-Chapter 2-
A Blossoming Rose

"It's just a few days before my birthday; the maids have been preparing for the festivities in the newly renovated garden area that once housed the Red Rose. The beautiful gazebo that was the newest addition to the garden would be my seat for most of the night. I've not been to the garden since the maids began decorating but I know for a fact the one who has been given the task of decorating the venue is none other than my closest friend. Rose promised me it would be her greatest work ever. I'm really looking forward to seeing the decorations more than the people I will be meeting whom I've never even seen or met before. The life of a princess is no easy life, alas my mother's dignitaries and…in some way…her…pretentious friends as I prefer to call them seem to always want things their way and not the way of my mother's.

It saddens me to see people coming to our home and telling her how to rule our land, especially when they are not from Alexandria itself. I never understood why nobles from across the lands come to criticize my mother's work. While the very few who praise her ethics, mostly from within Alexandria itself, many are displeased. I've been the topic the most with her recently, its heart breaking to always hear from mother, papa, the maids and even Beatrix and Steiner of all people to tell me what they've heard of me. It's tiresome to always hear them speak my name in…in…in some ways…be used for the purpose of following their traditions…

I would be lying if I didn't say I just wish to have a simple family birthday with just only our real friends as we have in the past years of my birthday. Simple and memorable. Then again…this is the life we're apart of and a sixteenth birthday in Alexandria is considered one of the most covenant milestone in a child's life. Sometimes I wonder what our life would have been if we lived outside of the palace walls…

Despite all the things transpiring around my life, there is one thing that has been on my mind lately; something that I've been pondering about my dear friend Rose…"

"How does this look Rose?"

"It's…its perfect…I hope she'll love it."

Rose looked to the white gazebo as it was decorated with assortments of flowers wrapped around the railing, three oak wood with red cushioned chairs in the center, triangle banners wrapped underneath the roof, and assortment of colorful balloons wrapped around each pillar of the gazebo. Standing gracefully with her brown short hair with a small red rose hair clip off center from the top of her head, her gentle brown eyes gazing upon the area wearing her ruby red collared jacket with fluffed shoulders and knee length train with a light pink frilled edges, underneath a dark pink mock turtleneck with small frills reaching her wrists and matching dark pink knee length skirt, with a large leather with golden buckles belt wrapped around her waistline and knee high black boots. The young woman studied every inch of decoration hoping her work lives up to her close friend's expectations.

"I must say Lady Rose, this is by far your finest work yet, we've managed to carefully lay the dance floor per your specification on ground, the tables have been set up with all the plants, candles, dining utensils and petals spread across. The hedges surrounding the area have been trimmed and the dock leading here has been decorated with plenty of candle stands and banners." The blonde haired red eye maid said as she smiled.

Rose nodded.

"Rubie…thank you and your maids…for all the help. I just hope Her Highness will be pleased with everything here…"

"For as long as I've known you both, I'm certain that Her Highness no matter what will be pleased with your fine work. After all, your recent decorations in all of the Royal Chambers have been exquisite with your floral additions bring so much life in them that the maids are quite envious."

Rose turned her head to the maid is surprise. The time Rose became old enough to become more well versed of her talent began decorating the chambers of Garnet, Sarah, and Zidane. Bringing more plant life that not only was well received but was considered in high demand around the palace, surprisingly even the barracks of the soldiers were in demand of her work. She never really gave consideration of using her talent to decorate the entire palace on account of her current training with her father Steiner with her mind somewhat on track in following her mother's footsteps.

"I...uhm…thank you…Rubie…that's very kind of you. I'm flattered that the maids wish for me to decorate the quarters…" she said as her head shied away from the maid's compliment. Rubie turned her attention to Rose and smiled.

"Rose, no need to be shy now, you've quite the talent, I'm sure you've been praised by your parents dearly for all your work around the palace recently."

"They…they have but…I know I'm lacking in my own abilities of being…well…as I've told mother before that I know that I must learn the ways of becoming a soldier to protect Her Highness…"

"Rose…while I understand your willingness to follow your mother's footsteps, I'm certain your dear friend wants you to be happy as well."

Rose looked up to the maid.

"I…I understand…and I've lots to prepare to be by her side at all times…"

"Rose…"

Rubie laid a hand the young lady's shoulder that caught her off guard. She looked into the maid's gentle eyes while letting out a generous smile towards her.

"I may not have much interaction with you since I spend most of my time scheduling all the maids across the palace but I do hear stories of you and Her Highness. In fact, Nadine, Mei, Melody, and Allison speak nothing short of praise to you. At times we do speak amongst ourselves about everyone in the palace; I can promise you it's nothing but good fortunes. The times you spent with any of them is always a pleasure and always leaves them feeling grateful by your presence."

Rose's eyes widened, she began pressing her lips together as she looked around the garden, studying her work. The years recently Rose was spending much of her time now at her lessons, sword training with her parents, occasional free time spent with Sarah, and studying plants from all her reading material.

She returned her attention to the maid still in awe by the words.

"Rubie…I never knew everyone cared…so much of me…" she gingerly said.

"Rose, don't ever feel lackluster of your true potential. Everyone here cares deeply about you. Although truth be told on a more personal note, it's very depressing that you no longer call your dear friend by name no more."

Rose lowered her lead a little as her eyes found themselves staring indirectly at the maid's mint colored apron on top of a black suspender skirt.

"But…I must address her formally…it's inconsiderate to call her by name…"

"Yet she calls you by name, doesn't she?"

Rose slowly nodded.

"She does…"

"Does she ever speak of you to call her by her name?"

"She…she has…."

"Well?"

Rose shook her head; she looked up to the maid.

"I…I musn't…it's not proper…"

"Oh Rose."

Rubie removed her hand.

"I know you're doing your best to please everyone who means dearly to you. You push yourself so hard; remember it's not how much you offer that makes you mean much to them, it's the thought that counts." Rubie smiled.

Rose began looking around her, observing the maids putting the finishing touches of her planned decorations for the Princess of Alexandria's upcoming birthday. It's been many years since Alexandria celebrated a sitting princess' birthday, the last being Garnet's that many recalled the destruction of the Prima Vista and her abduction. Many people had wished that night would have been more celebratory than destructive. Sarah knew her birthday would bring joy to the people, while at the same those close to her knew that the days of private birthdays at the palace with family and friends would not be the theme for this coming celebration. For Rose, she knew the pressure of making sure the venue was perfect for not just her dear friend but for all of Alexandria and the Queen and Princess' special guests.

"Rubie…I just…want her to be happy…" Rose said as she held her hands together and pressed her head in between her collared jacket like a turtle hiding in its shell.

"She will Rose…I promise you, she will and you will be at her side too." The maid said sincerely still keeping her attention to Rose as bells began ringing in the distance. Rose gasped and began to mildly panic.

"Oh dear…is it late already? I must run back home to train with father. Oh dear I'll be late. I'm so sorry Rubie but can you…can you please-"

"Say no more, I promise you the finishing touches will marvel you and everyone." The maid smiled as she curtseyed Rose.

"Tha…thank you very much." Rose said as she bowed to the maid and started running out of the garden as Rubie watched with a sincere smile watching the young woman rush home.

…

Rose arrived home after making a mad dash around the palace, she saw her father Steiner, wearing his freshly polished Pluto Knight armor, outside waiting for her as he smiled upon her arrival while carrying a rapier in his hand. His daughter catching her breath bowed to him. "I'm sorry father…I didn't mean to be late…I was lost with time preparing Her Highness' decorations at the garden." She said feeling flushed and her cheeks warming up from her run.

"Rose dear, it's quite alright, if you were occupied preparing for the celebration, we could've postponed your training for today since it is after all your friend's birthday." Steiner smiled as his daughter looked up to him.

"I…I know father but I must continue training to prepare myself for enlistment later this year…."

"Are you certain you wish to continue forth?"

Rose nodded her head as she held her hands together, letting out a hopeful smile.

"I do father, I wish to make you and mother proud."

The knight nodded as he extended his arms with the rapier in hand, the long sharp pointed sword had a golden half domed shaped hilt with an embossed emblem of the family crest, sporting a rose in front of Save the Queen and Steiner's Broadsword crossing at the blades. Rose carefully with her right hand gripped the hilt, then carefully placed her left hand on the blade, removing the rapier from her father's hand, bringing it close to her. She took a few steps back as her father watched.

"Are you ready?" her father asked. Rose nodded her head, lifting the sword upward while lowering her left hand by her side. "Yes father." She replied.

Steiner nodded and reached for his broadsword sheathed behind him, he lifted the sword out, gripping it with his free hand, holding the sword with both his hands as he readied himself. Rose extended her rapier towards her father, turning her body slightly to her left. She felt her hand shake a bit. She looked into her father's deep concentrating eyes staring back to her. In a split moment, she felt her arm pull itself in and thrust forward with her body following as he swung his swung upward deflecting her blade away from striking him. Her feet followed the momentum of the rapier almost nearly losing her balance as she let out yelp with Steiner turning his body towards her.

Rose turned around raising her rapier again; she swung it horizontally as Steiner held his blade upward as it made contact making a loud clank sound that echoed across the courtyard. Rose pulled back and swung her blade diagonally with her left elbow raising itself to maintain her balance as Steiner pulled his sword back to him blocking the attack again. He then swiftly raised his sword upward causing Rose to yelp and lose her balance almost nearly falling on her bottom. She shook her head and looked back to her father's eyes again; she tightened her grip on the rapier, adjusted her feet then lunged forward with the blade aiming forth as her father sidestepped causing her to run by.

"Keep your eyes on me Rose."

She turned around looking at her father's eyes, she nearly found herself taking many breathes, despite only making a few moves she felt exhausted already, but the two continued. As they continued exchanging gentle attacks with one another, through the window of the General's residence, Alexandria's revered General of the army stood by watching the two, she gazed with much interest with her curled fingers beneath her chin, hearing the sounds of the blades making contact with one another was music to her ears while at the same time admiring her daughter's skills.

Beatrix looked over her shoulder spotting a glass vase with a dozen beautiful red roses on an oak wooden nightstand next to a large red cushioned wood framed couch. To the many eyes of visitors of her home, they were just flowers, but in the eyes of the General, were her daughter's first gift to her on her own birthday after many years of taking great care, stood tall and healthy colors. She smiled as she returned her attention to her husband and daughter training outside of her home.

Steiner and Rose continued their exchanges; unknown how long it has been Rose was near exhaustion almost unable to maintain her balance as her father took note of her hold on the rapier, aimed lowered than normal. "Are you certain you aren't exhausted?" He asked. Rose gingerly shook her head while her breathing became harsh sounding. "Nay father…I'm…I'm holding my…my…ground…" her voice croaked.

"Perhaps this is where we shall end for now."

Rose shook her head.

"I…must…I must…better myself…"

"Rose your form is becoming lacking, I'm not going to force you any further if you are unable to maintain your balance and form."

"Nay father…I….I can hold myself."

Rose raised her rapier outward to her left; she made an attempted horizontal swing towards her father but missing him with no reach close as he lowered his broadsword. Rose lost her balance after the last swing nearly collapsing to her knee as her blade fell to the ground and her free hand holding her from falling over. Steiner sheathed his sword behind him and walked to his daughter.

"Rose…I think we've done enough for today." He said as he kneeled before her placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to his eyes while she continued to breathe heavily.

"Fa…father…I wish to continue…" He shook his head. "I won't allow my daughter to exhaust herself beyond her limit."

"But father-"

"An exhausted soldier is no good to me compared to that of a healthy soldier."

The father and daughter looked over to the sound of the voice, seeing Beatrix arms crossed and a gentle smile on her face as she observed. "Rose dear, you are exhausted, I believe this will do for now."

Rose's eyes widened while she pressed her lips together. Her mother extended her hand offering to help rise to her feet; Rose took her mother's hand tenderly as she was helped up while Steiner rose along.

"Mo…mother…I'm sorry…" Rose said as she released her hand from her mother's; she picked up her rapied and planted the blade to the ground by her side.

"Why are you apologizing?" Beatrix asked raising an eyebrow.

"I…you must've…been watching us and seeing-"

"Seeing you exert yourself more than necessary?"

Rose let out a small gasp as she felt herself trembling before her mother.

"I…I'm sorry…."

Beatrix shook her head.

"Rose dear…I'm not expecting you to be as great as myself nor to even surpass my expectation."

"Your mother is right Rose."

Rose turned her to head towards her father who walked beside Beatrix giving his daughter a gentle smile. "We understand that, being a soldier is no easy task or in fact an easy life to live. If you do have second thoughts, we have no ill will against your decision to forgo this path." He said in a gentle tone that eased Rose's anxiety.

"I for one Rose don't want to force you into something you do not feel confident in."

Rose gently gripped her rapier's helm tightly as she looked to her mother. To her, Beatrix was her role model since she was able to start holding conversations as a child. The years as Rose grew up, her times most ranged from play days with Sarah, reading books on flowers, speaking etiquettes, following along with Beatrix surveying her role as the General of Alexandria's Army, sword training with Steiner, and studying for her lessons. As she became older, she began feeling less energetic as she took in more responsibilities around the palace, primarily with helming floral arrangements which received more praise from everyone, including her parents. She started taking in sword training lessons at age fourteen, however it has been noted by her parents that Rose has lacked consistency with her training were she over works herself to near exhaustion preventing her to improve her swordsmanship.

"Rose, do you remember what I told you years ago on my birthday? When you were a child?"

Rose nodded her head as she lowered it slightly with her eyes looking to her mother's Save the Queen's helm sticking out from behind her.

"I do mother…"

"Chin up Rose."

"Sorry mother…" Rose raised her head and stared to her mother's brown eye. "Rose, you will always be my daughter first before anything else in this world. That has never changed and I will always continue to see you as my daughter more than anything else in the world, soldier or not."

"As do I Rose. Your mother and I are proud of you no matter what. We only want what's best for you, we understand that being a soldier is no easy task, let alone having to tire yourself so much, we don't want you to push yourself so hard, you've taken so much into your life now that we want you to be able to follow your heart where ever it may take you." Steiner added in as he smiled.

Rose looked to Steiner as her lower lip felt itself opening slightly. Her parents smiled at her, she pressed her lips together. She took in a deep breath.

"I only wish to serve Alexandria the same way you both do…I know that I must protect Her Highness soon and I know that I have to follow our family tradition."

Beatrix brushed her hair to the side and crossed her arms.

"Rose dear, let's rest for a bit, you've exhausted yourself today, come, let us rest inside." The General spoke gently as she stepped to the side and cocked her head to the door leading to their home residence. Rose carefully picked up her rapier, she swallowed her breath and looked to her mother followed by lowering her head tenderly, feeling slightly ashamed of herself.

…

A kettle whistled loudly in the kitchen, Beatrix pulled the kettle off the stove top as she blew out the flames. She carefully poured its contents into two small tea floral designed tea cups on the nearby counter top as the aroma released into the air from the steam. The floral like scent relaxed Beatrix's nose as she placed the kettle back on top of the stove top. She carefully picked up the two cups and walked out of the kitchen, passed a medium size dining table and straight in to the living room. The living room had a generous white walled French décor with many floral patterns, A small wooden brown coffee table sat in front of the couch, matching the night brown nightstands on both sides of the couch. In front of the coffee table was a large drawer and a large window sat above it. Three plants could be seen in the room, one by the door, one by the drawer, and the last one was by the cobblestone titles, which divided the kitchen and living room. White marble was titled throughout the living room with the exception of the area around the couches, and the coffee table in which rose red carpet was placed there and lastly set above the fireplace stood a large oil painting of Beatrix's family, bordered by a gold trimmed frame, showing Beatrix and Steiner in their armor with their hands closest to Rose; who was six years old at the time of the painting; placed on her shoulders who was centered between them wearing a white long sleeve blouse with a brown collar centered with a matching colored bow and brown ankle length skirt, and brown flats while sitting on a wooden stool. Beatrix saw her daughter sitting on the large couch facing the windows appearing to be observing the courtyard of the Alexandria palace with the large red velvet curtains pulled to the side.

Beatrix walked around the couch as she noticed her daughter with her eyes looking downward towards the small oak tea table before her and her legs crossed crookedly in an ungraceful manner. She gently placed one cup on the table before her as Rose looked up to her mother, feeling slightly uneasy. She felt her nerves pinching all over her body as if she had committed a heinous crime. Beatrix let out a smile trying to ease her daughter's emotions. "Drink some tea dear, its rose petal oolong; it'll help sooth your body's soreness that you've experienced during training with your father." She said as she stood up.

Rose adjusted her legs trying to fix their crooked position trying to maintain a graceful manner.

"Thank you mother." She said gingerly as she watched Beatrix take a seat next to her. Rose carefully picked up the cup, letting two finger curled the handle and cupping her free hand underneath the cup. She straightened her back and gently leaned back against the couch.

"I'm sure your father won't mind if we shared tea together while he baths." Beatrix said as she took a sip of her tea. Rose looked into her cup. "Nay…I know he prefers be cleansed after duty." Rose replied looking at her reflection from the tea with small ripples forming.

"Mother…I'm…I'm sorry if I'm not as well versed as you were in your youth…"

Beatrix lowered her cup laying it rest on her lap as she looked at her daughter.

"Rose dear, what makes you think that I have expectations of you to be fully capable of being a swordsman?" Beatrix arched an eyebrow.

Rose gently gripped the handle tighter almost nearly shaking the cup.

"I…I know that being your daughter means…much is expected out of me…after all…being born into this family means I must continue our name sakes."

"Rose…chin up."

Rose looked towards her mother, seeing her gentle brown eyes and gentle smile looking towards her.

"Rose, I in no means or ways have ever asked you to continue our family traditions, let alone our name sake. My only wish for you is to live the life you deserve and feel at best with."

"But mother…everybody is watching me…"

"As they did with me when I was your age…I chose this path of my own free will. You have your whole life ahead of you; the path you choose to take should be one that brings you inner joy and a sense of accomplishments for skills that you are gifted with."

Rose blinked a few times and constantly felt the urge to avoid eye contact with her mother. She never wanted to be inconsiderate to her own mother, let alone let her down in the future ahead of her. She gently laid her cup on top of the table and leaned back against the couch as her mother observed.

"Rose dear, may I ask you a question?"

Rose felt a bit nervous.

"Ye…yes mother?"

Beatrix laid her cup on top of the table as well; she rested her hands on her lap, gazing upon her daughter. The mother slowly studied every aspect of her daughter, from her soft brown hair, her gentle brown eyes, her small rose clip on her hair, and lastly her current posture with her arms laying themselves on her lap with her hands on top of each other. Beatrix closed her eye for a brief moment and opened them as her daughter still felt nervous.

"Have I and your father given you the foundations you need to be successful in your life?"

Rose gently gasped while her body flinched. Beatrix slightly lowered her head a tiny bit while keeping her eye on her daughter. Rose turned her head slightly away from her mother's gaze but her eyes remained focused on her. She couldn't tell if her mother was accusing her of wrongdoing, yet her mother was only worried about her daughter's state of mind.

"I…" Rose stopped herself; her hands began trembling, she felt pinches all over her body.

"Rose, you know telling me the truth will not hurt my feelings." Beatrix assured.

Rose gently clenched her right hand, she took a deep breath.

"You…you have mother…but…I feel as if…"

Beatrix raised an eyebrow as she turned her body more towards her daughter as her legs crossed.

"I feel torn between…wanting to serve the royal family and…and…"

"Go on?"

Rose raised her arms crossing each other with her hands resting on her upper arms and looked out through the windows towards the courtyard.

"I'm….not entirely sure…what I wish to do with my life…despite…knowing that it's my sworn duty to serve the royal family as you and father have…I know both Her Majesty and Her Highness have always seek my expertise in my botanist skills…but…I feel as I'm supposed to protect them rather than be nothing more than a florist…"

"I see…has this been troubling you recently?"

Rose slowly turned her head to her mother, who had smiled at her. It left her feeling confused at the sight.

"Mother…why…why are you smiling?"

Beatrix scoot herself closer to her daughter on the couch to within inches of her daughter.

"Do you see our family painting?" She said as she looked over her shoulders as Rose looked along.

"I…I do…what…what about it?"

"Anytime I see this painting, I always think of how helpful you've always been since you were six years old. It's one of the reasons why I never asked for a new painting. Because I savor the thoughts of knowing deep in your heart, you wish to help those in anyway ways possible. The fact that Her Highness asked you to help Her Majesty find ways to cure her PTSI was by no means an easy task for you, yet even your small gesture of decorating the Queen's chamber helped make Her Majesty feel more comfortable in her own room. It helped lead to where she is today, your new garden that you and her worked on together brings joy to everyone here at the palace, including your father and I as well. Any request that is being asked of you always leaves us impressed with your work. You Rose have many gifts to offer to the world, which skills you wish to utilize here at the palace is up to you and your choice alone. Never once have I ever asked you to follow in my footsteps."

Rose studied her family painting, she remember the day she had to sit on the stool for long hours while the painter worked on the canvas. During paint sessions when there were breaks taken, Rose found herself more tolerable of the pain of sitting for long hours just to please her parents. Even when asked if she was alright, she always assured Beatrix and Steiner that she was alright. The parents always assured their daughter that if she ever needed to rest that she was always allowed to speak her mind.

"Nobody is perfect in this world Rose. Even if you do not pass the initial training months, I would never in my life be upset at your failures. Even I myself have had my fair share of failures."

Beatrix looked towards her daughter as she gasped in shock.

"You…you…failed as well mother?"

Beatrix nodded.

"That is correct, I'm not perfect, your father is not perfect, and neither are you. What good is it to being perfect? We never learn. We never learn to better ourselves, we never keep strives for our goals, our dreams, and most of all, we never see more of the world if there is nothing left inside of us to give."

Rose lowered her arms and rested them on her lap.

"What do you mean mother?"

Beatrix let out a sincere sigh.

"What I mean is there is nothing to be ashamed of our failures. Failure is the best lessons in our lives because we learn from them and we learn what we are capable of."

Beatrix laid her left hand on her daughter's cheek as Rose felt her mother's warm gentle soft hands. She gazed at her mother, wearing her all too familiar grey and red collared duster, red trousers, large brown with gold buckle leather belt.

"You will always be my daughter first before anything else in this world. I will give you my unconditional full support of any decision in your life."

Rose could feel the warmth of her mother's hands and her soothing words flowing through her ears. The combination felt relieving to her. The young woman felt her arms lift, they felt heavy to her but led themselves to wrap around Beatrix as she leaned in and gently rested her chin on her mother's shoulder and closed her eyes. Beatrix lowered her hand off her daughter's cheek and embraced her daughter.

"Mother loves you dearly Rose. That will never change." She gently whispered.

Rose felt herself tightening her embrace; she let out a small sniffle and laid her head against her mother's brown hair.

"I love you dearly mother." She responded.

The mother and daughter gently pulled away from one another; Beatrix reached for her cup of tea and took a quick sip as her daughter watched.

"And…to answer your question mother…"

Beatrix lowered her cup laying it on her hand on her lap.

"I…I have been troubled by…everything we've discussed…recently."

Beatrix smiled.

"Honesty is always the first step into resolution my dear daughter. Any assistance you wish of me to help with, I am more than glad to provide you everything that you need Rose."

Rose nodded.

"I…I will be sure to ask for help mother…I promise."

"I wonder if she is alright, for the past several months, I've wonder if something is troubling her. When I ask, she seems reluctant to answer. I want to help find the answers she's looking for to her troubles. Even if it means having to make extra time for her. I can't imagine someone who I've known all her life to suddenly one day act different and seeing it take effect on her.

I would give anything to see Rose happy; just like how we were when we were younger. My world is not the same if she isn't in bright spirits. I want her to let me in her world of troubles to bring out the best in her. I know she has a lot on her shoulders with where she is right now. I never want her to ever feel like a failure here at the palace; I will continue to stand by her side when she needs me the most. The same way she was there for me when I asked for help when mother was going through her emotional trauma.

Rose means much to me, I always feel I'm an older sister to her. With no sibling of my own, she is as close to one as I'll ever have. Am I perhaps being overly protective of her? I don't want her to think I am, at least I don't think she thinks of me that way.

I hope Rose will tell me what is on her mind…"