A Rose and A Thron

Chapter 8

Alessandra woke up Friday morning with a little pep in her step. 

Her Aunt Sage would finally be coming to court. 

Sage was more than reluctant about coming but with Alessandra having her engagement party tonight she felt compelled to come in order to fulfill her role as the good aunt. 

The woman was unable to attend Bishop Richard's funeral due to some housekeeping issues that arrived at the tower. 

Honestly, the woman was grateful because if she had come up for the funeral she would have been at court even longer than planned. 

She never liked Jasper. 

She always believed her sister could do better than him.

 There were some other issues of course but that was the main one. 

Aunt Sage never really discussed her reasons for disliking Jasper to Alessandra but Alessandra didn't mind as she had someone else to share her anger towards her father with. 

While Irene had her thoughts about Jasper it was rare that she would speak out against him. 

It was clear to Alessandra that deep down her mother still loved him dearly and honestly she believes her father probably loves her as well. 

Jasper's hands were tied all those years ago. 

His pride and ego controlled his thoughts to the point where all he could think about was having a male heir.

 It was some sick thing he had to prove to himself that he could do.

 When it became clear that Irene would never be able to conceive a boy he got rid of her. 

He tried to make it easier for her by having affairs but she wouldn't budge. 

She knew that if that's what he had to do to get a male heir then so be it.

 How could she interfere? 

When even that did not work, Jasper did the unthinkable. 

He divorced her and sent her and Alessandra away.

 He vowed to still be heavily a part of Alessandra's life but as time wore on he became less and less involved. 

Sage used this to fuel her hatred for Jasper even more. 

Alessandra adored her aunt.

 Sage truly understood her.

 Writing letters to her has not been enough over these past few weeks so she is thrilled that Sage would be coming to the engagement party. 

With a knock on her door she rushes to open it. 

"Good morning, kiddo. Sage's carriage has been spotted about ten minutes North from here. Let's go downstairs to greet her." Uncle Niall announces. 

"Of course!" she smiles largely following Niall out of her room. 

Niall is happy to see his niece in a good state after the rough week she had of grieving Bishop Richard. 

All he wants is to see that his niece is okay.

 Alessandra can't seem to stand still as she waits for Sage's carriage to arrive. 

Jasper and Adelaine make their way onto the steps not too long after Alessandra to join the welcoming party for Sage.

 After a few more minutes Sage's carriage pulls up into the entryway of the palace.