The Knight's Rose

Chapter Nineteen ~ The Imprisonment of a Rose

Chapter Nineteen ~ The Imprisonment of a Rose 

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⤝O⤞

"Look, Rose! I got my own washroom!" Lily squealed, sitting up from her bed. Her face was still quite pale and she had bags under her eyes. Her dull eyes were still muddled with grief from our recent loss but her face still managed to light up with delight when I first walked into the room, and she wouldn't stop going on about how lovely the room was.

I understood this was her way of coping. How we were all coping with our loss and painful experiences.

"It has three sets of mirrors! Now, I can see myself from the front, side, and back! Isn't that wonderful Rose? I've never seen the back of me before!"

I giggled at her words before shushing her, sitting down on the golden bed. The room Lily resided in had huge golden walls with lavished furniture that glowed under the sun. Light streamed in through the tall glass windows, which showcased the beautiful green garden with various types of flowers. The floor was a sleek white marble with white fur rugs and a white vanity against the wall. There was a series of 3 doors, one leading to the halls, the other to a magnificent empty closet, and the last to the lavatory.

It was gorgeous.

"I understand, Lily, it is truly wondrous," I said, laughing while hugging her head to my chest. I still couldn't wrap my head around the idea of being inside the castle. Every time I closed my eyes, I expected to find myself back in the Gales home.

Every morning I was awoken by a lady-in-waiting, Jane, bringing me breakfast. At first, she would help me out of bed but I told her that it was unnecessary when she began to undress me. She disagreed but couldn't really do anything when I bolted to the washroom.

She was a sweet woman but I was a bit uncomfortable being stripped and dressed by a complete stranger. I was relieved to see that my bruises were slowly disappearing and the only scars that were left were the ones on my heart. After a full breakfast of scones, tarts, and fruits followed with morning tea, Nikolai would come and visit for a few short minutes.

What a lovely few short minutes they were.

If the lady-in-waiting wasn't watching, he'd press his supple lips against mine quickly before releasing them from his captor. My heart would stop for a few short seconds, and my breathing would quicken. Even though the kiss would be short and sweet, the feelings after would put me in a daze for hours after.

I couldn't believe that Nikolai loved me.

A love I returned full-heartedly.

My mind still wouldn't accept the news and I'd jump at just the sound of the word. He didn't say it again after, which sometimes leads me to believe might have all just been a dream.

I talked to Prim after my embarrassing breakdown, and she was more open about her feelings then she ever was. She let me in on her worries and sadness, and I confided in her about my brash words. We hugged for a long while after that and I felt closer to her than ever.

During the day, I'd stay with Lily and Prim, and sometimes we'd be joined by Princess Naida, who apparently took great pleasure in being in our company. Her aura, though still powerful, felt more welcoming. In the evening, I would eat supper, sometimes joined with Nikolai. After the lady in waiting would retire to her own room, Nikolai would sometimes stay longer and he'd bring a book from the royal library for us to read.

I didn't have the heart to ask him when I had to leave, but I was going to discuss it with Prim at some point. We couldn't impose as much as we already did.