Three Peach Roses

Polzen

Chapter 1

The stiff, salty air filled Marianne's lungs as she breathed in heavily- perhaps for the last time- she thought. Marianne watched the mysterious, purple tinted waves, which gave the Violet Coast it's name, as they crashed onto the shore and caressed the sand. She didn't want to leave.

"Anny Anny Anny!" A little boy ran towards his sister. She knelt down and scooped him up into her arms. "Julius, darling, I will be back soon." Marianne crooned. Julius held onto one of Marianne's caramel curls and tugged. 

"No Anny don't go!" He cried. Lady Maria, the mother of the two siblings was standing behind the pair, she laughed coldly. "Come along Marianne. Your Father and Harry want to have a meeting before you go." She said, her voice quick and sharp. Marianne felt like screaming; not only was she being dragged away from her beloved home and her brothers but she was also being treated like her families' pawn.

The large wooden dining table, used as a meeting table by the Devereaux family, was currently covered in mounds of thick white paper, all important documents. Lord Edward Devereaux sat at the head of the table, hunched over and searching through the papers. Behind him stood Harry, the eldest son.

"Father, Brother." A tall, beautiful young woman curtsied.

"Mahogany, sit please." Lord Edward said warmly. He wasn't usually this warm but Mahogany was his eldest child and his heart had a soft spot just for her.

Anyone who met Mahogany would agree that she was an exceptional woman and could charm anyone with her aura of confidence. She was witty and intelligent which made her very good company. Lord Edward was sorry to see her go.

The next to enter the room was the middle sister, Magnolia. She had similar looks to her elder sister but she was more soft and graceful. Magnolia had confidence too but a different sort, she had an air about her that made her seem superior to others but in an admirable sense. She smiled sweetly as she glided into the dining hall, the sent of rose water and honeysuckle wafting behind her.

"Magnolia, join your sister." Magnolia did as she was told and slid into the chair next to Mahogany. 

"Whilst Marianne isn't here we need to talk." Lord Edward began, "I don't think she will be as...useful as you two at court but it is necessary she goes. The three of you are beautiful but your looks are enhanced together and she is the most intelligent as well. She will go whether she likes it or not but I want you to make her feel more comfortable about it."

Mahogany and Magnolia nodded, "Yes Father, we will do that." 

Right on cue, Marianne knocked cautiously then entered the room.

"Marianne, you're late. Sit." Lord Edward said. Marianne rushed to her seat with her head down.

"Now you're all here we can begin." Lord Edward said, straightening up. Instinctively, the girls did the same.

"It is very important you understand exactly what you should do at King Dimitri's court. It is vital you get yourselves noticed and favoured so you can convince the King to forgive our family and bring us to court. You must listen carefully and take note of everything that is going on in the palace. You are our eyes and ears." Harry nodded in agreement. 

"Everything is dependent on you."

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