Chapter 1
It was now 13 years later after that fateful night. Rosalina was now 17 and was blooming into a beautiful, young lady. Rosalina’s strawberry-blond hair grew out, and the curls were still there; she had a perfect hourglass figure, and her truly pink lipstick paired perfectly with her classy pink pearl dress. Her handmaid walked with her to the dining room for dinner, where her dad would give an announcement. King Maximus was a very tall man, around 6’5", with light copper flanged-up hair, an imperial beard, and eyes that could pierce a soul with a single stare.
Before Rosalina walked into the dining room, her light blue eyes fell on a man talking with her dad near the entranceway of the palace before the man left in a hurry. “What was that about?” wondered Rosalina. “He looked like one of the messengers from Frieden.” “Odd,” Rosalina commented as she took a seat at the table. “I know, not every day we see a messenger from Frieden,” Lavender added as she took a seat next to Rosalina. Rosalina couldn’t help but feel uneasy about the whole situation. She knew that Frieden and her kingdom hadn’t had contact for years, and she couldn’t help but wonder if the messenger’s visit was a sign of things to come.
They heard footsteps and looked behind them to see Queen Merial walking into the room. “Good evening, Your Majesty,” Lavender smiled as Merial sat next to the chair at the head of the table. “Good evening Lavender. I hope you two had a fulfilling day.” “We did, Mom! We took a walk in the gardens, and we gossiped about the guards, we think that…” “Rosie! You don’t talk about your gossip to other people… but you can tell me all about that if you wish,” Merial remarked and Rosalina nodded softly. “Yes, Mama,” replied Rosalina as Lavender gave a smile to comfort Rosalina. Lavender smiled as she listened to Rosalina tell her about the guards. She knew that Rosalina was just a child, and she didn’t take her gossip too seriously. However, she also knew that it was important for Rosalina to have someone to talk to, and she was happy to be that person for her.
King Maximus entered the room and sat at the head of the table, looking very pleased. “Good evening, everyone,” he said. “Good evening,” the girls replied in unison. “King Edward and I have had discussions about you, Rosalina,” Maximus remarked as some servants brought out their first-course salad. “We have decided that you shall go to Frieden for a year to see if you feel a connection with the prince. After that year, you shall be engaged to him.” “What! Why would I get married to someone I don’t know?” Rosalina protested. “Marriage is a duty for a princess,” Maximus said sternly. “And this is a good match for you. The prince is handsome, well-educated, and a skilled military leader.” “But I don’t want to get married!” Rosalina cried. “I want to stay here with my family and friends!” “You are being selfish,” Maximus said. “This is about more than just you. This is about the future of our kingdom.” Rosalina was about to protest again when Queen Merial, spoke up.
“Maximus,” she said gently, “I think Rosalina has a right to be upset. This is a big decision, and she should have some say in it.” Maximus sighed. “Very well,” he said. “You can meet the prince before you make a decision.” Rosalina’s face brightened. “Really?” she asked. “Yes,” Maximus said. “but only if you promise to behave yourself.” “I will,” Rosalina promised. “Good,” Maximus said. “Now, let’s eat.” They all ate their salads in silence until Rosalina spoke up.
“So, do you know what the prince of Frieden is like?” she asked her father. “I do not, however, his name is Charlie, and I hear that he is a military general.” “That’s good... I guess,” Rosalina replied before they continued to eat dinner. After dinner, Rosalina went to her room and thought about what her father had said. She didn’t want to get married, but she knew that she had to do what was best for her kingdom. She decided that she would meet the prince and see if she could learn to love him.
Over the next few days, Rosalina’s belongings were transported to Frieden, while she packed her more personal items. She was excited about the move, but also a little nervous. She had never been away from home before, and she didn’t know anyone in Frieden. “Lavender...” “Yes, Rosie?” “Do you think I will like it there?” Rosalina questioned. “I don’t know, Rosie, but if I had to guess, I would think you would like it there.” “Care to explain your reasoning?” Rosalina said
“Of course,” Lavender conferred. “The castle is on a hill filled with flowers; their gardens and library are much bigger than ours; and word is that you’ll be next door to the princess. I met her when I was young. She is delightful—though she was only three when I met her.” Rosalina smiled. “That does sound nice,” she said. “Thank you for telling me that, Lavender.”
Rosalina closed the last suitcase and set it by the door before heading to bed. The following morning, she got dressed in a long, pink, off-the-shoulder, lace dress and walked to her bedroom door. She teared up as she turned to look at her childhood bedroom for what could be the last time. The memories of her and Lavender in the room came flooding back. She remembered how they would spend hours playing with the dollhouse, making up stories about the characters and their lives. She remembered how Lavender would always let her choose the clothes for the dolls, and how she would always make sure that the dolls had a happy ending. Memories of them spending hours in Rosalina’s room, laughing and talking as they brushed and braided each other’s hair.
Rosalina gently touched her silver wire-wrapped amethyst pendant. That pendant was given to her by her mother, and it gave her support. Right then Rosalina needed all the aid she could get right now. She turned away and walked outside, keeping a hold of the pendant. Lavender saw she was upset and gave her a gentle yet firm hug. “You’re going to be okay, Rosie,” she whispered.
Rosie hugged her back, grateful for Lavender’s support. She took a deep breath and tried to calm down. She knew she would be okay. She had to be okay. “I will miss you, my dear,” said King Maximus. “We will miss you too,” said Queen Merial. Rosalina turned to look at her parents, her eyes filled with tears. “I will miss you too,” she said. “But I will never forget you.”
Rosalina and Lavender got into the royal stagecoach with the help of a few guards, and they were off. Rosalina took off her rose gold rhinestone tiara before starting to sob uncontrollably. Lavender quickly pulled Rosalina next to herself and hugged her, attempting to comfort her. “Rosie, what is wrong?” she asked. “I want to go home.” Rosalina wept as she started shaking. “I know dear. I know… but we can ask if we can visit after we get settled in.” Lavender sat Rosalina’s tiara next to her as she held onto her, to comfort her.
King Maximus and Queen Merial stood at the door of the castle, watching as their daughter rode away in the royal carriage. They were sad to see her go, but they knew that it was time for her to meet the Prince of Frieden. Rosalina reached up and gripped her pendant; cried for another hour before she calmed down. She was sad to leave her home, but she knew she needed to meet the prince to get engaged. “Lavender,” she said, “what do you think will take for me to get me engaged?” “Well I don’t know, Princess, it all depends.” “On what?” “If you think you two are a good fit together and if you are ready,” Lavender commented as Rosalina looked out the window.
The carriage ride through the forests to the kingdom of Frieden was long and winding. The trees were tall and green, and the sun shone through the leaves, casting dancing shadows on the ground. Six white horses pulled the carriage, and it was decorated with gold and silver. Rosalina sat inside the carriage, her hands folded in her lap. Rosalina thought about her home. She would miss her family and friends, but she knew that she was doing what was best for her kingdom. She was nervous about meeting the prince, but she was determined to make a good impression on him, and she hoped that they would be a good match.
The carriage ride finally came to an end, and Rosalina and Lavender stepped out onto the pavement. She looked up at the castle, which was even more beautiful than she had imagined. It was made of white stone, and it had turrets and towers that reached up into the sky. Rosalina took a deep breath and smiled when she walked into the castle and was greeted by a servant. “Welcome to Frieden, Princess Rosalina,” the servant said. “Your room is just down the hall.” Rosalina and Lavender followed the servant down the hall into a large, airy chamber. The chamber was decorated in shades of pink and white, and there was a large four-poster bed in the center of the room. The walls were adorned with paintings of beautiful landscapes, and the windows were large, letting in plenty of natural light.
“This is lovely,” Rosalina said. “Thank you, your highness.” The servant smiled. “I am glad you like it,” the servant said. “If we need anything, we will let you know,” Lavender stated and the servant left, and Rosalina was left alone in her chamber. She took a deep breath and looked around. The room was much larger than her old room in her castle, and it was much more beautiful. The walls were painted a light pink, and the floor was covered with a thick, plush carpet. The bed was large and inviting, with a fluffy duvet and pillows. There was a large window that overlooked the forest, and the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the trees. She walked over to the window and looked out. A large forest surrounded the castle, and the sunset was shining through the trees. The trees were ablaze with color, and the birds were singing in the branches. She took a deep breath of the fresh air and smiled.
She turned away from the window and walked over to the bed. She sat down on the edge of the bed and ran her hand over the soft fabric. The sheets were cool and smooth, and she felt a sense of relief as her fingers brushed against them. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the feeling of peace and tranquility. The stress of the past few days seemed to melt away as she relaxed into the bed. She could feel her muscles loosening and her mind starting to clear. She knew that she would be able to get a good night’s sleep tonight, and she was grateful for the chance to rest and recharge.
Rosaline changed into her pink feather-silk nightgown, and Lavender tucked her into bed. “My room is just across the hall,” Lavender said with a smile as she kissed Rosaline’s forehead. “I’ll come get you if I need anything,” Rosaline replied. “Good night.” “Good night, Rosie,” Lavender said as she blew out the candle and left the room. Rosaline closed her eyes and took a deep breath, enjoying the feeling of the soft fabric against her skin. She sunk into the bed and felt her mind going into slumber, which she needed after the stressful day of travel.
