Rose Red

Chapter One

"Rose, rose, rose red. Will I ever see thee wed? I will marry at thy will sire, at thy will"

Rebeka sang softly as she walked down the hall, trailing her fingers over the textured wallpaper. The clack of her heels tapping against stone echoed throughout the castle, unusually loud without the hustle and bustle of everyday activity. Chores that usually took most of the day had been finished before midday meal. Now the servants were enjoying a leisurely picnic out on the grounds, which had been cleaned in record time.

Rebeka smiled as she thought of her maids excitedly chattering as they did her hair, talking about what they wanted to do during the picnic. It was a well deserved treat, especially after the flurry of activity that had swept through the castle once the messenger had arrived, bearing the exciting news. Prince Erek was expected by mid-afternoon.
If that hadn't caused enough excitement, the King's decision to let the servants have a picnic after their work was done sparked the interest of everyone.

Rebeka walked into the ballroom, looking at the concave ceiling arching above her head. Her father had found the best architects to design the room, knowing her love of music and her sister's love of dance. The ballroom had hosted many fabulous celebrations with elegant decor, beautiful music echoing against the walls, and the rustling of ladies skirts as they spun and dipped with their partners.

She stood in the center of the dance floor, holding hands with an imaginary partner. One step forward, two steps back. One step to the left, two steps to the right. Her creamy skirt flared as she started to spin. Coming back to the original position, she completed the dance with a curtsy.

Soft clapping made her look up. Her father was standing by the main door, quietly watching her. Rebeka laughed softly, the sound carrying across the room.

"Enjoying the spectacle Father?"

He smiled warmly and walked over to her.

"Very much so Rebeka. Are you practicing your wedding dance already?"

Rebeka snorted and gracefully extended her arms. She slowly pivoted in place.

"As if it'd help. I'm so clumsy, I don't know why I bother."

Her father mimicked her, spreading his hands wide.

"You are quite graceful dear. You just have two left feet to go with it. How does your sister put it?"

Rebeka rolled her eyes and sighed, covering her eyes with her hand.

"I trip gracefully, like a cow."

He chuckled and stopped spinning.

"It's an accurate description. Oh drat, I'm dizzy now."

Rebeka was about to retort but was cut off by a door slamming open and the patter of footsteps. In raced her sister, Mirielle, and close behind her was the royal advisor, Thad Stevens. Judging by her sister's mischievous laughter and the advisor's muttered cursing, Rebeka could tell there was news.

"Beka! Beka! Guess what? The prince is almos- OW"

Stevens smacked Mirielle over the head with his stack of papers. Scowling, she turned to glare at him.

"If you're going to be a proper delegate you have to address people by their proper titles. Cute nicknames and other endearments can wait until you are in a more private setting with people you are actually close with."

Mirielle grumbled and crossed her arms, sticking out her lip. Rebeka had to bite her cheek to keep from smiling at her sister's antics.

"But I am close to Rebeka, we're sisters. And we are in a private setting."