The Lost Rose

Chapter 3

It's been an hour since I followed my uncle in the carriage, towards the south palace. My village is in the south part of the kingdom but far away from the city. Five or six hours away maybe.

Honestly, all I want to do now is sleep in peace. But I can't really with someone talking nonstop to me.

Uncle Jacob (that's how he asked me to call him) is explaining what I will have to do once I arrive at the palace.

- You will need to take etiquette lessons. There is nothing wrong with the way you used to live but...

-  I get it, I stop him. Royals don't walk in the mud and milk cows.

The look on his face is funny. He tries his best not to offend me while pointing out all the things I will need to learn to even hope to be a little like the other heirs. I don't mind it. Working in a farm taught me hard work and that sometimes you need to get your hands dirty. All their life, their education was based off of good manners, dancing and fencing lessons. They know a lot of things and are probably good at everything.

But I would like to see them walk in cow excrements and even try to catch a running chicken.

It's sounds easy... but it's not.

- Of course, you will need dance lessons, he continues.

Good luck with that, I think as I raise my eyebrows.

- You will be invited to balls as well as dinners and you will have to meet a lot of people. I think I am going to add manners to the list.

I see him scribbling things on a notebook.

Please, go on and add manners, I roll my eyes.

- And lastly, politics. It's very important you know. Economics too. You will need to learn about this country. Did you know that the heirs have a place to the court of justice and they also assist to the weekly reunions with the regents? It's very important.

I nod. I didn't know about that, obviously.

- Your whole way of living will change. No more walking in the mud and running in the fields, he adds. And you can't just leave the palace as you want. You will need protection, guards.

- I'm trapped? I ask.

- Of course, not, he shakes his head with a smile. You are free to go everywhere you want. But not without protection. At least, you will be free to do so in two weeks.

- What do you mean?

- Well, nobody knows that I found you. We will have to announce it properly. With a ball. Until then, you will take lessons every day. This is a big change for you Roese. You need to be ready.

- So, people won't judge me, I sigh.

- People will always judge you. They judge all of us. It's up to you to make a good or bad impression.

- Do you think I will? I ask honestly.

- I think two weeks is long enough for you to be ready. You'll get used to it, fast. Plus, there are always good sides in living in a palace.

I smile. Maybe he's right. I hope the gardens are huge. Maybe I could horse ride?

- The maids have already filled your closet with all the dresses you will need.

I knew I would have to dress "properly". But I hope I can choose what I want to wear. I'm afraid the dresses they picked for me are a little bit... too much.

Suddenly, a thought occurs to her.

- Will I need to wear heels? If the dresses are long enough, I could wear my boots under it? Or something else, as long as it's flat.