Dark Rose [#Wattys2016]

Two**Autumn

"PRINCESS, YOU ARE FIFTEEN minutes late." Jim told me as the carriage bumped and jostled on the road. The sound of the wheels grinding against the it sounded rough and scratchy.

"Yes. I know." I rolled my eyes.

"Why did you want me to help that girl, Autumn? Princess Autumn." He quickly corrected. Jim may have been my closest friend and on some occasions I do let him call me by my first name, he was like a grandfather to me, but he knew his place around other.

"Because the king wouldn't appreciate being held responsible for injuring one of his people." I raised a knowing eyebrow as I answered his question.

"He doesn't appreciate his most vulnerable daughter being out longer than he expects." Jim retorted.

"Jim." I warned. "Remember I am royalty to you. Know your place."

"Of course Your Highness."

"Besides," I continued. "The king's always impatient that sometimes it just gets old. I wouldn't mind him having a tantrum today. It will pleasantly more exciting than Madame Mourge." She gave me a small lecture on how she ties in with the palace's planning for the balls and gowns.

I'd never been so bored of fashion in my life. I like running in the garden that my father had built for me, but it wasn't as real as venturing into the world and finding out new things. I've always felt the grass beneath my feet and haven't felt anything better but I also haven't really enjoyed a nice stroll in the city.

I sighed in sorrow and continued to look at the place my family rules, the place I hardly see these days. Jim was right; I was vulnerable. I know this tale is so popular but no one knows how true it is. Of course, they know that dad was the beast when they all thought that the prince had been missing, that was no one who needed to rule the land. But when they found out he was the beast and that he changed back into a human everyone rejoiced, as if they longed for order again.

But sadly, the curse that was placed upon my father had only lifted off of him, except the rules just didn't apply anyone in his bloodline.

Yes, my life is tied to a ridiculous black rose. When I was little I used to imagine cutting that little flower into pieces with my small little knife I had received when I was seven. I actually tried one day but my mom had the knife from me and warned me to never do it again.

"I don't want my life in there." I cried to her later, pointing at the little small glass that held it carefully.

Her face fell and she scooped me into her arms. "I know. And we will find a way to change that but..." she paused. "You can't do it that way."

I pouted and let her take me to my room, tucking me in bed. She kissed my forehead before saying goodnight.

I remember that night so vividly because, it was the night that I actually realized how much the rose was worth and how much I was worth. If that rose was cut or it lost all of its petals than I lose my life.

The carriage jolted to a stop and I was thrown forward. "You are fired!" I yelled at him and his face looked scared. He should be.

"You're Highness." Jim sighed and opened the carriage door, extending a hand to help me out. One of the horses neighed and snorted.

"Make sure he gets everything out of here." I huffed and walked away to the door of the castle, only to have them opening for me. "You're Highness." A maid bowed.

Before I could answer out of place and composure, I spoke. "Good afternoon." I nodded formally.

"Your father awaits your arrival. He has been impatient and constantly requested scones." She smiled slightly.