Ruthless

The Thorn of the Rose

Carina's POV

It has been a few days now without the youngest of the Lombardi's that make my heart swell. If I admit to it being weeks then sorrow will take over; for some reason acknowledging that it has been just days was more tolerable in my silly mind space. The past few days the queen has invited me to dine with her in the afternoons. Each afternoon is filled with laughter as she tells her anecdotes as I tell my own. She is pleasant to talk to even when one think conversation is falling short a new subject arises, filling me with the same enthusiasm as the last. That is a charming ability not many possess.

"I wish to show you something." She spoke out of the blue a day we were just drinking the evening tea. I felt my eyebrows rise in wonder and surprise. Upon accepting she led me further from the castle into the backyard. There was a huge new hedge maze. Perfectly trimmed and vivid green. "I remember you spoke of how fascinating mazes are to you. The wonder of the unknown. I thought you would appreciate one you can lose yourself in for hours." My happiness could not be held back. I jumped and laughed in bliss. "This is perfect, how thoughtful!" She laughed with me as well sharing my joy. "Come let us explore it for the first time together. I promise I will not cheat."

"Brilliant." At the same time we went into the huge maze and took different directions in hope of finding the exit before the other. "Are you as lost as I or are you tricking me?" I yelled out. It has been quite a few hours since we begun and neither have found the exit, or at least I hope. The sun was beginning to set decorating the sky with beautiful colors from orange to pink to purple. It was similar to a work of art. "Rhea?" I called since there was no answer to my previous question. "As amazing as this is I do not wish to spend my entire night here." I said once again. My dress was beginning to feel heavy after such a long while of walking.

Before I was able to stop myself I collided with a body. The force almost sent me stumbling down. Inches from my face stood Rhea. "Night is often the best part of the day." She was so close to me that her hot breath brushed against my skin. My eyes unapologetically staring at her red lips. "W-why?" I asked without moving away from her. Her scent was invigorating. It was causing a frenzy within me. "The night was created to act upon what we are too scared to admit in broad daylight." The look in her eyes was so enthralling that not even the best day of spring could match. Her arm snaked gently around my waist as she begun to lean forward. Just before she was a centimeter away from my trembling lips, my hand on her chest slightly stopped her from going any further. "I love Keana." I whispered. She closed her eyes as she let go of me. "Of course... my apologies." When she opened her eyes again there was something visible for the world to see. It was a nude vulnerability that I am sure no one before had seen on the queen. Because regardless of what Rhea might say, she is capable of love and that that reflected on her eyes was heartbreak...

~•~•~•~

In the absence of Keana and after what happened between me and Rhea, the older sister has gone silent. She was never present again. Our talkative nights dimmed down and rumor had it that she's had a parade of women coming and going from her chambers. Part of me missed her, I wondered if these feelings were merely friendly and in my solitude I have lost the only pleasant company I had left in this palace. Many workers still spoke to me but not for long, they were reluctant because of my apparent relationship with the sisters. The older workers called me hideous names and the younger ones looked at me with a youthful jealousy that burned deep inside their hearts.

One night I felt such sorrow it caused me to break down. I missed my home, my beloved Keana wherever she was and Rhea too. Maybe loneliness was just going to be buried in me and I was going to have to carry it with me always. A soft knock on my door caused me to jerk up from my bed, clearing my eyes furiously with the palm of my hand. "May I come in?" Rhea's soft voice came from the other side. "Yes." I cursed at myself for my voice sounding so rugged. She softly did as told. She was wearing a light gray night gown with her beautiful dark hair loose. She did not look like she carried the wisdom of years on her, for once she looked her true age. Just a young woman seeking company. "I wanted to ask if you are alright?" Her question brought new fresh tears to my eyes, ones I was desperately trying to hold back. "Yes, just reminiscing..."