They had been traveling for many hours when their destination came into sight in the cover of night and the carriage driver eased the carriage to a stop. Adrien woke up to the sudden stop of movement, just in time for the footman of the carriage to open the door.
Allowing his wife to exit first. They had arrived at a beautiful château. A unfamiliar figure who sat on horseback, got off and bowed in deep respect,
"Your majesty, King DeLavergne and Queen DeLavergne, it is with great honor that I present to you your accommodations while staying within the kingdom of Fleurence. I am Herman,a messenger of King Stephan Roi. Under normal circumstance royal visitors would have been directed to his castle court when visiting our kingdom. However, for this special occasion he felt it best to give you the use of his chateau. Everything you could possibly need is within. Myself and other members of the king's staff will visit once a day to see if you have any needs, provide housekeeping, and meal preparation. King Stephan Roi would like me to convey what an honor it is to have our neighbors of Amouria visiting once again. Take all the time to wish to enjoy yourself before visiting the main estate. When you are ready to do so, I will guide you there."
For Adrien it was a bit of a surreal moment as the messenger provided him with a red scarf to tie upon the exterior of the doors should they wish the messenger and staff not come and disturb them within the walls of the chateau. Herman quickly had their luggage taken in and left Adrien the key before everyone, including the carriage they had arrived in, departed following the messenger to the main estate.
Adrien and Rose now stood within the grand entryway of the chateau. It was illuminated with minimal lanterns that were alight, casting shadows upon the walls as the flames within flickered. A trail of red rose petals led from the floor of the entryway up the grand staircase and surely led to their suite.
The doors of the chateau were closed and soon the sound of hoof beats grew distant. For the first time since their time at his fathers cabin or in a grassy field, they were truly alone.
A playful grin danced over his lips as he reached for her and lifted up his bride into the air. He spun her around with ease, chuckling at the odd euphoria of the moment, before easing her into a easy to carry position in his arms. "Rose . . . " was all managed to speak in a hushed whisper.
It was night when they finally arrived in the Kingdom of Fleurence. When the carriage slowed and came to a stop, the couple awoke. Rose didn't even remember falling asleep...
The footman helped her down from the coach and Adrien quickly emerged behind her. It was dark, but the moonlight illuminated the exterior of the chateau enough for her to tell it was beautiful. Almost as much as the palace in Amouria.
A man named Herman greeted them. He introduced himself as the messenger of King Stephan Roi and welcomed them to Fleurence. Then Rosalyn caught a glimpse of a strip of red fabric being handed to Adrien. She was thankful that it was dark outside, because her cheeks burned as bright as the scarf.
Within a few minutes, the chateau was quiet. Everyone had departed, leaving her and Adrien alone. She looked around the room curiously before being whisked into her husband's arms. Rosalyn giggled playfully and placed a kiss on his forehead. "Adrien... this is perfect."
Adrien was certain he would never tire hearing her call him by his name. To others he was Master, Your Majesty, King DeLavergne, Sire, etc. But when it came to moments of just him and her, he could simply be Adrien. Her Adrien. And she his Rosalyn.
"Anywhere with you is perfect for me." Adrien counters as he began to carry her up the staircase, following the rose petal trail all the way to their designated suite.
Upon opening the door to the bed chamber they are graced with the sight of passionate colors. The four poster bedding is red and black with gold colored embroidery. There are fresh towel and linens beside a washing basin for hands and face with fresh water. A large bathing basin for bathing. With a curious little wicker basket near one of the basins clawed metal legs that has small corked bottles to be used in the bath water or bathing.
Their luggage is settled off into one corner of the room next to a folding screen for purposes of to change into their chosen attire in privacy.
Adrien walked over to the large bed and carefully placed her down in a sitting position. The scent of freshly cleaned and sun dried linens filled his nose. Another small wicker basket was upon the bedside table. It too held small bottles. Some were perfumes of certain flowers to help with setting the mood, while others of different substance meant to be used for massaging or other forms of intimacy.
"As much as I enjoy seeing you in this dress, I think we both will be far more comfortable with a few less layers of fabric on." He spoke, then placed a kiss on her cheek, "May I?" he asked, seeking permission to help her out of her outer dress layer. As the binding was located in the back and quite likely out of her full reach.
Rosalyn hesitated for a moment. The last time a man undressed her, the outcome had been rather unpleasant. But Adrien would never cause her harm. And it would be nearly impossible for her to undo the dozens of buttons trailing down her spine. "Of course," she finally said and stood from her position on the bed. She turned her back to him and pulled her braided hair over her shoulder so it wasn't in the way.
As he unbuttoned her wedding gown, Rose looked around the room. It was definitely decorated for a pair of lovers, but was it always like this? Surely the king had a wife and a beautiful chateau like this was probably visited frequently.
As his hands traveled down her back, she tried to find other things to distracted her. Her stomach churned in anticipation and she began to feel light headed, but she did her best to hide how she was feeling. It was not Adrien's fault and she did not want him to this it was. He was her husband and she wholeheartedly trusted him.
Adrien could not see Rosalyn's face as he proceeded to unbotton the back of the gown. What he could see was the way her muscles tensed momentarily, as he made his way further down the garment. Under garment clothing still remain keeping her body modest from true view.
Once he was done, he eased his way off the bed. He quickly removed only his waist coat, vest, shoes, and tights. He keep his under garment tunic and breeches on. Once done he made his way around so they were face to face sitting upright on the beds edge. He placed his hand over her own a gentle demeanor expression over his features.
"Rose, remember the day we spent together at your home reading about Botany? I shared with you the meaning of my family's royal surname. You made Beef bourguignon and a strawberry pie. We went for a stroll after dinner and found ourselves sitting alone on a grassy plain with only the company of the moon and stars above us? I held you in my arms as we gazed at the stars."
His eyes met with hers in the dimly one lantern only room upon the beside table. He scooted to the middle of the bed and took that same sitting position as he did that courtship evening with her.
"For reasons of comfort I suggest you remove your gown, but nothing more. Then come sit with me as we did that evening. Let us speak of the stars we see in our minds eye. Only this time we have no reason to leave the comfort of each others embrace."
Rosalyn smiled and nodded. She slid her arms out of the sleeves and stepped out of the wedding gown. She gathered it up from the floor and draped it over a nearby chair. Leaving it on the floor felt almost like a crime, since she knew how much time and work Maddy put into it.
Then she climbed into the bed with Adrien. She sat between his legs, her back resting comfortably on his chest. She remembered that night well. It was the first time the king had visited her home, instead of just checking up on her. Rose had enjoyed those moments of alone time they had stolen.
"I love you, Adrien. So, so much."
Adrien arranged several throw pillows behind him so he had a supported recline while maintaining a mostly upright position. He relaxed as Rose joined him on the bed. With her back against his chest his arms wrapped around her in warm embrace, overlapping upon her own.
"And I love you, Rose." He responded, his voice unwavering with complete adoration. There was several nights over the course the winter months that his subconscious sleeping mind had drifted back the memories of the eve that he spoke of. Or the time they spend at his father's cabin and somewhat inappropriately shared the sleeping space of a bed. At times he awoke and yearned for her to be beside him.
He watched the shadows from the candlelight lantern as they danced all around them. They were fading slowly as the wick burn down and eventually would be no more. "For the first time, our words of goodnight no longer mean goodbye." He spoke softly, clearly pleased by this realization as he placed a kiss on her cheek then settled into the comfort of their embrace once more.
Despite the time they had slept in the carriage, he could feel the pull of sleep coming upon him. The rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing, acted as like that of a lullaby for a weary child.
Goodnight no longer meant goodbye. The thought echoed in her mind and brought a smile to her face. It was a wonderful thought. To be able to wake up next to Adrien, her husband, and not have to worry about someone finding them tangled in each other's arms.
Soon, the couple had drifted off to sleep.
Rosalyn woke up the next morning to sunlight peeking though the curtains. She had no dreams or nightmares during the night. Just peaceful, restful, sleep. Carefully, she rolled over and kissed Adrien gently on the lips. "Good morning, my love."
Adrien awoke with the feel of lips against his and Rose's voice speaking softly. He opened his eyes and was greeted with the sight of Rose's beautiful face above him. The ends of her hair fell forward enough that they encompassed her face and brushed against his jawline. "Best morning ever, if I do say so myself." he responded, reaching up to tuck her fallen locks of hair behind her ear. A gentle grin spread over his lips as he admired his wife. His fingertips momentarily trailed their way down her jawline before falling away.
"Best morning so far," Rosalyn added. They were going to spend the rest of their lives together. There was plenty of time to have a better morning. Waking up next to him would something she looked forward to ever might. "How did you sleep?" She asked, mindlessly running her fingers through his hair.
"I stand corrected. Or rather...I am laying down and corrected. None the less, right you are, my love. Best morning so far." Adrien readily agreed with her verbal correction. He looked forward to waking up with her by his side for what he could only hope to be many, many years.
He found it hard to concentrate on an answer to her question when she nonchalantly played with his hair. He found his eyes closing momentarily, just to further enjoy the sensation of her casual touch as his tongue finally managed to dictate an intelligible response. "I slept very well. If it were not for the fact we have a festival to go see, I would probably hold you in my arms all day." He revealed, easing his way into a upright position and added, "What say ye?"
As Adrien lifted himself up, Rosalyn sat up and rested her weight on her feet. "Of course. Anything to please his royal majesty," she said, a wide grin on her face. After placing another kiss on his lips, she crawled to the side of the bed and let her feet hang over the side.
As excited as she was to visit the festival, she also wanted nothing more to stay here with Adrien. Where they wouldn't be seen as the King and Queen of Amouria, but as her husband and his wife.
The sound of hooves and a carriage could be heard. "Awe. That would be Herman with the carriage and servants. Best we get dressed and eat a meal before we depart." He voiced, giving her a quick kiss upon her cheek before he got out of bed.
The red ribbon that had been given to him the eve before he picked up off the floor and tied it to the outside handle of their suite door, closing the door quietly. Such a trinket had been given under different circumstances, but it would serve its purpose in signaling nobody to enter. "I would rather not have servants I do not know entering our chambers, since we will have no need to wear these while we are out today, my queen." He gestured to the crowns that resided on the bedside table.
Adrien removed his worn previous day tunic as he walked over to this luggage. He opened it found himself clean attire - black boots, black breeches, a white high collared tunic, and a sky blue vest with gold embroidery on the cuff and gold buttons.
He removed his breeches from the day before allowed most of his body to be seen. Except for the cream colored, finely woven wool, drawstring, braies undergarment that covered his pelvic region from lower hip to mid thigh. He proceeded to get dressed in the attire he had chosen.
Rosalyn glanced towards Adrien, and within seconds her cheeks grew red and she looked away. It certainly was not the first time she had seen a man nearly naked, and it would not be the last. But she couldn't help feeling nervous around him, despite knowing he was now her husband.
Without responding to his remark about the servants, she went over to her own trunk and lifted the wooden lid. Inside were several days worth of clothing for her to wear. Whoever had packed their luggage knew more about this honeymoon than the bride did. Rose picked out her clothing and went to change behind the folding screen. Eventually Adrien would see her, but she didn't think she was ready for that at this moment.
Several minutes later she emerged fully dressed. She wore a cream colored gown with gold and blue accents. The dress had sheer sleeves that went to her elbows and the skirt stopped several inches above her ankles, revealing the gold pair of flat slippers she wore on her feet. As she came out from behind the screen, she pulled her long hair back into a blue ribbon.
Rosalyn looked at the crowns sitting on the bedside table and sighed with relief. They would not be a part of their attire. Perhaps even outside the chateau, they could just be Adrien and Rose.
While she dressed behind the screen, Adrien used the vanity mirror to tie his own hair into a pony tail with a blue ribbon. The almost never ending debate ran through his mind, "Rosalyn, do you think I should consider cutting my hair?" he asked as she readied herself. It grew long simply from his years being a beast that didn't require hair cuts. But now as a man, he wondered if the longer locks were debatable to have.
Once she was finished and stepped into view once more, a soft smile graced his face. Maddy had done well yet again making them each complimentary attire. He had the good sense to inform her couple months in advance where they were going and when for their honeymoon so she could make attire appropriate for them both.
Extending his hand for her to grasp he kind escorted her out of their chambers and the two ventured down the hall and down the stair to the main areas. They passed a living room with comfortable couch and chairs and a bookshelf with a few books upon it. Then they passed a dining room that had a round table set for two with hot meal awaiting.
Adrien scooted out Rose's chair for her before taking his own. The smell of everything suddenly reminded him that his previous day meal had been during their travels and not nearly as satisfying as what this would be for his hunger.
"Of course I don't think you should consider cutting your hair," Rosalyn said and gave him a warm smile. "You are very handsome with long hair. However, the decision is yours. It is not my place to tell you what you should or shouldn't do with your hair."
They traveled down the stairs and through the chateau to the dining room where they were greeted with a warm morning meal. Rose sat in the chair Adrien had pulled out for her and she looked at the food spread out on the table. The only thing she recognized was the bread and jam.
As if they were reading her mind, a servant boy entered the dining room. He wore an apron over his white tunic and brown pants. "Good morning, your majesties," he said and bowed deeply, showing his respect for the two royals. "My name is Beri. King Stephan has assigned me to be your chief during your visit. Here you have coffee and an apricot crostata, and a few things from Amouria to make you feel more at home."
As the gentleman departed, Rosalyn thanked him and turned back to the food on the table. "If everything tastes as delicious as it looks, we may have to take some recipies back with us, Adrien."
It pleased Adrien greatly that she approved of the longer locks of hair. Not that a lot of men had short hair, so it wasn't like it was unusual to appreciate. It was just important to him to appear his best that she liked best for her.
They exited and made their way to the dining hall. There were familiar and unfamiliar foods awaiting for them upon the round table. They took their seats and began to to eat. The dark liquid in a teacup definitely was not tea. The boy had called it coffee. It was bitter like the drinking chocolate. Like tea Adrien thought perhaps it needed a bit of cream or sugar to make it a decadent drink. None the less he took it in stride and drank it as is.
The apricot crostata was excellent. That was a recipe that he readily agreed with Rose to possibly take home to have chef Boone re create. "This crostata recipe may be worth taking back to Amouria. It is softer than a biscuit and has fruit in near jam form within!" He exclaimed. He was used to biscuits, jam, and tea as midday and sometimes mid evening hors d'oeuvres.
Rosalyn laughed quietly. The food was delicious, but she was excited to see the flower festival. The festival her father visited every year, for many years. Never did she think that she would be attending one herself. Not with her father, and certainly not with the king who was her newlywed husband. Energy swelled within her, if not from the coffee, then the anticipation.
She took a final sip of the bitter, but delicious coffee and got to her feet. "I agree. Chandler would love it. And...As much as I enjoyed breakfast, we have other places to go," she said in excitement. She took Adrien's hand in both of hers and eagerly tried to pull him away from the table.
"Yes, we do." He readily agreed. Without resistance Adrien followed his wife to the carriage and off they went to the famed flower festival. It was a short time before the carriage came to a stop and the footman opened the door. As the two exited it was as if they had traveled to a land inhabited by only flora.
As far as the eye could see there were thousands of flowers all around. Bushes, fields, and trees all in elegant bloom. Cobblestone paths ventured through the different types flowers like a winding river. There was not just one to take, but many paths to choose from according to the preference of the sight seer.
Herman approached and bowed, greeting them. "Your majesties, welcome to the Fleurance flower festival. Should you desire food, drink, or a marketplace with wares that have come from all over being sold walk upon the cobblestone paths marked West. Should you desire to see the many flowers in all their glory take the paths marked North, East, or South. The carriage will remain here at the South entrance for your convenience."
Having concluded his speech he gave King Adrien a satchel that contained currency for this kingdom and a final bow before retreating to the carriage. Adrien draped the satchel over his shoulder and looked to Rose, keeping one of his hands in her own as he asked, "Where to?" Letting her decide.
Rose looked around in astonishment. She had never seen so many flowers in her life. The palace gardens housed thousands of flowers, but here... there were millions. She hadn't heard much of what Herman had just explained to then, so she didn't know which paths led where. Though she didn't really care where they ended up. No matter which way they went, they would be surrounded by beautiful flowers and Rosalyn would be with Adrien.
Giving very little to the thought of which way to go, she started down the path heading North. "You have to show me all your favorite places here, Adrien." He mentioned coming here several times with his mother when he was a lad. Her father never spoke much of the festival once he returned home. Whenever she would ask, he would say nothing compared to her beauty, and then he would speak no more of the subject. Walking down the stone path, she could confirm for herself that the rolling hills of flowers were far more beautiful than any woman.
It had been close to two decades since Adrien had been here with his mother. Yet, seeing the fields again, it was as if time had not touched the place at all. Walking down the stone paths they decided to venture down the ones marked North. They passed by flower bushes and trees that were known to withstand more adverse climates of weather. Even among the fields of flowers and the memories that came to the forefront of his mind, he still found his gaze wandering back to look at his wife. Who in his mind was the most beautiful creation in sight.
It wasn't long before he took her hand in his as they walked about in a casual and carefree manner. They were in no hurry to be somewhere or have to do anything. They were capable of walking slow, admire the sights, smell the scents of each unique variation of flowers they would behold, and most of all enjoy the company of one another.
After walking for quite some time they came across a stone bench and a well with metal drinking tins attached to a bucket on a rope pulley for those walking about the flower festival to gain a drink under the shade of a brilliant blossoming tree. "Many years ago, I insisted my mother sit down while I got her a drink from the well. Mind you I was probably no more than five years old at the time. I had never worked a day in my life, so pulling a full bucket from the well turned out to be quite a task..." Adrien shared with Rose as he procured each of them a drink in the same manner, only this time as a man he was much easier to do. When he acquired a water cup for each of them he sat down on the bench and finished his tale, "...none the less I kept at it and eventually managed to get her exactly what I had promised." as he offered a cup of water to Rosalyn.
Rosalyn walked beside Adrien, taking in all the sights and smells. She wished she was an artist like her father had been. There were so many beautiful sights she wished she could capture. The couple stopped beneath a flowering tree to rest for a moment.
She took the cup of water from Adrien and sat on the bench next to him. Looking up at the blossoms hanging from the tree above them, she began to speak her mind. "I wish I would have had the honor to meet your mother. She seemed like such a wonderful woman." Rose paused and took a sip of water. "If I could be half the queen she was..."
It occurred to Rosalyn that she didnt know much about Amouria outside of her small village. She now ruled beside Adrien over a vast kingdom that she knew to little of. If she wanted to be a good queen, she would have to learn about all of Amouria and its people. When they returned to their own kingdom, she would mention to Adrien that she wished to visit more of their kingdom.
A soft smile formed on Adrien's lips. He too wished his mother had been alive long enough to meet Rosalyn. He knew in his heart of hearts that his mother would have approved of Rosalyn, despite her non-royal bloodline. His mother would not have just approved of Rose, but would have loved her as a daughter-in-law.
"She was . . . and you are even more so. Amouria gained much from your presence long before you became a ruler. I am certain with you as Queen, Amouria will become an even greater nation. A nation with a King worthy to rule with justice and mercy." Adrien reassured, as he drank his water all in one setting then returned the cup to its proper place before taking his seat once more.
Rosalyn turned her attention back to Adrien as resumed his seat on the bench. "Perhaps Iwillbe a good queen some day, but there is so much I have to learn. I've never had a great interest in politics, so I never studied them. I know so little of Amouria and the people that live there."
The royal library probably had records of trade routes, taxes, and demographics dating back centuries, so it wouldn't be hard to learn those things. But those things had already been finished long before she was even a woman. Maybe she was just over thinking things. Rose knew that Adrien would be there to help with anything she may find difficult.
Adrien leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her temple, "You don't need to worry about learning anything, especially politics right away. That is my primary part of the shared responsibility. All you need to do is beyou. Everything else will come with time. Which we have plenty of." he reassured. He stood and offered out his hand to assist her up from her seat so they could continue on their way through the valleys of the flower festival.
They walked through what seemed to be the North portion of the festival. It was drawing near the midday meal hour by then. No wonder his mother always planned at least four days at the festival. To fully appreciate all of it it was adequate to take at least a day to go through each section of the cardinal directions.
He led her toward the West district and soon they came upon the many caravans of vendors selling wares, goods, and foods. "What sounds appealing to you? Creamed cod with rice and peas? Or cheese pie with herbs and braised spring green vegetables?"
Rosalyn seemed to relax after receiving a kiss from her husband. His words were reassuring and made her feel more confident in her new role as queen. Though she couldn't help but feeling a tad out of place. After all, she was just a farm girl that came from small beginnings. She took Adrien's hand and they continued their journey down the winding path of the festival.
As Rosalyn enjoyed the flowers and fresh air, Adrien led her to the market. Immediately she became distracted by all the trinkets and wonderful smells. Thought everything here was beautiful, none of it stood up to the pieces her father crafted.
Though she felt hungry, food was at the back of her mind. "I am not picky and everything here smells wonderful," Rose said, leaving the choice up to him.
Choosing on their behalf, Adrien went with a bowl of creamed cod, rice and peas. It was a strange feeling to feel free among the comings and goings of persons from all levels of status. He could tell by attire and the way people carried themselves the difference between those who were of lower class visiting the festival and those of high class visiting the festival.
For a moment it was as if title, status, wealth, or lineage did not matter. Everyone was wandering about to enjoy and celebrate this festival of spring. A poet might call this a celebration of humanity. For Adrien, he was all too enthralled to think too long about the broad spectrum of the festival. The sole reason for visiting this celebration on his mind was that of his marriage to his wife. The festival carried an bit of heart ache for both of them. Having had a parent who enjoyed or participated in these over the years, it was a tradition he hoped he and Rose could perhaps do as occasion permitted and build fond memories of it.
They finished their meal and continued on their journey. They ventured through the south portion of the festival and made sure to arrive to the carriage when the sun began to descend into the sky. It took them back to the chateau and departed just like before. By then the sky had darkened and the stars had started to come out as the two stood on the chateau grounds awaiting to walk up and enter the residence. "I think this calls for a bit of an impromptu star gazing." Adrien said removing his cloak he laid it out upon the grass and sat down patting the space beside him for her to sit as well.
After stopping to enjoy their lunch, they resumed their adventure. This time they went south. They wandered past sunflowers that were taller than Rosalyn, patches of purple lilacs, and acres of colorful tulips. As the day grew old, the flowers took on warm hues from the setting sun and the royal couple made their way back to the carriage that would escort them to their temporary home.
By the time they had returned to their honeymoon chateau, the sun had long set and the moon shone high in the sky, highlighting everything in silver. When Adrien suggested stargazing, a wide smile appeared on Rose's lips.