Rose's Thorns: The Wolf's Prophecy

14

Rose's pov

Rose and Orion made their way back up to the castle, just as a delicate late spring rain began to fall.

"I think I'd better wait until nightfall to head back. Anyways, I have some stuff to take care of here, sightseeing of sorts." Orion said, looking up at the darkening sky. Well at least find a sheltered place, yeah? And here." rose pushed some small gold coins into his unwilling hands. "Don't fuss about it Orion, just take the money, get something to eat." Before he could say another word, she turned, pulled her overdress tighter, and ran for the castle entrance.

"Look at you!" A shrill voice boomed as Rose came through the heavy wooden doors. "You're soaked through to the bones! Aye my girlie, come. Let us get you into dry clothes before you catch your death."

Rose could not help but smile at the old woman. Vernali was a servant of the castle, who especially looked after Rose, and was by far her favorite. She had bushy gray hair that went down past her waist but was always in a long rope braid down her back. She had large glasses that made her green eyes seem insect-like, and a whiskery voice that reminded Rose of mothballs.

The women winked and opened the door that led to the maid common room, on the fourth floor. It was almost always empty, and Vernali took it upon herself to take up space. There were clothes racks and dress models everywhere that all had some form of clothing on it, most of which were her exact size. There were pants, and blouses, and nightclothes. Dresses, and boots, and high heels. It was any designer's haven, and Vernali did not take the responsibility lightly. Quickly, Rose dressed in an incredibly soft dress that Vernali had made for her. Most importantly, it was not big or puffy, so it was easy to get around in. Rose was not one for dresses, but she concluded, that being born into this life, was not really an option. So, she sucked it up when it was necessary, and on rare occasions, when she got a say in what she wore, she was happy to go in something quite elegant. some dresses suited her quite nicely. Normally they were all Vernali's creations, and Rose was happy to oblige to the women's desires.

Ever since her mother had died, Vernali had kept a close eye on Rose. She knew that it did the woman some good to look after someone, especially because she was getting on in age, but honestly, it did Rose good too. She missed having someone to confide in, and Orion was great and everything, but he did not really understand the growing angst in a teenage girl. A princess at that. She wished she could be open with her father, she really did. But it was just so hard when he looked at her and said things like, "I expect great things from you." Or "you really are your mother's child." Like, what the hell do you say to that? It did not make it easier to mention the anger issues that Rose was obtaining. So, it helped to have Vernali around. Even if it was just in comfortable silence. It benefited them both.

As the old women and Rose sat by the dying embers of the fire, the loudest sound being the shift of a log or the creak of the rocking chair Vernali spoke up, " how have you been doing my girlie? With all that's on your mind?" She said it in a sigh, never once looking up from the glowing red coals.

Rose thought about it carefully, chewing on her cheek. "I've been alright for the most part, but I still have the empowering need to succeed in everything I do." Vernali nodded her head once as to invite Rose to continue. "But I'm still incredibly sad. And angry. And I cannot find much joy in the world now. But I know I'll be simply fine." "Why haven't you included your father or your sisters in this?"

"I guess I would rather not bother them, Syline is rather too young to feel all the mixed-up emotions as I am, and Josephine? It is as if she feels no emotions at all. Which is just fabulous for her!" She felt the rising anger, but she was on a roll, and you cannot just interrupt an avalanche.
"And father? I wish I could speak to him, but really? What time might he have? He is just so busy and it isn't his fault, and I do wish he had a bit more time, but it's alright that he doesn't because even if I'd like to tell him everything, I probably couldn't."

"What about that boy?"

Rose came to a halt. I guess you can at least slow an avalanche.

"B-boy? What boy?"

Vernali laughed and winked. "I may be old dear, but I'm not blind."

"How did you know? Oh, are you going to tell my father?"

"No of course I won't. But you do know the trouble you might get into?"

"I know." She said guiltily. "But he is my friend, I care for him. He has nowhere else to go."

"I understand child. Just be careful..." she drifted off suddenly, then spoke up again, her voice ringing out like a bell.
"So why can't you tell him all?"
Rose thought about it.

"I never really thought about it, but I guess it wouldn't hurt. But only a bit. But why Vernali? Are you getting tired of my problems?" Rose teased the women, laughing as Vernali faked a hurt look. "Of course not dear, but it isn't extremely healthy. Relying on such an old soul, you need to be around children your own age, it'll do you good."

Rose did not know why, but it stung. "I've done fine without children my age before. Why do you say I need someone now? I like you as my company Vernali." The old woman sighed and shook her head softly. "And I like you as my company too, Flower. I am not ridding you, just suggesting." The common room became quiet once again, only this time, heavier. Rose sat up from the sofa and finished off her tea. The rain outside came down in sheets and she suddenly had no interest in waiting any longer in the silence. She bid Vernali farewell with a quick kiss to the woman's cheek and set off for her room.