilities of this Dukedom?'
'I am.' She said for the final time.
'Then sit.' Rose told her.
Bianca smoothly lowered herself into the seat. Rose then turned to address us.
'And do you, the gathered Nobility of the land, accept Bianca's claim.'
'We do.' Everyone replied in unison. I had never spoken truer words.
Rose turned back to Bianca.
'Please repeat after me.' She asked Bianca, with a small smile.
'I, Bianca Knox; daughter and heir of Duke Thomas Knox.'
'I, Bianca Knox; daughter and heir of Duke Thomas Knox.'
'Vow to govern fairly, judge justly, and protect all peoples of this county.'
Bianca took a subtle deep breath.
'Vow to govern fairly, judge justly, and protect all peoples of this county.'
'I vow to devote my life to my people.'
'I vow to devote my life to my people.' Bianca repeated.
'To uphold the laws and traditions of this great country.'
Bianca repeated.
'To be loyal to the royal house of Valorian'
'To be loyal to the royal house of Valorian'
'And to serve the citizens of this county and country to the best of my ability.'
Bianca hands shook as she said.
'And to serve the citizens of this county and country to the best of my ability.'
I knew her hands were shaking from nerves, not from anything else. She had been terrified of this day, and had told us all on multiple occasions. To have all eyes on her, knowing that she could not mess up.
Rose smiled kindly at my friend, as she moved away from Bianca and took the object that a servant was holding up on a pillow.
'Do you take this sceptre, as a symbol of your power to rule your people?'
'I do.' Bianca said, as Rose lay it in her arms.
'And do you take this ring, bearing the emblem of your family, to do as your ancestors did before you, ruling justly and fairly?'
'I do.' Bianca said, with a slightly uneven voice.
Rose reached forward, and pushed the ring onto Bianca's forefinger.
I saw the corner of Bianca's eyes begin to mist.
It was her father's ring. She had seen him wear it her entire life. And now it was hers; now and forever.
'As the Crown Princess of this kingdom, I hereby declare you…'
My joy almost burst from my heart.
'Duchess Bianca Knox. Ruler of this county'. Rose announced.
The Fanfare began again, this time with a new tune that I didn't recognise.
A Fanfare for a Duchess.
I could hardly think past my happiness.
Bianca too was overjoyed.
Her lip was trembling. A tell-tale sign that she was trying very hard to keep an expression hidden. I had seen it on her face many times before, although it usually meant she was upset. But anyone could tell she was the furthest away from upset you could be.
I, however, couldn't control myself.
Tears of pure joy flooded my eyes.
She had done it.
Now, and forever more, she was the Duchess.
She had done all she had set out to do.
She had inherited her father's title, deposed of his murder, and seen the injustice righted.
After all this pain and suffering, it was all over.
I had never been prouder of anyone in my entire life. She had achieved her greatest ambition through untold difficulty and hardship.
And I'd had the absolute privilege of being by her side. Maybe it hadn't always been so amazing. The moment she had died came to mind.
But she was here now.
Duchess Bianca Knox.
Ruler of the county.
And my greatest friend.
In her rightful place, as she should always have been.
We had won.
This was our happily ever after. This was it, the moment we had all been working for.
So, I allowed myself to cry with joy.
There were few moments in life where it was acceptable. And I had shed enough tears for sorrow.
For once, let them be happy.
For that was what I was.
Utterly overjoyed.
The Fanfare ended and the assembled crowd all began to chant.
'Long live the King. Long live the Duchess.'
More tears slipped from my eyes, and I saw the first slip from Bianca's as we all joined in.
'Long live the Duchess.'
'Long live Duchess Bianca.'
Long live Duchess Bianca indeed.
The chant then died away, and silence once again ruled.
'If I may offer my congratulations to the new Duchess?' Rose asked politely. 'But there is another ceremony I have been instructed to perform, at the request of my parents and husband.'
We all sat stunned at this.
No one had told us anything else was going to happen.
Why had no one said anything.
I wiped my eyes and glanced frantically towards Philip, who happened to be looking in the right direction at that moment.
He only smiled knowingly, and offered no explanation.
'With your permission, Duchess Bianca?' Rose asked.
Bianca looked as stunned as we all were, and nodded.
'The story of the taking of this palace has been told again and again at the royal palace. An account of great bravery and loyalty through a most difficult time.'
She glanced down to us for a short moment, but then turned her attention back to the crowd.
'It is the opinion of myself and the royal family, that those involved should be rewarded for their efforts. For they have surely earned them.'
My heart began to pound. There were only a few people here that had been present on the day that the Palace had been taken.
Philip; but he couldn't really be rewarded much more. He was the crown prince, what more could they possibly give him?
Christopher was a Duke. Without making him a member of the royal family, there was nowhere else he could rise too.
That left Antony, Lord Edward…
And us.
Me, Alexander, Daniel and Scarlett.
We were the only ones here who had been there that day.
What were they planning?
Rose gave a knowing smile.
'Lord Edward Knighton.' She called.
I hadn't noticed him arrive.
But there he was, on the other side of the hall, sat the row behind us.
He stood, also with a shocked look on his face. It was a little comforting to know that he too had been surprised by this.
I noticed his wife was sat by his side. Lady Annette looked as familiar as ever, but with one large exception. There was a noticeable bump in her belly. A little brother or sister for Henry.
I still felt a great admiration for her. For breaking that damned curse. I owed her so much, and even more now that she had let her husband help us. He had brought us the information that had made it possible for Nerissa to be removed.
'Please, approach.'
Lord Edward looked completely oblivious as to what was happening as he slowly walked toward the princess.
Rose turned towards her husband, who handed her a sealed scroll.
'Lord Edward Knighton. In recognition of your service to the crown, and to Duchess Knox, we here bestow you with three hundred acres of land bordering your estate.' The princess announced, presenting the scroll to Lord Edward.
He almost stopped cold with shock, before recovering his senses and bowed before the princess.
'Thank you, your highnesses.' He managed to utter. 'And your grace.'
Bianca nodded, clearly just going along with it. She was just as surprised as we all were. Rose and Philip took his thanks graciously.
Lord Edward seemed stunned for another moment. Philip gestured for Lord Edward to stand by his side, and as in a daze, he moved.
'Mr Daniel Brown.' Rose announced.
Daniel went white.
None of us had been expecting this.
On shaking legs, Daniel rose to his feet. It didn't take him long to approach the princess.
'Please kneel.' Rose asked.
And my brother did so.
I did not think it was possible for my heart to swell with anymore pride that it already had, but it did.
'What's happening?' Gwen whispered.
'I don't know.' I replied. 'But I think I have an idea.'
Rose turned around to where Philip had already pulled his sword from his scabbard. Rose took it, the weight, she was clearly not used to.
'In recognition of your part in the capture of the false Duchess, Nerissa, we have chosen to bestow noble rank on you. A knighthood.'
She raised the sword and placed the flat edge gently on Daniel's shoulder. Followed by the other one. 'By the power invested in me, as Crown Princess, I hereby dub you Sir Daniel Brown.'
'Arise, Sir Daniel Brown.'
Daniel raised his head, while the room behind us burst into applause.
Once I had fully comprehended what had happened, I joined their applause with a vengence.
My brother was now a Knight. He was nobility.
A highborn.
He rose from his kneeling position until he was stood upright.
A knight.
Sir Daniel Brown.
Philip gestured for him to join him and Lord Edward, and Daniel moved.
Rose then turned back to the crowd.
'Sir Antony Vaughn?'
By this time, Antony had clearly guessed what was happening.
He stood. And the expression on his face rather reminded me of his friend.
Antony clearly knew what he was about to receive, and thought he deserved it. As did I. The smile he had only showed arrogance.
As James's had been.
Not a smile of malice or bad. Just one of pride.
Antony made his way to the front. To where one of his closest friend was stood with his wife.
'Please kneel.' Rose asked him.
Antony did so, but not before I saw a wink aimed in Bianca's direction. She didn't react.
'Sir Antony Vaughn, in recognition of your part in the capture of the false Duchess Nerissa, we have decided to bestow on you the title of Lord.'
Even Antony flinched at that.
Rose lifted the sword again, and pressed the flat edge against one shoulder, then the other. 'By the power invested in me, as Crown Princess, I hereby dub you Lord Antony Vaughn.'
'Arise, Lord Antony Vaughn.'
Antony beamed, and rose off his knees to greet his friend. Philip gestured for Antony to stand by Daniel and Lord Edward.
'Lady Marion Thorne.' Rose called.
My blood froze. As did my heart.
Me?
What did they want with me?
I didn't deserve any recognition. I hadn't done anything.
Gwen elbowed me rather firmly in the side, forcing me to stand.
I had not a clue what was going on.
I felt all the eyes on me as I made my way passed Alexander and Scarlett until I was almost stood in front of the royals and Bianca.
How I moved forward, I had not a clue. I was almost in a daze.
'Kneel, please.' Rose asked me.
Entranced, I did.
Rose's voice drifted towards me as if through the sea, all mumbled and distorted.
'In recognition of your service to Duchess Bianca and the crown, and for your part in bringing the liar Nerissa to justice, we have made the decision to ennoble you. You inherited your title from your late husband, but this will allow you to pass on your title to your future children, and keep your title if you choose to remarry.'
I didn't know what to think.
The fact they would do this for me.
I looked up, and turned my head to see Bianca. She was beaming widely at me.
Through the cloth of my dress, I felt the sword press down. First on my left shoulder, and then my right.
'By the power invested in me, as Crown Princess, I hereby dub you Lady Marion Thorne.'
'Arise, Lady Marion Thorne.'
Still unsure of what I was doing, I obeyed. I remembered hearing some applause behind me as I moved towards my brother who was grinning like nothing I'd ever seen before.
I was a highborn. A true highborn.
Not just for marrying James, I was a highborn now in my own right.
A true lady.
I hardly had time to turn around before Rose called for, 'Mr Alexander Brown, and Mrs Scarlett Brown.'
I didn't think it was possible to feel any more pride in my heart, but somehow I managed it.
The two of them glanced to each other, before they stood; Alexander offering his arm to Scarlett. They made their way out of their seats and stood in front of the princess.
'Kneel please.' Rose asked them.
The two of them did.
'In recognition of your part in the capture of the false Duchess, Nerissa, we have chosen to bestow noble rank on you. A knighthood.' Rose told Alexander, lifting the sword once again.
Alexander's skin had drained of all colour from shock.
'By the power invested in me, as Crown Princess, I hereby dub you Sir Alexander Brown.' She announced, placing the sword gently on his left shoulder, then his right.
Rose then turned to Scarlett.
'As his wife, and in recognition of the part you played in the defeat of Nerissa and in saving your sister's life, we hereby grant you the title of Lady.
A large grin spread over Scarlett's face as the sword was placed on her own shoulders.
'By the power invested in me, as Crown Princess, I hereby dub you Lady Scarlett Brown.'
I saw Alexander reach out and grasp his wife's hand.
'Your titles are yours for the remainder of your lives, never to be stripped away. And will be passed down to your children and spouses if you so wish.' Rose announced to us all. Briefly, I saw Scarlett look down to her belly.
That little girl would be a Lady when she grew up, thanks to this.
'Arise, Sir and Lady Brown.' Rose asked them.
On slightly unsteady legs, they both did, arm in arm.
Rose then turned to face the crowd.
'Todays celebration is owed to these people standing before you. And to Duke Christopher Howard.' She said, gesturing to him. Christopher didn't stand, he only nodded.
'It is due to their loyalty and sacrifice that justice prevailed. I ask you to congratulate and thank them for their service.'
The room erupted into thunderous applause. And none were louder than my brother and sisters sat on the front row, screaming and shouting with joy. Gwen had actually risen to her feet while clapping.
I couldn't quite believe it. That Rose would do this for us.
A highborn family. In our own right.
The applause continued, almost deafening us.
I don't think I'd ever seen Clara, Richard, Tom, Robbie and Gwen so happy. They all wore the largest smiles I had ever seen. And those smiles spread to me.
Glancing around, I saw Christopher looking at me. He was trying his best to clap, but he had a small boy on his knee which he was trying to move his arm around. Jonathan didn't seem to be aware of what was going on, but was trying to clap his hands together, missing quite a few times.
Looking over, I saw Lady Annette beaming at her husband.
But then the applause began to die away, and I turned my head over my shoulder and saw Bianca blinking away tears.
I nodded to her.
We had done it.
This was our lives now.
And the future was going to be grand.