When the Land meets the Sky: A Tail of Two Mages

Chapter 44 - The Future is Ours! (Pt. 2)

Jason's POV

I'm hoping Lady Briar's visit with Rosetta is going well. After a while I decided to head to the throne room to take on Rosetta's place next to the king and queen, since I had no idea how long she would remain absent. As I approached the throne, King Oísín eyed me as if to call me to come closer, so I obliged.

"Sir Jason, have you seen Lady Rosetta?" he asked me quietly. "She's been absent for some time now."

"The last I knew was she was in her room after I escorted Lady Briar there. On the way back, I did spy Crown Prince Ash heading toward Rosetta's room as well. It appears he had followed along. Of course, I bowed politely as I passed him, but he paid me no mind."

Queen Niamh was within earshot. "I wonder why they wanted to talk to her?" she asked.

Just as she finished her question, the crowd began to gasp and moved out of the way of an approaching group. It was Rosetta accompanied by Crown Prince Ash and Lady Briar. "Rosetta!" I called out to her. "I was getting concerned. Are you alright?" I asked as I approached.

Ash then swung his cane at me, and I jumped back to dodge. He then gave me a menacing look. "You will stay away from her," he commanded.

King Oísín and Queen Niamh stood up from their thrones. "What is the meaning of this?!" the king questioned.

"I have come to claim something that belongs to our kingdom, your highness," Ash responded.

"Nevertheless," the queen interceded. "You may be the Crown Prince of the Elven Kingdom, but you do not have authority over any of our knights. You also do not have the authority to detain their captain. I suggest you unhand her and leave us peacefully." At this point, several of our knights began to surround Ash, Briar, and Rosetta.

Ash snorted. "Very well," he said calmly with a hint of irritation. He turned to Rosetta. "Would you kindly say your piece so we can be away from here?"

Rosetta let out a deep sigh. "Soldiers, stand down."

"Rosetta?!" I called out, not knowing what to say.

Rosetta paused for a moment and spoke out to the crowd, not looking at anyone in specific. "I'm sorry. All of you. But the truth is, Crown Prince Ash Thorne and Lady Briar Thorne... they are my parents." Tears began to flow down Rosetta's cheeks. "My name is Princess Rosetta Thorne of the Elven Kingdom. I ask for your forgiveness for the deception."

"You don't have to explain yourself to these people," Ash chided. "We leave. You have a lot to answer for, once we return home." He then grabbed Rosetta by the arm and dragged her out of the throne room. Lady Briar followed suit, rubbing her right cheek.

Naomi's POV

I was outside the castle having a pleasant conversation with Skyla. After mentioning something rather humorous, we both let out a long-winded chuckle. That was cut short quickly when I could hear a small commotion as three people rushed out the front gate of the castle, one of them forcefully being pulled by the arm. I focused my attention on what one was saying.

"Rosetta, of all people you trusted was a common warmonger named Trodaí to be your mentor. You dare sully your royal heritage to mingle about like a commoner?" one said to a familiar face.

"Wait, is that Prince Ash?" Skyla noted. "Talking to our Rosetta?"

"It is," I replied with irritation. "And he dares speak about my husband that way!? Come," I stated and stormed off in their direction.

"Crown Prince Ash Thorne, I presume?" I inquired when I crossed paths with him, trying to be as polite as I could, given the circumstances. While I am trying to enjoy the gala, I am still grieving over Trodaí's passing. Hearing someone sully his name on a day like today is beyond disrespectful. Suffice to say, I am not pleased, and I'm prepared to speak my mind.