DISCLAIMER: I don't own the Grimm's version. This is mine.
Author's Note: (A note to Amadea: Sylvanna's comment was just supposed to be nice and scary. Just theatrical effects.) Here it is! Rose's eighteenth birthday!
~~Chapter 11~~
The cool breeze smelled of rain as I leaned out my window and allowed it to caress my face. Long shadows were beginning to fall across the land. Far to the West, the sun was laying its head down to sleep. Somewhere, thunder was faintly rumbling.
I sat on my window seat with the panes open as I pinned up my hair with two diamond clips my mother had given me as a birthday present. The cold stones pressed into my hands, leaving marks upon my fingers as I entwined the precious gems into my hair. The jewels were worth more money than a commoner would see in a lifetime, but they meant nothing to me. To me, they were heavier than a crown. Chains of royalty, shackles of duty.
I rose and slid my feet into a pair of black formal shoes, matching my gown. I had firmly requested a black dress, against my mother's wishes, as I viewed this night, not as a celebration of marriage, but as a funeral. My funeral. My heart had hardened against my mother. I would marry Prince Godfrey if the Queen commanded it, but no one could force me to love him. As I went through the sluggish movements of dressing I felt cold, as if I would never again feel passion or love for anything. As though I was nothing but an empty shell of a human being, a corpse being prepared for burial.
From my door there came a soft rapping. A young page entered, "Your highness?"
I slowly turned my face towards him.
He faltered for a moment and then said quietly, "It is time."
With one last glance around my room, I followed him silently out the door and down into the Great Hall.
~~****~~
The King and Queen were awaiting my arrival upon their thrones. Father looked ancient tonight. I noticed the silver lining his beard and golden mane of hair. Even his brilliant blue eyes that he had given to me were paled. However, he still looked as regal as ever as he rose to give me his blessing.
Mother did not rise quite as quickly as father, but slowly and smoothly. Her eyes never left mine as she stood and I knelt. I held her gaze of mutual enmity all the while father proclaimed his blessing over me. Neither would look away. I fought back tears as my eyes watered from restraining blinking. I would see her yield before I would surrender to her will.
Father took my hands and kissed me. He began to declare some well chosen words aloud, but I did not hear him. My entire being was focused on my mother. Holding her gaze. Staring her down. I was the spitting image of my father, but I had inherited my mother's will. And though I had to obey her commands by law, I would never give her the satisfaction of bending to her will.
As customary, she approached me next and took my hands, and kissed me briefly on the cheek. As she leaned in she whispered in a harsh voice, "Behave civilly tonight Briar Rose. Everyone is watching. Don't you dare embarrass me."
As we pulled apart, my father clapped his hands and the music began.
~~****~~
Hours passed. Lords and ladies whirled about on the dance floor in a sea of color, a tapestry of silks, satins, and velvets. Laughter and singing beat against me like a crashing wave. Pomp and festivities arranged only for my pleasure. And still I sat, stone-like upon my throne.
Late that night, it must have been after eleven, mother ordered me to rise.
"Princess Briar Rose, I believe that your fiancé would like to dance with you." She gestured behind her to Godfrey, who was leering at me with a look of smug satisfaction. I fixed a steely glare on mother, mimicking her own actions and rose dutifully from my throne.
Prince Godfrey caught my hand and held it tightly as he pulled me to the dance floor. He jerked me towards him and gripped my waist tightly with his other hand. And still I could do nothing about it.
We began to revolve, aware of the stares people were giving us, trying to see if the Prince and Princess were blissful.
Godfrey spoke, "I would have thought you'd wear a more appropriate gown tonight Rose, this is a celebration of our marriage after all."
"Coming marriage," I corrected him, "And I will wear whatever I please."
His eyes glinted, and he leaned forward to whisper in my ear, "Until tomorrow. Then you will return to Linderly with me and become my wife."
Inside, I trembled, but I was determined not to allow Godfrey to see my weakness. I kept my head high and my shoulders back as I searched the crowd for a familiar face. I saw no one.
"I believe you owe me an apology Rose."
"For what?" I spat.
"For ignoring me so long this evening. You shouldn't neglect your husband."
"Future--husband," I said quietly. Then I saw him! Jason! He was gazing at me from behind a count and I stopped short. He was dressed in magnificent golden robes with green leave patterns bordering the material. His height was accented even more by it. And his hazel eyes sparkled more brightly. He did not look anything like a lowly stable boy, but a great king.
Godfrey turned to see what I was looking at. "Who is that?" Even Godfrey did not recognize his bitter enemy.
"Jason," I breathed.
Godfrey squinted at him again, "Well, well, the beggar brat has certainly grown up."
I glared at Godfrey and then returned my wonder to Jason.
Godfrey tugged at my hand, "Come now, you won't be allowed to look at other men like that after we are married. I will have to train you properly."
That hit home. I jerked my hand out of his grasp. "What?!" I growled.
"Train, you to behave as I wish."
"I will not be treated like some dog." I turned and began to march away. Godfrey grabbed my wrist to yank me back but I quickly flipped my arm and threw him off, using a fencing move Jason had taught me. I slapped him hard across the face and bellowed, "I will NEVER be your queen!" In that moment I had defied my mother, my father, and my country for what I knew to be right and true. I did not love him.
I marched out of the ballroom only to have Jason intercept me. "I saw what happened."
I nodded.
"Do you want to go outside?" he asked gently. I nodded again. And allowed him to lead me out into the gardens.
We sat upon a stone bench under the night sky. The sky was clouded, hiding all stars from view and the air was beginning to feel moist.
I sighed and leaned against Jason. The tension was slowly leaving me. "Mother is going to kill me isn't she?"
"No, she won't. You're her only daughter. She can't."
We sat in silence for a minute more, listening to the music playing from the Great Hall. Then, Jason said, "Feel any better?"
"Yes, thanks."
"Good, because I want to give you your present."
"Jason, you don't have to do that."
"I know, but," he pulled a small wooden box out of his pocket, "I wanted to." He handed the box to me and I lifted the lid. Inside was a small rose shaped pendant, on a silver chain. The very same one I had seen in Jason's luggage eleven years ago. I gasped and fingered the gleaming stone.
"Jason, you can't give this to me, this belonged to your mother!" I protested.
"I want you to have it."
I lifted the necklace over my head and settled it onto my neck. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
"Not near as beautiful as you."
He rose and stood in front of me and held out is hand, "Would you care to dance?"
The angels in Heaven seemed to hold their breath as I slid my hand into his and said quietly, "Yes."
Jason gently pulled me towards him and lightly laid his hand upon my waist. We began to spin, and twirl to the soft music.
The rain began to sprinkle. Then it came down harder, and harder, until we were thoroughly drenched-dancing in the rain.
Soon, Jason came to a slow stop and drew me closer to him. I could still see the amazing beauty of his eyes through the pouring rain, as he brought his hands to my face and caressed my cheeks. Slowly, he closed his eyes and drew my face close to his-
"BRIAR ROSE!" My mother was storming towards us, heedless of the blinding rain.
"GET INSIDE IMMEDIATEL!" She grabbed my wrist and threw me to a soldier following her. He hauled me, kicking and screaming, into the castle and threw me into my bedroom, locking the door behind him.
Author's Note: (A note to Amadea: Sylvanna's comment was just supposed to be nice and scary. Just theatrical effects.) Here it is! Rose's eighteenth birthday!
~~Chapter 11~~
The cool breeze smelled of rain as I leaned out my window and allowed it to caress my face. Long shadows were beginning to fall across the land. Far to the West, the sun was laying its head down to sleep. Somewhere, thunder was faintly rumbling.
I sat on my window seat with the panes open as I pinned up my hair with two diamond clips my mother had given me as a birthday present. The cold stones pressed into my hands, leaving marks upon my fingers as I entwined the precious gems into my hair. The jewels were worth more money than a commoner would see in a lifetime, but they meant nothing to me. To me, they were heavier than a crown. Chains of royalty, shackles of duty.
I rose and slid my feet into a pair of black formal shoes, matching my gown. I had firmly requested a black dress, against my mother's wishes, as I viewed this night, not as a celebration of marriage, but as a funeral. My funeral. My heart had hardened against my mother. I would marry Prince Godfrey if the Queen commanded it, but no one could force me to love him. As I went through the sluggish movements of dressing I felt cold, as if I would never again feel passion or love for anything. As though I was nothing but an empty shell of a human being, a corpse being prepared for burial.
From my door there came a soft rapping. A young page entered, "Your highness?"
I slowly turned my face towards him.
He faltered for a moment and then said quietly, "It is time."
With one last glance around my room, I followed him silently out the door and down into the Great Hall.
~~****~~
The King and Queen were awaiting my arrival upon their thrones. Father looked ancient tonight. I noticed the silver lining his beard and golden mane of hair. Even his brilliant blue eyes that he had given to me were paled. However, he still looked as regal as ever as he rose to give me his blessing.
Mother did not rise quite as quickly as father, but slowly and smoothly. Her eyes never left mine as she stood and I knelt. I held her gaze of mutual enmity all the while father proclaimed his blessing over me. Neither would look away. I fought back tears as my eyes watered from restraining blinking. I would see her yield before I would surrender to her will.
Father took my hands and kissed me. He began to declare some well chosen words aloud, but I did not hear him. My entire being was focused on my mother. Holding her gaze. Staring her down. I was the spitting image of my father, but I had inherited my mother's will. And though I had to obey her commands by law, I would never give her the satisfaction of bending to her will.
As customary, she approached me next and took my hands, and kissed me briefly on the cheek. As she leaned in she whispered in a harsh voice, "Behave civilly tonight Briar Rose. Everyone is watching. Don't you dare embarrass me."
As we pulled apart, my father clapped his hands and the music began.
~~****~~
Hours passed. Lords and ladies whirled about on the dance floor in a sea of color, a tapestry of silks, satins, and velvets. Laughter and singing beat against me like a crashing wave. Pomp and festivities arranged only for my pleasure. And still I sat, stone-like upon my throne.
Late that night, it must have been after eleven, mother ordered me to rise.
"Princess Briar Rose, I believe that your fiancé would like to dance with you." She gestured behind her to Godfrey, who was leering at me with a look of smug satisfaction. I fixed a steely glare on mother, mimicking her own actions and rose dutifully from my throne.
Prince Godfrey caught my hand and held it tightly as he pulled me to the dance floor. He jerked me towards him and gripped my waist tightly with his other hand. And still I could do nothing about it.
We began to revolve, aware of the stares people were giving us, trying to see if the Prince and Princess were blissful.
Godfrey spoke, "I would have thought you'd wear a more appropriate gown tonight Rose, this is a celebration of our marriage after all."
"Coming marriage," I corrected him, "And I will wear whatever I please."
His eyes glinted, and he leaned forward to whisper in my ear, "Until tomorrow. Then you will return to Linderly with me and become my wife."
Inside, I trembled, but I was determined not to allow Godfrey to see my weakness. I kept my head high and my shoulders back as I searched the crowd for a familiar face. I saw no one.
"I believe you owe me an apology Rose."
"For what?" I spat.
"For ignoring me so long this evening. You shouldn't neglect your husband."
"Future--husband," I said quietly. Then I saw him! Jason! He was gazing at me from behind a count and I stopped short. He was dressed in magnificent golden robes with green leave patterns bordering the material. His height was accented even more by it. And his hazel eyes sparkled more brightly. He did not look anything like a lowly stable boy, but a great king.
Godfrey turned to see what I was looking at. "Who is that?" Even Godfrey did not recognize his bitter enemy.
"Jason," I breathed.
Godfrey squinted at him again, "Well, well, the beggar brat has certainly grown up."
I glared at Godfrey and then returned my wonder to Jason.
Godfrey tugged at my hand, "Come now, you won't be allowed to look at other men like that after we are married. I will have to train you properly."
That hit home. I jerked my hand out of his grasp. "What?!" I growled.
"Train, you to behave as I wish."
"I will not be treated like some dog." I turned and began to march away. Godfrey grabbed my wrist to yank me back but I quickly flipped my arm and threw him off, using a fencing move Jason had taught me. I slapped him hard across the face and bellowed, "I will NEVER be your queen!" In that moment I had defied my mother, my father, and my country for what I knew to be right and true. I did not love him.
I marched out of the ballroom only to have Jason intercept me. "I saw what happened."
I nodded.
"Do you want to go outside?" he asked gently. I nodded again. And allowed him to lead me out into the gardens.
We sat upon a stone bench under the night sky. The sky was clouded, hiding all stars from view and the air was beginning to feel moist.
I sighed and leaned against Jason. The tension was slowly leaving me. "Mother is going to kill me isn't she?"
"No, she won't. You're her only daughter. She can't."
We sat in silence for a minute more, listening to the music playing from the Great Hall. Then, Jason said, "Feel any better?"
"Yes, thanks."
"Good, because I want to give you your present."
"Jason, you don't have to do that."
"I know, but," he pulled a small wooden box out of his pocket, "I wanted to." He handed the box to me and I lifted the lid. Inside was a small rose shaped pendant, on a silver chain. The very same one I had seen in Jason's luggage eleven years ago. I gasped and fingered the gleaming stone.
"Jason, you can't give this to me, this belonged to your mother!" I protested.
"I want you to have it."
I lifted the necklace over my head and settled it onto my neck. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
"Not near as beautiful as you."
He rose and stood in front of me and held out is hand, "Would you care to dance?"
The angels in Heaven seemed to hold their breath as I slid my hand into his and said quietly, "Yes."
Jason gently pulled me towards him and lightly laid his hand upon my waist. We began to spin, and twirl to the soft music.
The rain began to sprinkle. Then it came down harder, and harder, until we were thoroughly drenched-dancing in the rain.
Soon, Jason came to a slow stop and drew me closer to him. I could still see the amazing beauty of his eyes through the pouring rain, as he brought his hands to my face and caressed my cheeks. Slowly, he closed his eyes and drew my face close to his-
"BRIAR ROSE!" My mother was storming towards us, heedless of the blinding rain.
"GET INSIDE IMMEDIATEL!" She grabbed my wrist and threw me to a soldier following her. He hauled me, kicking and screaming, into the castle and threw me into my bedroom, locking the door behind him.
