A Song of Roses

CHAPTER XIV

"Sister!" As soon as I entered the royal castle, Sophia came running to me. She threw her arms around my waist and smiled fondly at me as she embraced me, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "I missed you so much," she said, hugging me tightly. I laughed and hugged her back. feeling her warmth and energy, and I was happy to see her smiling and playful as she hugged me back. "I was practicing on my piano until I saw you coming out of the carriage," Sophia said, with a smile on her face. "Alina!" Sophie turned to Alina, hugging her waist, and smiled up at her.

"Princess, where are you?" I heard Ada, Sophia's governess, call as she hurried down the stairs. When she saw me, she quickly curtsied. "Your grace, welcome back," Ada nervously said.

She had been the princess's governess for many years and was a familiar face around the castle. She always treated the princess with gentle and caring affection, and she was devoted to her care. "Hello, Ada, where's Mother?" I asked, lowering my hood and brushing away the stray strands of my hair. Ada looked relieved and answered swiftly, "She's having tea with Lady Rose in the parlour. your grace." "We shall go and see her then," I said, turning to Alina for a moment and smiling kindly. She nodded and smiled back as we walked together.

"It feels strange being here again," I whispered as we made our way to the parlour. I was happy to be home, to be around familiar faces, and to have the comforts of my own castle. But there was also a bittersweet feeling of nostalgia and reluctance to face all of the memories attached to it.

The two guards that were standing between the grand door bowed, "Your grace." The first one greeted, The second announced to Mother that I'd arrived. Mother was sitting in her usual spot, a cup of tea on the table beside her. Her expression was one of surprise, and she looked up in bewilderment as I entered. "Anna, dear, how lovely to see you!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy. As I stepped into the parlour, my gaze fell upon Lady Rose, who stood up and curtsied as soon as she saw me. Mother came to me, her arms wrapped around me tightly. As we stood embraced, a wave of familiar warmth and comfort washed over me.

I felt truly at home.

After a few moments, we both pulled back, smiling at each other. Her golden locks were styled in what looked like a small bouquet of roses on top of her head, and her light pink gown mirrored her blushy cheeks. Despite being thirty and six years old, she still has her youthful beauty.

Mother's gaze shifted to Alina, who quickly curtsied as well. "Your Majesty," she greeted, and she smiled warmly at Alina as she nodded. Lady Rose excused herself politely, "It is truly a delight to see you one again, your grace. I shall take my leave to give you both privacy. your majesty"

Mother nodded graciously, and Lady Rose departed with a final bow and a small smile. "I shall be no more than five paces outside this door," Alina said calmly, her tone soft and gentle. "Very well, Alina, thank you," Mother responded. Alina took her leave.

exiting in the way she'd stated. leaving Mother and I alone.

"Your absence has been felt," Mother said softly, her voice tinged with emotion. "Me too," I replied, smiling. a small action that had been hard to do since yesterday.

"And William sends his regards," I continued. "Oh, that's very kind of him," she replied, her eyes shining with appreciation.

"So, how is your life in the Zapha Palace?" Mother asked me, her expression warm and full of curiosity. I shrugged, unsure of how to reply. "I miss it here, but it is also nice to have a change of scenery."

"Anna," my mother called gently, and I looked up at her.

I know that tone.

"Talk to me."