She took a seat next beside him and rested her head on his shoulder. "I wish it could just stay like this forever," she remarked quietly. Rosalyn had never known the castle to be a peaceful place. Even after the king became human again, there was hardly a calm moment. Right now they could just breathe and be themselves, with only each other for company.
"As do I." Adrien agreed with Rose, placing one of his hands over her own as they sat side by side. It was moments like this spent in the company of Rosalyn that Adrien felt most at peace. He felt like his best self. Without the worries of politics or the responsibility of ruling a kingdom, it came easy to be his best self, especially in her company. All the more reason he was forever grateful that she agreed to be his wife. She worried about becoming a good queen because of her lineage and heritage. When all she needed to truly be was herself, which in turn would make Adrien his best self. Which would reflect on how he handled his responsibilities ruling over Amouria.
The sounds of crickets chirping echoed softly in the air. The sky was cloudless allowing the moon and stars to shine ever so bright. His breath caught in his throat as small specks of yellow light began to flicker, increasing in number around them. He waited for one to come close and reached out with a free hand to encase it carefully within his hand, "Fear not, these insects are called fireflies. Although it is not fire that makes them glow. They are cool to the touch and glow when they desire to find a mate." he shared, opening his palm slowly so they could both see the insect he had up close for a minute. After a minute of watching the bug glow a nonsensical pattern he released it completely to fly off and rejoin the others once more.
Rosalyn was awestruck with the small bug Adrien held in his palm. It was no bigger than a bean and had black wings. But every once in a while, its backside would glow bright green. She had never seen such a creature and it was absolutely amazing.
Her gaze shifted to Adrien's face and a playful smirk played on her lips. "I'm glad you dont glow when trying to find a mate," she said and laughed.
"Wouldn't that be a sight to see? Imagine at every festival or social gathering, those seeking a companion would have flickering yellow skin. I suppose such a light would eliminate the need for those who use candles to see during such ventures." Adrien replies, a chuckle of his own escaping his lips at the imagined sight of peoples skin glowing. Or perhaps just their backsides glowing throug fabrics.
"I have no need to glow. I have a soulmate who is beautiful, strong, and brings out the best in me." He compliments, bringing her hand up to his lips to kiss it.
If the moon were any brighter in the sky, one would see the light pink color Rosalyn's cheeks had turned. She would never get used to Adrien speaking of her in such ways. Pulling her hand out of his, she gently touched his cheek. "I love you, Adrien," she whispered and placed a kiss against his lips.
Her declaration of love was softly spoken. Her voice a gentle but a sure whisper above the serene noise that surrounded them. It was more beautiful then the night that surrounded them. A kiss followed her words, rendering him unable to reciprocate the vocal statement. Instead of worrying he focused on letting his actions reciprocate the love he had for her.
Adrien's hand reached up and brushed a lock of hair off of her brow, gently tucking it behind her ear. From there his fingertips traced down her jawline as seconds continued to pass, deepening their kiss. The night air that surrounded them was pleasantly cool against his suddenly flushed skin. With no breeze to be had it was more than comfortable to enjoy her company outside among the stars for as long as she desired.
Rosalyn's hand traveled from the soft skin of his cheek to his long, golden brown hair and intertwined her fingers through the strands. Soon, she pulled away, only far enough to look into his eyes. She gave her husband a warm smile and repeated her previous phrase. " I love you so, so much," she said, keeping her tone hushed. Rose never wanted this moment to end.
The touch of Rose's fingers as they intertwined with locks of Adrien's hair was a feeling he would never tire of. The familiar feeling of the air that surrounded them seemed to encompass them in their own world. As if the air itself would shatter like porcelain if they spoke too loudly.
Her eyes met with his and he could see hers mirrored his own emotions. Love and desire pooled within the depths of her earth brown eyes. His own blue eyes the image of a summer sky against the midnight blue of the sky above them illuminated by the moon and stars.
"And I love you, for ever more." Adrien whispered back, his own smile gracing his lips as he looked upon the woman who had his everything. His heart, his mind, his body when she was ready. His lips returned to hers and the familiar heat began to grow between them. He didn't want this moment to end. But he would follow her lead no matter what the outcome.
Rosalyn didn't think she would be ready for this. She didn't think she would be ready to give herself to Adrien, but she was. What they shared was not lost, it was love. Something her and Gustave never had, and never would have never had.
When their lips locked again, her mind began to spin faster than she could keep up with. Her thoughts and emotions whirred around in her head, but the same one stayed at the front of her mind, as if it were plastered to her forehead. She wanted Adrien, and he wanted her.
Keeping her arms around her husband, she slowly laid back on the cloak, pulling him down with her.
Adrien knew not wether seconds, minutes, or hours passed as they became lost in their own world of each other. Every touch, taste, and sound either of them vetured to doing was phenomenal.
When they laid down at first they stayed laying on their sides. His eyes would open periodically reading Rosalyn's face and body language for needs and wants as they ventured further then they had before. Hands roaming places they hadn't been before. Clothing being moved as that once familiar sensation of resentment reached both of them. No longer did they have to adhere to that resentment and slowly clothing became removed so it did not inhibit their ability to be close.
Carefully they transitioned, so he lay on his back and she above him. The look of love and desire she held in her eyes made the stars above them appear dim in comparison. He was certain his eyes mirrored the very same message revealing his soul to as they created love.
The suns mid morning rays awoke Adrien. He found himself in the bed of the chateau. Rose was encompassed in his arms. She had his cloak under her and her cloak was presently being used as a makeshift blanket for them both.
The memory of the night before brought a smile to his face. How they had fallen asleep after their act of love. At some point the pre sun rise chill woke him (her cloak did not suffice as a blanket that would cover them both even under close conditions) and he carried her to bed without awaking his wife.
Sitting up just enough so he could peek over her shoulder he gave her cheek a warm kiss, "Good morning Rose." He whispered softly as he resettled back to laying down and tightened his squeeze for a moment in warm embrace.
The slight pressure on her cheek from Adrien's kiss is what awoke Rosalyn. Her eyes fluttered open and she let out a small, quiet groan. Morning meant their day was starting, which meant they would have to leave the comfort of each other's arms. "Good morning, Adrien," she whispered back. Carefully, she rolled over in his arms so she was facing him, and nuzzled her cheek into his chest. She could hear his steady heart beat and his slow inhales and exhales.
The night before had been filled with so much passion and love. It made all the times her and Gustave shared a bed seem fake. It was different with Adrien, so different that it almost erased her mind of Gustave completely. She wasn't sure how long they had laid under the stars, or how they got back into the warmth and comfort of the chateau. But as long as she was with her husband, Rose didn't care.
As she nuzzled into his chest, Adrien had the pleasure of resting his cheek against the top of her head. The smell of her hair and feel of the locks against his cheek was soothing for him.
In a last chance effort to regain the comfort of sleep and bliss of not validating the need to get up, he reached for her cloak and pulled it up over their heads and torsos, blocking the sunlight. "Six more minutes..." he said, referring to the once humoured gesture she had said the night they spend in Amouria on the hillside and the need to go had come around. It was he who voiced five more minutes wouldn't hurt and she who had said six minutes. Now it was a phrase that served as a joke between only them when they wanted to delay the inevitable.
"Six minutes isn't nearly enough time. What do I have to do to convince you to stay here?" Rosalyn questioned, a bit of a mischievous tone in her voice. She laid her free arm over his waist and ran her fingers gently across his back. She knew the flower festival would continue for a few more days, so she wouldn't mind missing one day to lay here with her husband.
"You need not to do anything to convince me to stay here. I will gladly stay here all day with you." Adrien reassured, and chuckled quietly as her fingers danced across his back. "That tickles." he warned as his own fingers began to trail up her own arm, surely having the same pleasant sensation upon her own skin as hers did with his.
Rosalyn bit her lip as his fingers traced her arms. It did tickle, but she wouldn't let him know that. "Is his royal majesty ticklish?" She giggled and kept dragging her fingers lightly across his back. "I hadn't expected someone so robust to have such an easy weakness," she teased. Adrien was the last person she had expected to be ticklish.
"Perhaps tickle is not the right word. I need another word to describe what your fingers do to me when they dance across my skin like they are doing now. It's pleasant none the less." He stated, his fingertips making their way down her arm.
Knowing she would be tempted to leave if he purposefully tickled her too much he only did the action one more time before he let his hand settle on her bare hip and he relaxed into her embrace
He planted soft kissing on her cheek, neck, shoulder, and just below her ear.
A quiet moan escaped her throat as his gentle kisses traveled across her neck and shoulder. In response, Rosalyn started to leave kisses on his chest, continuing up until she reached his lips.
Neither of them knew how much time passed. Hunger gnawed at Rosalyn's belly, but she didnt care. The two were so encompassed by each others movements and words that they didn't hear a carriage pull up to the chateau. Or a servant ascending the stairs.
Rose nearly jumped out of her skin when there was a knock at the door. "Your majesties, your carriage is waiting," a servant called. She glanced at the bedside table, where the red scarf was left in a heap of fabric. She looked at Adrien and gave him a half smile. "I guess it is time for us to go. At least you got your six minutes," she said and laughed quietly.
Adrien gave Rose a knowing smile. They definitely had been there much longer than six minutes. He gave her a quick kiss and answered the servant that kindly awaited a verbal response without entering. Despite the red scarf having falling off the door knob when he had carried their clothing (which he dropped in a heap) and Rose's sleeping form in last night.
"We will be out shortly. You are dismissed." He called out and heard the footsteps of the servant retreat. "Let us go meet our hospitable hosts, the King and Queen of Fleurence." Adrien said giving her a affectionate kiss before removing himself from the comfort of the bed to get dressed.
He dressed in a sky blue waistcoat with white tunic and matching breeches. The coat has silver embroidery and buttons. Rosalyn donned a white spring themed dress with pink floral pattern and lace sleeves. Both of them braided and tied their back with ribbons and crowns upon their heads before they departed to the carriage.
The carriage took them for a short ride and soon enough they arrived to the main estate. The castle as grand as the one in Amouria they were immediately greeted within the courtyard by four figures.
A tall man with very sharp and prominent angle features to his face. He stood at about Adrien's height, perhaps a half an inch taller. He had shoulder length straight black hair and full beard. His attire of black and gold. The crown on his head said he was the king of Fleurence. Next to him stood his wife. Her hair the color of golden sunlight and wore a dress of shades of pink and purple with gold trim.
A younger couple stood next to them. A blonde young woman of about Rosalyn's age, who also wore a dress of light pink and white trim. She wore a tiara upon her head, signaling princess of this kingdom. A man with short brow hair who wore a blue and red assemble of royal clothing stood beside her. He wore a less ornate crown upon his head, signaling he was her husband and prince.
Adrien got out and extended his hand to help Rose out of the carriage. The four figures bowed to them as the King spoke, "Welcome back Adrien DeLavergne, now King of Amouria. It has been many years since you have visited our land. You were just a lad the last time. Now look at you all grown up, king, and married to..." the King had finally turnes his gaze to Rosalyn and was momentarily speechless.
The Queen with smile spoke, "Welcome to Fleurence. In case you have forgotten out names my husband is King Stefan Roi. I am Queen Sofia. And our daughter Princess Dawn and her wedded husband Prince Phil."
Adrien bowed with a knowing smile on his lips. "How could I forget the persons of my childhood mother and I visited every year before her passing. Thank you for your hospitality in welcoming the royalty of Amouria once more. It has been far too long. Allow me to introduce my wife and Queen of Amouria, Rosalyn DeLavergne."
The four figured bowed again and the king regained his tongue, "Forgive me child, but who is your mother? What be her maiden name?"
The palace that housed the royal family of Fleurence was breathtaking. The castle in Amouria was as well, but she had grown accustom to its wonders.
Four figures stood awaiting them in front of the grand castle. The four members of the royal household. As the queen introduced themselves, she focused hard to remember their names and faces. She wasnt sure if she would ever meet this family again, but she felt it would he best to remember them.
King Stefan looked at Rosalyn as if he had seen a ghost. Did he recognize her? When he asked for her mother's maiden name, she had to think for a moment. She had always known her mother to be Rosalind Beaumont, but of course that was her married name. She dug deep into her memories, trying to locate the tidbit of information.
"My mother's name was Rosalind Fuyez. She married my father, Mercer Beaumont, and passed due to sickness when I was just a baby. Did you know her, your majesty?" Rosalyn asked, a quizzical expression on her face.
King Stefan got a solemn look upon his face when Rosalyn spoke of her mother's passing. "King Adrien DeLavergne did you marry this woman out of love? Rather than marry another out of royal bloodline obligation?"
"That I did. For love is what matters most to me over any political advantage a royal marriage would have served." Adrien answered curious at the older mans seemingly abstract question.
King Stefan looked to Rose trying to decide whether to speak of truth on the matter or state something else. Apparentlyhe chose to state truth becausea look of respectful fondness came over his face. "I did know her. You look just like her. In my late teen aged years my parents sought out for me a princess bride to marry once we reached adulthood. Rosalind Fuyez and I were arranged to be wed even before we met. We met for a brief time before the wedding. I am sorry to hear Rosalind Fuyez met an untimely death. Seeing you here gives me belief that she found love and happiness that she desired more than anything in this world." He didn't seem to have the heart to say much more on the matter.
Adrien had expected Queen Sofia to gain a look of jealousy or even rage at this conversation. While the King Stefan clearly loved his wife, he did hold a certain respectable fondness for his once betrothed. It surprised Adrien when Queen Sofia had neither of those emotions in her eyes, but rather gratitude. "Come along, let's us all partake of a midday meal and discuss this further if Mrs. Rosalyn DeLavergne desires to hear more about her mother's past. I for one am grateful that the events of the past happened as they did. There is no need to be upset, ashamed, or fearful when taking about such things. We all walk different paths in life. Some paths we are guided to, other paths we chose to walk. Ultimately it is up to us which way we go."
Adrien was grateful he had a steady arm out that already had Rosalyn's grasp once they exited the carriage. He could only imagine the quake in her knees at hearing this news of her mother. Surely it was just as shocking as when he discovered his true parentage. "Thank you Queen Sofia. Princess Dawn, Prince Phil, I look forward to getting acquainted as well. Although I can say I don't think we will be in need of running around the castle gardens throwing handfuls of white flower blossoms at one another like Dawn and I used to do as children."
Dawn gave a gentle knowing smile and Phil chuckled. "Forgive me but you may be mistaken King Adrien. She still on occasion cohorts me into playing such a childish game come spring time."
As Adrien began to converse with his childhood friend, Rosalyn fell into a thoughtful silence. Her mother had been a princess, once betrothed to King Stefan... Did her father know about her mother's royal lineage? He mustn't have, or must have done a very good job at keeping it secret.
More questions arose in her mind. Where was her mother from? What kingdom had she been princess of? Why did she run away? Did she meet her father before she abandoned her betrothal, or after? Did she leave her engagement for love or other, more selfish reasons?
Rosalyn pulled herself from her thoughts and forced a smile. She behaved as if the discovery of her royal blood wasnt something that bothered her. Like she already knew. "Adrien and I played 'that childish game' on occasion. I can assure you that I always won," she teased.
"Did you? Well I think we four should indulge in such a game while we are here. Gentlemen against the Ladies. Let us see who claims victory then." Adrien answered with a mischievous grin on his face as the six royals entered the castle and made their way to the dining hall for a midday meal.
Dawn appeared delighted as Adrien's suggestion. "We accept that challenge. I have no doubt the Ladies will be victorious. Isn't that right, Rosalyn?" Dawn countered as the royal family and guests were seated on a long table decorated with fine cutlery and a spread of food that even Adrien did not recognize from his visits here as a child.
Queen Sofia and Stephan simply looked at each other and chuckled at the antics of the younger adults. Pleased the four were getting along splendidly.
Rosalyn gave Dawn a friendly smile. "Of course. Back at the palace in Amouria there's a clever young boy who taught me all his tricks to games like these," she said, speaking fondly of Chandler.
Though she was speaking of games, her mind still raced with questions of her mother. Did she have any other family still alive? Would she ever meet them? Would they know her? They probably wouldn't doubt her lineage. King Stefan recognized her as soon as he laid eyes on her.
The midday meal chatter went on as they completed the consumption of their meal. It was not unnoticed by Adrien that their was a certain lack of appeal to the food when it came to Rosalyn's amount of partaking. The food itself was foreign but divine. He could only imagine her mind was elsewhere and appetite gone.
Queen Sofia seemed to notice this also. Although the Queen had stated earlier it was quite alright to speak of such personal matters openly, perhaps the girl would feel best speaking in private with the one person in the room who could give her first personal insight on the answers she surely desired.
When it became apparent the meal was nearing the end Queen Sofia spoke, "Prince Phil, it has been a great while since King Adrien has been here. Perhaps you could show him around while Dawn comes with me. Her and I have some business to attend to." Dawn took the hint and rose from her seat, "Of course, mother."
Phil also arose and Adrien was momentarily hesitant to agree to the Queen's suggestion. He did not fancy the idea of leaving Rose; even though the King she was going to be in company with was like an uncle to him. "That is an excellent suggestion your majesty. However, I will leave the decision to my wife as to whether I stay or go?"
Rosalyn nodded. "Please. I need to speak with King Stefan for a moment. I will join you later?" She suggested. She wanted to see the palace as well, but she wanted to know of her mother even more.
As the four left the dining hall, it was just Rose and the king which sat across from her. "Your majesty, I need to know everything about my mother that you can tell me. Where was she from? Why did she abandon your engagement? Besides me, does she have any other living relatives?"
King Stefan nodded in understanding as he began to answer her questions. "Rosalind Fuyez was the sole princess to the Kingdom of Elonia. Elonia is vast kingdom, like Amouria. Known for its sapphire mines, it bodes well in being a wealthy kingdom. But that size and wealth is rumored to come at a price. The longevity of the people is low compared to the surrounding kingdoms, by one maybe two decades at least. Physicians cannot figure out why. Not including outside influences like winter sickness."
He continued, "I believe Rosalind's mother, your maternal grandmother still lives. She is certain to be the longest person of Elonia to live past the average lifespan age of 35. She is at least double that age, if not older. Her name is Queen Camellia and as far as I know she is the last remaining royal bloodline of Elonia. Well was until I saw you."
Then came the last question and hardest answer of all, "Rosalind and I were arranged to be married the day she turned 18. She was a year younger than me and so once I turned 18 she came from across the great sea to live in Fleurence until our wedding day. She was beautiful and had a strength that had nothing to do with physical stature. Over the next few months we became acquainted and I'll admit I was rather fond of her. But she...her spirit knew no bounds. She wanted love and a simple life in the great wide world somewhere. Somewhere more than I or a marriage within politics could ever allow. She was brave, quick witted, and very ahead of her time. Six months before we were due to be wed...I bid her farewell and hoped she could find the love and simple life she deserved in another kingdom, the Kingdom of Amouria, I presume. Records here say she simply went missing never to be seen or heard from again. When no ransom was ever sent, indicating she was abducted royals started to talk. I insisted she not be labeled an traitor to the crown for abandonment of her duty and despite rumors I made sure it was known so. For her duty was first and foremost to her heart and I respected that."
Rosalyn listened intently as the king answered her questions. Her father had always told her how much she was like her mother. From the description King Stefan gave her, she no longer doubted the notion.
"My sincerest apologies about any grief my mother may have caused you. Though in the end, it seems as if you found your happiness after all," Rose said. She looked down at her lap momentaitly, trying to let her mind process all of the information he had just told her. Elonia, Queen Camillia, a wealthy kingdom brought down by disease. Or maybe not a disease. If the queen had lived to be an elderly woman, why did her people struggle to find long lives?
She would speak with Adrien about visiting Elonia once they were alone again. "Thank you, your majesty, for answering my most important questions." Rosalyn still had plenty of questions, but there were not any more the king could answer. She gave the man a smile and stood from her seat at the table.
"There is no need to apologize. If anything I should have thanked her for following her heart. For when she did that I was able to follow my own and find someone to love and be happy with. Rather than simply someone to be fond of and be content with." King Stefan exclaimed. When the young woman stood he took that as a signal that she had no further questions to ask of him, he too signaled for a servant to escort Rose through the castle to wherever Prince Phil and King Adrien had meandered.