Roses and Bones

1~

The morning sun peered into her room. The silky white curtains slowly moved in the wind, and the breeze tickled her nose till she woke. Rosabella was a princess, and her room reflected such. It had an elegant bed with fluffy purple pillows and a matching comforter. Her ceiling had spiraling roses, hand painted. Her mother said it reflected her budding personality or just happened to match her name.

Rosa's eyes opened to the same sight every morning. When she came of age her mother let her pick the room she wanted. It seemed like such a simple choice but in reality, it was not. She couldn't decide between the room with a view of Pristine Forest or the intricate flower garden. Her father had said that the garden suited her more, so that was her choice.

By the time she stood up, she realized the small note slipped under her door. When picking it up Rosabella noticed the handwriting almost instantly. Her sister, the heir to the throne, had the most beautiful handwriting. Elva always had been perfect at everything, down to the way she crossed her Ts. Rosa never minded this,  she was the adopted princess after all.

The letter read, "Join us for breakfast dear sister, I cooked today. I know you cannot even begin to fathom it! And if you would be so kind, I put a dress on the outside of your door for you to wear. With Love, Elva."

Rosa did a slight eye roll, her sister was always organized and ready. When she opened her door nothing could have prepared her for the dress that sat there awaiting her. The baby pink dress looked like a silk puddle. The back was adorned with a velvet bow. The sleeves rested at shoulder height, the trim a delicate ribbon. It was beautiful and hooked on the hanger was a tiara.

Picking the dress off the door she ran into her master bathroom. The dress fit perfectly, tailored to her curves. Rosabella was always a little insecure about her body. She wasn't, well, petite. But her body was natural, and that was more than some could say. But the way this dress fit her made her feel beautiful, even royal.

Lastly, she brushed out her hair, placing the tiara gently on her silky straight hair. The tiara was smooth and gold, with tiny pink gems encrusted across it. Taking one last look at her appearance she walked out of her room and started her trek across the castle.

When she arrived in the dining room, her father and sister were already seated.

"Glad you could join us flower," Her father said, a bright smile flashing across his face.

"Finally! I was worried you were kidnapped, or worse cursed to an eternity of sleep!" Elva did a small laugh at her own words, Rosa did oversleep, but her dreams were so strange. She smiled at her family taking her seat across from Elva, food already in front of her.

"This looks really good Elva." She praised her sister, who in return blushed at her words. "Will Mother be joining us?" Rosa asked, instantly thinking it over. Mother was very sick and bedridden for years. It happened after a trip to the village, the day she found Rosa, but it was a slow development.

"No flower, but we should eat. You have a private lunch with her today later on." The king spoke calmly, but the daughters knew it hurt him.

The rest of the breakfast carried on, chatting about nonsense. Nothing too exciting was happening that needed to be discussed, so it was peaceful. Once everyone had finished the king dismissed himself, he had a meeting to attend, and Elva had classes. That left Rosabella. She had her own time, and she decided that she would go into town.

   When she arrived in the village she was absolutely overjoyed. Rosa had loved every aspect of it since before she could remember. And of course, the towns folk adored her.

People would wave and bow to her as she walked on. She had a destination in mind but she wasn't very focused, she was in no hurry. Rosa took in the sights and smells. The bakery had fresh goods in the windows, from cobblers to cakes. The pubs were slow, but the stores were not. The local goods store was bustling, mothers and their children filled them.