A Song of Roses

CHAPTER XIX

Day after day, the nausea and sickness of my pregnancy started. It was a gradual process and one that caught me off guard as it intensified over time. However, luckily I had Alina and Mother by my side, providing a steady support system and offering constant care and assistance throughout the illness.

Each morning, I was awoken by William's beautiful letters, his sweet words of affection and love being a comforting and encouraging presence to welcome the day.

Tomorrow, he would return, and I found myself becoming more eagerly awaiting his return with every passing day. I could not describe the joy that I felt at the thought of seeing his face again and of welcoming him back into my arms after his extended absence.

"The fresh air did indeed help," I confirmed as I walked alongside Alina in the garden, taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the palace grounds. "You should spend more time outside, Princess; it would definitely help you relax, especially in this period of time," Alina encouraged. "I know," I echoed, continuing to caress my growing belly as I wondered how it would look larger in the coming weeks and months. "Who would have thought that the small girl I was watching put books on her head and was learning how to curtsy is now married and with a child?" Alina said, chuckling softly at the thought. I smiled at her words, finding a bit of humour in them myself. Looking back, I have come so far since my childhood.

"One, two, three, down," I repeated as Alina patiently instructed me in the art of the princess curtsy. "Yes, like that," she encouraged as I continued to practice the movement, which was one of the key etiquette pieces in a noblewoman's education. "Make sure your back stays straight and your heels are close together," she added, her gentle and kind tone making the lessons easier to bear. "Ugh, but Alina," I sighed, my legs beginning to ache from remaining in the curtsy position for too long. "You must, Princess," Alina replied. "Your legs will strengthen as you become used to performing the curtsy," she continued, her voice stern but encouraging. "It is essential that a lady know how to properly curtsy," she added, her words making sense despite my complaint. "But I want to play with my violin," I complained again, a whiny note to my voice as I pouted. "You can practice your violin afterwards," Alina responded, her voice gently but firmly dismissing my complaint. "Curtsy practice comes before all else," she continued, her tone becoming more stern. "Listen to Alina, Anna," Mother said, watching as she embroidered. Despite her focus on the task at hand, her eyes were glued to me as she monitored how well I was following Alina's instructions. She was always present in the chamber, ensuring that everything went smoothly and that I followed all the rules of proper princess manners. "This must be done, and as much as it may bother you to hear, it is for the sake of your future," she continued. "Yes, Mother," I quietly replied, my tone one of surrender as I accepted her point. I had learned long ago that arguing with her was futile, and it was easier to simply do as she said rather than fight it.

"I was whiney as ever," I said with a chuckle, remembering my childlike nature. Looking back, there was something endearing about my young self, even though my attitude could be quite bothersome at times. I was a young, selfish girl with little concept of the responsibility I would soon have as a noblewoman and, one day, a queen.

"Oh, it has been a while since I saw or ridden Pearl," I exclaimed, having momentarily forgotten all about my beloved horse. "Let us see her," I added, my smile growing with eager anticipation as we made our way to the stables. I pushed up my skirts as I ventured forward, my footsteps making loud crunching sounds in the lush green space. "Princess, wait." I heard Alina's voice ring out from behind me, her tone cautioning me to wait for her to catch up. I slowed a little, taking a moment to allow her to join me as I continued on our path to the stables.

As we reached the palace's stables, I noticed the stablemaster brushing a dark horse's hair, his movements swift but careful as he worked to ensure that the horse's coat remained in its best condition. When he saw me, he quickly bowed low, his expression one of reverence and his voice a polite and respectful "Your Grace."