Rosalyn smiled joyfully as the castle staff joined them for breakfast. Chandler, Mrs. Pom, Maddy, and everyone else. They were the closest thing she had left to family, and there was nowhere else she would rather be right now.
The king gave a toast and the table began eafing their meal. The breakfast was delicious and it didn't take long for Rose to get full. She always ate well at the palace.
"Do any of you have traditions you celebrate today?" Rosalyn asked. Her and her father would always spend the day curled up next to the fireplace, reading stories to each other. Some years they even got a tree to decorate on Christmas Eve.
It had been many years since Adrien had done any holiday traditions. When his mother passed away, everything changed. His father did not want the castle in full holiday glory. Only a minimum was allowed out of Adrien's plea. Even that came to a close once Adrien reached his teen aged years.
"When my Mother was alive, we would open gifts at sunrise. After breakfast all three of us would retire to the library together to decide what tale to read that someone had been given that very morning as a gift. Father would read out loud. He had the best reading voice of all. After that we would venture to the music room where my Mother would have us sing carols. Sometimes the staff was allowed to join in and my parents would dance,. Then finally after dinner we would retreat to the astronomy tower and find a new star. It was the one day all three of us spent the entire day together without a care in the world." he shared, the memories of yester years a fond gleam in his eyes.
"What are some of your family traditions? Perhaps we can do a combination of them together on this joyous day." Adrien asked of her curious.
"It sounds like our traditions were most the same. Papa and I never had gifts, but we would read to each other throughout the day," Rosalyn explained. Her father usually didn't have any gifts until after the flower festivals. He would sell at the festival and would return with a book to add to their collection.
"We could also come up with some traditions of our own, if you would like," she offered. "I would like to give you your gift soon, if you'd like. The anticipation has been torturing me." Every since she had tied the ribbon on the box, she had been waiting for him to open it. She worked long and hard on it and could not wait to see his reaction.
It brought a smile to his face to hear her suggest doing traditions of their own. It gave him affirmation that the gift he had for her was right. When she mentioned gift giving of her own and the awaited anticipation, he knew all too well what that felt like.
"I have a gift for you as well. Let's be off then. I would not want you to betorturedfor too long." He stated with a playful grin, and helped her out of her chair to exit the dining room. He led her to the astronomy tower. Which was odd considering they couldn't look at the stars in daylight. However he felt it be the best place to present his gift.
They took a seat on the cushioned couch. The smaller room a glow with candles and comfortably warm from the small fire that was smoldering embers.
"Ladies first." He said, indicating she should gift to him first. He was certain that he wouldn't be able to focus if he attempted to present his to her first. He could already feel the nervousness fluttering inside him.
Rosalyn followed the king up to the astronomy tower, the green box in her arms. They sat next to each other on the small sofa and she gave Adrien the green box. He carefully tugged on the ribbon and pulled the paper off.
Inside was a small wooden box stained a dark mahogany. When the king opened it, two small figurines began to spin in circles. One was wearing a yellow gown, Rose, and the other was wearing royal blue, Adrien, but in his beast form. The same image was painted underneath the lid to look like a mirror, but instead of the king being a beast, he was his human form. A gentle tune played in the background. nearly identical to the one Maestro Caden had played the night of their dance.
That was the first time Rose realized she had fallen in love with the king. She nervously bit her lip as he opened his gift, praying he liked it.
Adrien was awestruck. He knew she hadn't learned her father's craft of tinkering or artistry. Yet, she had persevered through both to achieve this masterpiece of a gift for him. The days they had spend apart clearly put into well thought use. "It is as glorious as the memory it represents and its maker. I cherish that evening in my mind and heart. But now it can be cherished in a timeless masterpiece that will tell our tale beyond our time of a beauty and a beast. Thank you, Rose." He said, his eyes and voice full of emotional happiness he couldn't keep back.
He carefully set the playing music box off safely to the side. The gentle music helping steady his hands as he pulled out from his waistcoat pocket a wrapped square box and presented it to her. Wrapped in red fabric with a green ribbon he found himself inching his body toward the edge of the couch as she focused on opening the gift.
When the knot on the ribbon was released the fabric fell away revealing a small cherry wood box that had a rose and lily carved into the top, each one together forming the shape of a heart. Upon lifting the lid open the inside of the lid had an calligraphy inscription carved into it reading, 'For the only Rose I love'. Within the box itself cushioned on red fabric to present it upright was a gold ring. It held a round red diamond with small clear diamonds on either side. Underneath the red diamond in the interior of the gold band was the DeLavergne crest.
When he saw the lid lift open he eased off the couch and went onto one knee in front of her. "A castle is a lonely place for a King...without a Queen. My soul is truly complete when I am with you, Rose. Will you do me the honor of becoming my queen and my wife, Miss Rosalyn Beaumont?"
Learning her father's talents was not an easy task, but the pure happiness it brought Adrien was worth it. Every stained skirt, every pinch and bruise, and every bout of frustration. Moments later, he produced a small gift from the pocket of his waistcoat and handed it to her.
The ribbon and fabric fell away, revealing a wooden box with a carving of a rose and lily embedded into the top. She opened the small box and carved into the lid was 'For the only Rose I love." Then her eyes traveled downward to the gold ring. Her breath caught as she took in the beauty of the red diamond and smaller clear ones. Beneath the red diamond was a symbol, a crest that she had only seen a handful of times. It must have been his family crest, the DeLavergne crest.
When she looked up towards Adrien, he was on one knee in front of her. Her heart skipped a beat and a bright smile encompassed her face. "King Adrien DeLavergne, nothing would make me happier. Yes, I will be your queen and your wife."
Adrien was certain his heart skipped a beat as he that ever desired confirmationyesword to come out of her mouth, among the ear to ear smile upon her face. He removed the ring from its box and slipped it onto her ring finger of her left hand before raising off his knees. As he stood and pulled her up to join him, his arms enveloping her into a hug followed with an affectionate kiss.
When they parted he spoke, "No amount of riches or power could ever compare to the joy and goodness you bring into my life, Rose. Doubts of unworthiness should never cloud your mind when it comes to you and I." he reassured, knowing this was a big acceptance step for her. He knew she already felt inadequate in courtship to him because she wasn't of royal birth or blood. But turns out he wasn't entirely who he thought he was by birth or blood either so it really didn't matter. It never mattered to him. Love mattered.
Rosalyn's heart fluttered in her chest as Adrien slipped the ring onto her finger, confirming their engagement. In this moment, she felt like they were the only two left in the world. All the sorrow and pain buried deep in her chest was smothered and she was filled with overwhelming joy.
The two met in a warm embrace and parted with a kiss. She would never tire of the king's affections and prayed he wouldn't either. "The same goes for you as well, your majesty. Only a few years ago, I believed a man would never love me wholeheartedly. I felt it was impossible." She gently touched his cheek and looked into his eyes. "And yet, here you are. I never imagined someone would love me as you do."
"Nothing is impossible when it comes to you." Adrien reassured, his sky blue eyes meeting her ocean blue ones, placing yet another kiss on her lips as one hand entwined with the hair at the base of her neck while the other rested on her waist.
When they parted, he was certain if they didn't leave this sanctuary soon he would give into the notion of kissing her all day. "Well, I would gladly spend all day here with you. However, I am almost certain there is a tradition to keep in the library about reading on a day such a this. Shall we?" he asked, carefully picking up the music box and closed it so it ceased its figurine movement and melody playing.
"We shall," Rosalyn said. She looked down at the ring on her left hand and smiled brightly. She knew the king was courting her, but she hadn't expected him to propose any time soon, on Christmas especially. Nonetheless, she felt like the happiest woman in the world. Just the thought of spending the rest of her life with Adrien overjoyed her.
Rose walked alongside the king, her hand in the crook of his arm. They made their way to the library where they would have to chose one of thousands of stories and tales. "Do you have any idea of what you would like to read, your majesty?" She questioned as they walked through the large open doors of the library.
Adrien thought on her request for a moment. "Well in honor of the winter season outside, why not we read a The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare." he suggested finding the book and intrigued by the title alone. He opens it to read the summary..."It begins with the appearance of two childhood friends: Leontes, King ofSicilia, and Polixenes, the King ofBohemia. Polixenes is visiting the kingdom of Sicilia, and is enjoying catching up with his old friend. However, after nine months, Polixenes yearns to return to his own kingdom to tend to affairs and see his son. Leontes desperately attempts to get Polixenes to stay longer, but is unsuccessful. Leontes then decides to send his wife, Queen Hermione, to try to convince Polixenes. . . " The summary ended there and Adrien deemed it intriguing enough to carry over to the couch and get comfortable in preparation for the next few hours of reading the tale aloud to his future wife and queen. The thought alone brought a smile to his lips.
Rose followed the king over to the couch and sat next to him, so she could follow along as he read. Though more than once, she caught herself staring down at the red diamond ring on her finger.
She had worn a wedding ring before, but it had meant nothing to her. It was just a way to show she had signed a contract, that she was claimed by another. This ring was so much more than that though. It was love and passion. Adrien was not just a king, he was her king.
He was completely content to enjoy her company as they sat upon the cushioned sofa, reading a tale. He got up to add another log to the fire. Then a thought came to him. One of those traditions he had long forgotten emerged to the forefront of his mind. He found a smaller log in the pile that seem remarkably round and perfect.
"Have you ever wish upon a Yule log? Normally the Yule log is passed around to everyone on Christmas Eve. They touch the log and make a wish. Then on Christmas morning it is burned, the smoke carryes those wishes up into the heavens with hope that they will someday come true." He explained, as he carried the log back over to her. Holding it out so she could touch it.
"Make a wish. You can say it in your heart and mind. It doesn't have to be spoken out loud." He asked kindly, his heart and mind pondering what he would wish for. He didn't know. He had everything he could possibly hope for on this very day.
He decided on a silent wish for their future, to stay as joyful and loving as they were now.
Rosalyn had read about Yule logs and the legend behind them, but it was a tradition they had never celebrated. What would she wish for? There was nothing more she wanted on this day. She was content for what felt like the first time in her life.
She reached out and placed her fingertips on the log. There was only one thing she could think to wish for. Something she hadn't given to Gustave, but wanted to give Adrien so greatly. Not only an heir to his throne, but a child, their child. A family. Rose took a deep breath and wished her wish with all of her heart.
Her hand fell away from the log and she smiled up at the king. "Now I just pray that my wish one day comes true," she said softly.
When she finished making her hearts deepest wish, she removed her hand. Adrien carried the log to the fire and placed it in. He returned to the couch and resumed their reading endeavor. The sound of fire crackling gently as it consumed the log.
It was several hours that passed before the arrival of the dinner hour. Adrien had been so satisfied by the first meal of the day that the yearning for a midday meal did not arise.
He closed the book. He placed it aside and looked to Rosalyn. "Shall we go partake of the evening meal. Mrs. Pom's honey glazed ham is spectacular." He stated, having ate it all his life yet it was still a meal he looked forward to eating.
"It sounds delicious," Rosalyn said. She took the king's hand and stood up from the couch, pulling him up with her. She gave his lip a gentle kiss and the two headed out of the library. "Did you inform any of the servants of your plans to propose today?" she asked curiously. If he hadn't, she could not wait to see their reactions.
She wondered what her father would thing of their engagement. He would be happy, no doubt, but would he still blame himself for separating the two of them? She knew his heart was heavy with guilt after she wed Gustave. And what would her mother say? She couldn't even begin to think about her reaction, as she never knew the woman.
Either way, no matter what the servants, their deceased parents, or the council thought, Rose was happy.
"They were not aware. Except perhaps Maddy, who assisted me with the interior fabric of the box. Which required her to see it and therefore could guess what it would be used for." He answered, a grin on his face as they made their way to the dining hall. He took a small detour to his chambers to place the music box on a bedside table where the enchanted flower stayed.
The dining hall was filled with food and the staff yet again, as they rushed to place the finishing touches on everything. "Good Evening, Master. Would you like to dine alone with Miss Rosalyn?" Mrs. Pom asked, which was interrupted by a squeal of delight as Maddy's head came into view.
She gave a curtsy to the Master and Miss Beaumont, her eyes on Rose's left hand, "Do my eyes deceive me? It appears not. Congratulations, Miss Rosalyn!" She said rushing in to give the gal a warm embrace.
"Maddy, what are you talking about? Oh, my good heavens!?" The woman exclaimed when she too say the red diamond stone on Rose's hand. "Is that..? It is!! Good gracious! Merry Christmas indeed! Everyone come quickly. The Master and Miss Rosalyn are betrothed!"
The others made their way toward the couple in excited hurry. The men giving respectable bows and nods of approving affirmation to the King, while the girls fawned over Miss Rosalyn and the ring she wore.
Chandler squeezed between the fawning women to give Miss Rosalyn's right hand a gentle tug, "You will be the best, Queen Miss Rosalyn. Does this mean we will have to stop our lessons since you'll be living in the castle soon?"
The room seemed to come alive once Maddy had noticed the ring Rosalyn now wore. The owman rushed over and embraced Rose, which she gladly returned. It was only moments later when the rest of the servants came into the dining room and congratulated them. A blush rose on her cheeks as all attention was turned towards her and her partner.
"Thank you all for your congratulations. I believe it is a day we'veallbeen waiting for," she teased lightly, giving Adrien's hand a gentle squeeze.
Chandler wormed his way through the cluster of adults and pulled on her free hand. "Thank you, Chandler. But I am not Queen yet. And our lessons do not have to stop. They will simply take place here. Perhaps in the library, or the gardens on warm days." She bent down and gave the lad a hug with one arm, still holding the king's hand. "Wherever you would like," she promised.
Adrien gave his fiance a look of adoration at her words. For surely it had been a day long awaited. A few minutes later he spoke. "I believe there is a ham on the table and other delightful foods waiting. Best not let it get cold. Everyone please take a seat and join us for dinner on this joyous day and occasion." Adrien invited and the group began to disperse so they too could join in and be apart of a meal this day. Adrien hadn't felt this kind of warmth in a very long time. Surrounded by friends and the woman who soon would be family to him. Having a meal or two with close members of the staff on Christmas was a tradition he desired to keep.
All too soon the meal came to a close and Adrien knew it was time to escort Rose home. At least they would be riding in the carriage together, so it would feel as if he was saying goodbye to her yet. "I am certain I miss you already, my dear and the goodbyes have yet to be said" He said to her as they sat side by side while the carriage made it way back to the village, holding her hand in his. Grinning every so often at the sight of the ring on her finger.
After Rose, the king, and the servants had finished their delicious meal and enjoyed each others' company for a while longer, it was time for Rosalyn to return home. An ache filled her chest at the thought of leaving them and her king. But she knew she would not stay the night in the palace again until the night of their wedding. She slipped her cloak back on and clasped it around her neck. The king and her climbed back into the carriage and were off to the village.
My dear.The phrase echoed in her mind, drowning out the rest of the king's words. Panic struck her as images of her former husband flashed behind her eyes. Her fingers tightened around the king's hand as unpleasant memories flooded her mind. The morning she gave herself to him, consummating their marriage, the anger in his eyes when she had not conceived a child, the disdain as he struck her. And finally, a dead man lying on the porch, a bullet lodged in his chest and a firearm in her hand.
It was only for a moment though. Reality came back to Rose again and she loosened her grip on the king's hand. "I apologize, your majesty," she said quietly, adverting her gaze away from him.
Adrien's face gained this look of confusion as he heard her voice speak in somber tones.
He had been lost in thought, his eyes taking in the sight of her hand squeezing his own. He thought nothing of it, beyond that of her silently confirming what he had said to her about missing her already. Figuring she felt the same and gave his hand a squeeze of affirmation.
He raised his head up and turned to look at her, but found she had averted her own gaze from him. Even addressed him formally. Which was quite unexpected.
"I do not understand. Why the formal apology? You did nothing to warrant such words from your lips." He asked kindly, uncertain why her demeanor shifted.
He hadn't noticed her panic stricken face. Rose turned back towards him and gave him a small smile. She didn't want him to worry about her, so she had to come up with a reason for apologizing. "I just didn't catch the end of your sentence, Adrien. A horrible ringing in my ear nearly deafened me. Someone must be talking about me," she said reassuringly.
Rosalyn did not want the bad memories of her marriage to Gustave ruin the one she was going to share with Adrien. Though she was plagued with them, she needed to find a way to move past them. To think about the future her and the king would share. The harsh words and painful touches of Gustave could not, and would not, get in the way of her happiness.
Adrien relaxed, accepting her answer without hesitation. "I am certain Maddy would still be talking about you. Or more accurately talking to herself about you, while drawing up wedding dress designs for you to chose from in the coming future." he reassured. The carriage came to a slow stop and the footmen opened the door for them. Adrien escorted Rose to her front door for their parting farewells.
"Merry Christmas, Rose. Someday soon, good night will not mean good bye for you and I." He spoke, raising her left and giving it a kiss.
The king had believed her. Sooner or later she would have to share those troubles with him, but for now she would face those battles on her own.
Rosalyn smiled. "That day couldn't come soon enough, Adrien," she said. "Merry Christmas, my love." She left a soft kiss on the king's lips before retreating into her home. She was not greeted with the same warmth that filled the castle. Instead the dark and cold waited her arrival. She wanted desperately to open the door and return to the king's warm embrace, but she knew she could not.
It pained him greatly to see her retreat into her home. More so when he had to force himself to depart from her steps and enter the carriage alone and return to the castle. The time they spent apart certainty made his heart grow fonder of her.
The few hours they had spent in his father's retreat cabin, simply resting in each others arms had caused his bed to feel terribly lonely, without her figure by his side.
It wasn't until he finally settled comfortably and began to dose off, imagining that memory of them in the cabin holding one another that his mind came to a realization. How she had gripped his shirt in a panic later that morning, muttering as if in a troubled sleep. A dream of sleep she also had brushed off as nothing worth speaking about. Her hand squeezing his in the carriage wasn't that of a comfort grasp. It had been of momentary panic, just like back at the cabin. But why? What caused it? She had said nothing and did nothing except say she had be unable to hear the last of his words due to a ringing in her ears. Ringing would cause a panic? Not likely. What else could have distracted her to not hear him?
He reviewed in his mind's eye the memory of everything, including what he had said,'I am certain I miss you already, my dear . . .'he stopped the thought when he realized he had used this phrase of endearment. The memories of Gustave using that phrase with malice came to his mind. Adrien had only witnessed it for a brief period of time. But Rosalyn had been living with that man for months. It certainly would have been used time and time again, and not in a loving manner it was meant to be used for.
She didn't hear the rest of his sentence because of the phase had surely induced a ringing of barrage of undesired memories and feelings. It had been his fault. Yet, she apologized to him. He should have apologized to her. Adrien wondered about other possible phrases or actions that would cause such unwanted memories to resurface unexpectedly.
Matters like this were difficult to just speak about. Sometimes simply talking wasn't the best approach. Yet, this was not something that he could simply ignore. He didn't want her to hide her moments of insecurity. He wanted to help her acknowledge them. Only then would they be able to transform them into something great, rather then suffering.