Roses bloom among Thorns- Chapter Two
The sun was what woke up the young Tessa Gray that morning. She got up and picked out the fanciest dress she had, which was a simple blue dress with short sleeves, and made of a soft silky material.
She woke Aunt Harriet up and showed her the dress, which she approved of. Aunt Harriet then proceeded to throw Tessa's dressing gown over her head and put her corset on. After a lot of pulling and jerking, the blasted thing was on and secured in the right places.
Then, with the help of Aunt Harriet, Tessa put her dress on. After that, Aunt Harriet sat her down on a stool and did her hair in an elaborate up-do. After a lot of crying and hugging, Tessa set off for the castle on foot. It wasn't that long of a walk, maybe about a half of a mile.
She got there, she was greeted by knights in shining armor, holding swords that gleamed in the early morning sun. "State your name and your business here." Said one of them rather rudely. Tessa bowed respectively and said to the two guards, "My name is Theresa Gray and I am here at the Prince's request." The two guards bowed to her and let her pass through the grand gate that led to the courtyard.
The view before her was absolutely astonishing. If you can imagine, there were mighty oak trees every twelve feet along the pathway. There were two great fountains, with a steady stream of gurgling water coming out of the top. There were flowers gardened to perfection. Marigolds, Zinnias, you name they were there.
"Admiring the view?" Came a sarcastic voice from behind her. Tessa whirled around only to stare into the violet-blue eyes of Prince William Herondale
...
William Herondale, once again, sat in the grand library looking out of the French window that looked out upon the grand courtyard. He sat bolt upright when a young maiden with chocolate colored curls addressed the two guards at the gate.
Some of her curls fell from semi-messy bun and framed her face perfectly. Her lips were full and were a beautiful shade of pink. Her dress hugged her every curve. She was ribbon slim and tall. Her face was thin as well, betraying the slightest amount of blush. He opened the window just enough that he could faintly hear their voices.
Through the window, he could only make out the words, "Here at prince's request" but that was enough. His heart lifted at the thought that this breath-taking maiden was here, at his castle!
The guards let her pass and she treaded through the grand garden in the courtyard. The young prince rushed from the library, and out of the front door. He quietly walked over to her and leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Admiring the view?"
She whirled around and Will looked into the most beautiful pair of light, gray eyes.
...
"I-I'm sorry, Sire." Tessa stuttered. She bobbed an awkward curtsey, for he was standing close to her. The prince smirked and waved his hand in a lazy manner. "Please, call me Will. Save the respect for my Father." He said.
King Edmund Herondale had been ill and the Queen had been busy taking care of him. Therefore, Will had basically been running the kingdom with help from Lord James. The two princesses, Ella and Cecily, also helped their older brother from time to time.
"If I might ask, what is your name?" Asked Will, bringing Tessa out of her reverie. "Theresa Gray. But you can call me Tessa, Sire." She said. The Prince grabbed her hand lightly, and brought it to his lips. "What a lovely name, Tessa." He said in a husky voice. Tessa could feel the blood rising to her face at a furious pace.
"Would you like a tour of the castle?" Asked Will, after a moment of silence. "I would be honored." said Tessa, who then bowed her head respectively. Will offered his gloved hand and led her to the doors which they then passed through.
They walked through various hallways, filled with tapestries that bore the Herondale seal, which was a heron in mid flight. They walked past what Tessa presumed was the ballroom. In the middle of the celling, hung a massive chandelier. It bore diamonds roughly the size of Tessa's head, that were cut in the shape of tears .
"What would you like to see first?" inquired Will, who was walking just a bit in front of her. "I would like to see the library first please." She replied. Will let out a faint gasp. "You like books, too?" He asked. Tessa let herself smile, feeling she had struck a cord with the black haired boy that stood before her. "Yes. I absolutely adore books! Oh, what is your favorite novel?" She asked. Will raised his eye brow and said, "'A Tale of Two Cities'. Sydney Carton often reminds me of myself."
Tessa drew her eye brows together in confusion as they continued towards the library. "But Sydney Carton was a dissipated alcoholic." She stated. "Exactly. There was a man who was worthless, and knew he was worthless, and yet however far down he tried to sink his soul, there was always some part of him capable of great action." Will lowered his voice. "What was it that he said to Lucie Manette? That though he is weak, he can still burn?"
Tessa, who had read 'A Tale of Two Cities' more than she could count, said, "'And yet I have had the weakness, and still have the weakness, to wish you to know that with a sudden mastery you kindled me, heap of ashes that I am, into fire.'" She hesitated. "But that was because he loved her."
"Yes" said Will. "He loved her enough to know she was better of without him. Now, here we are! The grand library." Said Will and opened the massive oak door.
