The City Under Rosewood

The hooves of two horses pulling along a white, curtained carriage on a pebbled path was hardly noticed amongst all the chitter chatter in the woods surrounding. The air was comfortably warm, spring not daring to release it's comfortable grip on the turning of seasons. There were few remnants of spring's last rainfall from the night prior, and a loud splash was heard as the horses, dazzling carriage in tow, trodded over them. The carriage rocked up and then subsequently back down at a dip in the road, and Princess Lafraya found herself daintly holding onto her butler's arm.

"Walter, how much longer until we arrive?" The princess sighed out, pushing a lock of golden hair behind her ear, "I find myself becomig restless. I need a stretch." Walter patted the princess's hand reassuringly.

"Oh, not much longer, Miss." He said, "Rosewood is really just up the path and around the corner. Just remember-" Walter was cut short by Lafraya adding on exasperatedly,

"To be patient."

"Well, yes." The butler sighed, smoothing back his well-trimmed, black hair, "As well as that, you should remember your manners. Even if you already know it, never interrupt someone." Lafraya huffed, and rolled her eyes.

"I know, Walter." She said, "I'm just tired of hearing it, is all. I'm sorry for interrupting, but father has already talked my ear off about taking these lessons seriously." The carriage swayed to the side as it turned around the corner, and Rosewood came into view. It sat atop a hill, surrounded by a staturing hedge wall. The manor was still large enough to overlook it though, two spiraling towers shooting out of it's top. She could just see the tops of blossoming trees.

"And he's right, Miss." Walter prompted, "These lessons will prepare you for your future."

"I know, Walter. I haven't forgotten." Lafraya said, nodding her head. Walter sighed, and once again patted her hand. "It's a beautiful home. It hasn't changed since I was here as a child." She said.

"The family hasn't been here in a long time. It's well-kept." Walter agreed. The carriage pulled up the pathway to the front yard. It circled around a fountain with a dragons head spouting out water from its mouth, and came to a stop before marble staircases. Most of the staff were already waiting outside for her arrival. Walter opened the door, and got out before Lafraya.

He reached his hand back in to help her step out, and Lafraya took it regally. She grabbed a handful of her dress and pulled her way out of the carriage. She looked around the area. The lawn was well taken care of, and exotic plants dotted the area. There was an arched hedgeway leading into a separate garden, and Lafraya made a mental note to investigate it later on after she was settled.

The manor had large, arched windows and a door. Other than a few small cracks in the marble stairs, there wasn't much astray about the place. It looked exactly like Lafraya remembered it. A butler came hurrying up, and bowed to her.

"Princess Lafraya, on behalf of the staff and your aunt Raya, welcome to Rosewood." He looked up at Lafraya expectantly, and she held her hand out for him to kiss. He took it and gave it a quick kiss. "I trust the journey was uneventful?"

"Oh, most certainly." She said amusedly. The butler ignored her tone, nodding approvingly. He clapped his hands together, and a maid rushed to his side.

"Princess, this is Donna. She will take care of you for the duration of your stay as decided by your aunt." He said, then turning his attention toward Donna, "Take her to her room and report her arrival to Mrs. Smith immediately after. I'm sure Lafraya would like some rest after her long trip."

"Yessir." Donna said, and then held out her arm for the princess, "Come along miss." Lafraya interlooped her arm with hers and followed along after her. She supposed Walter and the rest would collect her things. A doorman at the top of the stairs opened the large door for the two, and they hurried inside.

A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, sparkling in the sunlight shining through the windows. The floor was a polished marble, and a branched staircase led to the second floor. Lafraya was led swiftly up the stairs and to the right. A red carpet was laid out in the hallway, and windows lined it. There were two doors, and she stared at them and back at Donna.

"This door," She pointed at the right one, "Is my room. The other, " turned to the left door, "is your room. Of course, there is a connecting door between the two rooms. Down the hall, and up the tower steps, is Mrs. Smith's room. You have a key to both rooms." Donna handed her a chain, and two keys dangled on it."Don't hesitate to ask for anything."

Lafraya smiled politely and Donna hastily opened the left door. The princess walked inside and looked around. There was a queen sized bed, with a large, royal red blanket. A desk was in front of the medium sized window, and a dining table sat near a large fireplace.

"Just tell me if you need anything. Ring the bell, or knock on the door when you need me." Donna said with a breath, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must tell Mrs. Smith of your arrival." The princess nodded, and Donna curtsied and hurried off down the hall. Lafraya shut the door behind her and then turned toward the room once more. She approached the bed and flopped unceremoniously down on it. She let out a heavy sigh and turned her face to stare at the fireplace.

"This is going to be a terribly long three months." She said.