When Kingdom Goes

Act I - Chapter 1

Rose awakes in a bedroom, and a fancy one at that. There were expensive looking paintings on the walls, a large bookshelf on one of the walls, filled with books that she had never even heard of. Looking down, there was a large, dark green rug with the Kingdom's crest on it covering most of the floor. There was the big bed she was in, but across from her sat Hiro in a chair next to a desk.

"How did you sleep?" Questions Hiro, while sitting backwards in a chair looking at Rose.

"Fine, but where exactly are we? I remember getting on your back and then waking up here." Asks Rose.

"Sounds about right. I tried talking to you, but you were asleep almost instantly. Aside from that, I have a few "friends" to introduce you to. Also, you have a new name. Starting today, you are Rose Azor."

"Azor? Like the Royal family? Why is my name being changed in the first place?"

"When I said that you would work for me, I meant that you would become a member of the family. In doing so, you now belong to the most prestigious family in the kingdom, along with Vanessa, Rex, and myself. Instead of thinking of it as working for me, think of it as working with me."

Rose is assaulted by multiple different thoughts and emotions. For once, she's feeling a sense of responsibility, but at the same time, she feels like she can't handle the weight of a name as important as this. Hiro, seeing her mixed emotions written on her face, says "Don't get too worked up about the name. If you feel like you've got to live up to some grand ideal of royalty, you can stress about it outside the palace. While you're here, you can relax and be yourself." Hiro says in an attempt to reassure her. His words do put her slightly at ease, but she still does feel a little out of place in the palace, and in such close company with the King. She then gets up and follows him out of the room.

Upon leaving the bedroom, she stands in awe of the Royal palace's interior. There were glass chandelier's hanging throughout the foyer with a long red carpet rolled down the center, lined with gold that led to the throne. As they walked through the entrance hall, she saw maids and attendants smiling and waving at Hiro as they happily performed their tasks.

"Good morning M'Lord."

"Good day, Lord Azor."

"How are you doing today, Madam Azor?"

Madame? Thought Rose, as she wondered who said that, and who she was talking about. After looking around for a second, and noticing Hiro stopped walking, she looked over his shoulder to see a woman a few years older than Hiro with pink hair in a maids uniform in front of them, smiling gleefully at her.

"You know, I am your King." Hiro states to the woman.

"And I am your elder." Asserts the woman, looking at him with a strained smile. "I was asking her a question." Turning back to Rose, the woman says, "My name is Helen Azor, and I am Hiro's personal attendant and head of palace affairs. He told me that someone was here who would be inheriting the family name, but nothing else. Would that someone be you perhaps?"

"Y-Yes ma'am, that would be me. My name is Rose. Oh- I mean, uh, not just Rose, but Rose Azor. As of today, at least." Nervously stutters Rose while sticking her hand out for a handshake. Helen grabs her hand, and pulls her in for a hug. "Sorry, but I'm more of a hugger rather than a handshaker." As Helen says this she hears a whimper of sorts from Rose and notices a tear roll down her face. Helen hugs her tighter and asks what's wrong, and Rose responds, "It's nothing really. I just- **sniffles** haven't been hugged by anyone since my mom passed away a few years ago.". Rose, hugging her tightly, between sniffles, says, "I'm sorry if I'm messing up your clothes or something, but can we stay like this for a minute?". Hearing this, Hiro puts a hand on their backs, whispers something to Helen, and walks off down the hall. Rose and Helen stand there, holding each other tightly as Rose cries into her arms. After a few minutes of this, she starts to straighten up a bit and begins to let go of Helen, she wipes her face on her sleeves, saying, "Thanks for that. It's just been a hard few weeks, well, years really." She says through a weak, half smile. "Anytime, Madame Azor." Says Helen as she lets go. "You should get going. Hiro likely went to his study to wait for you."