Soul of Love

The Mysterious Lady

My mom always cooked the most savory dishes. We weren't poor nor rich, but had enough to feed the stomachs of children.

Little Charolette sat in the chair over and my clumsy brother was across the table. Cousin Deanna, occasionally came for a visit and always ate the last bread roll in the basket.

So when mom set an extra plate out, it came to my surprise that a new face looked in my direction. I stared a moment too long and the mysterious woman offered a pleasant smile.

"Micheal, elbows of the table" mom demanded, with a nervous giggle escaping. "I'm sorry for his ill manners Lady Roslyn"

"Haha-no need to apologize! I have a boy myself, I call it a good day when I get him to eat with a fork" she joked but grief hid in her eyes.

Their conversation started to change, I felt sadness entering the room.

"Ahh, how is Henry if you don't mind me asking?"

The mysterious woman hesitated, "I believe he's getting better. Look! Just yesterday he decided to take a walk in the garden. All the maids were quick to share this good news with me." She tried to be positive.

"Let me rephrase the question. How are you doing?"

The lady, immediately sobbed. "Oh, Madelyn, I'm so scarred. His skin gets ghostly with each day, he barely talks or wants to see us. The nurses try to cheer him up but nothing works. He has been injected with more needles before the time he has made friend"

Mommy started to hug Lady Roslyn tightly. "Madelyn, I'm a horrible mother. It's all my fault."

"Hmm," mommy grabbed the closets napkin and handed it to Rosalyn.

I chimed in, "I think he would be mad if he heard that"

After Roslyn blew her nose, she held a shocked expression. "What do you mean?"

I blurted without thinking.

"I see" She sniffled.

Her response seemed confident. It's like she found comfort in my words.

Mom was baffled herself after Roslyn's mood quickly became brighter.

"Right!" Roslyn no longer stared at me with loving eyes.

"I came this afternoon, to ask a large request. Tonight, the annual winter gathering is held. Usually, Henry is able to stay behind but this time he must attend as well."

"They know his condition!" Mom's tone became furious. "Wait. It's the Crown Prince isn't it? He's really making an appearance!?

"Many are wondering if it's because of the prophecy" Roslyn drifted off.

She wanted to avoid the subject.

"It's true then? Prince Nicholas is the reincarnation of Crown Prince Cyrus." Mom replied.

"So you realize why I've come today?" Lady Roslyn glanced over to me. "As nobles we must all be present to welcome him back."

"I've kept Harmony protected from that world, and all these years I've fulfilled your wishes. Am I supposed to let her go?"

"You will always be her mother Madelyn! Don't forget that! But, it's time she met she met new members of her family."

"Mama?" I said quietly.

Mom nodded and fought back her tears. She had deep loyalty to Rosalyn.

"Harmony tonight you're invited to a ball. Please be on your best behavior." Mom voiced.

Mrs. Roslyn jumped up and down and hugged mom tightly. She whispered into her ear before letting go.

"You don't have to worry. You'll remain her mother. This is only for tonight. I'll say I'm her  aunt to prevent questions"

I was too young to know what they were saying.

"Harmony let me reintroduce myself. I'm Lady Roslyn from the house of Berlvick but you can call me Aunt Roslyn." She turned my way.

"You're my aunt" I was surprised.

"Yes. I know this is a lot to take in but it would be such a pleasure to have you come to the ball tonight. Will you join us"

I looked to my mom for reassurance. "Yeah."

When we walked out the door Aunt Roslyn mouthed the words "Thank You" to mom.