A Song of Roses

CHAPTER XII

I remained still as the French painter worked his brush, my expression blank and emotionless. The prince was sitting next to me; his expression was also stoic and unmoving.

The atmosphere was tense and filled with discomfort, and as the painter worked his brush in silence, his eyes focused on the canvas. The crown felt heavy above my head, its weight seemingly growing heavier with each passing moment. "Are you quite done, Mr. Chapelle?" I asked politely, trying to keep my composure. "Uh, no yet, Your Grace," he replied with his French accent, continuing to paint as he spoke. His answer did nothing to reassure me that the ordeal would end soon. "Are you in a hurry, my love?" the prince asked, his words a mere formality as he continued to gaze ahead, seemingly oblivious to my discomfort. "No, the crown feels heavy, that is all," I replied curtly, my tone indicating that I was in no mood for pleasantries or small talk. "S'il te plaît, dépêche-toi si tu peux" (please hurry up if you can) said the Prince in French to the painter, his tone impatient and authoritative, showing concern for my misery. The painter nodded and then reluctantly increased the pace of his work, his brush beginning to move slightly faster as he attempted to finish the portrait as quickly as possible.

After a long while standing like a statue, the painter finally finished his work and stepped back to admire his masterpiece. "Ah, c'est magnifique!" (Ah, it's beautiful!) the painter exclaimed as he stepped away from the canvas to reveal his completed work. "Get this crown out of my head, please," I told Alina, my voice filled with exhaustion and desperation as I couldn't wait to be rid of the heavy burden. Alina immediately rushed to assist me, helping to remove the heavy crown from my head. "Anna-" William began to speak, but I quickly cut him off. "I would like to take a bath; I am quite exhausted," I said, using the excuse of my exhaustion to escape the prince's presence and have some time to myself. Alina bowed to the prince quickly before swiftly following me.

As we reached the grand bath, Alina assisted in the removal of my gown, providing the privacy and space I desired. "Alina is enough," I said, waving away the maidservants that had entered to assist me in my bath. I had become accustomed to the help of my lady-in-waiting, preferring her touch and presence over that of any other servant. The maids hastily bowed and left the bath chamber after seeing Alina assist me. They looked perplexed, but they had no choice but to obey my wishes with regard to my privacy. As Alina helped me remove my corset and undergarments, my frame felt so much lighter and easier to move. After a long day of wearing heavy clothes and the heavy crown, there was a sense of relief in finally being able to relax. Alina took the sponge slowly and gently, moving it over my arms with a delicate touch. "I do not understand; he talks like...he said nothing," I murmured to myself, reflecting on the prince's behavior. "He is truly good at pretending to be a good husband, a husband who said he despises his wife," I muttered sharply, my words dripping with anger and frustration. "To his mother, the Queen," I continued, directing my angry glance towards Alina. "What are you going to do now, Princess?" she asked, her voice concerned and worried. "I shall treat him as an emotionless wife, an empty shadow next to him," I declared, my tone stern and determined. My words were not meant as a threat or a warning to the prince, but rather as a forewarning of my new demeanour and behaviour whenever he was near. The prince would no longer receive the warmth and love of a devoted wife but rather a silent and vacant companion. "I shall do my duty as a princess and a wife; I shall carry his seed and heirs. That is all," I affirmed, my voice empty and emotionless. My duty as his wife was to provide him with children and heirs, and I would do so without any hesitation or qualms. "There is no such thing as love in my life," I mumbled, my voice sad and resigned. "The Queen was mainly lucky to have a lovable husband," I added as an afterthought, recognising her fortune in finding a husband that would love and cherish her and be the loyal and devoted companion that she desired. "With all due respect, Princess," Alina murmured, her voice filled with concern and hesitation, as if she dared not argue with me. "I still think this whole situation is a big misunderstanding," she continued, her tone a gentle reminder of her belief that the prince was not the cruel man that I believed him to be. "Should I remind you of his history, Alina?" I responded sharply, making my displeasure at her opinion quite evident. "This is the man who is well-known for his debauchery and womanising, so you shall spare me the lecture, Alina," I added, my tone icy and agitated. "Yes, Princess, my apologies," Alina replied, with her tone now full of sorrow and remorse. As I looked back at Alina, I immediately regretted my snappish behavior. The sweet and gentle look on her face was enough to make me feel guilty for my sharp words. "Alina..." I sighed. I was being too harsh with the only person who had been loyal and devoted to me. "My anger should not have been snapped at you; I'm sorry, truly," I said sincerely. "I understand that you are dealing with a lot, princess," Alina said softly. "I don't know what to do this evening," I murmured quietly. "Maybe a small ride with Pearl before the sun sits?" Alina suggested in a hopeful and cheerful tone. "We shall then," I replied simply, a genuine smile spreading across my face. The ride with Pearl would provide me with an opportunity to clear my head and to appreciate the peaceful and tranquil countryside. Even though the gift of Pearl came from the prince, who no doubt used this act of generosity as a way to woo me, I found myself loving and appreciating the horse nonetheless. She was a splendid beast, with a gentle and calming demeanour.