Fairytale
By
Brandy Banks

Special Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction.  Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.  Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Fairytale
Special Smashwords Edition
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Copyright © 2012 Brandy Banks All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.  No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law.  Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. 

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Chapter One - The Debt

Once upon a time, in the long forgotten kingdom of Cumberland, there lived a farmer and his lovely daughter of seventeen, Rose.  Rose was fair skinned with long ebony locks and the deepest brown eyes.
One summer day Rose was on her knees in the garden, digging up carrots when her father Tom rode up swiftly on his horse.  She looked up at his worried, frantic face and she was concerned.
“Papa?  What’s the matter?”  She asked and got up to dust the dirt from her dress.
But her father said nothing and wiped the sweat from his pale face with his hands.  “Did you bring the meat and vegetables for supper?”
He spoke not, only shaking his head no.  That worried Rose all the more.
“Papa?  Tell me what is it?”  She asked and went to him.  He hadn’t looked so out of sorts since he grappled with how to explain to Rose her mother was about to die.  But she was a child then, and now she was grown up.
“Oh, Rosemary, I’ve done something--” Tom began and walked past her, into their small cottage.  Rose followed him.
“What?  What have you done?”  She asked, wondering if her father had been gambling again.  “Have you spent our tax money again?”
“It’s worse.  Much worse.  Unforgivable.”
Rose took a breath and sat down as Tom poured himself a glass of whiskey with unsteady hands.  “How bad.”
He swallowed hard and looked at his daughter with regretful gray eyes.  “Bad.”
“Maybe if you wouldn’t drink all day papa, you wouldn’t do bad things?”
Tom looked at his only daughter, his only child, lamenting silently that he had made such a grave mistake.  He went to a shelf and brought out a wooden box that had belonged to Rose’s mother.  The name Hyacinth was burned into the wood.  Tom opened the box and searched through the items for a moment.
“Papa?  What on earth is the matter?”  Rose asked, starting to think her father had finally lost his sanity.
Tom said nothing, only took out her mother’s emerald ring.  It sparkled when the summer sunlight struck the brilliant greed stone.  It brought back vivid memories of happier days, when Rose’s mother was alive and the three of them were happy.  Thought they were never rich, they were never poor.  But that all changed ten years ago when Rose was seven, and her mother died from the fever.  Tom became a distant, troubled father, who rarely showed any affection to Rose, but deep down she knew he still cherished her.  
Tom walked up to Rose and slipped the ring onto her finger.  It fit perfectly.
“Cynthia wanted you to have this when you were married.  But, I want you to take it now.”
“Papa?  You’re frightening me.”  
Tom threw his arms around her and hugged her tightly, kissing her cheeks.  “I love you Rose!  And I am so sorry!  So sorry!  If you only understood what a coward I am--”
Before there was time to explain further, two horses rode up, dust flying behind them as they stopped.  It was the Royal Guard.
Rose stood up.  “What’s going on?  Papa, what have you done?”
Tom raced to the doorway and put himself between the guards and his daughter.
“Thomas Canter?”  One of the guards said.
Her father answered, “Yes?”
“We are here on behalf of the King.”
“The King?”  Rose whispered to herself.
“We‘ve come to collect.”  The guard said.
“What’s this all about?”  Rose asked.  “Papa?”
But Tom only looked over his shoulder at his lovely daughter.  “She’s right there.”  He said, and stepped aside.
Rose was confused as the guards came at her, taking her by the arms.
“Unhand me!”  She shrieked.  “Papa!  Help me!”
“Do not be so rough with her!  Please!”  Tom pleaded.
“She is no longer your concern.”  The older, fatter guard said to him, squeezing Rose’s wrist so tightly it began to bruise.  
Rose had no idea what was going on, but she was frightened.  “Papa!  Help me!  Please don‘t let them take me!”
Tom said nothing as she was picked up off the floor, but stood there with his back to the doorway as the guards carried Rose outside.
“Papa!  What’s going on?”  She cried, and watched as Tom stood in the doorway. 
“Settle down.”  The guard said and bound her hands together.  “We’ll be at the castle in no time.”
Rose began to sob.  “I’ve done nothing wrong!  Please, papa!  Tell them this is all a mistake!”  
“Shh.”  The fat guard said and hoisted her up on the back of the others horse.  “Enough outta you.”
Rose had no choice but to go with them.  And the last thing she saw as she rode away was her father collapsing to the floor in tears.

#

Soon enough Rose was standing at the palace stables.  She’s only been inside the actual castle once, when she was a child, but she could still remember what the inside looked like.  She stood shaking, wiping her tears away as the guards handed off their horses to the stable boys.  She wanted to run, and she did.
“Hey!  Get back here!”  The fat guard shouted and tried to catch her.  But it was the thin one that caught her.
“No!”  Rose screamed, but he threw her to the ground.
“Don’t make it difficult!”  He said and pulled her to her feet, and then he grabbed her already sore, bound wrists and led her into palace.
They swiftly walked down the beautiful corridors, past servants, past nobility and courtiers, all of whom gave Rose horrid looks and mocking laughs.  But Rose kept her eyes forward, only looking at the finery around her, remembering how she had once passed through these halls with her mother so long ago.  When King Phillip was alive, and Hyacinth was there visiting her sister Helen, a lady in waiting to Queen Catherine, at the time.  
“This way.”  The guard said, taking familiar route.  The one to the throne room.
“Where are we going?”  Rose asked him, still crying softly, trying to hide behind her dark hair.
“You have an audience with the King.”  The guard told her and stopped at the end of a long hall in front of two wide doors.  He knocked on the door three times and the door suddenly flew open.  
“Capitan of the Royal guard, Richard Edwards.”  Someone announced.
“Let’s go.”  The guard said and led her into the room.
There were a handful of people there, including the King, sitting on a wide golden throne, an empty chair next to him.  
Rose had only seen him in passing and on holy days, never this close.  Certainly, she had never had an audience with him.  He was very stocky, neatly combed blonde hair and light eyes, not very handsome but pleasant to look at, dressed in his fine clothes and that crown upon his head.  
King Erick motioned for the guard to come in, and he pulled Rose along with him and when they reached the step, he bowed.  But Rose was so bewildered she stood frozen.
The guard yanked her hard.  “Bow your head.”
“It’s alright.”  The King said and smiled.  “She’s in awe.”
The room was filled with light laughter and Rose’s wits returned and she bowed to the floor, to her knees where she stayed.
“Forgive me, your Highness.”  She said softly.
“Lovely and so soft spoken.  Just as I was told.”  He said.  “Untie her, she is no prisoner.”  
The guard cut her hands free, and stepped aside.
“Look up at me.”  Erick said to Rose.
Rose’s dark eyes flashed up to his and he could see the fear behind them.  It pleased him, as did her beauty.  Her trembling lips, rosy cheeks, doe eyes.  The way she looked from above, her cleavage heaving from her fast breath.  Erick had not planned on her being beautiful.  
“Rosemary Canter.  Seventeen, and so comely.  Why have I not seen you at court before?  Beauty such as yours should not be hidden behind garden walls.”
Rose didn’t know what to say, so she told him the only thing she could think of.
“My mummy and I came to court once, my Lord.”
“When was this?”  He asked.  “I would have remembered you.”
Rose blushed.  “When I was a child.  When your grandfather, King Phillip sat on the throne.  My mother, Hyacinth Douglas Canter, was the sister to one of Queen Catherine’s ladies in waiting.”
“Which one?”
Rose looked up at him again.  “Lady Helen Douglas.  She is married now to the Edward, the Duke of Hampshire.”
Erick smiled, came and stood in front of her.  He held out his hand and she took it.
“Please, stand.”
Rose moved up and stood in front of the King in all his glory.  It terrified her.
“Everyone leave.”  He said and the entire room cleared, with mummers of obedience and bows.  When they were alone, Erick led Rose to a chair and sat her down.
“The Duke and I are very close.”  He said.  “In fact, I was there hunting last week.  Edward.  He and Helen are wonderful.  Loyal.” 
“Yes, my Lord.”
Erick sat in the armchair across from her and smiled.  “Since the Queen has died, they’ve been a great comfort to me.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss, my Lord.”  Rose said quietly, not knowing what else to do.
Erick nodded.  “Thank you Rose.  I wonder why your aunt never brought you to court.  I‘ll have to call upon her and ask.”  There was a knock at the door.  Erick sighed with frustration, but called, “Enter!”
A messenger came up beside them and bowed.  “Sorry to disturb you your Majesty.  But there is some sort of disturbance in town, a guard was killed and a prisoner has arrived.”
Erick nodded.  “I’ll be there in a moment.”
The messenger bowed again and left, once again they were alone in the room.  
“Do you know why you’re here, young, innocent Rose?”  He asked.
She shook her head no.
“You’re father has not been paying his taxes.”
“I knew it.”  She said and bit her lip.
“You did?”
Rose sighed.  “Since my mother died, my father became very fond of the drink and gambling, my Lord.”
“I see.”  Erick said.  “Well, that is one of the reasons you are here.  You are to work off the debt, and it‘s quite a large sum now.”
Rose knew of how the King liked to have his trysts, and she feared he would take her maidenhead as payment.  
“I see.”  
“And it was when your father was tracked down and questioned about his lack of payment, that he told us of your incredible talent.  This is the other reason you are here.”
Rose was confused.  “Talent?”
Erick smiled.  “You don’t have to be afraid.  You can tell me the truth.”
“But my Lord, I don’t know what you--”
“I don’t want you to mistake my calmness for patience.”  He said and gritted his teeth.  “You cannot lie to your King; else you lose your tongue!”
“I speak the truth, my Lord!”  Rose fought back her emotions and was about to plead for her life when Erick slammed his hands down on the chair arms and Rose winced and shook.
“Very well.  Since you do not remember, I shall remind you.”  Erick said, calming himself quickly.  He moved his chair closer to her and sat knee to knee with her.  “I know about your ability to spin wool into golden thread.”  He whispered and caressed her cheek with his hand.
Rose was dumbfounded, and too stunned to speak.
“I won’t persecute your father, so long as you use your ability to pay the outstanding debt.”
Rose thought about laughing, but she could tell that the King was being completely serious.
“Highness, had I such ability, would I spend my days toiling in the garden?  Feeding the animals, doing my house work?”  She questioned, making the Erick frown.
He didn’t even take the time to consider her words.  “Women and their webs.”
“But, I cannot do it my Lord!  And I don’t know why my father would say make up such a story--”
“Can’t do it?  Or won’t?”  Erick asked with a certain tone.  One that dared her to be defiant.  
“I don’t know how!  I can‘t don‘t even have a spindle--”
“Shh.”  Erick put his fingertips against her pillowy soft lips.  “Think it over.  Because the other method of payment will be much harder to endure, I assure you.  For both your father and you!”
Rose feared for her life, so what was she to do?  All she could do was delay whatever punishment she was in line for.  And delay her fathers.  Perhaps it would give him the chance to escape.  Although, she was now looking at her father in a new light.  He had betrayed her, how could she, why should she save him?
King Erick stood tall and took Rose by the wrist.  It was sore, and she made a whimper.  Erick looked at the bruise and tenderly stroked it.
“I’ll have you washed up, fed, and then I’ll come for you.”  He said and kissed the palm of her hand slowly.  “Until then.”
Rose bowed and the King left the room.  She only had moments alone before three women rushed into the room and at her.
“Come with us.”  The elder of the three said, and they surrounded her and led her out of the room, down the hall and up a winding staircase.  She was brought into a small, well-lit room, with a tiny bed and a washtub.  
Rose was stripped down, bathed, oiled and perfumed, hair combed and braided with ribbons.  Her lips were painted, her cheeks rouged, and her body covered in a cotton gown, then bound in a tight corset.  Then she was dressed in fine silk stockings, beautiful blue shoes, a silky, ruffled blue dress was slipped onto her thin frame and the sleeves were laced on.
As Rose looked at her reflection in the mirror, she didn’t recognize herself.  She looked like royalty.
“Now you look like you belong here.”  Said the oldest lady.  
“Won’t you all tell me your names, so that I may thank you properly for your kindness?”  Rose said, making them all smile.
The elder was first to speak.  “I am Lady Jane.  This is my daughter Hannah.”  She said, putting her hand on the youngest girls shoulder.
“And I am Lady Bryant.”  Said the other, rounder lady.  “Jane and I were Queen Maria’s hand maidens.”
“My name is Rose.  Thank you all for your kindness.  It’s been a difficult day.”
Lady Jane touched Rose’s chin.  “I can imagine.”
Hannah took hold of Rose’s hand.  “My, what a pretty ring.”
Rose smiled.  “It was my mum‘s.”
There was a knock at the door, and another lady came in carrying a tray of food.
“For Mistress Rose.”  She said and began to set up the small table by the fireplace, then all four ladies left the room and the door was locked behind them.
Rose was famished, having not eaten since the morning, and now night was approaching.  She ate the supper of jackrabbit haunches, carrots and bread, and drank the cool water quickly, which helped to calm her and clear her headache away.  Since she was left alone, she had time to take a small nap before the ladies returned for her.  
While sleeping, Rose had a dream.  She was in a room full of people, a grand ballroom.  She’s standing alone when she catches a glimpse of her mother moving about the crowd.
“Mummy!”  She shouts but her voice is lost amongst the music and dull roar of the crowd.  Rose went after her, barely managing to push past the people as she follows her mother, seeing the back of her dress was she moves through the people with ease.  They seem to part for her, then quickly rush back, almost like a barrier wave. 
“Mum!”  She cried as somehow, her hand found her mothers, and she held onto it tightly.
Hyacinth turned her face towards her daughter, their eyes met, and she smiled.
“I love you mummy!”  She cried.
“I love you too, Rosie.”
Rose felt her mother’s hand slipping away.  “Please don’t leave me!  Come back!  Tell me what to do!”
“You must do what your heart tells you.”  Cynthia said.  “I cannot tell you what to do, my love.”
Rose was upset and she tried to hang on to her mother’s hand, but it slipped out of hers, and then she was gone.
“NO!” 

#

Rose opened her eyes, and having forgotten where she was prior to falling asleep, she was scared.  However, when she looked around the ever-darkening room, she remembered where she was, as well as her plight. 
The ladies came for Rose at dark and led her down the winding steps and out the back where they handed off her to a guard.
“This way.”  He said, and led her to another part of the castle.  They went up, up, up another staircase.
“Where are you taking me?”  She asked as she followed.
“To the tower.  The King is waiting.”  He answered, holding his lantern high so Rose could see where she was going.  He led her down a hall, windows on both sides, and stopped in front of the only door.  “In here.”  He said and pulled open the door, standing aside to allow Rose to walk in first.  
The room was large, lit with several lanterns that made it all the warmer, and there was a small cot, chamber pot, and a spinning wheel beside a single chair.  And in that chair, sat the King.
Rose bowed before him.  “My Lord.”
He smiled.  “Rose.  My, don’t you look breathtaking.”
She smiled in spite of herself and bowed again.  “Thank you.”
Erick stood from his chair, took Rose’s hand, and kissed it.  “I trust you are rested?”
Rose nodded.  “I slept a bit.”
“Good.”  He said and left her standing there, walking towards the door.  “Bring it in.”  He said to someone in the hall, and in walked three men carrying three large baskets of cleaned, brushed wool, ready to be spun.
Erick walked again to Rose, leading her by the hand to the chair.
“Sit.”  He said.  “You may begin when ready.”
As he stood there watching, Rose’s hands began to tremble.  Aside from the fact she did not know what she was doing, she could not bear for him to watch.
“Well?”  He said, annoyed already.
“Will it matter if I tell you again that I cannot do what you wish of me?”  She said softly, trying to persuade him with her eyes to let her go.
However, the King was unmoved.  “You have until sunrise.  If you have not kept your word, your father will pay with his life.  Moreover, you will become a slave.  Do I make myself clear?”
Rose nodded, feeling the tears welling in her eyes.  “Yes, you’re Majesty.”
Erick turned and left the room, again the door was bolted shut.  Rose ran to the door and looked out the small barred window, watching as the King left, leaving behind one guard.
Rose went to the window and wrapped her hands around the bars.  She could see the entire kingdom from here, even out to the harbor.  The moon was rising and a thousand stars dotted the sky, only blocked out by passing, wispy clouds.
“What shall I do?”  She asked as the cool breeze blew into the room.  “Whatever shall I do?”


Chapter Two - Magic Man

Rose spent hours on her knees, praying that someone would come along and save her.  But no one came.  She cried and cried, walking to the spinning wheel, trying to figure out on her own how to work it, but soon gave up when she pricked her finger.  A drop of blood fell to the floor, just as the church bells rang at midnight.
“Oh, mummy.”  She said, thinking of the dream she’d had.  “Please, help me.”
The night grew silent, time seemed to stop, even the lantern’s light was still, unmoving, no flicker.
“I can’t spin this wool into gold!”
“Rosemary.”  A voice said from the corner of the room, frightening her, making her turn.
She saw nothing.  “Who’s there?”
Out of the blackness of the shadowy corner, something began to emerge.  A human figure came stepped forward.  It was a man.
Rose backed up quickly, putting the chair in front of her.  “Who are you?  How did you get in here?”
The man only smiled and stepped forward.  “Did I scare you?”
Rose looked at the door, hoping the guard would come and save her.
“He’s sleeping.”  The man said to her.  “Can’t you hear him snoring?” 
She could hear it, and now that she looked around, she saw that the candle flame was once again alive with movement, and the cool night breeze had returned. 
“Who are you?”  She asked again, her heart pounding, eyes still wet from crying.  “Why are you here?”
“My name is not important.  I came to help you.”  He said.  “Aren’t you in need of help?”
Rose nodded.  “But I doubt you can help me.”
He moved even closer, and Rose could see how young and handsome he was.  Skin the color of wet sand, wavy sable hair, deep dark eyes.  His frame was thin and he wasn’t very tall or muscular, but he looked quite nimble, and was dressed in short pants, no shoes and a simple cotton shirt.  Something about him seemed mythical, and even his ears were slightly pointed, making him look as if he‘d stepped out of a fairy book.  
He took her hand and kissed it.  “I can help you.  Oh, yes.  I can.”
Rose allowed him to lead her to the bed where he sat her down.  She watched as he plucked a flower from the air, and he gave it to her.
“How did you do that?”  She asked, enchanted.
“Magic.”  He said.  “And it is the same magic that can help you now.  I will spin the wool into gold for you.”
“You will?”
“Sure.”  He said.  “For a price.”
Rose shook her head.  “I don’t have anything.”
He seemed to be thinking for a moment.  “How about a kiss?”
Rose had never been kissed before. 
“Don’t be afraid.”  He said and got down on his knees before her.  “It’s only a kiss.”
“Why won’t you tell me your name?”  She asked, feeling that she should be cautious with this stranger.
He sighed.  “Because it doesn’t matter.  Do you want my help or not, Rosie?”
“Rosie?  No one’s called me Rosie since. . .”  She thought of her mother and the tears began to flow.  “Is this some kind of trick?  How do I know what you are saying is true?  How do I know that you won’t disappear as soon as you get what you want from me, just as swiftly as you appeared?”  
He pulled a handkerchief from his back pocket and smiled like wolf.  “You don’t.  That’s the fun.”
Rose felt her lips begin to move, and a smile began to brighten up her face.  He liked it.
“You should smile more often.”  He said and dabbed her reddened cheeks to dry her tears.  It stung a bit because of all her crying and there was some swelling.  “Although, you are quite beautiful when you cry.”
Rose’s eyes met his and there was an instant, jarring bolt of electricity between them.  He took away the handkerchief and leaned in, as if he were going to kiss her.  
“Stop.”  Rose managed to say and she got up off the bed and walked to the window.  The air rushed in and it cooled her tender skin.  She began to think, as she stood there with her eyes closed, that she had just been dreaming.  That she had just fallen asleep sitting there on the chair and had dreamed that a handsome, magical man was there with her.  However, when she turned, there he was, sitting on the bed, the candle glow reflecting in his dark eyes.  He looked like a wicked thing, smiling down at her in such a sultry way.  
“Perhaps, if I show you, you’ll change your mind?”  He asked and hopped down; landing so lightly there was no sound.
Rose watched as he went to the spindle and prepared it, twisting a piece of wool, and then threading it as if he had done this before.  She couldn’t really see that well, and she hadn’t a clue how to do what he was doing, so she moved closer watching as he began to press the paddle, causing the wool to twist. . . spin. . . and wind onto the spool.  However, it wasn’t wool that began to wind; it was glittery, fine, gold.  Real gold.
“What manner of trickery is this?”  She asked.  “Or is this real gold?”
He stopped his work and smiled at her.  “Touch it.  It’s quite real.”
Rose reached out slowly, touched the fine golden thread, and was amazed.  
“How did you--”
“Now, will you accept my assistance?”  He asked and stood, holding out his hand.
“I suppose I have no choice.”  
“There is always a choice.”
Rose shook her head.  “Not for me there isn’t.  I cannot let my father die.  And only God knows what the King shall do to me when he finds that I‘m not able to do what my father promised.”
Rose took his hand in hers and the deal was made.
“Do you want your kiss now?”  She asked shyly.  “Or perhaps I should wait until you are finished working?”
He smiled.  “If it will ease your mind, I’ll wait until after.”
Rose nodded.  “Perhaps it would be best.”


Chapter Three - Kissing You

Rose fell asleep on the bed sometime during the night, and when she woke up, the first beams of sunlight were just beginning to fill the tower with light.  She rose up quickly and saw the three baskets of wool were now three baskets of spooled glimmering, shimmering gold.  She smiled and sat up, seeing that the mysterious man was gone.  He had not collected his kiss.
“Good morning.”  Said someone through the window in the door.  It was the King.
As he came in, Rose scrambled to make herself look presentable and then she bowed.  
Erick smiled when he saw the baskets of gold and his eyes shined.  “And, behold!  You have the Midas touch!”  He laughed and took Rose’s hand.  “I honestly did not believe you could do it.  And here I was going to send you to the laundress to work off the debt.  Bravo!  Mistress, you are of considerable value.  Priceless.”
“Does this mean my father’s debts are clear?”  She asked.  “And I am free to go?”
Erick shook his head.  “Not quite yet.  Come, let us have breakfast and talk.”
Rose sat in the chair and looked at all the food laid out before her.  She had never seen so much food on one table at one time.
“I think you should have the apple pastry with cream.”  Erick said to her from his seat at the head of the table in a grand chair.  It was only the two of them.
A plate of deliciously buttery pastry was sat before her and she took a bite and almost died.  It was like going to heaven for a moment.
“Mmm.”
Erick smiled.  “I told you.  Good?”
“Yes, my Lord.”
He took a sip of wine and put his folded hands on the table.  “Now, to the matter at hand.  I want you to spin another night for me.  The debt was much larger than I was aware of previously, and it will take more work from you for debt cleared.  And, since you‘ve proven you can do it, well, you see where I’m going.”
Rose stopped chewing.  “How large is the debt, my Lord?”
“You’re home is at stake.”  He said and ate whatever it was on his spoon.  “The land, everything.”
“Everything?”
“Yes.”
“How did he accumulate such a debt?”  She asked taking another bite of the apple filled pastry.
“He began to gamble with the wrong men.”  Erick explained.  “It’s a wonder he hadn’t placed you up as a prize sooner than now, what with your beauty and your talent.  How may I ask do you accomplish it?”
Rose swallowed a sip of milk and smiled.  “It’s a secret.”
That made Erick smile again.  “I find myself growing quiet fond of you, Rose.”

#

While Erick attended to affairs of state, Rose was taken and freshened up by Lady Jane and Hannah, given new undergarments, a new dress, this one a lovely shade of pink, and her hair was then brushed and braided, adorned with beads, flowers and pearls.  She did look like royalty.  
She spent the rest of the morning walking the grounds with Hannah, who gave her a tour and kind words to cheer her.
Rose made quite an impression on everyone that day with merely her beauty, and the courtiers were abuzz with chatter about her.  No one knew who she was, or what she was doing there, and the intrigue was multiplied as the day wore on.
“See how they look at you?”  Hannah asked as they strolled through the courtyard.  “If only I were as beautiful as you.”
Rose took Hannah’s hand and held it tightly.  “You are.”
Hannah kissed Rose’s cheek.  “Sweeter than the dew at dawn.”    
“Have you no suitors, Hannah?”
“Well, I do find myself thinking of one certain man.”  She said in a hushed voice.  And as they walked, they passed a young man who looked up, nodded at them, and then went on his way.
“Is that him?”  Rose asked, noticing how dapper the gentleman was.
“Yes.”  Hannah answered in a lovelorn sigh.  “His name is Charles, and he’s Lady Bryant’s son.  He’s so handsome, charming, and brave.  He’s training to be a member of the Royal guard, but he’s a scholar at heart.”
Rose smiled.  “Do you love him?”
Hannah nodded.  “I do.  Only he doesn’t know I’m alive.”
“Perhaps we can work on that.”
They continued to walk, and Hannah’s curiosity got the better of her.
“Rose, won’t you tell me your secret?  Why you are here?”
Rose took a breath.  “I am here to work off my father’s debt.”
“I see.  But, how?  It isn‘t something. . . sinful is it?”
Rose saw the King looking down at her from a window, and she dared not tell.
“No.  But, I can’t say.  At least, not now.”  She said.

#

After noon had passed, Hannah was called away for chores, so Rose wound up alone in the vast library, reading a book and that’s where she heard someone calling her name softly.
“Rose.  Rose.”
She stood up, following the voice to a secluded corner where no one could see her.
“Rose.”
She turned around and there was the mysterious man.  He was smiling, as always, tossing an apple up in the air repeatedly.
“What are you doing here?”  Rose whispered.  “The guards are right outside.”   
“I came to collect my kiss.”
Rose was about to explain to him how she would need his help again, but he left her no time.  He walked up to her and put his hands on her face, tilting it so that the kiss would be perfect.  Rose closed her eyes, letting the kiss take over her.  It was like riding on a beam of sunlight, floating on a cloud made of a rainbow, like nothing she’d ever felt.  It was almost like flying.
Rose felt his body close to hers, and he gently backed her up against a bookshelf, covering her mouth with his, tasting her, using his tongue to tease and intoxicate her.  She was quivering, stomach fluttering, heart racing.  Her fingers tangled into his hair, and the kiss grew more intense.  His hands pulled her into his arms, and kept kissing her, it seemed to last forever and yet it was over so quickly.  Just as he began to pull away, she heard Hannah calling for her.
“Mistress Rose?  Where are you?”
The kiss ended suddenly, and Rose opened her eyes finding that he was gone again.  Bewildered, panting and feeling light as air, she staggered out and saw Hannah waiting for her.
“There you are.  It’s time for supper. . .  Are you alright Rose?”
“Yes.”  
“You look, disheveled.  Flushed.”
Rose smiled, still feeling his lips on hers.  “I’m fine.  Just hungry.”
Hannah took her hand.  “You’re having dinner with us tonight.  His Majesty is still in with his advisors.”
Still in a fog from that kiss, Rose almost floated down the hall with Hannah, and sat at a small table with Jane, Lady Bryant, and a few other ladies.
“We all know now why you are here.”  Lady Bryant said as the tea was being poured.  
“Hush Kate.”  Jane hissed at her. 
Rose looked up.  “Oh?”
“Yes.”  Lady Bryant said.  
“And why is that?”  Rose questioned.
Lady Bryant put her nose in the air.  “I saw the spools of golden thread coming from the tower room.  Just where did they come from?  Are you a witch?  Are you in league with the devil?”
Jane grew upset.  “Emily!  Don’t mind her Rose.  She’s superstitious.”
“And rightly so, apparently.”  Lady Bryant said and stood from the table.  “The Bible says you mustn’t suffer a witch to live.”
Jane stood up.  “Kate!  Get out of here and go eat in the kitchen!  Speaking such nonsense.”
Lady Bryant left the room in a furry, her dress swishing behind her as she walked.
“I’m sorry.”  Jane said to Rose.  “Please forgive her.”
Rose sipped her tea.  “It’s fine.  I suppose the details of my presents here are a bit mysterious.”
“What did happen last night?”  Hannah whispered.
Jane looked at her daughter.  “Hannah.”
“Don’t believe everything you hear.”  Rose told them.  
Jane smiled.  “You see.  Rumors are the true work of the devil.”
Everyone ate in silence, and Hannah reached under the table and took Rose’s hand.  When rose looked at her, she smiled. 
“You are my best friend.”  Hannah whispered, her blonde hair shining in the candle light.
Rose smiled back, feeling as though she had found a friend in Hannah.    
There was a knock at the door.  It was the King.
Everyone stood, but he held out his hands.  “Sit, sit.  All save you, Lady Rose.”
The women gasped and smiled, but Rose was confused.  
“Lady?”
“Yes.  I’ve decided to make you a Lady in waiting, despite the absence of a queen at the time.”  He said.  “Do you accept?”
Rose looked at the ladies and then back at him.  “But, I am not royalty, or of noble blood.”
“Yes you are.”  He said.  “You are the niece of the Duke of Hampshire.”
“But only by marriage.” 
“Marriage is binding.  Therefore, you are royalty.  It‘s time you lived like it.” 
“My place is at home, with my father.”  She said respectfully.  “And, although I am flattered by your very generous offer, I must decline, my Lord.”
Erick looked a bit upset, but remained calm.  “Perhaps after you’ve slept on it, you’ll reconsider.  As for now, you will join me for dinner.”
“I’ve already eaten.”
He grumbled but smiled.  “You can sip wine.  All I ask of you is to be present so that I may look upon you.”  Then he took her hand and pulled her along.  “Ladies.”  He said as they left the room and went into the grand dining room where there was only one seat left empty.  And it was right beside the King.
“Everyone, this is Mistress Rose.”  He announced and had her sit.  Then he took his seat and the footman poured their wine.
“Nice to meet you dear.”  Said a lady royal wearing a diamond tiara.  “I am Pauletta, Duchess of South Warwick.”
“Very nice to meet you, my Lady.”  Rose said, and with those words began one of many wonderful, exciting conversations that night.  And everyone, including the King, was bewitched by her charm, wit and beauty.  Rose wasn’t used to feeling so important, being the center of attention.  It, along with the wine, was very intoxicating.  A band of minstrels began to serenade the diners, and Rose found that she was having a wonderful time.  But, even with everything happening around her, Rose’s mind seemed to find its way back to the mystery man, what he had done for her, and that kiss he given her in the library.  Her heart fluttered just thinking about it.  And when the hour struck nine, the King looked at her, seeing her lost in thought, and he presumed she was thinking of him.  It pleased him all the more, and he began to have erotic thoughts about Rose, not that he already hadn’t had them.

#

Erick lead her again to the tower room that night, this time it was nearly filled with baskets of wool, waiting to be spun.
“There’s so much.”  Rose said quietly.  
Erick laughed.  “I know you can do it.  And when you do, your father’s debts will be cleared then you will be free to go.”
“Free?”  Rose asked.
“Yes.  Should you choose to go.”  He said.  “It is my greatest hope, however, that you’ll want to stay, and become a Lady in waiting.  You’ll have some security that way, be privy to learning to play music, dance and you‘ll learn obedience and allegiance.  Me thinks you’ll thrive, be happy, and never have to work in the dirt again.”
Rose nodded, imagining what kind of life she could have.  But she wasn’t sure if the King was trying to trick her or not.  He seemed so sincere.
“I’ll think about it, I swear to it my Lord.”  She said.  “And I must thank you for your kindness.”
Erick put his hand on her cheek and moved closer.  “So lovely.  May I kiss you?”
Rose knew she didn’t have much of a choice.  “Yes, Majesty.  Only, be gentle.  I haven‘t ample experience with such things.”
Erick laughed, and pressed his lips against hers roughly, hurting her more than anything else.  It wasn’t at all like her first kiss.  And when he pulled away, he was smiling.
“Sweet.  Just as I suspected.”  Erick smiled and stepped back.  “See you at first light.”


Chapter Four - Mother’s Ring

“Where are you?”  Rose asked as she paced back and forth across the floor, wishing for her savior, the magic man, to return.  “I need you.”
The moonlight shone in brightly, making the room seem blue, as if it were made of colored glass.  And the air was cool that night, blowing furiously as if a storm were approaching.  She finally took a seat on the bed and closed her eyes, letting her mind go back to both the kisses she’d received that day.
“Oh, but, the magic man’s kiss was so much better.”  She sighed.
A voice said, “Thank you.” 
Rose looked up and there he was, smiling at her, carrying a wooden stick.  “You’re here.”  
“I am.”  He said, sitting next to her on the bed.  
“What’s that?”  She asked.
“A magic stick.”  He said, making it catch fire at one end, a blue flame.  “I made this last night from a dogwood tree.  It’s very powerful.”  He quickly extinguished the flames.  “It can even fly.”
“There aren’t any dogwood trees around here.”  Rose said, enchanted by his magic.
“Oh, there is.  One.”  He said.  “But, all else aside, I can see that you are in desperate need of my help once again.”  He said putting the stick aside.  “Seems the Kings greed knows no bounds.”
Rose shook her head.  “He’s been kind to me.  He could have done much worse to me that this.”
He nodded.  “But enough talk about him.  What may I do for you tonight?”
Rose held out her hands.  “Help me with all of this.  It must be spun into gold by morning.”
“And what shall you give me?”  He asked, smiling widely, wickedly.
“I have nothing left to give.”  Rose explained.  “Perhaps another kiss--”
His laughing interrupted her.  “A kiss?”
“Yes.”  She said shyly, hoping that he would accept this as payment.  She quiet enjoyed the last kiss they‘d shared.
He laughed.  “Suppose I don‘t want another kiss?”
“What do you want?”
“How about the emerald ring you wear?”
Rose gasped and clutched her hand to her chest.  “No!  I cannot!”
“Why not?”  He asked.  “It’s only a bauble.”
Her eyes filled with tears when she thought of her mother.  And he could see the emotion.
“It belonged to my mother.”  Rose explained and looked at him.  “But, what choice do I have?”  
He wiped the tear from her cheek.  “Don’t worry.  I will never lose it.”
Rose slipped the ring off and he took it, hanging it around his neck on a thin strip of leather.  She had made her deal.
“I shall get to work.”  He said and sat at the spinning wheel.  “Why don’t you sleep?”
Rose shook her head.  “No.  Why don’t we talk?”
He shrugged and winked, then began to work.  “If you like?”
“Okay.  Why don’t you tell me your name?”  She asked.  “Why the mystery?”
“I won’t give away my power.”  He said as the first spool was beginning to wind.  
“But I don’t know what to call you.”  Rose said, wiping away the remainder of her tears.
“Don’t call me anything.”  He said with a grin.  
“Well then, tell me where you come from.”  She said.  “Are you from this land?”
He tossed the already filled spool into a basket and said, “Oh no.  I am from a different realm.  One of magic and wonder.  A place where fairies dance and mermaids swim.”
Rose’s eyes grew wide.  “Really?  I’ll bet they’re beautiful.”
He nodded and began to wind another spool.  “Yes, quite.  But let me tell you, nowhere in my world is there a creature as fair as you, Rose.”
Rose blushed.  “Will you tell me about it?”

#

For hours while the magic man worked, he and Rose chatted, laughed and even shared some wine that the King had sent to her, along with some bread, cheese and apples.  He told her about the supernatural world he came from, filling Rose’s mind with dreamy images of a world she’d only read about in stories.  He told her about himself, that he was the son of a forest nymph and a wizard.  He told her of his adventures, chasing dragons, hunting mythical beasts and casting spells.  Rose was completely enamored with him after that, and she longed to see such a wondrous place.     
Soon enough, and just before dawn, all the wool was spun, and the two of them sat on the floor by the window, watching and waiting as the last candle begin to burn out.  Rose yawned.
“You’re sleepy.  Why don’t you lie down?”
“No.  I‘m not tired.”  She said and moved closer to him, the cool wind chilling her skin.  He was warm, glowing, as if he were his own sun.
“Yes you are.  And dawn is fast approaching.”
Rose lay her head on his shoulder and looked up at him.  “Please tell me your name.  So that I may say a prayer for you.”
He laughed.  “Prayers are for fools.  But, if you wish to send me good thoughts, then, I will accept them.”
“Good.”  She said and touched his hand.
He returned the touch, and caressed her cheek and chin gently.  “So beautiful.”
Rose closed her eyes, loving the way his fingertips felt against her skin.  “You’re the beautiful one.”
She felt his lips against her cheek, and then they were on her lips.  Kissing him was fast becoming her favorite activity.
“Mmm.”  She moaned in her throat, and his lips left hers, searching for a better spot, finding her neck, her collarbone.  And his fingers pushed the sleeve of her dress down, revealing her shoulder, which he wet with kisses, making Rose’s thighs ignite.
“I best go.”  He said and kissed her lips again.  “Before. . .”
Rose opened her eyes and grabbed hold of him.  “No!  Don’t go now.  I like kissing you.  I like it when you‘re near me.  Don‘t go away.”
“I adore our time together.  But I must go.”
“Is there someone else?”  She asked, heartbroken at the very thought.
He laughed.  “No.  There is no one.  No one but you.”
Rose smiled and watched as he stood and held the ring around his neck.
“Will I ever see you again?”  She asked, and never got an answer.  He backed into the dark corner and was gone.
Rose sighed, head over heels now, and climbed into the bed.  She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.  Her dreams were of him.  The two of them making love.  And it was so real she could actually feel his arms around her.


Chapter Five - A Royal Engagement

Rose awoke to the sound of glorious tintinnabulation.  It was Sunday, and the bells chimed a lovely hymn that morning.  She rubbed her eyes, still tired from staying up nearly all night, and saw the gleaming gold shining in the sunlight.  
Suddenly the door opened and in walked the King.  When he saw the golden spools, he was visibly ecstatic.  
“Good morning, Rosemary.” 
“Good morning.”  She said, and got up off the bed, bowing quickly.
He walked over to kiss her hand.  “You look exhausted.  Was the work too strenuous?”
“I was up almost the entire night.”  She admitted, thinking of the night she’d spent with the magic man.  
“Perhaps a bath and some food will set you right?”  He said and led her towards the door.
“Wait, Majesty.”  She said and stopped.  “I must know, is my duty done?  Am I free to go?”  
Erick nodded, slowly.  “Yes, the debts have been cleared.  You are free.  However, rather than return to your small cottage, have you given any thought to my offer?  Have you made a decision?  Please say you‘ll come to court.”
“I have thought about it.  Truly, my Lord, and prayed on it.  But, I wouldn’t feel right about leaving my father to fend for himself.  He’s completely alone without me to cook for him, don his socks, and clean his clothes.  I’m sure even now he’s hungry and out of clean shirts.”
“Even after the way he offered you up?”  He asked.  
“Even after all he has done, I forgive him.  I love him.  And I can’t leave him on his own to make these same mistakes over again.”
Erick considered what Rose said, and he took her hand and kissed it once more.  “Very well.  Come, I will take you to Lady Jane for some pampering.”

#

Rose was sponged clean, hair brushed and she was dressed in a lovely greed dress.  But, as Jane and Hannah dressed her, Hannah noticed that Rose’s ring was missing.
“Mistress Rose, where is your pretty ring?”  She asked.
Rose looked down at her bare finger and knew she had to lie.  “I do not know.  Perhaps I lost it.”
“Well, I will search until I find it.”  Hannah said and put some cream on Rose’s dry hands.  It smelled of flowers.
“Hungry Rose?”  Jane asked.   “We have four minute eggs, bread, and some delicious cakes for you to eat.”
“And jasmine tea.”  Hannah told her.  “Don’t forget the jasmine tea.”
Jane squirted perfume on Rose’s wrists and said, “And after that, time for us to go to church.”
Rose tried to focus, but all she could think of was the previous night, and how her mystery man made her feel.  And she was heartsick at just the thought of not seeing him again.
“Rose?  What’s the matter?  You look ill.”  Lady Jane said touching Rose’s forehead with the back of her hand.  “You’re not feverish are you?”
Rose smiled and laughed.  “I’m fine.  Just wondering what I should do.  Should I accept the Kings offer and come to court, where I will surely be at his mercy?  Or shall I say no and risk my life, and perhaps the life of my father?”
Hannah had no words to offer, being young and as naive as Rose.  But Lady Jane took hold of her hand and patted her face.
“Oh, dear Rose.  A woman’s decisions are never easy are they?”
“No.”
“You must do what you must, to insure your future.  Whether it’s coming to court, or submitting to the will of the King.”  Jane said.  “But know this.  If you don’t come to court, he won’t stop.  If he desires you, he’ll do whatever he will to have you.  Whatever it takes.  Even wicked things.  Even murder.”
Rose thought of her father, and looked into Jane’s care worn eyes.  “Then I know what I must do.”

#

All through the church service, Rose prayed.  Prayed for her father and for herself, but mostly that she would get to see her magic man, at least one last time.  
After church, the crowds dispersed and the King walked Rose through the gardens and then through the palace, showing her the east wing, where most of the royals were not allowed to go.  And after a while of chatting, the matter of Rose’s decision was finally brought up.
“Have you decided whether or not to come to court?”  He asked as they walked.
“I have.”  Rose said.  “And, I will come to court.  Be a Lady.”
Erick was very happy, and he took Rose’s hand to kiss it.  “Good.  I knew you’d come round.  I‘ve got a new room being prepared for you and you will sleep there tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“You know, young Rose, I am quite pleased by all the work you’ve done so far, and even more pleased now that you‘ve accepted my offer to come to court,”  He began.  “However, I find myself wanting more from you than just your presents at court.”
“More?”
“Yes.  Two things.  First, I wish for you to use your powers for me, just once more.”   
“But--”
“Don’t worry.  It won’t be tonight.”  He assured her.  “Tonight I am holding a ball to celebrate the return of soldiers from the battlefield at our northern most border, and I wish for you to come.  Besides, we shouldn‘t toil on the Sabbath.”
Rose had never been to a ball.  “I’m afraid I have nothing nice enough to wear to a grand ball.”
Erick laughed.  “I’ll have several dresses sent to your new quarters for you to choose from, and the dressmakers will assure a good fit.  Along with new shoes and an assortment of jewelry.”
“Thank you, my Lord.”
“And Tom will be there as well.  I‘ve invited him, sent a messenger this morning to your cottage.”
“My father?  Oh, I cannot wait to see him!  But, if the ball is tonight, when do you wish for me to spin for you?”
  “Tomorrow night.”  He said.  “I’ve sent for more wool from the shepherds.  It will arrive on the morrow.”  
Rose bit at her lip.  “What was the second thing you wanted from me, my Lord?”
He moved closer, smiling, and said, “Instead of making you a Lady, I wish to make you my wife Rose.”
Rose nearly fainted, she almost couldn’t breathe.  “Wife?” 
“Yes.  On Monday’s eve.”  His eyes grew sad, and she could tell he was remembering something sad.  “You see, it hurt me when my Maria died in childbirth.  Not only did I lose a son, I lost a great partner in her.  She was a lovely, kind woman.  And smart.  I’d taken her advice many times on foreign matters, and she proved to be, well.  I digress.”
Rose felt badly for him, and she put her hand on his.  “I’m so sorry.”
Erick smiled.  “I am but a man, Rose.  I have needs and desires.”  His hands brushed back her hair from her shoulder.  “And you are most desirable, and just as kind as she.  You could provide me with an heir to our throne.”
“Heir?”
“I will make the announcement tonight at the ball.”  He said.  “And then your father will be named a Duke, and with his title and position comes a new home, land, finery, and all the advantages of having a Queen for a daughter.”
Rose was flabbergasted.  “Highness, while I am humbled and flattered by your offer, and happy to become a Lady in waiting, I fear that I cannot accept your proposal.”
Erick’s smile faded.  “What?”
Rose began to tremble.  “My Lord, I am so greatful to you for your kindness, considering what my father has done, and I will gladly spend one more night spinning for you.  But, marriage?  I don’t think--”
Erick slammed his fist against the wall, making a mark, scaring Rose.  “Don’t think.  At all.”
“Forgive me, Majesty--”
“No, I understand quite well.  I shall just have to make you change your mind.”  He started to walk away, and fearful of what he might do, Rose decided to do what she must.  It was a very dubious position.
“Wait!”  She cried.
Erick looked back over his shoulder at her.
“I will spin for you.  And I will. . . marry you.”
The King smiled and walked back to her, putting his hands on her cheeks and kissing her lips.
“You will be happy.  I shall see to it.”  He said and then left her standing there, bewildered and terrified.
“I do not love you.”  She whispered to herself.  “In fact, I am afraid of you.  But what choice do I have?”

#

Rose walked back to the main hall and Hannah ran up to her.  “There you are, Lady Rose!  Your room is all prepared and the dressmakers are on their way.  The ball is tonight and even I get to attend.  Perhaps I‘ll see Charles there.”
“Perhaps.”  Rose took her hand and they walked down the hall.  “Hannah?”
Hannah nodded, seeing how troubled Rose looked.  “Yes.  What’s the matter?”
Rose pulled her into a corner, away from prying eyes and listening ears.  “The King has asked me to marry him.”
Hannah’s eyes widened.  “He did?  And did you accept?”
“I had no choice.  He hit the wall when I tried to say no.”  Rose said.  “I’m afraid of him.  Is he that violent a man?”
Hannah made a face.  “He is a ruthless ruler.  But, I’ve never seen him lay hands on any woman.  He won’t even put them to death when they’ve committed a crime, as he would any disobedient man.  But, I’ve heard stories.”
Rose sighed.  “So, even if he spared my life, my father would be done for.”
Hannah shook her head.  “Mother knew something was amiss, and so did I once I saw the room he had readied for you.  She figured there was more to it than just him wanting you to become a Lady.  You’ve enchanted him, Rose.”
Hannah led Rose to her new quarters. . . The late Queen Maria’s room.  Lady Jane was there, and she was laying out luxurious fabrics and several pairs of shoes.
“My word.”  Rose gasped and took in all the marvelous things around her.  It was the most beautiful room, chandeliers, golden candelabra’s, lounge chairs and a sofa near the fireplace, and a large gilded bed with a canopy.
“This was her Majesty’s sanctuary.”  Lady Jane said and took Rose’s hand.  “His Highness must really fancy you.”
“More than that.”  Rose said and took a seat on a cushioned chair.  “He’s asked me to marry him.”
Jane’s eyes grew wide.  “When?”
“Monday eve.”
Jane smiled.  “It will be an honor to serve you, my Lady.”
“What witchcraft have you worked on our sovereign?”  Said Lady Bryant from the doorway.  “Queen Maria is barely cold and yet she’s already been replaced?”
“Stop that!”  Jane hissed. 
“No.  I speak the truth.”
Hannah stepped between them.  “Our dear Lady has been gone a year.  It’s not unreasonable that his Majesty would desire another wife.  He is a man, he has needs.”
“Oh, he has mistresses for that!”  Lady Bryant shouted.
Rose stood up.  “Stop!  Please!  I’ve done nothing wrong!  It isn’t my fault that my father, in an inebriated state, told the King’s men that I could--”
“Could what?”  Jane asked softly.
“Spin wool into gold.”  She admitted.  “He was lying because he was afraid, he owed taxes and he wanted to save himself, I suppose.  So he told the tale, in hopes that the King would allow me to work off the debt.  I suppose he thought that once the King found that I was unable to do the task of spinning the wool into gold, he would be merciful, and perhaps charmed by me.  I suppose he knew the King would find me lovely.  But I don’t know for sure.  I will ask him tonight at the ball for the truth.”
Jane’s hand found Rose’s shoulder.  “Poor dear.”
Lady Bryant laughed.  “I knew it!  So you are a witch!”
“No, I’m not.”
“Then how did you accomplish it?”  She asked.  “I saw the spools of golden thread!  How did you do it?”
Everyone was looking at Rose, and she thought of telling them the truth.  But before she could open her mouth, the door burst open and two guards came in and took Lady Bryant by the arms.
“What’s going on?”  She shrieked. 
“In the name of the King you are arrested.”  One said.
“What’s my crime?”  She shouted as they dragged her out, yet no explanation was given.
Hannah watched out the door until they were gone.  “I wonder what that was all about.”
“I don’t know.”  Jane said.  “But it must be serious.”
Hannah looked worried.  “Oh no!  I wonder if Charles will be arrested.  Mother!”
“I will go and find out what’s happened.”  Jane said, hugging her daughter quickly before turning back to Rose to bow.  “I will return shortly, my Lady.”
Rose stood there still in shock from all the events of the day so far, and Hannah came up to her.
“You look as though you’re about to faint.”  She said.  “Please, sit.”
“Hannah can you keep a secret?”  Rose asked, sitting again on the chair.
“Of course.”
Rose took hold of Hannah’s hand.  “I’m serious.  You can’t tell anyone.  Not your mother, anyone.”
“On my life, I will not tell.”
Rose swallowed hard.  “It’s true that I was put in a room and expected to spin.  But I could not, and I prayed for someone to help me.”
Hannah was listening intently.  “Yes.” 
“Someone came to help.  I think my late mother sent them.”
“So, someone spun it for you?”
Rose nodded.  “It was by magic.  For I know not how it was accomplished.”
“You’ve been touched by an angel.”  Hannah told her.  “Be greatful.”
“But I am to spin again.  One final time before I am to marry the King.”  Rose said.  “What if I am not so fortunate and the magic doesn’t happen?  I fear my life may be in danger.”
Hannah tried to comfort Rose, but there wasn’t much she could say.  Except, “Don’t worry, Rose.  I won’t tell.  No matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you.”
They hugged, just as Jane rushed back into the room.  “She was arrested for slandering your name, my Lady.”
“What?”
“It seems Lady Bryant has been spreading rumors of witchcraft about you, Rose.”  Jane said.  “The King heard of this and he is furious.”
“What will they do to her?”  Hannah asked.  “And what of Charles?”
“She’ll be sent to the tower for three days, and upon her release she’ll be sent back Hampton.”  Jane said.  “Charles is safe.”
Hannah sighed with relief.  
“You really do love him.”  Rose said, and Hannah blushed.  
“Whenever he’s near, I get butterflies in my stomach.”
Rose knew how that felt.  Every time she was near her magic man, she felt the same feelings.  She only hoped that she would get to see him again.
“Come now, Hannah.”  Jane said.  “We must help Rose decide which gown to wear tonight.”
“Are you coming to the ball?”  Rose asked.
“We go where our Queen goes.”  Jane answered with a smile and patted Rose’s face.  “Don’t worry.  Everything will be okay.  The King isn’t as scary as he seems.  I’ve known him since he was a child, and if he gives you a hard time, I shall set him right.”
Rose smiled and hugged Jane close.  “Thank you.  I had forgotten what it was like to have someone watch out for me as you have done.”

#

The clock chimed seven, and Rose rushed down the hall in a sweeping golden dress, Hannah and Lady Jane along side, dressed in beautiful gowns themselves.  The ballroom was filled; Rose could hear the music and the chatter of hundreds of people.  It scared her, and she stopped just outside the room.
“I’m terrified.”  She said, looking at Hannah.
“Don’t be.”  She said.  
Lady Jane took her hands and said, “You must get used to this.  You will be Queen soon.”
Rose nodded and took a deep breath.  Then she followed Jane into the room, through the crowd, towards the King’s chair, where he sat in all his golden glory.  As she walked, Rose searched the crowd for her father, but he wasn’t there, at least not where she could see him.  
Erick smiled when he saw Rose and stood, holding out his hand.  “Good evening, my lovely bride to be.”
Rose bowed, took his hand, forced a smile and stepped up beside him.  “My Lord.”
He looked at Jane and Hannah and smiled.  “Ladies, go and enjoy yourselves.”
They smiled and did as he asked, heading off into the crowd, but not too far from Rose, in case she should need them. 
“You look absolutely divine.”  Erick said to Rose, and kissed her cheeks.
“As do you.”  She said back, still looking through the crowd for her father.
“The Duke and Duchess of Hampshire are here.”  He said.
“They are?”  Rose soon found their faces in the crowd.  “Oh, I’ll have to speak with them.
“First, shall we dance?”  He asked.
Rose nodded, and he led her to the floor.  The crowd moved to accommodate them, clearing a space for them to begin their dance.  They stood there, hand to hand, prepared to do a dance called the Lover’s Dance.
“Band!”  Erick shouted.  “Play the Lover’s Dance!”
The band began to play the lively tune, and the dance began.  Everyone watched and clapped for them then joined in the dance, couples moving around the floor swiftly.  Men lifting the women briefly in the air and sat them down again, as the dance continued.  
“You seem troubled.”  Erick said as they turned a circle, then stood back to back, then moved face to face once more.
“My father isn’t here.”  She said.  “I thought you said he would be here.”  
Erick shrugged.  “My driver went to fetch him, but he was not home.  I have him on look for him, checking the village and the town.  We‘ll find him.” 
Rose was disappointed, but she had to pay attention, for now it was the time to switch partners.  She eventually wound up with Charles, Lady Bryant’s son.  He was handsome, and a good dancer. 
“My Lady.”  He said smiling as they twirled around one another.  
“Aren’t you Sir Charles?”  She asked.
“You know my name.”  He said and laughed.  “Indeed I am, my Lady.”
They put their hands together and continued to dance.
“I am terribly sorry about your mother.”  She said.
He made a face and grinned.  “She gets into her own trouble.  I am not responsible.”
“Then you know it is because of me?”
“No, my Lady.  It is her fault.  How could anyone think you were anything but virtuous and God fearing?  You are no witch, but you are very enchanting to behold.”
Rose smiled.  “Do you know of Lady Jane’s daughter, Hannah?”  She asked as they moved.
“I do.”  He said.  “Lovely creature.”
“Perhaps you should ask her to dance tonight.”
Charles nodded and kissed her hand.  “I will, my Lady.”
Time to switch partners came once more, and Rose was passed from partner to partner, swiftly during this part of the dance.  But as she made her switches, she thought she saw someone familiar in the crowd, staring at her with a look of happiness on his face.  The magic man.  She tried to look back as she danced, but lost him in the crowd.
When she was once again in the Kings’ arms, the dance ended with a mutual bow.
The room erupted in applause and the King took hold of Rose’s hand and held the other in the air, causing the room to quiet down.
“I have an announcement to make.”
Rose’s heart began to thump hard and fast.
“I would like for everyone to meet Lady Rose.”  He said.  “She is kind, beautiful and on Tuesday night, I shall make her my wife.”  He said and kissed Rose’s cheek.  “Show your respect to your future Queen, the enchanting Rose.”
The crowd cheered and seemed to approve of Erick’s choice in his bride.  No one would dare dispute him even if she were disagreeable.  However, they all seemed to like Rose, and had nothing but kind words and toasts to make throughout the night.  
By eleven o’clock, the party was over, and Rose’s father still had not arrived.  Rose had even asked her aunt Helen if she had heard from him and she had not.  She began to fear the very worse by then.  
Erick made his apologies to Rose he walked her down the torch lit castle corridors.
“Perhaps Tom is ashamed, and did not want to attend?”  Rose said.  “But I am worried.”
“Worry not, Rose.”  Erick said.  “I will see to it that he is found and brought to you at once.  I‘ve invited him to our wedding.”
“Thank you.”  Rose said as they stopped at her chamber door.
He leaned down and kissed Rose.  It was one of desire, and he wrapped his arms around her tightly and put his hand on her rear.  When his hand moved to her breast, Rose pulled away.
“Please, my Lord.  I can’t breathe.”
Erick laughed.  “Alright.  There is plenty of time to partake in the pleasures of the flesh.  But, once we are married, you must perform your wifely duties.”
Rose nodded, fearful already of their wedding night.  Thankfully, she had a week to prepare.
She watched as the Erick walked away, and she was about to go into her room when she heard a noise coming from a dark corner.  She moved closer, quietly, listening and trying to see who lurked in the shadow.
“Is that you?”  She whispered, thinking her magic man had come.  However, when she saw clearly that it was Hannah and Charles kissing, she backed away, heading into her room quickly.
“At least someone is getting what they want.”  She said to her reflection in the mirror.  
Just then Hannah rushed in, lips red from kissing, cheeks flushed, breath rapid and heavy.  Moreover, she had a drunken look about her, her lids were heavy and her grin was goofy.
Rose smiled.  “I know what you’ve been doing.”
Hannah rushed over and grabbed her hands.  “Oh, he’s more wonderful than I imagined.  He asked me to dance, and we talked for an hour and a half before he asked to kiss me.”
“And it appears that he did.”
“And it was heavenly.”  Hannah said happily.  “My first kiss you know.”
She and Rose sat on the bed together and Hannah sighed deeply and longingly.  
“Tell me, what’s next?”  Rose asked.  “Will you see him again?”
“He’s asked me to have dinner tomorrow night.  If I may have your permission to go.”
“Why would you need my approval?”
“Because I serve you.”  Hannah told her.  “Because the King had made me an official Lady in waiting, to serve you.  So I must have your permission.”
“Of course you do.  Far be it for me to stand in the way of your happiness.”
Hannah kissed Rose’s hands.  “Thank you, thank you my Lady.”
“Perhaps this is the start of something wonderful.”  Rose said.  “And I do hope so.  You deserve happiness.  You’ve been such a good friend to me.”
“And you to me.”  Hannah told her truthfully.  “And don’t fret.  Things will turn out well for you as well.  I just know it.”
Rose only wished she were so certain.


Chapter Six - Giving In

Rose spent all day Monday having her wedding dress altered, along with picking the shoes and deciding which pieces from the crowned jewels she would wear.  It was all very overwhelming for Rose, she did not know whether to be happy or not, seeing as how she was basically being forced into the marriage.  But she could have done worse for herself, she supposed.  That night she was set to spin a final time, so she was nervous about that as well.  Nervous that her magic man would not come.
“What about if the sleeves are ruffled?”  Lady Jane asked and held up some lacy fabric.  “Or should there be bows?”
Rose stood still and tall as the seamstress hemmed and sewed, fitting the white and golden gown to her frame perfectly.
“I like the bows, mother.”  Lady Hannah said, and then looked at Rose, who was in a daze, staring off into the distance, wondering what lay ahead of her and if she would see her magic man tonight.  
Hannah put down the bows.  “My Lady?”
Rose blinked her eyes and looked at her.  “Yes?”
“Bows?  Or ruffles?”  Hannah asked.
“I don’t know. . . ruffles?” 
“Is that a question, or an answer?”  The seamstress asked from below, looking up at Rose from the hemline of the dress.
“Ruffles.”  Rose said, this time with more certainty and looked at her reflection again.
Jane smiled and came around to see her from the front.  “You look beautiful.”
Rose smiled a bit, and tried to let herself be happy.  She reasoned that she could learn to love Erick, and in time, maybe she would.
“I wonder which crown you’ll wear?”  Hannah asked.  “There are several nice ones that I’ve seen.”
“Enough wedding talk.”  Rose said, trying to clear her mind.  “Tell me about what you’ll wear tonight at dinner with Charles.”
Hannah giggled.  “My red dress.  And I’ll wear my hair up to show off my ruby earrings.”
Jane shook her head and smiled.  “My daughter is in love.  How lonely I will be when she leaves me.”
Hannah hugged her mother.  “I’ll never leave you.”
Watching them made Rose miss her mother all the more.  She felt her emotions coming but did her best to hide them.  
Just then, there was a knock at the door.  It was one of the King’s footmen.
“Excuse me, my Lady.”  He said and entered the room, carrying a wooden box.  
Rose was curious.  “Yes?”
 “His Majesty has sent you a wedding gift.”  He said, and passed the box to Hannah.
“What is it?”  Rose asked, and Hannah opened the box, gasping and smiling.  “What?”
Hannah turned the box around and inside was a silver crown, adorned with sparkling emeralds and diamonds.  It was the most beautiful thing Rose had ever seen.
“Good gracious.”  She said, wanting to touch it, but she had to remain still.
The footman bowed and began to leave, but Rose stopped him.
“Wait!  Any word about my father?”
He shook his head no.  “I’m sorry, my Lady.  We’ve not found him yet.  But we are still looking.”
Rose nodded.  “Thank you.  The minute you learn something, please let me know.”
“Of course.”  
“Oh, and, please tell the King that from the bottom of my heart, I thank him.  It would be an honor to wear this crown.”
The footman bowed again, then left hastily.
“I’m sure your father is alright.”  Jane said.  “Perhaps he had to travel somewhere and there was no time to inform you.  I‘m sure he‘ll be at the wedding tomorrow.”
“I pray that is all.”  
There was a silence.
“I know what will cheer you.”  Jane said, taking the crown from the box.  “Would you like to try it on?”  Jane asked.
But Rose shook her head.  “No.  Not now.  Not yet.  I want to wait until the day I marry him.”
Jane smiled.  “Careful, you’re starting to sound romantic.”
Rose smiled back, honestly imagining marrying someone else.  If only Erick made her heart skip a beat, like that certain someone else.

#

It was nine o’clock that evening, and the King came to collect Rose to do her final task.  
“I am so glad you liked my gift.”  He said as they walked arm in arm down the hall, followed by guards.
“I did.  It’s beautiful.”  
“Are you prepared for your final duty?”  He asked as they walked outside.
Rose nodded.  “I believe I am.”
“Are you ready to become my wife tomorrow?”
Rose nodded again.  “Uh-huh.”
Erick laughed softly.  “So am I.”
As they walked down the path, Rose thought again of her father.
“Have you located papa yet?”
Erick sighed.  “No.  However, we have sent messengers to all the neighboring towns and villages.  We will find him.”
His words did little to reassure Rose.  She had a feeling that her father had fled out of fear, and was too ashamed to return.
Erick led her out of the castle, to the old, unused stable.  It was completely filled with piles and piles of the finest wool in the kingdom.
“I will see you in the morning, my love.”  He said to her, shocking her a bit.
“You love me?”
Erick nodded.  “Oh yes.”
She wasn’t sure of the exact reason, but as long as she was not angering him, Rose was content enough.
He leaned down and kissed her, then left quickly, without another word.

#

Rose sat for a while, watching the shadowy corners, wondering if the magic man would find her, or if he’d come at all.  But suddenly, as she was on the verge of falling asleep, she saw out of the corner of her eye a dark skinned man.  She knew who it was, and she smiled and got excited.
“Magic man.  How did you know I’d be here instead of the tower?”  She asked, happy that he had come, but a bit sad as well.  For this would be their last night together.
He smiled that same, enchanting smile at her and with shining eyes moved across the floor towards her.
“I have my ways.”  
Rose was about to laugh, but as she looked around at all the wool she began to feel 
overwhelmed.  “Do you see?  Do you see what he expects from me?”
“You mean, from me?”  He pointed out.
“Yes.  And I do thank you for what you have done.  Not only have you saved me on two other occasions, you’ve been a wondrous friend to me.”  His smiled began to fade, and Rose became concerned.  “What’s the matter?”
He sighed and looked around.  “And you have been a friend to me as well.”
They shared an intense, longing stares, Rose’s heart began to thud wildly.  She had to look away.  
“This will be our last night together.”  She said.  “I’m sorry to say.”
“Will it?”  He asked, as if he didn‘t believe her.  “Then shall we make our arrangements then?”
Rose was put off a bit by his tone, his getting right down to business.  “Alright.”
“I can see you need my help tonight much worse than you needed it before.”  He said, looking around.  “So, what will you give me in return for my assistance this time?” 
Rose looked at her mother’s ring, still hanging around his neck.  “Well, I gave you my very first kiss, my mothers’ ring, which I am glad to see you have not lost.  However, I have nothing left to give now.  But I do need your help, please.”
“What, so you can marry the King tomorrow?”  He said, sounding a bit jealous.  “Why should I?  And why would you want to marry him anyway?”
“How did you know about that?”  Rose asked.  
“I have my ways.”  He said once again.
“It was you at the ball last night.”  She said.  “I thought that I saw you, and I thought you saw me.”
He neither confirmed nor denied his presents at the ball, but his eyes told her that she had been correct.  
Rose sighed.  “You were there.”
“And what if I was?”
“Then that means you heard the King’s announcement.”
He shrugged.  “Perhaps.  Although, I don’t understand why you’d agree to it.”
“The King has been kind to me, considering why I’m here.  Besides, when the King asks something of you, it is unwise to say no.  I don‘t really have a choice.”
He shook his head.  “That’s not a good enough answer.”
Rose gave it a second thought, and said what truly was in her heart.
“So my father can have a happy life.  And as for me, perhaps I can have one as well.”
“So it’s happiness you seek?”  He asked, walking towards her, standing eye to eye with her.  “What if I can give you that?”
Rose swallowed hard and bit at her lip.  “What?”
“You heard my question.”  He said, his smile returning, and took her hand, kissing it slowly, sensually.  
Rose felt flustered and pulled her hand from his, moving quickly away, standing by the window.
“Please, don’t tempt me.  For I am weak when I am near you.”
He laughed and moved up behind her, his hands on her shoulders, moving down her arms to her elbows.  He pulled her against his chest softly, and put his mouth near her ear.  His breath blew across her cheek, his lips pressed against the nape of her neck.
Rose’s eyes went back slightly, and she had to hold in her moan of desire.
“You say that you have nothing left to give.”  He whispered.  
She turned to face him, leaning back against the window.  “Would you like another kiss?”
But he shook his head no and gave her such a look.  “Can’t I have more?”
Rose felt her body blush, nearly falling to her knees from the weight of his stare.  
“What more can I give?”  She asked, knowing what it was he was after.
He touched Rose’s cheek and she felt those flutterings in her stomach again.  His lips touched her cheek, then her nose, then lips, then he tenderly kissed the side of her neck, making her tremble and shiver.  
“Please.”  She begged, but not too strenuously.  “I cannot resist you, but I must.”
He sighed and stepped back.  “What if I took you to see your father?  Would that make you happy?”
Rose’s eyes lit up.  “You will?  You know where he is?”
“I do.  And I can take you to see him, if that‘s what you want.”
“But how?”
“I have my--”
“Your ways.  I know.”  Rose finished and laughed.  She was so relieved that her father was alive that she felt light as air.
“Let’s go Rose.”  
“But there are guards, and there is so much here to do, will there be enough time?”
He snapped his fingers, causing time to stop, just like the first time they’d met.
“Time isn’t a problem.”
“How do you do it?  Stop time?”
He laughed.  “I don’t stop it.  I just make it pass slowly.  Nothing can stop time, not even I.”
“What about death?  Does that stop time?”
“It does for the one whom dies.”
Looking deep into his dark eyes was like looking into desire itself.  Rose felt the flame begin at her thighs, and it flicked its way up her body causing sweat to bead in hidden places.  Places that wanted to feel his kisses and fingertips.  Rose smiled, unaware at the time that she was completely in love with this man.
“Are you certain you want to see your father?”  He asked again, looking at her full lips, wanting to kiss them, and then ravage her.
“Yes.  But, is there a price to pay for taking me to see my father?”  She asked, noticing the way his eye moved to her bosom, and they seemed to drink her in like sweet nectar.
“No.”  He answered and cleared his mind for the magic at hand.  “I want to help you.”
Rose grabbed hold of his hand, and the two of them walked towards the dark shadows of the stable.  Somehow, they vanished, and ended up in a dark dungeon.  More of a torture chamber from the screams and cries to be freed Rose heard.  It scared her and she grabbed hold of his arm tightly.
“Where are we?”
“The King’s prison.”  He said.
Rose looked up at him.  “My father is here?”
He nodded, then pointed to a cell across the way.  “In there.”
Rose let go of him and moved slowly towards the cell.  She squinted through the darkness and the bars to see who was in there.  And when she saw her father’s face, she ran over and got down on her knees.
“Papa!  Papa I’m here!”
“Rose, wait.”  
Rose took hold of the bars, tears beginning to stream down her face.  “Papa!” 
“Tom can’t hear you.”
Rose looked back over her shoulder.  “What’s wrong with him?”  She asked.
“I tried to tell you.”  He said, joining her at the bars.  “He won’t be able to see or hear you.  The spell I cast to break you out--”
“Slows time, I remember.”  She said and wiped her tears away.  “But why is he here?”
“Your future husband put him here.  Perhaps as collateral in case you couldn’t do what your father claimed.”
“But, why would he lie to me?  I was well aware of his lustful nature, but I didn’t think him a liar.”
“He’s a King.  He is not dumb, so you should have known he would do what was necessary to secure you as his wife.  He made up his mind the moment he saw the gold.  He knows if he marries you, so then he will be the richest King in the world.”
Rose shook her head woefully.  “Then what shall I do?  He will likely kill my papa unless I do as he wishes.”
“If I had the power to harm him, relieve you of your burdens I would.”  He said, stoking her cheek with his hand.  “But, alas, I can do no harm.”
Rose shook her head.  “I wouldn’t want you to risk your life for me.  But I do need your help.  Whatever the price is, I shall pay it.”
He wiped Rose’s tears and took her dainty hand in his.  “Come Rose.  Let’s go back.”  
Rose nodded, giving her father another look.  “Don’t worry papa.  I’ll get you out of here.”
Using the darkness, they were transported back to the stable. 
“I have to see him.”  Rose said and stepped into the light.  “I have to see him right now!”
“Who?”  He asked.
“The King.”
“No.  You can’t.”  He said and hurried over to her.  “If he discovers you know where your father is, he’ll surely do you harm.”
Rose sighed and shook her head.  “But I have to know the truth.”
With a nod and a sigh, the magic man took her hand and they rushed outside into the moonlight.  
“Why didn’t we just use the shadows as before?”  Rose asked as they made their way towards the east wing of the castle.  
“Because, I wanted to give you time to change your mind along the way.”  He answered, climbing the stairs quickly, making Rose breathe heavily.  The corset squeezed tight with every step she took.  They walked down the dim corridors undetected until they came upon the King’s chamber doors.  The guard wasn’t there, but still they stopped.
“Do you want to go inside?”  He asked.
Rose took some breathes and swallowed her fear.  “Yes.”
The doors whooshed open and they walked inside, and there was the Erick, in bed with one of the young courtiers.  Their clothes were on the floor, and the candles were low, providing little light.   
“What are they doing?”  She asked, only seeing them being still beneath the covers.
The magic man pulled Rose behind the bed curtains to hide and with a wave of his hand the doors closed and time moved at its normal pace.  Then it was plane to see what they were doing.  The girl lay beneath him, writhing and holding onto his back, making high-pitched noises of pleasure.  And Erick sounded like some sort of animal as he pounded himself hard against her beneath the sheets.  It was animalistic to her, strange, for Rose knew little about such things.
“Oh. . . my. . .”  Rose whispered and felt a hand against her lips.  
“Shhh.”  The magic man blew into her ear.  “Else they’ll hear you.”
Rose kept her mouth shut and stood there, unable to look away, watching her future husband making love to another woman, if you could call it making love.  It looked painful, rough and it made Rose blush from her head to her toes.
She moved to back away, but the strong body behind her blocked her way.  She felt his hands on her hips and his face against her throat.  He kissed her neck once, and she nearly moaned aloud she was so wound up.  Rose lay her head back and to the side, revealing more of her neck, allowing him to kiss her throat and shoulder, allowing his hands to move to her corseted stomach and up the bodice of her dress towards her cleavage.  But when his palm brushed over her hard nipple, she regained control of her senses quickly and looked back at him.
“Let’s go.  I cannot watch this.”  She whispered quietly, and with a nod, he pulled her into the darkness of a corner.
The next moment, they were standing in the stable once again.  Rose took a seat on a pile of hay and tried to catch her breath.
“Thank you, for taking me to see papa.”  She said, wringing her hands nervously.
“You’re welcome.”  He said, sitting next to her, still speaking in a low, seductive whisper.
They spoke not, only sat quietly, exchanging smoldering glances for a minute or two.  The way he had kissed her in the King’s chambers had worked Rose up, and she didn’t know what to do with herself.  Her mind began to race.    
“Tomorrow, I will be married.”  She said sadly.  “Nothing can stop it.  Unless you leave now, and do not spin for me.  Even if he kills both my father and I.”
“I would not do that to you.”  He assured her.  “I will help you.  Even if it means you must marry him.”
Rose looked into his eyes, then reached out and touched his lips.  “What must I do?  What must I give you, in return for your work?”
He leaned in and kissed her lips slowly, and then put his lips to her ear.  “I want you.  Just you Rosie.”
“But, if I surrender my body to you, what happens then?”  She asked.  “If the King finds out I am not pure he will surely kill me.”
“Then you must promise me this.  When you give birth to your first child, you must give the child to me.”
Rose gasped and moved back.  “What?”
He smiled then laughed, seemingly jesting, and it made Rose giggle too.
“Fine.”  She said with a lilt in her voice, not taking him seriously in the least.  “It’s a deal.”
The two of them laughed, which lead to kissing, which lead to him disrobing her and laying her naked body down on a bed of wool.
“I’m afraid.” Rose admitted when she pulled her lips away from his.
“I won’t force you.”  He said, looking down at her.  “You must be willing.”
Rose batted her lashes.  “I am willing.  I have very tender feelings for you, despite me not truly knowing you.”
He kissed her again.  “So do I.”
And with that he made love to her, true love, until the wee morning hours.  For he found that he had already fallen madly and deeply for her.
It was heavenly, tender, sinful, and wonderful.  It was everything she hoped it would ever be.  It hurt a bit at first, but soon the bliss made the pain fade away.  Besides that pain, she was scratched a bit on her chest because of her mother’s ring that hang around his neck, it pressed against her while he took her over and over again, making the most of the night, for he knew not when he would see her again.
“I love you, magic man.”  She whispered, lying in his arms, falling asleep.  “I wish you’d tell me your name. . .”
He kissed her face.  “Sleep now and sleep well.  For my heart belongs to you.”
Those were the last words she heard before sleeping.

#

Rose awoke slowly, feeling warm sunlight against her bare back.  She sat up quickly, finding that she was naked, laying on a pile of hay, the stables gleaming with golden spools.  She smiled.
“He did it.  And he did it for me.  He must really love me.”
Rose got up quickly, dressing fast before someone could discover her nude.  Just as she buttoned her last button, the stable doors opened and in rushed Hannah.  
“My Lady?”  She stopped when she saw all the gold.  “Wow.”
Rose smoothed her hair, plucking out a few hay straws.  “Morning Hannah.”
Hannah blinked her eyes and then looked at Rose with a smile.  “You’ll never guess who’s here!  You’re father!”
Rose got excited.  “Really?”
“Yes!  He arrived early this morning!  Come quickly!”
As Hannah and Rose raced out the door, in came the King’s guards to carry out the gold.  They hurried inside and rushed into the throne room.  There, bowing before the King was her father.
“Papa!”  Rose shouted and he turned to look at her.
“Rosemary!”
They embraced.
“Ah, father and daughter reunited.”  Erick said from his seat.
“Where were you?”  Rose asked, remembering well what she had seen last night.
“I was. . . in Willow village, working.”  He said, but didn’t sound so convincing.
Rose looked at him and noticed the markings on his wrists.  She knew what she had seen was true, but she said nothing.
“You’re not angry with me?”  He asked, looking peeked and gaunt upon a second look.
Rose shook her head, looking at the Erick then again at her father.  “No papa.”
She hugged him again.
“I told you we’d find him.”  The King said and stepped down to kiss her hand.  “Didn’t I?”
Rose wanted to pull her hand from his but didn’t.  “Yes.  You surely did.”
She was so angry with him, but so happy her father was okay that for now she decided to keep the secrets she knew to herself.
“And now he had been given a title.”  Erick told her.  “He is now Lord Thomas, Duke of Smithton.”
“Smithton?  That’s at least a three day ride.”  
“But he’ll have a mansion, land, servants.”  Erick said.  “He’ll never have to work again.”
Rose took her father’s hand.  “But, what about our home?  Where we lived with mummy?”
Tom looked sad, but he smiled anyway.  “Sold.”
“Sold?”
Erick stepped in front of her.  “Calm down.  Once you’ve thought about it, you’ll see how this is for everyone’s benefit.”
Rose felt as though she had been punched in the stomach.  “But, it was our home.”
“We can discuss it later.”  Erick said.  “For now, why don’t you go get some rest, since you’ve been up all night?  Soon enough the hour will be six and our wedding will begin.”  
He walked her to the stairs where Lady Jane was waiting, but as he looked over Rose, he noticed how different she looked.  And she could tell that he sensed something.
“Are you alright Rose?”  He asked, taking hold of her arm tightly.  “You look as though you’ve rolled around in hay all night long.  And what is this mysterious scratch on your chest?”
She shook her head.  “I don’t know.  When I fell asleep after my work was done, I had bad dreams.  I tossed and turned a bit.  Perhaps I injured myself.  How was your night, my Lord?”
Erick raised his brow.  “Quiet.”
Rose couldn’t believe how naturally lying came to him.  “Really?”
Lady Jane said, “May I take her, my Lord?”
“One moment.”  He said a bit gruffly, and Lady Jane made her way up the stairs alone.  “You look as though you are troubled.  Why are you troubled, wife to be?  Your father has returned, as you wanted.  Why aren’t you happy?”
“I am, my Lord.  It’s just, I don’t believe that he was in Willow village.”
“You don’t?”
Rose shook her head, thinking carefully about what to say.  “I think he may have been somewhere else.  But where?”
Erick shrugged.  “I don’t know.  And I don’t think you should poke around about where he’s been.  Perhaps he is ashamed of where he’s been and does not wish to upset you.  Say, if he’d been found in a whore house or something.”
Rose gasped.  She knew her papa would never do such a thing.  She knew the truth but Erick wasn’t about to tell her the truth.  About anything.
“If that’s where he was then I truly don’t want to know.”  She managed to say, emotion building in her voice.
Erick smiled and kissed her cheek.  “Good.  Go get ready.  The next time we speak it shall be as man and wife.”
He let go of Rose’s arm and turned to go, taking Tom with him, who had been watching from the doorway.
“This entire mess is all your fault, papa.”  She said to herself.  “But there is no way to stop it now.”

#

Later that evening, Rose was in the bath, watching as the clock ticked away the minutes.  She was thinking hard about everything, mostly about what she’d done last night.  She found herself smiling at the memory of it when Lady Hannah came in, bringing her dress and shoes.
“Don’t wet your hair, my Lady.”  She reminded Rose.  “It’ll take all the curl out.”
Rose stood up.  “The time is five.”
“Only one more hour.”  Hannah told her.  “Come, let’s dry you off.”
As Hannah worked to dry Rose’s skin, she began to sigh.  
“What?”  Rose asked.
“It’s only, I was thinking of how my wedding will be.”  Hannah told her.  
Rose laughed.  “Don’t waste your youth dreaming of the perfect man.  He only exists in your dreams.”
Hannah frowned.  “Why are you so melancholy today?  Is it because of your bleeding?”
“Bleeding?  Not, that’s not for another week or so.”  Rose told her, slipping into her undergarments.
Hannah looked puzzled.  “But there was blood on your stockings.  Up here, at the inner thigh.”
Rose swallowed hard.  She couldn’t admit to Hannah that she’d lost her virginity last night.
“Just have them washed, Hannah.”  Rose told her kindly, not even trying to explain.  “I should be more careful.”
Hannah nodded and the subject was dismissed.


Chapter Seven - Wedding Night 

Rose stood at the end of the candle lit church aisle as the organ played, filling the evening air with music.  She was trembling as she looked at all the faces surrounding her, and yet somehow her feet managed to work and she moved down the aisle gracefully.  As she neared the church she saw her aunt and uncle, the Duke and Duchess of Hampshire, she saw her ladies, Jane and Hannah, and then she saw her father’s face.  His face was smiling, but his eyes were troubled.  Rose looked ahead and saw the King standing at the alter, decked out in his best attire.
Rose looked at the faces again, wishing to see the face of the man she loved and had made love to.  Alas, he was not there.  She did however see the young courtier the King had been cavorting with last night.  It made her sick, angry too.  And it made her angry that he had kept her father from her all that time.  But still, Rose had a duty to do.  
She watched as the priest gave the service in Latin, and she could see his lips moving but heard nothing but ringing and her own heart beating wildly in her chest.  She was on the verge of panic, but she had to push it asked and breathe, for Erick took her hand in his and smiled.
Then, with the slip of a silver ring on her finger, Rose was married, and now the Queen of Cumberland.
Erick leaned forward, taking her face in his hands and kissed her passionately, causing a cheer to rise up from the crowd and they left the church in a flurry of rose petals.  Then it was off the reception hall, and a banquet was all prepared.  
Her father was seated at another table, and all night it seemed he was kept away from her, or at least not left alone to talk.
Rose sipped champagne nervously until she was almost drunk, and she kept reaching up with her hand to feel the crown on her head, just to see if it was real.  Sure felt real, it was heavy enough.  She feigned happiness all night, smiling and pretending to pay attention to all the mindless court chatter.  But her mind kept going back to last night, and how wonderful her secret lover had made her feel.
“My Lady?”  Hannah said, waving a hand in front of Rose’s distant eyes.
“Huh?”
She laughed.  “It’s time to go and prepare you for your wedding night.”
Rose looked around wildly.  “Already?”
“Yes.”
Erick looked at Rose and smiled.  “Yes, prepare yourself.”  
The King rose and everyone else stood as well.  “And now, we bid farewell to our Queen, so that she may prepare for the marriage bed.”
Rose stood and Hannah and Jane came to her sides.
“See you in a few minutes, my Lady.”  Erick said, kissing her hand.
Rose bowed, and followed Hannah towards the door.  But she turned before she left the room, and looked at her father, whose face was long and sad.  She ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck.
“I feel as though I shall never see you again papa.”  She whispered into his ear.
Tom put his arms around his daughter and kissed her cheek.  “Don’t worry about me, Rosemary.  All will be well.  You are the Queen of Cumberland now.  You must do your duty.”
Rose kissed her father’s cheek and looked into his eyes.  “I love you.”
“And I will always love you.”
Hannah took hold of her hand.  “Come, Majesty.”
The King’s smiling face was the last face she saw before leaving the room.  She was lead into the King’s chambers this night.  This late August night that was unusually cool.  And it was dark out, no stars, no sign of a moon.

#

Rose’s dress was taken off, her corset and undergarments were removed, her stockings.  The crown was taken off her head and placed in a special drawer lined with velvet and her long hair was brushed.  More rouge was added to her cheeks, more red stain to her lips making them wine colored.  Her body was scrubbed with salts and rinsed, perfume sprayed on every inch of her.
As she stood naked, looking at herself in the flickering light of the candles, she nearly cried.  She knew not who she was.  
“Don’t be afraid.”  Lady Jane told her and smiled.  “It won’t last very long.”
Rose was dressed in a light, lacy nightgown that tied in the front and Jane sat her on the King’s bed, pushing Rose back into the fluffy pillows and put the sheets up around her hips.
“Hannah.”  Rose said.  “Take the Queen’s things to her room.”
Hannah nodded and blew Rose a kiss.  “Good luck, my Lady.”
Rose waved to her and then folded her hands on her lap.  Jane sat down beside her and took hold of her hands.
“Do you wish for me to explain what will happen?”  She asked.
Rose flushed.  “What?”
Jane laughed.  “Since you are a maiden, do you understand what’s about to happen?  Has anyone ever explained them to you?”
“I’m seventeen.  Nearly eighteen.  I know what happens between men and women.”  Rose told her.
Jane nodded.  “There may be some pain.  The King can become a bit overzealous at times.  Do not fear him, just close your eyes and do as he asks.”
Rose nodded, just as the doors opened and in walked an assembly of people came into the room.  Members of court, parliament, several people Rose didn’t know and ever her aunt and uncle.  Then two priests came into the room carrying sage and incense.   
Rose gasped and pulled the sheet up to her chin.  “What’s going on?”
Jane stood up.  “The King is coming.”
“But why are all those people in here?”
“They must be present while the marriage is consummated.”  She whispered, bowing as Erick entered, carrying a chalice of wine and everyone bowed.  He took a large drink and passed the cup to a footman.
“Where is my bride?”  He asked loudly, rubbing his hands together.  
The people laughed.  And Rose was glad she did not see her father standing amongst the others ‘round the bed.  
Still Rose took Jane’s hand and whispered, “Now I am afraid.” 
“There she is!”  Erick said and walked towards the bed, a wide grin on his face.  “My lovely bride, lying in wait for her husband!”
Rose was too afraid to watch as he undressed down to his nude self.  But she looked around the bed curtain that blocked her view and saw his naked backside just as a nightshirt was slipped on him.
He threw back the sheets and slipped under them beside Rose, and looked at her.  She was too afraid to look up.  She kept her eyes down as the priest blessed them, and then the bed curtains were pulled so no one could see.
Erick didn’t speak, just took her face and made her look at him.  He stared down into her teary eyes and pulled her against him as he kissed her.  He smelled of wine, leather and smoke, and his body was hard and strong.  She was no match for him as he groped at her.  He was very forceful, and he laid her back as she squirmed and shut her eyes tightly.
“Don’t worry.”  He said and ripped open her gown.  “I will go more slowly next time.  This part has to be over quickly so they’ll leave us alone.”
He didn’t even take the time to partake of her loveliness laying there, he simply climbed on top of her and covered her mouth with his hand to muffle her cries while he impaled her.  And Rose did cry out.  It was so painful she began to cry, but it wasn’t rough on him at all.  He did his deed, and it was fast, as Jane said it would be, but that didn’t take away the shame she felt when Erick cried out with climax, making the people in the room cheer.
Rose lay crying as Erick rolled off her and the bed curtains were pulled open.  She pulled the sheet up again to cover her nakedness and saw the guests bow and begin to file out.  Leaving her alone with her new husband.
He looked over at her and laughed.  “You look so afraid.”  Rose only wiped the tears from her eyes as he got up and walked to the window.  “My god.  Deflowering virgins gives a man power.  Energy.”  He turned to her and she saw all of him.  This time she didn’t look away.  In fact, she was bold and asked a question.
“Has my father left for Smithton?” 
Erick looked perplexed by this, and then he looked angry.  “Yes.  He has departed.”
“Without saying goodbye?”
With that, Erick stormed over, dragging Rose from the bed.  He pulled her over to the window, throwing it open wide, shoving her to the sill.
“Say goodbye!”  He said to her.  “Cry it out in the night, since that is all you seem to care about!”  Rose began to weep but the King was unmoved.  “Go on!  I demand you to shout goodbye to your father!  Go on!  He‘ll hear you!”
“Goodbye papa!”  Rose called out, sobbing now.
“Louder!”
“Goodbye papa!”
Erick yanked her up to her feet, holding her against him.  “I’m your papa, now.”


Chapter Eight - Guessing Game

Rose gave birth to a baby girl on the tenth day of May the following year, just a month after her eighteenth birthday.  A baby girl with a strange mark the back of her neck in the shape of a crescent moon.  Since it was a girl, Rose was permitted to name the little princess, and she chose Melody because her crying sounded almost like music.  She was a darling, beautiful child, dark hair and eyes, very dark eyes, looking almost exactly like Rose’s mother, Hyacinth.  That brought Rose the only joy Erick couldn’t take from her as he had her father.    
And things between Rose and the King were about the same as they were when they married.  He had kept his word not to ask her to spin for him, but he did force her to do other things for him, to him.  Things that made Rose ashamed.  She just never knew what to expect from him, he was so temperamental.  Erick was cruel to her at times, and loving others, even refusing to allow Rose to attend Melody‘s baptism because he was angry with her, much to Rose‘s distress.  He later apologized, swearing never to keep her from their daughter again, and then forced himself on her to express his “regret”.  He still wanted a son from her, saying that a girl could not rule a country, but she had not yet become pregnant.  And the King never did let her see or correspond with her father since he‘d moved to Smithton.  Rose had to sneak letters to him through Lady Hannah, who now was preparing to marry Charles Bryant and move to Glasgow to live.  
Rose had so many other things to do and worry about, that she hardly ever thought of her three nights with her magic man.  She’d sometimes dream of him, but she scarcely gave him a thought.  
“My Lady?”  Lady Jane said quietly, so she didn’t wake Melody, who lay sleeping in Rose’s arms.
“Yes?”
“Shall I take her and lay her in the crib?”
Rose nodded, kissing her daughter’s face.  “Yes.  Though she’s getting so big, she’ll be able to sleep in her own bed before I know it.”
Jane lifted Melody into her arms and rocked her when she began to stir.  “She is but six months in age, my Lady.  Don’t fret.”  Jane smiled down at the baby and kissed her nose.  “Beautiful girl.  Her smile is enchanting even when she’s sleeping.”
As Jane took Melody away, Rose got up and went to dress for bed.  Lady Hannah was waiting to undress her.
“So, has Charles had the manor house decorated for you yet?”  She asked as Hannah slipped off her dress.
“Yes.  And I can’t wait to see it!”
Rose felt good for her friend.  But she was also saddened.
“I’m going to miss you so much.”  Rose told her.
Hannah smiled and kissed her hand.  “Don’t worry.  I will come to court often to see you.  Besides, we‘re not to marry until New Years Day.  I have a whole other month before I go.”
“I wonder if the King will come to me tonight.”  Rose said, hoping he would not.
Hannah sighed.  “I think he’s otherwise engaged.”
Rose knew what that meant.  Another mistress.  But she didn’t care.  She didn’t love him. 

#

Once she was in her gown and left alone, Rose lay on her stomach on the bed, and winded up a music box.  As it played, she closed her eyes, thinking of her magic man.  Suddenly, the music began to slow, drag and stop.
“That’s funny.  I just wound this up.”  Rose said to herself and picked it up.
“Hello Rosie.”
Rose gasped and sat up.  Out of the dark corner stepped the one person besides her daughter she was so ecstatic to see.
“Can it be?  Is it really you?”
He smiled and she knew.  
“You are still as lovely as you were that night.”  He said and stepped closer, his brown skin shining in the fire light.  Rose could see her mother’s ring, still hanging round his neck like a charm.
Rose swallowed.  She still felt those feelings for him, that longing, lust that set her aflame.  Even more so.
“I never thought I’d see you again.”  She said as he touched her face.
“How could you forget?”  He asked.  “I told you that I would come.”
Rose was confused.  “But, that last night.  You said--”
“I told you that I would be coming for your first born.”  He said, knocking the wind right out of her.  “And I have come.”
“But. . . I thought that you were jesting.”  She said, panting.  
“No.”  He said and sat next to her.  “Don’t you remember the agreement?  The price you paid?”
“I thought that the price was me?”  She said.  “I thought you wanted me?”
“I did.  But you said no.”
“But I gave in!”  She gasped, heart pounding.  “After I said no--”
“I told you the price.”  He finished.  “You said, and I quote, “Fine.  It‘s a deal.”
Rose remembered.  But she hadn’t taken him seriously.
“Even after I gave myself to you, heart and body, you would come to take my child away?”  She asked angrily, standing to move away from him.  “You can’t take her!  She’s the heir to the throne!  They’ll kill you!”
“They won’t be able to find me.”  He said, sounding serious too.  
“But she is my child!  I love her!”
“She’s my child too!”
Rose gasped.  “What did you say?”
“Haven’t you thought about it?”  He asked.  “Her laugh, her smile, her dark eyes?  We made love.  How could you not consider it?”
Rose shook her head.  Maybe she had considered it.  Wished it were his child in some stressful moment between the King and her.  
“She looks like my mother, not you!”  Rose told him.
He frowned.  “But she is half mine, and I love her just as much as you.  Do you know how it‘s killed me to have to see her from afar?”
Rose ran her fingers through her hair.  “Did you know this was going to happen?  Did you know that night that I would get pregnant with your child?  Was this a trick?”
“No.  No tricks.”  
  “Well, how do you know she is yours then?  I am not even sure--”  
“She has a birthmark.”  He said and held out his wrist, removing the leather strap he wore there.  “I have the same mark.”
Indeed, it was the same.
Rose put her hand to her lips.  “But, do you know what the King would do to me should his daughter disappear?”
“He wouldn’t care.  He may search for her, declare her missing, but it wouldn’t break his heart if she never returned.  He wanted a son, an heir.  He doesn’t love her in his heart the way he would love a son, which is truly sad.  But I love her.  I would do anything for her.”
Rose could see that he was sincere.  And when he held out his hand, Rose took it.  “Come.  I want to see my daughter.”
Rose took his hand, defeated now, and they walked across the cold floor to the adjoining room where Melody lay sleeping.  He walked up to the crib and looked in.  He smiled wide, which made Rose smile, despite her sadness.
“Her name is Melody.”  She said, wiping her tears. 
He touched Melody’s face and smoothed her dark hair.  “I know.  I’ve seen her, but never this closely.  Never touched her.  She’s amazing.”
“That she is.”
“She even smells delicious.”  He giggled.  “She has a lovely light around her.”  He looked at Rose, seeing her distressed state and shook his head.  “I don’t want to hurt you.  But I can’t allow my child to be raised by a tyrant like the King.  I‘ll treat her kindly, teach her magic, give her love.”
“I understand.”  Rose said.  “But still, it hurts no less!  Please!  Must you take her?”  
The magic man sighed deeply.  “Alright.  I’ll make another deal with you.  I’ll give you three days.  And if you can guess my name before midnight on the third night, I won’t take her from you.  As much as it would hurt to do so.”
Rose was unsure.  “Really?”
“Yes.  Have I lied to you so far?”  He asked, touching her face.
He had not.  And he waved his hand over little Melody, some kind of magic dust he sprinkled on her, making her sigh in her sleep.  Then he took the necklace off, and with an enchanted kiss to the stone, he placed it around Melody’s neck.  Rose only stood back, tears rolling, her heart breaking.
“But, if I cannot guess your name, and you take her, will I ever see her again?”  She asked.
“That depends.”
“On what?”
He stepped backwards, towards the shadows.  “That, my dear Rosie, is a mystery.”
And like that, he was gone.  
Rose grabbed up Melody and held her close, crying like a child herself.  
“What am I to do now?”

#

Rose spent all the next day writing down every name she could think of, every name she‘d ever heard of or read in a book.  Jane and Hannah looked at her oddly, but left her to her writing.  She feverishly dipped her quill in ink and scribbled for hours, staining her hands, getting ink on her dress.
“My Lady, your getting the ink on your clothes.”  Lady Hannah told her and tried to help wipe it off.
“I’m sorry.”  Rose said repeatedly.  
“It’s okay.”  Hannah giggled.  “You have other dresses.  And I noticed that you found your emerald ring.  I saw it round the Princess’s neck.  I‘m so glad.”
Rose nodded, now reminded of her situation.  She went back to writing, until dinnertime.

#

“What on Earth is that on your hands?  Ink?”  King Erick asked Rose while they dined at opposite ends of the table that night.
“Yes, ink.”  She said, trying to act normal.
“Oh?  Have you been writing, my Queen?”  He asked, sipping his ale.
She nodded.  “You could say that.”
Erick looked at her with narrowed eyes.  “What have you been writing?”
“A list of names, my Lord.”
“Names?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of names?”
Rose lied quickly.  “Names for a baby boy.”
Erick’s eyes lit up.  “Are you. . .?”
“No, my husband.”  She said.  “I mean, I’m not sure yet.  Maybe.”
Erick smiled.  “Perhaps there will be something to celebrate soon then.  Splendid!”
Rose smiled and nibbled at her food, remaining silent for the rest of the meal.
That night, as she sat by the fire trying to think of more names, massaging her sore hand, she heard a noise behind her.  She spun around in the chair and saw that it was the magic man.
“What have you there?  A list?”  He asked smiling.
Rose nodded.  “Of all the names I could think of.  Shall I read it to you?”
He nodded and took a seat at the hearth as Rose began to read off every name on her list.  But to each one he shook his head no.  Soon she was at the last name, and once read he sighed and stood up.
“Perhaps you’ll have better luck tomorrow night.”  He said.  “Shall we go and see our daughter?”
Rose nodded, and they went to Melody’s room and watched her sleeping until the sun came up.
The next day, Rose asked everyone she encountered every name they could think of.  Even strange names, exotic names and names from foreign lands.  But alas, that night when the magic man returned, none of those names were his either.
“You still have one more day.”  He said to her and held her hands.  “Don’t give up.”
“How can you say that?  You’re the one who’s doing this to me.”
He frowned.  “Rose, if only you knew how much I cared for you.”
Rose looked into his eyes and saw how much, and she couldn’t help but lean in to kiss him.
“I wish I could be with you.”
“You can’t.  You can’t come to my world unless. . .”
“Unless what?”  
He shook his head, not wanting to answer.  “Never mind about that.”  
“Well, if I can’t go to your world, how can Melody?”
“She is half mine.  She can come to my world, where she will learn many things.”
“Unless I guess your name.”  Rose reminded him.  “And, like you said, I have one more day to try.” 
But what he didn’t know was that Rose had a trick up her sleeve.  

#

The following day, the final day, Rose decided to enlist the help of her trusted friend.  She sat Hannah down and got down on her knees before her to have an important talk, thinking they were completely alone.
“Hannah, dearest, trusted friend, I need your help.” 
Hannah could see how urgent this was, and it worried her.  “I would do anything for you, my Lady.”
“When the hour strikes nine, I wish for you to slip out of the castle unseen, and search the countryside until you find a dogwood tree among the pines.  And there, hopefully, you may spy a man.”
“A man?”
“Yes.  And I need for you to speak to the man but do not let him know who you really are.”
“But, why must I do this?”  Hannah questioned. 
“I need for you to try and see if you can discover his name.”  Rose said.  “It’s very important.”
Hannah made a face of realization.  “Is he the reason you’ve been frantically writing names for the past two days?”
“Yes.”  Rose admitted.  
“And the mystery of your missing ring?”
Rose nodded.  “Was no mystery for it was not lost.  But given to the man I speak of as payment for his help.”
“Payment?”
“Yes.  Each time he spun for me, I had to give him something.  First was a kiss, second my mother’s ring, and third--”
Hannah put her hand to Rose’s lips.  “Shh.  Speak not for I know what you are going to say.”
“No you don’t.  The third was not my body but something else.  Someone.”  Rose’s eyes drifted to baby Melody who lay sleeping in the bassinet beside the bed.
Hannah gasped.  “Oh my!”
“I had no choice!  Oh, Hannah.  Everything is at stake!”
Hannah hugged her close and let her cry for a moment or two.
“Is this man dangerous?”  Hannah asked.  “Do you fear him?”  
“Oh, no.  He’s young, handsome.  Enchanting smile, dark skin and black hair. . . he’s wonderful, actually.  He was the man who spun the wool to gold for me.  He was kind to me, and though we spent little time together, I fell in love with him.”
“Love?”  
“Yes.  Hopelessly and completely.”  Rose admitted.  “Just as you love Charles.”  
Hannah understood, and she leaned closer.  “So, this is the same man that took your virginity?”
Rose gasped.  “What?”
“I know you said your body wasn’t a price, but you did give surrender to him didn’t you?  Out of love.”
Rose sighed.  “It was love.  But Hannah, you can‘t tell anyone about this.”
“I won’t tell a living soul.”  Hannah whispered.  
Rose felt ashamed.  “You must think me horrible.” 
Hannah hugged Rose.  “I do not.”
“But you may once you learn this.  Melody is not the King’s child.”
Hannah didn’t seem shocked or disapproving.  She held Rose close to her and comforted her wonderfully well.
“I will do as you ask.”  She promised.  “And I will never share your secrets.”  


Chapter Nine - Wrath of the Scorned

It was one minute past nine o’clock when Rose wrapped a cloak around Hannah and sent her off on her quest.
“You’ll only have until midnight.”  Rose had told her before she left in the night.  “And please, be careful.”
Rose paced the floor for hours, going back and forth in front of the window chewing her nails.  Her eyes flashed up to the clock a dozen times, and finally when it was eleven thirty, she was almost panic stricken.  But, when she least expected it, her chamber door cracked open and in came Hannah, closing the door behind her.  She was panting from running and her face was flushed.
“Am I too late?”
Rose rushed to her.  “No.  Did you find him?”
“Yes.”  She said.  “He was there under the dogwood tree, just as you said.”
Rose gave Hannah a sip of water and then asked, “Did you speak to him?”
“I didn’t have to.”  She said.  “But, my Lady, there’s something you should know, I know more about him than just his name--”  
But before Hannah could finish, Rose’s chamber door burst open again.  This time, in walked the King, his face twisted and red.  And the wild look of rage in his eyes scared the both of them.
“My Lord.”  They said together.
“Lady Hannah, leave us!”  He said through his teeth.  “Now!”
Hannah looked at Rose, who was desperate to hear what she had to say.  But she turned and bowed, leaving the room swiftly.  
Erick walked up to Rose and stood there looking down into her eyes.
“What is it, my Lord?  You seem--”
A hard, swift slap stopped her work and sent Rose to the floor.  She lay there in pain but was picked up and thrown against the wall where Erick held her.
“It seems that my innocent little wife hasn’t been so innocent after all.”  He said.  “I heard you telling Lady Hannah everything!  I know all your secrets!” 
“Please don’t harm her, my Lord!  She is innocent in all this!  She was doing my bidding, it’s all my fault--”
Another slap came, causing her to cry out.
“You are a whore!”  He shouted.  “A whore who gave herself to a wonderer and birth to his bastard child!”  He threw her to the bed and put his hands around her throat, choking her.
“Please stop!  Please stop!”  She tried to say but couldn’t get the words out.
“You love him, do you?  Who is he?  Who is the traitor that had made a fool of me?  Tell me the name of this man you feel in love with while he did your bidding, you witch!”
Rose pulled at his fingers and finally Erick let her go, let her breathe.
“I. . . don’t know his. . . name!”  Rose gasped, tasting the blood that filled her mouth.  “I don’t know!”   
“So your Lady couldn‘t find him?”  Erick hissed, hitting her again with mighty blows, kicking her while she was down.  “He may be the devil himself for all I know!  And to think, I cared for you!”  
When he was through with her, he called for his guards to come for her.  “Take her to the prison tower!”  He shouted.  “For our marriage is from this moment invalid and tomorrow, at dawn, she will loose her head!” 
“Please no!”  Rose begged.  
“And as for the child.  She is to be stripped of any claim to the throne, will no longer hold the title of Princess, declared a bastard, and sent to the nunnery to live out the rest of her life, paying for her mother‘s sins.”
Rose clung to Erick’s leg.  “Please!  Don’t take her from me!  Please!”
Erick only pulled free of her and walked towards the door as the guards lifted her up.
“She is no longer your concern.”  He grunted.  “And as for the secret letters you’ve been sending your father, I know about them as well.  But don’t worry.  I’ve taken care of Tom.  For good this time.”
“I know what you did to him!”  Rose shouted.  “I know you had him kept in the prison until I finished my work for you!”
Erick looked surprised for a moment, but then he just shook his head.  “It matters not, what you know, or how you know it.  You have fallen out of favor with me.  You have betrayed me.”
“And you betray me!  I saw you the night before our wedding!  With the courtier!”
Again, he looked surprised, but only for a moment.  “So Lady Bryant was right all along.  You are a witch.  Guards take away!”  
As the guards carried Rose from the room and down the hall, Hannah rushed to her side and whispered one word into her ear.  One name.  Then she was pushed away, and Rose was taken to the tower where she was chained to the floor and locked up to await her death.  

#

Rose lay on the cold hard floor, holding her face in her chained hands.  She wept for her father and herself, but by the midnight hour, she had no more tears to cry.  The only light was a lone candle.
“What am I to do now?”  She asked herself, curling into a ball.  But then, she already knew what she had to do.
“Rose?”  Whispered a voice from the darkness.  She looked up and saw her magic man.  Bingham.   
“Why are you here?”  He asked, as if expecting to have appeared in her bedchambers.
“Don’t look at me!”  Rose cried, and covered her face with her hands.  
His brilliant smile faded away when he saw her and the state she was in.  He raced to her side and held her.
“What has he done to you?  What has that bastard done?”
“The King. . . he knows.  He knows Melody is not his daughter.  He knows about you and me, and he beat me for it.”  She cried against his chest.  “He wants to declare her a bastard and send her to a nunnery!”
“That won’t happen.”  Bingham said.  “I won’t let it!  That is, unless you’ve figured out my name.  Then the spell will be broken, and I won’t be able to stop him.”
Rose looked into his eyes and lied.  “I do not know your name.  I have no idea.  Therefore, you may take her.  You have to.  Take our daughter somewhere far away, so she can live without fear.  Being loved by you, her father.”
Bingham kissed her bruised cheek and sighed.  “And what of you?  What shall happen to you?”
Rose felt the tear roll down her raw reddened cheek.  “I am set to die at dawn.” 
Bingham took a breath, knowing he was unable to stop what was to happen.  It hurt him to his core.  But he kissed Rose’s lips and she kissed him.  She was certain it was going to be the last time.
“Go!”  She told him after she pushed him away.  “You must go now and take her!  Take her before the King can send her away!”
“But--”
“Please!  And know that I will always love you.”  She said, wanting to say his name, but she did not.  
“Don’t worry.  We shall meet again.  I promise.”  He said and put something in her hand and cupped it closed.  Then he backed into the corner, disappearing in the darkness.  Rose opened her hand.  It was her mother’s ring.

#

Rose lay the entire night staring out the window, not knowing if Bingham had saved Melody, not knowing if Hannah was alright, not knowing anything.  But just before the night gave way to dawn, Lady Jane came into the room.
“Jane.”  Rose said, and saw Jane’s face.  She was very upset.
“My Lady.”  She cried and threw her arms around her.  “I am so sorry!  But little Melody, she is gone!”
“Gone?  Where?”
“No one knows.  She was there one moment as I sat watching her, the next moment she was gone!  It was as if she disappeared into the darkness.”
Rose sighed, knowing that her daughter was safe with Bingham.
“Then, now I have nothing left to hold me in this world.”  Rose said.  “I am prepared to die.”
“My Lady!”
“Tell me, how is Hannah?  Please tell me she is unharmed.”
“She’s been spared.  The King had mercy for her, believing you had bewitched her.  She is being kept in her room as her punishment.”
“I don’t even get to say goodbye to her?”  Rose asked, wanting to cry again, but had no tears.
But Lady Jane had enough tears for the both of them as she washed Rose up, removed her jewelry and raised the scissors to cut off her long hair.  But her hands trembled.
“Do it quickly.”  Rose told her.  “I wish this to be over.”
Just as the sunlight hit the tower and the church bells rang out their morning song, the last lock of hair fell to the floor at Rose’s feet.  Then the door burst open and two guards came in.
“It’s time.”  Jane told her, pulling her close and kissing her cheeks.  “Goodbye, my Lady.”
“Goodbye Jane.”  
Rose was dragged from the tower and through the castle.  Along the way, Rose could hear the whispers and unflattering remarks made about her by the courtiers whom once pretended to adored her.  The guards took her outside into the cold, pulling her through the snow towards the center of the courtyard, where a crowd had gathered.
“Whore!”  Some yelled.  “Witch!”  Called others, including Lady Bryant who was in the front, a smile of satisfaction on her face.
“You know all that wool she turned to gold had now turned back to wool?”  She said to someone, loud enough for Rose to hear as they pulled her up on the platform.  “Seems she’s lost her powers!”
There was laughter as Rose was forced down to her knees before the chopping block.  Someone placed two pieces of silver in her hand and said, “To pay the executioner.”  
Rose looked up at the man standing at her side with a sword and a mask over his face and with a trembling hand, she held out the silver.
He took it and said, “Forgive me, my Lady.”
Rose nodded and looked out at all the faces as she shivered from the cold wind that December morn.  The King himself wasn’t present, but she assumed he was watching from the window that overlooked the courtyard.  She looked up at that window, hoping that he would never have a moment’s peace again.
“Have you anything to say, my Lady?”  The priest asked her.
Rose nodded.  “Only that I love my daughter.  I love my friends.  And I love Bingham.”
The priest instructed Rose to lay her head across the block, in the groove, and place her hands to the sides.  Slowly she did so, and closed her eyes, preparing for death at any moment.
“Wait!”  Cried a voice.  “Wait!”
Rose looked up and saw Hannah, pushing her way through the crowd, tears streaming.  She raced up the steps and up to Rose, falling to her knees to embrace her.
“I am so sorry!”  She cried.   
Rose held her.  “It isn’t your fault.  Things are the way they must be.”
“But, I didn’t get to finish telling you what I saw last night.”  Hannah said quietly.  “When I got to the dogwood tree, there was no one there.  Only an old, time worn stone with the name Bingham engraved on it, barely visible.”
Rose shook her head.  “I don’t understand.” 
“It was a grave stone.  Bingham is dead.”
Rose felt as if she’d been hit by a bolt of lightning.  “Dead?  He’s dead?”
Hannah hugged her again.  “I’m so sorry.”
Rose wiped Hannah’s tears away, then put something in her hand.  “Take this, and live for the both of us.”
Hannah was taken by the arm and pulled away, crying the entire way.  Then she joined her mother in the audience and opened her hand, seeing the emerald ring Rose had placed there.
“Oh, my Lady.”
Rose smiled at Jane and Hannah one last time and again placed her head on the block.
The end came swiftly, with the sound of ringing steel and the sharpness of a blade.  And the crowd gasped and everything went black.


Chapter Ten - Reunion

Rose opened her eyes and saw that she was standing in a field of flowers.  She knew not where she was, but it seemed she belonged there.  Then she realized that she was in the fields behind her home in the village.  She squinted through the sunlight just as the wind blew, sending her long hair up into the air.
“My hair.  It’s long again.”  She said smiling, feeling no pain, no hurt, no sorrow.    
“Rose!  Rosie!”  Called a voice.
She looked up and saw someone in the distance waving at her.  It Bingham, and he ran towards her with open arms.  The two embraced, and he held her tightly against him.
“I told you we’d meet again.”  He whispered in her ear and kissed her cheek.  “My beautiful Rose.”
Rose held onto him, fearful that it was a dream.  But he was there, in her arms.
“I love you so much.”  Rose said to him.  “Bingham.”
He leaned back and looked at her with a smile.  “You do know my name.”
Rose smiled back.  “Lady Hannah found the dogwood tree.  She saw the grave stone.”
“So, you know that I died many years ago.”
“Yes.  And now, I have joined you.”  Rose said, thinking of how she had died.  
Bingham smiled.  “Not just me.  Your mother is here, your father, and our daughter.”
“She’s not--”
“No, she’s very much alive.”  He assured her.  “She will be able to exist in both worlds.”
Rose smiled and slid her arms around Bingham’s neck and looked longingly into his eyes.  
“Will we be happy?”
“We shall, my love.  For here, we are forever free.  Here, there is magic.”  
“Sounds heavenly.”  Rose said, feeling more happiness than she’d ever felt before.
Bingham leaned down and kissed Rose’s lips passionately.  “Come, let’s go home.”
The two of them walked hand in hand across the field and disappeared into a beam of sunlight.

The End