Fallen Angel of Promise

Rehabilitation

    I wake up the next morning with sore muscles and puffy eyes from crying. Last I remember, I fell asleep in Madam Wren's embrace. I sit up in bed and Gelvain quickly emerges from the doorway to my side. "Good morning," Gelvain helps me turn my body to get out of my white bed. Her beauty as breathtaking as I remember.
    "Good morning," my weight falls onto her strong broad shoulders as we slowly walk to the bathroom. Gelvain helps me slowly get ready for the day. I wonder if Jarolt is this helpful to Prince Rowan on a daily basis. It's deep into the morning when we're greeted by a knock on the bedroom door. The Queen enters holding a silver tray of tea and a plate of finger sandwiches.
    "My lady," Gelvain quickly runs over to take the tray from Queen Seren and set it up on the marble coffee table in the sitting area.
    "Thank you Gelvain," the Queen follows behind Gelvain quickly and starts pouring the tea. It's been such a long time since I've seen Queen Seren. She's as beautiful as always. Her black hair already up for the day ahead of planning and her gold glasses firmly in front of her eyes fixed on the sharp bridge of her nose. Her dress of beautiful white lace and satin. After Gelvain helps me sit down in the white arm chair across from the Queen she slides over my cup of tea to drink. I take the warm liquid in my hands and sip the aroma. The Queen takes her own cup for a sip before her eyes turn towards me full of worry and sorrow. "Hello Aria," I can hear her voice crack as she lowers her strong demeanor towards me.
    "Hello my Queen," her eyes tear up. "How do you sit with these things?" Queen Seren laughs at my joke to break the tension, but also a genuine question. I don't know how to move with my wings yet, plus my back is still so sore I couldn't sit back in the chair even if I tried. I have to crouch over in an ugly way.
The Queen's face quickly goes back to somber, "I'm so sorry I wasn't here sooner," she says in a whisper. A few tears escape her eyes down her cheeks as she stares into her tea cup. The Queen quickly regains her composure though as she clears her throat and looks up into my eyes. She quickly paints a smile back on her beautiful face, "there's no time for such thoughts though. Especially around such an exciting time!" Her cheer shines through.
"Exciting time?" I sip from my cup.
"Yes! You're awake of course." I chuckle quietly. "Just in time to attend the suitors ball!"
I choke on my tea, "the what ball?"
"Oh, my son didn't tell you yesterday?" Queen Seren's eyes sparkle, desperately wanting me to take the bait.
"No he did not. Please tell me more," I respond in a monotone voice that makes Gelvain chuckle from behind my shoulder.
"While you've been asleep we've been preparing for my son's suitors ball. The two week event with all the eligible ladies of neighboring kingdoms where he will announce his engagement to his future Queen."
"Sounds fun," I lie. "Why would I attend?" Rowan hates me, I doubt he'd want me in the potential suitors line up.
"Well," the Queen's demeanor drops down a little. "I'm not simply trying to poke fun," she sighs deeply to herself. "After the events of the attack and of your awakening, there are many rumors about an unnamed female in the castle. As much as I tried to stop them, many kingdoms are voicing there concerns of a possible secret suitor within the castle walls."
"Sounds like a headache to me."
"It will be," the Queen eyes Gelvain. "We need you to attend as one of my advisors. Simply show up next to me, smile silently during the festivities, and stay in your room otherwise."
"I have to?" I question.
"Yes, unfortunately. But we've thought of the story to explain everything. You just need to show up along with my other ladies in waiting and smile."
    "Will I be ready for that?" I can barely sit in this chair, let alone attend a ball standing.
    "I've planned out your entire schedule for the next two months before the festivities. Plus, most festivities are meals such as dinners. No dancing required of you. Plus, you'd be one of my advisors not a suitor. You have no need to really participate."
    "Please inform me of all the details," Gelvain interjects in a stern voice from behind me before I can voice any more resistance.
    "Of course," the Queen rises from her seat. "Unfortunately I cannot stay long. I cannot deal with anymore rumors." That must be why she showed up alone without any ladies in waiting or guards.