I decided to roll off two in one day, so here is another one for you to look over, I hope ya'll like it! Oh, TrudiRose, I like your suggestion of switching to the other section, but I think I'll do that after I have posted all the chapters here, that way I'll get a chance to look at what people say I should fix! Now, on with the story...
Chapter 9
The Pond
It had been a week since Rose told her mother she wanted to invite someone to the Haligation Day Ball, and almost a month since she had seen Jessie. Rose was out on her daily ridding break from life. Today she was at the farthest part of the grounds away from the castle. It took several hours just to get there, so she had had to tell her mother she would not be home in time for supper.
This part of the castle property was rarely visited by anyone other than Rose and the gardeners because it was so far out. Despite the distance, it was considered the most beautiful spot in the kingdom, with many different gardens and groves of trees. There was also a small pond with a family of swans living there.
Rose was sitting on the grass on the grass on the edge of the pond reading. Her skirts were spread out around her, with her feet tucked under her. She was leaning against one of the small magnolia trees. Some of the leaves fell off of the tree onto the page of her book, so she looked up, thinking a squirrel had jumped onto the branch above her.
"What are you doing up there?" Rose called up. Jessie had once again snuck into the castle grounds, and had followed Rose to the pond. He had opted on climbing the tree instead of sneaking up on her, which he normally did.
Climbing onto another branch, Jessie called back down, "Why Princes, didn't you learn in one of your many books that magnolia trees are the best for climbing?" It was a joke, and the both knew it; Rose loved books, plain and simple. Swinging from the branch he was on, Jessie jumped to the ground. "A rose for a Rose, though I think my Rose is far prettier." He said grinning as he pulled a rose from behind his back, as if it were magic.
Smiling in-spite of herself, Rose took the gift as her friend sat on the ground next to her. "Thank you, you were so thoughtful in getting me something…it's a pity I don't have anything for you!" Rose teased.
"Ah, but Princess, just being in your good graces is gift enough for me!" Jessie teased back. The two had an odd relationship, but a good one. Ever since they had met four years ago, they had been best of friends. It was an uncommon friendship, that5 of a royal, the heir to the throne, and the son of a soldier.
"Where have you been? I haven't seen you in almost a month! I was beginning to think you had fallen in love and run off with an innkeeper's daughter!" Rose laughed.
"Oh, nothing as glamorous as that." Jessie laughed. "I had to see a friend. She lives in another kingdom, so it took a while to get there. She is a friend of the family…an old witch if you ask me." it was a half truth. In reality, he had gone to see the evil fairy Mortisha on her summons. She had wanted a report on how far along the plan was, and how much longer it would take to carry out.
"You were polite I hope. Nothing is worse than a boy who is rude to his elders, who also happen to be friends with his parents."
"Oh, believe me, I was on my best behavior." Jessie said seriously. "So, what have you been up to? Lots of trouble I presume " He was smiling again, which made his words lighter.
"Oh, you know, the usual daily routine of study, go riding, study some more. There have also been a few early preparations for the Haligation day Ceremonies. Have you done anything?" Rose asked.
"No, where I come from, we didn't' have a Haligation Day, so I'm not sure if I should celebrate it. But…um, well…" Jessie stuttered.
"What? Why are you blubbering, you hardly ever do!" Rose sat there watching her friend walk to the other side of the pond. Getting up, she brushed off her skirts and followed him. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asked.
Jessie turned to look at her. Her eyes were full of concern. "It's nothing. I was just curious as how custom was about giving gifts at the ceremony. What kind of things do people give?"
Rose laughed, relieved that he wasn't in trouble or hurt. "There is no specific custom in giving gifts. Generally though, you only get gifts from family, suitors, courtiers or prospective courtiers. Who did you want to give a gift to?"
"No on, I just was curious of your custom. That's all, I promise."Rose touched his arm turning him to facer her because he had turned away. He gave her a warm smile.
He took hold of Rose firmly by the arms, walking over to the edge of the lake, and tossed her in. Rose resurfaced spluttering and dripping with water. "What the heck was that for?" she demanded, wiping water from her eyes and placing fists on hips.
Jessie burst out laughing at the sight of her, and dove in. he tackled her in the water and swam away quickly. Rose raced after him, and began a game of water tag.
The rest of the day was spent swimming, tree climbing, tag among the roses, and of course horse racing. It was dark by the time they got back to the servants entrance to the castle. Jessie often escorted Rose back, with his sword on his hip, even though they knew she was in no danger inside the walls.
As he was turning to sneak back out, Rose caught Jessie's arm, and turned him to face her again. I wanted to ask you something. I was wondering…I wanted to know if…"
"If what?" Jessie asked laughing. He had never known Rose to be at a loss for words. She always seemed to have something to say.
"I was wondering if you wanted to come to the Haligation Day Ball." Rose said in a rush. "I mean, I know you'll be there, you always are…but I thought that you might want to actually be invited for once. Instead of having to sneak in I mean." She was blushing, but Jessie couldn't tell because of how dark it was.
"I would love to come." He said smiling. "Now I can actually get to come inside the walls without running the risk of getting caught!"
They both laughed, and went their separate ways. Rose to her rooms and Jessie back outside the castle walls to his home.
