Four weeks passed before the castle radiated with life at the royal guest arrival of Princess Dawn and Prince Phil from the ally neighboring country of Fleurence.
While the castle staff had been eager to prepare the castlea for the presence of the visiting royal guests; the village and surrounding areas were a buzz with preparations for the first Harvest Festival to celebrate the success of the harvest fields this year.
Adrien had written an invitation to Princess Dawn and Prince Phil to visit Amouria as royal guests and enjoy the festivities. He and Rosalyn would discuss politics with them after enjoying the festivities.
With a look from King DeLavergne, the castle staff as orchestrated by Misses Pom stayed inside as a horse drawn carriage came to a stop in front of the main castle doors. Rosalyn stood beside him as Princess Dawn and Prince Phil exited the carriage. "Welcome dear friends to the kingdom of Amouria. I hope your journey was uneventful." Adrien greeted as he bowed his head to the visiting princess and prince.
"Indeed it was. It's good to see you both. Thank you for your invitation." Prince Phil said as he bowed deeper to respect Adrien's status as a king.
"Yes! Thank you! I haven't been back to Amouria in quite some time. It will be delightful to get reacquainted." Princess Dawn voiced having not been back here since she was a little girl before Adrien's mother has passed away.
With their footmen carrying their belongings Adrien took lead as he directed everyone inside where the servant staff aided the footmen to take their belongings to the royal guests chambers, while the four royal members sat down for a meal in the dining hall.
Over the past several weeks, Rosalyn had learned very little on how to handle Elias. The only thing she had found was old storybooks and tall tales. There were nights she lost sleep, and more days she spent in the library than she would like to admit. Eventually, she had given up. It had proven to be no use. When the time came, she would find a way to deal with the Lord Chancellor. Until then, she would focus on her duties of being queen, and being Adrian's wife.
Amouria's first Harvest Festival was on the horizon. In just a few days, the kingdom would be bursting with life. Festivities for all, and since she had pushed Elonia to the back of her mind, she had been able to work on something of her own. She would unveil the project during the festival, where it would then be open for the public. She had managed to keep the project to herself, so it would be a surprise to everyone, even her husband.
"It is good to see you both again," Rosalyn voiced from her seat to Adrien's left. Last she had seen the pair, their visit had been cut short. It was her decision, but she believed anyone in her situation would have done the same. "I have been looking forward to this visit for some time. I love the company of all those in the palace, but it is refreshing to see new faces."
After exchanging pleasantries, Adrien had servants take Prince Phil and Princess Dawn's belongings to the East royal guest Wing; while the four shared a midday meal together. Adrien took it upon himself to describe the festivities that was to come. "The castle grounds will be full of festivities for all to enjoy; dancing, games, story telling. There will a shops where people can purchase trinkets or specialty foods. We are delighted to have you participate in the rejuvenation of this Amourian tradition. Just as you welcomed us, you are surely welcome to make yourselves as comfortable as you would in your own home. Library, stables, archary range, the gardens, don't hesitate to ask any of the staff or us should you desire anything at all." He assured, as Mrs. Pom came around and refilled everyone's tea.
"Does that mean Prince Phil could help us with our combat lesson, Master?" Voiced a curious Chandler as he brought another basket of bread to the table. Mrs. Pom gave him a shocked and stern look. "That is not an appropriate question to ask my child. Off with ya now to your other chores." Chandler looked apologetic, "Sorry Mother."
Adrien nodded in appreciation to Mrs. Pom at her correcting and gave further explanation once the lad and misses was out of the dining hall. "Chandler, has a sharp wit, favorable stature, and a good soul. I am training him in combat while Rose is teaching him literacy. If something were to happen to me, it will bring me great relief that such a lad will be her ally in my absence."
Rosalyn put a lump of sugar in her tea before stirring it and taking a small sip. She still did not like the thought of her husband ever being stolen from her, especially if she had not yet conceived an heir for the throne. But Chandler would do good. "Hopefully there is never an event that takes my husband from me, but Chandler has grown into a strong, bright young man, and he continues to grow every day. In the event anything does happen to the king, I will be happy to have him at my side."
She wasn't sure if she should tell Prince Phil and Princess Dawn of Elonia just yet, since they had just arrived. But Elonia was the reason they were here. So she and Adrien could ask them to rule over the foreign kingdom in their absence. Perhaps they should settle in before they ventured into a heavier conversation. "I do have an event planned in my home village during the festival though, and I do hope you will accompany us to it."
"Of course we will join you. It is not often Phil and I get to venture far outside our own home. To see and enjoy yours will be a great experience." Dawn stated at Rosalyn's invitation to join them at her home village for a festival event.
After the meal concluded Princess Dawn and Prince Phil excused themselves to the guest east wing quarters to settle in and rest before dinner. Adrien and Rosalyn went about the various places of the castle and grounds ensuring the preparations were in order for the neighing festival.
However an event in the nearby village Adrien hadn't heard of until Rose mentioned it at midday meal. It was a detail he didn't bring up again until they found themselves retiring for bed that evening after the long day of arriving guests and final preparation approvals that he voiced, "I was not aware of something happening in your home village. You certainly have me curious, my love. I look forward to whatever it is." He spoke as he removed his attire and climbing into bed.
Rosalyn was already curled up beneath the lush comforter when Adrien spoke of her plan in the village. "I hope keeping it a secret doesn't upset you. You've been so busy with other things that I I didn't want to add to your to do list. And I do hope that it will prove to some that I am capable of being your queen." She smiled up at him.
The event planning also kept herself busy, and if she had told Adrien, he would have wanted to help as well. It would not be a bad thing if he wanted to, but she was using it as a distraction. For weeks she had let the thought of Elonia and the worry of Elias hang over her head like a storm cloud. Now, she was far too busy with the plans in the village to dwell on the kingdom much more than a minute.
"Such does not upset me, Rose. You don't *need* to prove anything, but I appreciate your enthusiasm and initiative." Adrien spoke, placing a good night kiss upon her lips and settled into comfort for sleep.
The following day the opening ceremony of the harvest festival was set to begin at 8am. People had gathered in the town square where Adrien and Rosalyn arrived via carriage to announce the commencement.
He stood before the large crowd and begun his speech, "My people, today I, King Adrien DeLavergne bring back a tradition of old that was in effect when late beloved Queen reigned, God Rest Her Soul..."
"God Rest Her Soul." The crowd replied and he continued.
"I look forward to resuming the tradition of the Harvest Festival for years to come to celebrate the bounty of food grown. My blessings befall all those who nurtured it to prosper and those who partake of it."
He looked to Rosalyn and asked, "Queen Rosalyn DeLavergne is there anything you would like to say?" He offered her the chance to speak to her subjects.
Rosalyn smiled and took a step forward, towards the crowd. "I see many familiar faces here, and I want to personally thank each of you for joining us in this celebration. It has been many years since this kingdom has had such a gathering. As a way to further celebrate, I have a gift for you all. As many of you know, I lost my father several months ago." Rosalyn paused for a moment to take a quiet breath before she continued. Talking about her father was still hard for her.
"Instead of auctioning off our old home, I have decided to repurpose it. I invite you to join the king and I at noon today for the announcement and grand opening."
The crowd split as individuals started to enjoy the festival taking place around them. Rosalyn made sure to speak with some old...acquaintances of hers. She never truly had friends in the village. She and her father were looked over more often than not. But she was Queen now, and she wanted the kingdom's love, as well as their respect.
Precisely at noon, with the sun high in the sky, Rosalyn and Adrien stood on the porch of her old home. A ribbon was tied across the railing, and Rosalyn had a pair of scissors nearby. Many of the townsfolk had gathered around, eager to hear the Queen's announcement.
The queen cleared her throat before she began to speak once again to the crowd. "When I was a young girl, my father taught me how to read. Growing up, it was my favorite thing in the world to do. I read about anything I wanted to learn. I went wherever I wanted to escape to... Today, I want to give you the same opportunities to learn and escape. This is a place for children to learn new things and enrich their minds, somewhere for adults to hone their skills, or maybe learn something new as well.
"Today, I announce the grand opening of La Librairie de l'Inventeur." The crowd clapped and some shouted in excitement as the queen cut the ribbon on her secret project. She had taken the liberty to employ a scholar here as well, someone who could teach children how to read, or help with any questions one may have.
Upon entering the repurposed home, one was immediately greeted by a desk, which would always be attended. Throughout the home were small tables and chairs where one could relax and get lost in a story. Every available wall space had been transformed into a bookshelf and packed full of literature, nonfiction, and references. Maps were available, as well as copies of journals and notes.
A smile had beamed on Rosalyn's face as she entered the new library, trailed by a group of curious villagers.
"Extraordinary, Rose." Adrien complimented in a whisper to her as they presided over La Librairie de l'Inventeur. It wasn't long before a few curious children approached her to aide in sating their curiosity of this or that.
Adrien admired from afar and let Rosalyn do as she pleased. Sometimes he would be approached by someone and engage in small conversation. Mostly, people keep their distance, especially children who had heard unflattering tales of the king.
Later that night King Adrien, Queen Rosalyn, Prince Phil, and Princess Dawn found themselves alone in the castle study where often political discussions took place. Upon the table lay out an updated map of Amouria, Fleurence, and Elonia. "Thank you for coming Prince Phil and Princess Dawn to enjoy our festivities, but I must confess that is not the only reason we invited you to Amouria." King Adrien began and indicated to the map for all to see.
"I am King of Amouria. Rosalyn is the rightful heir to Elonia, with a grandmother who will soon pass. Your parents have many years ahead of them to be King and Queen of Fleurence. Rather than live in separate countries ruling our kingdoms, Rosalyn and I propose we have a Regent we trust to rule Elonia in her stead. You two are well versed in how to rule a kingdom and have more interactions with Elonia then Amouria ever has. This proposition is an opportunity we would like you to ponder on." He concluded, sitting back down.
Dawn's eyes were wide with surprise, she looked to her husband who also shared a look of awe as well. "We are honored to be considered for such a proposition. Such a immense proposition will need adequate time to ponder upon before we can give an answer." She said on behalf of herself and her spouse.
"Of course. Take all the time you need. This is not a decision that will be made it haste. I do not expect a reply for weeks if not months after you have returned to Fleurence. Merely one that we wanted to present in person because of the immensity it has as far as uniting our three kingdoms together." Adrien voiced, in complete understanding.
"Yes. A decision such as this is a difficult one to make. It should be thought long and hard over, and even discussed further with your parents, if you feel the need to do so." Rosalyn reached over and placed her hand over Adrien's. "You are dear friends of ours, and Adrien and I trust you will make the proper decision, whether you accept or decline our proposal."
She wanted Dawn and Phil to have ample time to consider the offer, and she did not want them to feel pressured into taking the role. It was certainly a life-changing decision. Rosalyn would have declined her grandmother's offer if she could have, but if she had, the kingdom would fall into the hands of a sorcerer with ill intentions. She could not condemn her mother's people to such a fate.
However, she prayed that the royal couple would be able to come to a conclusion before her grandmother passed. When that would be, no one knew, but any time would be too soon. Elias's threat taunted Rosalyn at the back of her mind. She had to return to Elonia alone, or risk her husband's life. If Dawn and Phil had not made up their mind when that time came, she would be forced to remain in Elonia, or name Elias her steward. Whatever was to happen, she would not leave her family's kingdom in the hands of that man.
"If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask Adrien or I. We will do everything we can to aid in this decision." She smiled warmly. Any word of Elias was left out of their conversation. He would be dealt with before anyone other than Rosalyn stepped foot in Elonia again, so there was no reason to scare the prince and princess.
After a bit more conversation, Dawn and Phil departed back to their guest chambers, leaving Adrien and Rosalyn alone in the study. Rose sighed softly and turned to her husband. "Do you think they will accept the offer?" she asked.
"I am inclined to think they will accept the offer. The country of Fleurence and Elonia would have been united if the marriage had gone through between your mother and Princess Dawn's father. They were willing to unite the countries then, surely becoming regents and bringing unity now won't be a concern." Adrien voiced to Rosalyn feeling hopeful at the prospect of being able to have his wife remain at his side here in Amouria if they secured regents for her kingdom.
After a week of festivities King Adrien and Queen Rosalyn bid farewell to Princess Dawn and Prince Phil, who returned to Fleurence to ponder the offer and send word as soon as they reached a decision. Unlike Rosalyn, Adrien hoped the Elias issue would be taken care of before Princess Dawn and Prince Phil voiced agreement to be Regents of Elonia. For it would be difficult to retract the offer if the Sorcerer wasn't taken care of and the curse broken. For Adrien wouldn't send his lifelong friend to rule a country with a dangerous figure and currency around.
Life in Amouria felt at ease for a time. Adrien going about his duty as King and Queen Rosalyn to assist and teach her when he deemed fit. Chandler's training continued as well under the direction of them both. And every so often Rosalyn would stop by her Village Home Library to ensure it was well.
He wasn't entirely surprised when the topic of such location was brought up at supper. Rose voiced a desire to travel and find some of her father's other made by his hand relics. Adrien wasn't in a position to travel again after being gone longer than anticipated on their honeymoon. "I don't see why not, even though I cannot attend such a venture with you at this time. But you are a Queen now, so you must travel in a carriage and with extra guards with you at all times. Perhaps a lady in waiting as well?" He speculated in between bites of pork roast, vegetables, and baggett bread pieces for supper.
