The light filtrated around the ring that Newt had given me. The rays of the sun hit the angles and then spread in a plethora of colors around my other fingers. The dent I had made in it a while back gave a washing sensation of guilt. I really could be rather immature when I wanted to. I kept asking myself why I behaved in certain ways. Perhaps I was indeed spoiled, my station in life had seeped into me despite my best attempts. Well, there was not much I could do about the dent now, however, there was something I could do. My relationship with Newt was going rather well, to make up for my previous shortcomings, I could put my best foot forward.

Tonight for example was a wonderful opportunity. It was Newts ball. He had been planning it since Zarts funeral. It was a week before his coronation. I wondered where the royal family had such money to dedicate to two extravagantly costly events. I knew my dowry had brought in some money but not enough to cover the wedding and these two events. Perhaps I had married into more money then I knew.

It didn't make sense. With winter barely over with, it was too early to start racking up taxes and levies. It would be a good question to ask Newt. Newt and I had been spending more time at each other's side. It was to be expected, we were in fact still married. I was still getting used to existing in Brittanica. They were much more uptight than my country, the customs were hard to keep track off. Certain people needed to be greeted before others and I didn't know everyone. In time perhaps this would become easier but I enjoyed the simplicity my ignorance brought. However, I would not be very popular if this kept up. I kept greeting the wrong people first.

I couldn't spend all day staring at my ring through the rays coming in from the window. I was to be with the court painter soon. I was on my way to the coronation portrait sitting when I made a peculiar encounter.

"Princess Roan, it feels like an eternity since we last laid eyes upon each other."

I stared at the tall blond man before me and struggled to think of his name.

"Oh yes! How nice to meet again." I said and smiled. I severely hoped his name would pop up again.

"What a tragedy the death of young Zart. And not only that but your honeymoon was interrupted. "

Bloody hell who was he?!

"Indeed. Very devastating. The royal family is simply heartbroken." I said, glancing at him up and down, scavenging for a clue.

He was dressed like any other male of noble birth. The only thing that caught my eye was the small embroidered bear reaching for an apple on a tree at the edge of his coat.

"I don't know what is more heartbreaking. That this so called accidental death is being overlooked by everyone or that it came right before the coronation."

I blinked and suppressed my shock at the stranger's words.

"Oh and I can finally give you, your gloves back! Would you care to accompany for them?"

My gloves?

Despite the urge to flee the other way, I consented. "Oh of course! I was wondering where I left those pesky things!"

"I left them in my quarters. They are merely a couple wings over. You don't have anywhere important to be do you?"

I thought for a moment this could be a way out. I could simply say I had somewhere to be and that I would send Agnes for them. Sadly, I still couldn't remember a name.

Thankfully, I didn't have to make a choice.

"Darling! There you are! The court painter is waiting for us." I heard Newt behind me and turned.

What a relief.

Had he called me darling? Why did he call me darling? Was I a darling? Certainly not.

"Lord Benjamin! What a surprise to find you here! I thought by now you would be at home getting the crops ready for this year."

Ah yes! Lord Benjamin! My abandoned ally in a war I had forgotten I was waging.

I had left my gloves while playing chesckers with him. It all made sense now.

"Your Highness, how happy I am to see you alive and well," What an interesting thing to say "Lovely Roan here was just going to accompany me to my quarters."

I watched a corner of Newts mouth slightly downturn. He reached over and put an arm around my shoulders.

"Is she now? Will you take long? We have to meet the court painter soon."

Lord Benjamin raised his eyebrows "Getting ready for the coronation, I see? Its only two weeks away."

Something started to itch at the back of my head. I wasn't sure what it was.

Newt answered "Yes, we tried moving the date up but it was not possible. My uncle has served this country long enough. Its time he got his life back."

Lord Benjamin could keep a polite conversation but his eyes gave him away. His disdain for the regent was evident.

"Yes, he has indeed served a long time," there was a slight pause "Well what excitement! Soon the heir and his wife will take the throne."

The conversation needed to end before it became uncomfortable "Lord Benjamin, I must thank you for keeping my gloves safe all this time. I really do appreciate it. I will send Agnes for them. That way you are not inconvenienced longer," I smiled "Honestly, it was a treat to see you again but we really must head off."

Lord Benjamin bowed and went back the way he came. Once we were alone Newt turned towards me.

"You were going to go to his quarters? Why did he have your gloves?"

Newts tone seemed tense.

"Oh yes, I lost them a while back after playing chesskers with him. The night of the flogging. If you remember, I was supposed to meet you but apparently Isabelle was planning on seeing you that night."

Newt stopped in his tracks. "Isabelle insisted that she had to speak with me but I told her it as rather late and sent her on her way."

I nodded my head, I had no interest in speaking of Isabelle. I hadn't seen her around much and I wanted to keep it that way.

We resumed walking. "Anyways, why did you have to go to his quarters? There was no need to keep them this long, he could have given them to a maid."

"I'm sure he was just being nice. Now we must prepare ourselves for a grueling three hours of standing still."

My body was sore after staying still for so long. Poor Newt had to stand behind my chair while I got to sit.

I was ready to have a couple minutes to myself when I remembered what day it was.

I let out a loud groan. It was the Masquerade Ball Newt had been planning to keep people distracted.

Biting my lower lip, I headed for Camille's atelier.

Once I got there, I was greeted with looks of disapproval.

"I told Agnes to not braid your hair. You look like a village girl." Camille chastised me before signaling me towards her stepping circle.

"Sonya, your new mistress is here. Get her undressed." Camille called out before disappearing.

I was happy to see Sonya. The blond girl smiled at me before getting to work.

"I'm rather relieved you could become one of my ladies Sonya."

"It's a pleasure, miss, no one in my family has ever had such an honor. By the way, I really don't think you'll like the dress today. And also Isabelle Winchester is engaged to be married soon." That was all Sonya got to say before Camille re-entered with some petticoats.

Once I had been stripped and dressed in more refined underwear, Camille and Sonya got to strapping me in the petticoats. Camille was rather proud of her desing. She had covered her mirrors so I couldn't see anything until she was done styling me.

From what I saw, her dress was a dark teal, the skirt was not a full blown skirt. It was rather sleek. She had embroidered roses in sheer material that wrapped all down my arms. Of course in her fashion, Camille had created a low neck line and the sheer roses merely covered some of my cleavage. Otherwise, the dress was a rich dark color that felt rather light.

"Am I not to wear black? For the funeral rites?" I asked Camille as she moved about.

"No. This is a party, we can make exceptions and besides you are not immediate family. And Braids are for young girls or peasants. Lightly coiffed ringlets framing the face with a deconstructed chignon are for future queens." Those were Camille words before she finally decided to reveal her final product.

I looked…almost…Mother might have been happy with me. If it wasn't for the fact that half of my breasts were on display. Perhaps that's why Sonya warned me.

"You've outdone yourself Camille. I believe I look more than decent this time."

Camille smiled at me before spraying me with some perfume.

"I knew you would want your hands free so your mask ties on at the back."

Sonya handed it to me. It was rather lovely. It came down to a cheek on one side and was flanked by pretty teal feathers. It was a crackled gold in the middle and had a gold leaf sheet climbing up the middle. Around the eyes, it was lined with teal lace. I loved it.

I took it from her and smiled. I didn't want to put it on until after dinner.

"All right you best be going. Or you'll be late to your own party."

I thanked Sonya and Camille and headed out. I hadn't been paying much attention when Antonietta explained the nights procedure. I was still angry with her for almost blinding me.

I had written a letter to mother explaining what had happened. I left my outburst private but otherwise recounted every detail of that awful day a week ago.

Due to my disregard for Antonietta, I did not have the faintest of idea where I was supposed to be. Newt would know but I didn't know where Newt was. It was too early for dinner. Perhaps the ball room? The only issue is that I didn't know where the ball room was. The wedding had been so long ago.

What a predicament.

If I headed back to my quarters, maybe Agnes would be there or even Newt.

The hallways were milling with very nicely dressed nobles. If I was back home, I would have just followed the crowd but I was not back home.

So I continued on my way.

My heart stopped when I saw….

Isabelle Winchester and a troupe of ladies heading my way. I had to act quick. I didn't want a confrontation with the woman who still sent letters to my current husband.

I saw a door to my left and quickly opened it. I entered it and slammed the door shut behind me. I made sure to lock it.

Looking around, I realized I was in a tearoom. Nothing odd, except for the door on the left wall.

I should have just waited for the crowd to pass and then leave but curiosity got the best of me. I started to move towards the door. When I tried the door, I realized it was locked. I frowned and turned around. If the light from outside hadn't been hitting the corner of the furniture just right, I would have never seen it. There was a corner of a letter peaking from the edge of the bottom of the settee. Someone must have stuffed it under the cushions. The proper thing would have been to leave it there. However, I was already being improper, might as well do it right. I reached for it. It was already opened.

I really shouldn't have started reading it but I couldn't help myself.

My Darling Love,

I am sorry I will not be able to meet tonight. The Masquerade Ball is keeping all hands busy. Tomorrow night, in the north garden after the groundskeeper leaves. I will be thinking of your lips and your soft skin until then.

-C

The scandal.

I stuffed the letter back where I found it. A servant…courting a noble. Impossible. I hoped that this wasn't the case. Another terrible flogging would not help Newts "encourage the land" ploy. I hoped that it was a married noble lady and perhaps a knight? That would be a little better but no knights were needed tonight. This was not good. I needed to destroy this letter, right? If it fell into the wrong hands…it could be disastrous.

I would take it back to my quarters and burn it. That was the best option. Once I unlocked the door, I was abruptly met with another lady. She was already wearing her pink mask and dress. Blue eyes stared at me in surprise. We were both frightened by each other…could this be the darling love?

"A million pardons. I just…I wanted to check my hair one more time before heading down to the ball."

Sure, of course you wanted to check your hair in a dark tearoom.

"Oh I just was doing the same. My apologies. Go ahead." I tried to decipher as much as I could from her face but her mask made it difficult.

I slowly removed myself from the door way and went on my way. I looked over my shoulder but the mystery woman had closed the door.

The Darling wore pink and had blue eyes. That could be 75% of the women at the palace.

I would just have to figure this out another way. Another flogging would not be good and besides this clandestine couple held no promise for the future. They could never be together, not with the old law still in effect anyways.

I scurried back to my quarters. I needed to burn this letter. It was deadly incriminating.

The rooms looked empty when I entered them. The bloody fire was out. It was too early to light them. Regardless, it needed to be lit. I set the mask and the letter down and started to look for something to start the fireplace.

Once I got a small flame going, I turned to get the letter.

Except, it wasn't where I left it.

A dashing but perplexed Newt held the letter in his hand.

"Its not mine," I moved towards him "I can explain. I was looking for a place to hide and I went into this tearoom and I found it. I thought the best thing would be to burn it. Also, it cant be mine because I did not even know there was a north garden."

Newt was frowning deeply and staring at the letter.

"I'd hate for there to be another flogging so I figured I should burn it."

What else could I say?

"And then this lady came in to the tearoom. I'm rather sure she was looking for it. I can tell you exactly what she was wearing, it was a pink gown and mask and she had blue eyes."

Newt decided to finally speak "You just described half of the population of ladies in a ten mile radius."

Oh, bloody hell.

"Oh Newt! I would never do such a thing," I threw my neck back, "I promise you its not mine. I came here to destroy it and to help someone before the letter fell into the wrong hands."

There was a slight pause. I wanted to shake Newt and make him speak.

"I believe you….dont burn it. We should probably figure out who this belongs to and then transfer the servant. I'll put it in my desk for now and after the ball we can try and spare someone from the flogging pole."

I let out a sigh of relief. I grabbed my mask and followed Newt around the room. He was wearing a very crisp navy blue overcoat. He looked….I guess you could say…good Not that I would notice or care for such a thing.

"It's a good thing you found it. Hate for something like that to fall into the wrong hands."

I nodded "My thoughts exactly. They are being idiots. Something like that could never work. Unless they ran away."

"Well Roan, people in love do crazy things. When you're in love, bloodlines don't matter. Maybe they'll run away and live happily ever after."

Those words would come to haunt Newt. That letter would come to haunt Newt.

"Well perhaps. We will just have to wait and see."

I was glad I had found Newt. If I hadn't, who knows what I would have done.

Apparently, there would be no dinner. Another disappointment. There would just be tables of finger food and dessert. There had better be cream puffs.

I was surprised at my complete lack of involvement with this festivity. I had Newt explain the itinerary to me.

First, we would make a speech to the Royals, by we, I meant Newt. Then there would be some dancing and mingling. For sure, we would make time for cream puffs. After that, there would be a speech for the masses who were enjoying the festival outside. And then we would go back inside for a little more royal charming and then off to bed.

Simple enough.

However, that is not how things ended up happening.

The ball room was just as impressive as it had been the first time. Except, tonight, they had taken all sorts of flowers from the greenhouse and decorated the entire place.

Newt and I stood at the staircase. I had been "advised" to stand a little behind him. To demonstrate a submissive and dutiful wife but Newt had grabbed my hand and pulled me next to him.

I would be lying if I said I didn't feel flattered. Also, I might have blushed and my heart might have started racing when he came in contact with my hand. But I would never admit it.

The valet hit the floor with his ceremonial scepter and the ball room quieted down.

Newt gave a soft smile before speaking.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the court, this ball is in honor of all of you. The crown wishes to show our appreciation for your support and contributions to our rule and to this kingdom. This ball is not only celebrating spring but rather the significance of the season. Spring is for new beginning's and novel opportunities. With the eve of the coronation upon us, I would like to promise the dedication of my diligent wife and I to this Kingdom. We wish to continue the prosperity that has been with us and ensure security in this land. The death of my father brought tumultuous times and great uncertainty. Now that I am eligible to take the throne, I ask for your support as we rein in a new era of opportunity and security. I would also like to thank my uncle for serving in my stead. It has been a great loss to the royal family to lose my young cousin Zart, The Count of Suxxeia. May he never be forgotten. I now invite you to raise your cups and toast for Spring, the bringer of opportunities!"

The nobles raised their cups and then clapped. The music began to play again and the silence from before disappeared.

"Wonderful speech Newt. I'm glad they all know I'm diligent. Now what is our strategy for tonight?" I asked him, as I put on my mask. I was rather exited to be doing so. Masks were always so much fun.

Newt smiled at me as he put on his mask. It was a simple navy blue with silver lining. He then offered me his elbow.

"Never a wasted moment with you. Tonight we will concentrate on the conservatives. They think we are far too progressive and sentimentally inclined to think rationally."

"You should have told me we were talking to conservatives. I would have told Camille to make a far more proper dress."

Newt seemed taken aback from my words. I heard him swallow his spit and watched him turn bright red. "Oh well…I-"

"Lead the way to these conservatives Newt, we have more speeches to make."

Talking to old people wasn't as boring as I thought it would be. In fact, it was more entertaining than talking to the younger ladies at court. These nobles had far more stories worth my time.

"And then I told him! I told him! Jack don't you dare get on that horse! But did he listen! He went right into the manure pit! That mare hadn't been broken and took off as soon as Jack climbed on!"

The group exploded in laughter. Rather loudly, it was a gaggle of old men after all.

"Gentlemen, a pleasure to hear your stories. However, I must dance with my wife. She'll have my hide if I don't." Newt said, grabbing my waist. I tried not to jump at the contact.

"Well you better do that! Otherwise we'll have to wait even longer for another heir!"

The old men laughed together. Newt did too. I tried to not look too uncomfortable.

After a couple more quips about making heirs were made, Newt finally headed for the dance floor.

He was smirking as he faced me.

"I think we did well, don't you?" He held out his hand so I could take it. I placed my hand in his and then stepped closer. I preferred putting my hand on his arm rather than his shoulder. Newt grabbed my waist and started to lead.

"Yes we did. We talked to enough people, you charmed those old men, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Overall, a success. All we need is to nail that speech with the commoners, and we can head off to bed."

Newt nodded "Oh C'mon Roan! To bed! There is much yet! Don't be a prude!"

"I don't know about you but that portrait sitting was exhausting! And besides you don't have a tight corset on and a ball gown on."

"Perhaps but you look rather stunning in that dress. Definitely someone I would sneak into the North Garden for."

I turned bright red "All thanks to Camille. Anyways, where is the north garden at anyways?"

Newt pulled me closer so he could whisper in my ear "Tomorrow after the groundskeeper leaves, I can show you."

I moved closer to him so I could reach his ear "Well I don't know if to look forward to it or to be nervous."

"I just hope it isn't anyone I know. I would hate to have that complication to deal with."

I doubted it was anyone I knew, I couldn't remember any ones name either ways.

"What if its an old letter? From that one couple." I asked. I was trying to make sure my lips didn't accidently brush against Newts cheek like I had before. That would be mortifying.

Newt twirled me and I nearly lost my footing. It was rather quick.

"Where'd you find it again?"

My mind quickly flashed back to how I had ended up in that tea room. I quickly scanned the room. I had forgotten about Isabelle. Newt was rather distracting.

It was rather difficult to recognize anyone with the masks. And I had seen Isabelle without her mask so I wouldn't be able to recognize her if I did see her.

"I had a wardrobe malfunction and I went into this drawing room. It was a little after Camille's. I'd recognize it-"

My breath caught in my throat when Newt pulled me flush against him. It was a rather tight grip.

"Id recognize it if I saw it again." I finished saying.

"Hmmm," Newt nodded but he seemed rather distracted.

He was no longer making eye contact with me. He was looking past my head. I got curious. I needed to find a way to see what he was looking at.

Had he pulled me close for a specific reason?

Dancing so closely flushed together, it was difficult for me to direct any of the dancing. Was that what he wanted?

There had to be a way for me to see what he was looking at.

I didn't want to be obvious with what I was doing. Newt kept us in the same spot for a while.

"Well earlier you said you hid but now it's a wardrobe malfunction." Newt said. His tone was teasing.

"Well I had to hide because of the wardrobe malfunction." I said, trying to subtly turn my head.

"What happened? What malfunctioned?" Newt asked. His eyes were still over my head. Due to the mask, I couldn't see his facial expression.

What had broken? What could have possibly broken?

"One of the buttons of the dress had come undone. I think the string might be loose."

I shuddered when Newt ran his hand up and down my back, feeling the buttons. "They are all in place. You needn't worry about that now."

Newt was becoming more familiarized with being with me. I figured sleeping in the same bed for two months would do that. However, I hadn't figured how I felt about it.

"Well that is a relief."

Newt paused our dancing. "We should probably go do our speech for the commoners now."

That was odd. The song didn't even finish.

I followed Newt through the crowd. He reached back and grabbed my hand.

We walked through the crowd of courtiers. Newt was obviously following after something. I wasn't feeling confident enough to ask him about it.

However that only lasted a second. "Where are we going Newt?"

Newt either didn't hear me or pretended that he didn't.

I was starting to get annoyed but my resolution from the morning kept my grievance at bay.

There had been a lot of guest. Once we exited the ballroom the hall was still crowded with people.

Newts hand slipped from mine and the crowd swallowed the space where his body used to be.

Instant panic set it. I kept trying to maneuver past the pods of courtiers but I could not get through. I kept craning my neck to find Newt but it was pointless. Not even my height could help. I was completely lost. I decided that my best bet was to weave through the crowd and get to a hallway. There I could perhaps find a maid and then see if they could help me find Newt.

It took an eternity but eventually I made it out of the crowd. The hallway that connected to the ballroom still had some wondering courtiers. It was mostly young nobles.

My heart stopped at the sight before me.

I had found Newt.

However, he was talking to the bane of my existence. I did not have any plans on spoiling my good mood so I decided to head in the complete opposite direction.

What did Newt have to do speaking to Isabell?

She was supposed to be getting married and he was already married.

My nails instantly dug into my palm

Why did I care so much?

No, I didn't care. I did not care at all. This meant nothing to me. Why should I care?

And I was not going to go back to waging a war against them. I was simply not going to bother with them. I was going to be a dignified queen, a busy queen, and not a queen that makes the same mistakes over and over.

I turned on my heel and headed the other way. It didn't matter which way I was going. I was going to bed. I'm sure I would eventually find my way back. The evening had been quite the success there was no need to ruin it.

I'm sure Newt could handle his speech to the commoners on his own. Maybe Isabelle could give him a hand.

I needed to befriend more servants. They were the ones that were really valuable.

Eventually, I had made my way back to our rooms. It took an eternity but I managed.

A sour taste settled in my mouth when I saw that the door was slightly opened. I was hoping to fall asleep and not see Newt.

As I headed in, I noticed that none of the candles were on. The sound of sobs spread through the dark room. The hair on the back of my neck started to prickle with nervousness.

The table and vanity were thrown over and my nightgown was on the floor.

Despite the ice that ran through my veins, I followed the crying to the washroom.

I could hardly swallow when I pushed open the door.

There crumpled on the floor was Teresa.

Her hair had been pulled from its clips. Her dress was ripped in different sections. The laces of her exposed corset were spilled about around her. I couldn't bring myself to look at her bloodied face.

With shaking hands, I grabbed one of my robes and handed it to her.

"I-I'm…I'm going to find Agnes and she will draw you a bath right here."

Sonya started to sob harder "Pl-please don't….no one can know."

"And no one will if we take care of it right here. I'll be right back."

My heart felt like it had stopped while my stomach was clenched so tightly it made it hard to move.

I tried not to think too much. That would only make things worse. I closed the washroom door. I needed to make the room look presentable before anyone noticed.

Despite the weakness taking over, I walked as fast as I could to the room door. I shut it behind me and started to look for a servant. Once I found one, I told them to find Agnes and tell her I wanted a bath. I was clear that I only wanted her in my quarters.

I rushed back to the room and started to put things back where they belonged. It was too difficult to push the vanity back up in my ball gown. I knew Camille would be very upset but I grabbed some scissors and sliced my dress open. I pulled the laces from my corset loose and stretched it to the point where I could move freely. Agnes entered the room at that point.

"Miss…"

She looked more than perplexed.

"Agnes quick! Draw a bath! Don't let anyone help, have them bring the water to the door and then you fill the tub. Quickly Agnes!"

Agnes followed my commands and I started to push the vanity upright again.

I was halfway done putting the things where they belonged, most of my combs had spilled all over the place, when Agnes came back in to fill up the tub.

I wasn't sure what to say to her.

Agnes simply stayed quiet when she saw Teresa and got to work.

I managed to push the center table back to its place and replace the broken candle sticks. Agnes would know how to calm Teresa, she was good at that stuff.

Sweaty and half-naked, I plopped myself on a settee. The rush of adrenaline had disappeared and the weight of what had just occurred started to crash down on me.

Of course, that is when Newt decided to walk in and he was not alone.

I am back from the land of the dead! Let me know what you think!