Adrien bid her farewell with a courteous bow and the two departed to their separate chambers. He changed out of his damp attire. Since he had no official business to attend to he opted for casual attire. Black breeches and a white collared tunic with a black vest that had gold embroidery. Calling for a servant he had them bring tea and to assist in something he couldn't do himself. He had them brush through his shoulder length locks of sandy brown hair and redo the simple braid and tie it off with a ribbon. After that he had two more move the cushioned sofa to face the fireplace at a comfortable distance.
He dismissed them once that was completed and readied a blanket over the back of the sofa just in case and the fire in the chamber himself. When the fire was in full blaze he heard a knock upon his door. Opening his mouth to tell her she may enter he decided to pause and actually approach the door opening it himself.
"Welcome." He said opening the door wide and motioned with her hand to enter. When she was inside he closed the door. "I had some tea brought in for us. To help diminish the chill within, along with the warmth of the fire, we'll surely be more than comfortable in a short time. What book have you picked for this evening?" He asked as they made their way to the sofa. He recognized it almost immediately. "Excellent choice." He said, as he placed his hand on the lower half of her back. Much lower than his usual square of her back he kept during times they danced.
"I thought you would like it, Adrien," Rosalyn remarked as she entered the room. It was already beginning to warm up from the fire. She had abandoned her shoes back in the East Wing, so she only wore a pair of dry stockings on her feet, which made it easy to slide around on the marble flooring.
Adrien placed his hand on her lower back and a jolt of pain radiated from his touch. What is wrong with you? I am not the problem, my dear. The smile fell from her face and the color in her cheeks disappeared.
Instead of pulling away from the king in a panic, she smiled brightly and spun around on her heels. She took his hand and pulled him towards the sofa in front of the fireplace. "I fear my toes will fall off if I do not warm them up soon," she joked, trying to keep her mind away from thoughts of Gustave.
"Well we can't have that happen, now can we? You do look a bit pale. Let's get you warmed up and put some color back into those cheeks." Adrien remarked as she took a seat on the sofa.
He removed the blanket and draped it over her shoulders. The size of the blanket easily encompassing to wrap all the way around her with ease. He placed another log on the fire for good measure than sat down next to her. Despite the chill of the marble floor his feet were bear. Socks and footwear still felt strange, after his 7 year transfiguration.
She held the book in her hand still and he extended his hand out, "Shall I take the first turn reading out loud. Although I am almost certain I can quote the first several chapters by memory alone."
Rosalyn held out the book for king. "I hope you aren't disappointed in my choice in literature. I know how much you love the tale," she explained. Once the king took the book from her hands, she pulled the blanket tightly around herself. She brought her feet up onto the sofa beside her and covered them with the blanket.
The wind howled outside, rattling the glass panes in the window. The winter storm was worsening by the minute. It would be days before they would be able to go outside again, and by then they might be covered to their shoulders in snow. But there was nowhere else she would rather be than here with the king.
"You could never disappoint me, Rose." Adrien commented, as he opened the book to the first page. Although it became apparent he was quoting nore than actually reading. It was a tale he loved and would never tire from reading again and again.
The wind whistled against the windows as the storm raged on. Adrien barely noticed such a noise. No longer a beast, his human hearing was rather limited and it was much easier to disregard unnecessary noise around him.
He felt his body slowly relaxing as he read more and more. Eventually the two were leaning against one another. The sound of the fire calming to him as its gentle glow cast over them. When it was near the time to put another log on the fire Adrien paused ans placed a kiss on Rose's temple. "I love you. . . " he whispered, softly.
She loved listening to him read, even though he was mainly reciting from memory. His voice had a soothing quality to it. One she would never tire of. She leaned against his shoulder as he read, taking in his warmth.
"I love you too, Adrien. So, so much," Rosalyn answered. She had finally regained feeling in her fingers and toes. Soon they would both tire and she would have to return to the East Wing for the night. She unwrapped herself from the blanket and draped it across her lap.
"Rose, there is something I need to talk to you about. It concerns the eve of our previou carriage ride to your home. When your hand grasped mine. It didn't occur to me until I was near sleep that I realized I said two particular words that made you uncomfortable. For that I apologize." Adrien began speaking carefully as he shifted his position so he could face her easier.
"I suspect there maybe other words and certain gestures that will cause moments of unpleasant feelings and memories to arise. I am not a healer of the mind, but if I had to venture a guess it would be that instead of masking or pushing them away, you best need to face them. And not alone, because I know all to well inner grievances do not go away when fighting them alone. I had you to help me through mine. Will you let me help you conquer yours?" He asked gently taking her hand in his. His eyes glancing over her face but not staring too intently so she could take her time before answering.
Rosalyn nodded and looked down at her lap. "Many things happened between Gustave and I, most of them unpleasant. I will try to let you help me through this, but I can not make any promises. You must understand that at times the only person who can help me is myself."
When she returned her gaze to his face, she gave him a small, reassuring smile. She wanted nothing more than for him to understand. For him to be patient and help her through these troubles, but she feared that she would push him away more than not.
Adrien nodded, accepting the answer she gave him. Trying was all he could expect of her. Troubling matters of the heart and mind were difficult to sort out. Whatever she did to resolve them, he would accept. Even if that mean including or not including him in the endeavor.
He knew he should escort her back to her chambers and bid her good night. Surely a few more minutes would do no harm.
"Stay with me a little longer?" He asked, lifting his feet up from the floor and carefully stretching out on the couch. He positioned so there was just enough space for her to lay beside him if she desired. Or she could stay sitting up. It mattered not to him so long as she was near.
"I will stay with you as long as you want me to," Rosalyn said softly. She positioned herself on the couch so Adrien's head was resting in her lap. She ran her fingers across his hair and down his ponytail in a soothing manner.
It was times like this that she could not wait for. Moments of peaceful comfort and tranquility. Moments they spent alone, enjoying each other's company and love.
Adrien closed his eyes, his whole being relaxed under her soothing touch. For those few minutes he forgot about his responsibilities as a king. He could forgot his worries. He could enjoy just being a man in love, relishing in the company of his wife to be.
The light from the fire began to dim and Adrien was certain if he didn't get up soon he would surely fall asleep. "We should go . . . " he whispered softly. That familiar hush around them that threatened to shatter like breaking ice if he spoke too loud.
Rose bent down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. He looked content. There was no worry on his face, nothing troubling him. Of all the times she had seen this man, she had never seen him look so serene. Leaving was the last thing she wanted to do at the moment. She would stay up all night if it meant staying here with him. "We don't have to, Adrien. After all, you are a king," she said.
Rosalyn watched as the fire slowly died. The dim light emanating from the fireplace gave their surroundings a surreal, orange glow. By then, it was perfectly warm in the king's chambers, at least it was where they sat.
The touch of her lips on his brow brought a gentle grin to peek from the corner of his lips. "Being a king has nothing to do with how my mind says we should go, while my heart says stay. It is if I would be happy and content if we stayed this way for ever." Adrien whispered, his chest gently rising and falling. Surely, such notion was pure fantasy. For they could not stay there for ever and pretend the outside world did not exist. for the time being there was no harm in doing so.
He knew not how long time passed by. The days tiring events had him tired. Her hand caressing the hair on his head had him at ease. For a moment he thought he lost himself to the world of dreams.
His eyes came open and noticed the room to be dark. Almost too dark, as the remaining fire embers only gave a slight orange glow. Though it was comfortably warm. He sat up and stretched. A yawn escaped his lips. Then stood offering his hand out to her. "I'll escort you to your room now."
Rosalyn had started to drift off herself when the king got to his feet. She didn't want to return to her room, to spend another night alone. But it is what Adrien wished to do, so she would not complain.
She rubbed at her eyes momentarily, then took his hand and got to her feet. "If you are tired, you needn't escort me. I still remember my way around the palace," she said and smiled.
"But that would only make the good night come that much faster. This way I get to spend a few more minutes with you." Adrien replied as the two walked hand in hand down the dim corridors. It could be black as pitch and he would know his way around the castle and the hidden passeges.
They made it to the East Wing and stood in front of her door. Lothair had taken care that her quarters had a fire so that it was comfortable when she retired to her chambers in the later hour.
"Good night, Rose. Sleep well." Adrien spoke to her, giving her cheek a kiss and the hand she held a gentle squeeze. He had hoped goodbye would be easier of she was residing in the castle, instead of the village. As it turned out it was the same level of separation and difficulty. The only comfort was that he would see her swiftly tomorrow.
"You as well, Adrien," Rosalyn said before retreating into her chambers. Several months ago, she never thought she would return to the castle, let alone sleep in her old chambers. After changing out of her dress, she settled into bed. The warmth and comfort enveloped her and she quickly drifted off to sleep.
Rosalyn sat quietly in her home, enjoying a bit of evening reading. A fire crackled in the fireplace, but other than that, it was quiet. A loud knock broke the silence and a voice called out to her. "Miss Rosalyn Beaumont!"
The woman looked around, confused. Who would bother her at this hour? Slowly, she got to her feet and went to the door. She opened it to the most unpleasant surprise. Gustave stood before her, a vengeful sneer on his face. "You're a witch, my dear. Do you know what happens to witches in this town?" He grabbed her roughly by the arm and yanked her out of the comfort of her home.
Rosalyn tried to scream, to protest, but her voice caught in her throat. "You killed old man Mercer, your own father," he continued. He drug her through the village until they reached its center. A wooden pyre had been erected in the middle and angry villagers surrounded it. Gustave pulled her up and bound her to the stake, despite her efforts to escape him. "I'll miss you, my dear," he taunted before getting down and rejoining the crowd.
Rose tried to scream, tried to escape, but her body would not respond. A blur of red hair came through the crowd and Sienna emerged at the front, a torch in her hand. "Witch," she sneered and dropped the torch at Rosalyn's feet.
Sleep came easily to Adrien that night. The thoughts of being in Rosalyn's company for the next couple of days were delightful. The weather wouldn't permit the counsel to have their usual meetings. It was almost like it was before the night he 'died' and she was taken away.
The following morning he did not wake to the usual rays of sunlight that beamed through his window. The chill in the air awoke him. When he dared to venture out of bed and looked out the window. The snow had stopped falling so aggressively. However much had fallen. He was certain if he had the doors of the entrance to the castle that the height of the snow against it would be about as tall as he was.
A knock came to the door and Lothair entered, "Good morning, Master. I was just on my way to tend to your fireplace." He said and Adrien bid the man a welcoming wave.
When Lothair departed, Adrien with the newfound light illuminating the room got dressed into casual attire of light blue breeches, white tunic, and bare feet. His hair was tied into a loose pony tail. The idea of cutting it crossed his mind. But then the memory of Rosalyn's hand running over the locks last night. And other moments when they found themselves alone with wandering hands while their lips contacted, reminded him that he enjoyed the locks being played with.
Lothair was just down the hall from Miss Rosalyn's quarters when he heard a terrified scream. "Guards!" He shouted and made his way to the womans room opening the door without explicit permission. "Miss Beaumont!" He shouted into the room and surveyed the area for immediate threat. When he saw nothing except the recognition of a woman in the throws of a nightmare he raised his hand and signaled the guards to stay just outside the door but keep the door open and him in sight as he approached the bedside. She was engaged now, he did not want there to be any virtue question about him or her in the same room without witnesses to state it was all for appropriate reasons.
"Miss Beaumont, wake up mademoiselle. Tis just a fevered dream brought on by the winters chill. I'll get a fire started in the fireplace and make you comfortable." He said softly, noticing her flush cheeks and sweat on her brow despite the chill in the air.
He turned and walked away to do just that. If anything the word fire only seemed to send her into a deeper panic within the nightmare, "Go get the King and tell him to come here right away." Lothair commanded while he built a fire to send the chill in the room away.
The guards departed and within a minute Adrien was their. "Thank you. Now, Leave us." He commanded of Lothair who obligated and made sure the door was closed behind them. He had the guards stay their just in case the King needed to call for something.
Adrien went to Rose's bedside. Resisting the urge to touch her, as that he knew made nightmares worse he began to quote,
"The air is blue and keen and cold,
With snow the roads and fields are white
But here the forest's clothed with light
And in a shining sheath enrolled.
Each branch, each twig, each blade of grass, Seems clad miraculously with glass:
Above the ice-bound streamlet bends
Each frozen fern with crystal ends.
For in that solemn silence is heard the whisper of every sleeping thing..."
He reached out and grasped her hand gently as he now sat on her bedside whispering to her, "Look, look at me, come wake up for still here I'll be."
As the room around her grew warmer, Rosalyn's nightmare progressed.
A crude cackle escaped the redheaded woman's lips and she too disappeared into the crowd. Rose still struggled to free to herself and escape the flames licking at her feet. She thrashed her legs and attempted to grasp the rope that bound her to the stake. As the bottom of her skirts caught fire, she noticed another face in the crowd.
Mercer Beaumont stood in the crowd, nearly being swallowed up by the mass of bodies. He smiled kindly at Rosalyn and approached her. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to wake from her nightmare. When she reopened them, her father was standing on the pyre in front of her. He placed his cold hands on her cheeks and wiped her tears away with his thumb. "Look, look at me, come wake up for still here I'll be," he whispered.
Rose finally awoke from her nightmare. She gasped for breath as she tried to remember where she was. The castle. She was in the palace, with the king, who now sat at her side. How long had he been there? How long had she been thrashing about in her sleep? Worry clouded the man's blue eyes, so she guessed he had been there for some time.
Slowly, she sat up, but kept her gaze downcast. "Your majesty, I apologize if I have caused any unrest," she said, her voice hoarse and barely above a whisper.
"Fear not. You have caused me no unrest. Lothair found you distressed in your sleep as he came to tend to your fireplace. He called for me knowing I was already awake in hopes I could ease you from your discomfort when he could not. I doubt I aided in awaking you, but least I be a welcomed face for you to gaze at upon reaching conciousness." Adrien told, hoping to ease her from excessive worry at disturbing him.
He had worried about her as he watched her thrash and mumble incoherently. It was not his place to ask what ailed her dreams to cause her such distress. She would speak about it if she wanted to. As she told him last night. Sometimes the only one she could rely on on herself to heal her troubled mind with past grievances.
He reached for her hand that lay on top of the comforter, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Good morning. I shall depart and let you ready for the day. Perhaps you will join me for breakfast?"
Adrien did not press the matter. He did not ask what she had dreamt about or what had troubled her. Rosalyn forced a small smile. "I would like nothing more, your majesty." She leaned across the bed and kissed his cheek. "I will meet you in the dining hall," she said. She waited patiently for the king to leave before she got out of bed.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the wardrobe full of dresses. There were so many, she didn't know when she would find the time to wear them all. Rose understood that Maddy loved to make dresses, but perhaps she would have the seamstress make them for others. Maybe start a charity to donate dresses to orphaned girls.
She smiled at the thought and pulled a plain blue dress from the wardrobe. It had long sleeved and she decided to go without wearing a hoop or footwear again. Rosalyn pulled her hair up into a ponytail and tied it with a ribbon before heading to the dining hall to enjoy breakfast with the king.
"Good morning Master!" Mrs. Pom greeted as he entered the dining hall. "Good morning Mrs. Pom. I see you have two eating places set. Thank you. Miss Rosalyn will be joining me for breakfast soon." He answered,
Mrs. Pom pushed her cart over with hot tea ready. "Fancy a cup of tea this chilly morning, Master? One lump or two, Sire?"
"Yes, one lump. Thank you Mrs. Pom." He said and a moment later Rosalyn entered the dining hall. He stood as it was proper to do so when a lady joined the dining table. A servant helped her with her chair and then Adrien resumed sitting once again.
"Good morning Miss Rosalyn! Fancy a cup of tea, poppet? Would you like one lump or two?" Mrs. Pom asked the lady once she was seated. While other servants hurried to bring out Chef Boone's breakfast meal of the day for each of them. Hot Oatmeal with a side of blueberries, cinnamon spice, and cream to add to it as the individual desired.
Adrien added a dash of cinnamon and a generous amount of cream to his hot oatmeal before he began eating. The blueberries he ate seperately.
"Of course, Mrs. Pom. Two lumps, please," Rosalyn said once she had sat down at the table. The dining room floor was cool against her feet, which was a welcome relief after last night's dream. She would be content with never seeing another fire, even if they did keep her warm. What would Adrien do if she told him? She didn't want him to worry about her every time she left the palace.
When breakfast was served, she ate her oatmeal with only a pinch of cinnamon. She ate quietly, thinking of what she could say to the king. "So Since we are snowed in, how do you like to spend your days?"
The king cast his gaze over to his bride to be. "Well I usually like to spend my days indoors in your company. I am certain there is a lad around here who wouldn't mind a game of hide and seek. However Maddy would like to steal us away to finalize the design choice for our wedding attire and the colors of the decore we wish to have."
He pondered a moment then added, "After that we probably should speak with the gardens keeper to seek when the flowers desired for the event will be ready. I was thinking lily's would do nicely?" He asked taking another bite of his oatmeal.
Rosalyn smiled, almost timidly. She had no idea how much planning would go into their wedding. But in her defense, her first wedding wasn't planned at all... "Of course, your majesty," she said.
She didn't eat much of her breakfast, only a few berries and half of her oatmeal. After her nightmare, she just wanted to hide from the world. She patted the corners of her mouth with a napkin and stood from the table. "Perhaps we should get started on the long day we have ahead of us then."
With Rosalyn's declaration of departing, Adrien stood and went to assist her out of her own. They walked hand in hand toward Maddy's workshop. Although Adrien wasn't sure why he felt a bit of distance between them despite the close proximity they walked.
He knew not if the distance was simply an illusion of his imagination or reality. Rosalyn seemed reclusive. He had figured her to be overjoyed at planning the wedding of her. Or at the very least joyful at the prospect of spending some time playing with Chandler after taking care of some plans with Maddy. She had not even seemed pleased with the idea of lilies. He could have said a rose, lilacs, or any other flower and would have gotten the same response.
Adrien wanted to push away the feeling. But it wouldn't simply depart from his mind or his heart. He had tried the verbal approach with her the night before and that helped not. Perhaps it was time for him to step and give her some time, away from him.
They reached Maddy's workshop and the gal was ever so delighted. "Good morning your majesty. Good morning Miss Rosalyn. I have those lace designs ready for presentation but first, Master if you would please choose a design of attire you wish to wear for the special occasion.
Adrien obediently looked over the designs she presented and chose one. "Excellent choice, Master. Now, if you don't mind Sire I would like to speak with Miss Rosalyn alone. Perhaps you can go speak with the garden florist? We could be a while." She encouraged.
"Very well." Adrien said and with a courteous bow departed.
Once the door was closed and Maddy was certain the Master was not lingering she spoke, "Miss Rosalyn, forgive me but..." she said giving only a moments notice before embracing the woman in a comforting manner. "I need know not what troubles you. I only know that you need some comfort at this time." Maddy stated softly.
Rosalyn's posture seemed to relax when Maddy embraced her. It was a comforting feeling and she returned the gesture. "Thank you, Maddy. I do appreciate your kindness, but I don't wish to dwell on the topic long," she said and gave a small smile. "How about those dress designs you have for me?"
Rose glanced back towards the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of Adrien, but he was already gone. She hadn't meant to upset him or give off the impression she was not excited for their marriage. That nightmare just resonated through her mind, pulling her thoughts away from the things happening around her.
Adrien needed to know. He deserved to know. She didn't know when she would meet the king again today, but she resolved to tell him about her worries in private. It was not something she wanted to worry the palace staff with. It was unlikely they had heard the rumor of her being a bad omen, but Rose knew it would perturb them.
"Very well. Let's me show you what I have drawn up. All lace patterns as you requested." Maddy said, as she released the young woman from her embrace and began to present sketches of lace style dresses to choose from.
Adrien called for Colin and requested him to send for the gardens keeper to come to the music room. While he waited, Adrien found himself wandering to the piano to play.
He was lost in the soothing music by the time he heard Colin cough quietly and announce the head gardens keepers arrival. "Good morning, Master. How may I serve you?" The man asked, clearly surprised of the request considering they were snowed.
"When can we expect the Lilies...and perhaps the roses to bloom? We have a wedding day come Spring to plan for. Not only will the garden flowers be needed but may need some imported as well..." Adrien said and the gardens keeper began to speak on when they bloomed and which colors to expect when.
After the flower plans and discussion were finished Adrien ordered Colin to inform Rosalyn in Maddy's workshop that he was in the art room when she was ready for company.
Adrien resumed his playing of the piano from earlier.
Colin made his way back to Maddy's quarters and with a courteous knock and then permission entered. "Miss Beaumont, the Master has requested that inform you that he is in the music room when are ready for company." He said and departed.
Rosalyn nodded and began to look over the many sketches Maddy had drawn up. They were all gorgeous and fit for royalty, but only one really caught her attention. A long gown with long sleeves and a train. The sleeves were made solely of lace, perfect for the spring weather.
"This one is perfect," Rose said and pointed to the design she most favored. "Though they are all magnificent, Maddy. This one is just my favorite," she complimented. "Just make sure you keep it hidden from my future husband." She gave the woman a warm smile and bid her farewell before leaving, in search of the king.