Rosie and the aunts crested the hill, and the castle came into view. It was even more beautiful than they had described. It was made of brick, and as tall as a mountain. The yellow flag was giant, flying over the castle like it was proclaiming to the world that it was the grandest castle that had ever been built. And, even more, the color. The castle was as red as a rose. Fitting, somehow, Rosie thought.
"Wow," Rosie breathed. "It's even more beautiful than I imagined."
"It really cannot be described, can it?" Flora asked, smiling.
"No, it can't," Rosie answered. "It's.. magnificent."
"Good," said Merryweather. "You like it. Now let's go in."
"Oh, please! Can we?" Rosie asked excitedly.
"Of course, my dear," replied Flora. "It is your new home. Come on!"
They walked up to the palace gates. There were two guards standing, well, guard at the gate.
"State your names and business," said the one on the left.
"Flora, Fauna, Merryweather, and 'Briar Rose,'" Flora said with a wink on the last name. "Delivering... a package."
"A package?" asked the left guard. "Now listen to me. You country folk can't just barge in here whenever you want! Filthy, uneducated mutts!"
"Peter!" scolded the guard on the right. "Shut your mouth!"
"Why should I Hunter?" asked Peter. "These are filthy, uncivilized country folk who have no business at this castle. Why, you people-"
"No, you dolt!" interrupted Hunter. "They're no country folk! That's the princess who was coming today! Remember, idiot?"
"Oh, shi-" Peter started.
"Shut up!" bellowed Hunter.
"My apologies, Your Highness," Peter apologized. "Please forgive my ignorance."
"Do remember your respect in the future," Rosie said. "And try to remember that those 'filthy, uncivilized country folk' have infinite more manners than you. Is that clear?"
"Y-yes, Your Highness," stammered Peter, bowing.
"Good," Rosie said firmly. "Now do be a gentleman for once in your life and let us pass."
"Of course, Your Highness," said Hunter, opening the gates.
Rosie walked past Peter coolly, nose in the air and refusing to look at him.
"Thank you, Sir Hunter," she said, turning and giving him a small smile as she passed.
Rosie and the aunts walked into the gigantic courtyard, following the path to the castle doors.
"You handled that very well, my dear," said Fauna softly.
"I did?" Rosie asked increduously. "I thought I was being a bit, well, unkind?"
"Sometimes, people need a bit of a scare to remind them of their manners," Fauna replied. "Just to remind them that everything is not as it seems. Not always."
"You've learned that lesson the hard way," put in Flora.
"Yes, that I have," said Rosie, smiling wanly.
"But your life is about to get a lot more... interesting, at the very least," Merryweather laughed.
"Oh, I can't wait," Rosie squealed.
"It looks like you won't have to!" said Flora excitedly.
"What?" asked Rosie.
"Turn around!" Fauna cried.
