The White Rose

The Prince's Blessing White Oaks Palace

I was dressed in a gown of rich Indigo velvet embroidered heavily with gold thread. My hood of deep cream velvet studded with Diamonds and pearls. The ladies were all very richly dressed. this was the day that our son, now a month old would be blessed. My recovery had been swift and soon I was riding with my Ladies or sitting in on the councils with the King discussing the war that would soon have my beloved gone from me. We all proceeded down the long marble halls to the chapel royal which had been decorated sumptuously in royal purple velvet and gold. the Prince was carried by none other than the Duke Raynald the king's brother. The train of his mantle carried by two pages. As we walked I couldn't help but notice that Brayde was one of the pages. He bowed properly to me before he walked on, the priests ushering us in.
The court was packed with courtiers, ambassadors, Lords and ladies from other estates come to court to see this darling little Prince. His hair was turning out to be a lustrous red gold. The King and I were shone to the boxes above the altar so we could look down on the proceedings. For his guardians we chose Lords Percey, Pevency, Aster and Berloine. the music swelled from the choir as the incense was lit. Figures in gold of the Gods and Goddesses stood on the altar, their bejeweled eyes gazing up as the party came near the altar. the little Prince bless him was sleeping soundly. "Not for long." I thought to myself as the Priest laid him on the altar on a cloth of gold and royal purple velvet.
the water was blessed by the Priestess and the little Prince undressed from his warm clothing of rich furs and sumptuous velvets. He stirred and let out a wail of complaint. He was soothed and patted while the priests spoke the prayers thanking the Gods for a safe delivery of the Prince. He prayed for the Prince's long-life and health. He prayed thanks for my delivery and-health. He prayed for the kingdom that now they could rest for the house of Onducier, a house that had reigned for a thousand years would continue. Then the little Prince was lifted over the basin of gold studded with jewels. "Gods bless-his royal highness that he might live a long healthy life." "In the names of all the Gods from the joy of the king and Queen he has come, born of their stock." "Blessed by their love." The priest lowered the boy into the basin and there he let out such a wail that the court laughed. "Blessed be his mind." Said the Priest as a cloth was dipped in and rubbed gently on the Prince's head. The basin after all was not that deep and was easily supported. "Blessed be his eyes that shall see the kingdom and know it as his." A drop of water was carefully applied to each eyelid. "Blessed be his mouth that shall one day speak the words of rule." Carefully a tiny amount of water was put in his mouth. "Blessed be his hands that shall rule one day with tenderness and firmness." "Blessed be his knees that shall kneel before-the Gods in all humility." "Blessed be his feet that will walk the paths set out for him."
A ewer of silver studded with Sapphires was gently poured over the Prince's head as the Priestess chanted, "For the Gods." May he serve them well." "For the kingdom." "May he rule it justly." "For the people." "May he honor their service to his Highness."
An oil of olives was prepared and blessed as the waters had been. The Prince was carefully dried off and then put in a clean new napkin. He seemed to have calmed after that. Then the crown of his head, his eyelids, ears, lips, tongue, throat, chest, hands, loins, knees and feet were anointed with the oil and then he was wrapped again in that gownn. It was sprinkled with holy water, then on with his mantle also sprinkled.
The crown was sprinkled and anointed before it was placed gently on his head as the Priest declared, "May all here be witness to the blessing of Arthyr Edrid Lanal Prince of Valdore of the most noble house of Onducier." "Long live Prince Arthyr!" Cheered the crowd.
When I got another look at the Prince, the crown removed and a tiny cap of fur placed on his head he was asleep once more, content in the arms of one of the lords. "That was beautiful was it not my love?" Asked the King, "Yes it was my love." I said with a smile. "Butdo we have to see him gone from us so soon?" "Yes beloved, he must to Valdore as soon as may be." "He will be safe there." "But my love if war comes?" "If war comes to Valdore he shall be taken to Antrum palace near the mountains of Bendall." "Be not so worried." Said the king as we walked from the chapel to the sounds of the prayers going up ffor the Prince's safety. Prayers would be said for the Prince day and night for the next year, the most dangerous year. For all knew that a child could die in that year.
the king took my hand, "At council tomorrow I will be announcing some things." "War is an uncertain thing, and so I am making you Queen regent while I am gone." "But." I say, "You are worthy of it." He says, "you have been studying have you not?" "I have my love indeed." "Then you know it is needful that power must not be left unchecked while war rules?"
I nod and the king smiles down at me, "We shall have two months together, and then I fear it is off to war for me." "I know not when I shall be back." "Gods be good that you return to me safe." I say with feeling.