Rosaline
Volume 1
Year 2980
It has been some time since father gave me this book to practice my writing skills, however, I wish to remind myself of my past. This book reminds me of my beginnings and how I do not belong in this palace. It has been three years since I married the king, an arranged marriage due to our land not allowing a king without a queen. Unfortunately, I was the one they decided to marry off and I do not enjoy this new lifestyle, between the sudden change of my busy life in my family home, to the quietness of an abandoned castle, it has been a hard change of pace.
This man has no concern for his people, only his sad and pathetic legacy. I can hear him speaking in the dark some nights and fear for my safety as there is no one there. I hear him saying things that are preposterous. He believes that Nekesis has forsaken him and is telling the mages to attack him in his palace.
He is a madman and I will bear his child soon, although this palace is no place for one. King Esmund is unsuited to be a father and it is unknown to me if he could possibly raise one when he himself is barely of age. When he took the throne five years ago he was only fourteen with advisors who only have their pockets in mind whispered into his ear. I believe the former king passed too soon and I hope Nekesis welcomed him warmly into their loving arms and into the Cerulean Fields.
As for a possible child, I worry I may be unable to bare a son like he wants. If the child is born female, I worry Esmund may abandon the child. However, if the child is born male, Esmund will surely taint the child’s pure mind; filling him with his own fears and paranoia until there is nothing but a copy of himself. If it does happen, I will love my child unconditionally because they will be my own, all children deserve love and affection and I could not bare the thought of the child believing they are unloved when all they want is someone to care about them. Esmund terrifies me.
The maids have been whispering again and I caught wind of Esmund’s plan to enslave the fae folk, many will lose their free will and I can only imagine the suffering they must be feeling. My dear great-grandfather must be rolling in his grave.
I must finish up, the king calls for me and I can only imagine what he could possibly want. I may not be able to write for a while and I must apologize. I will write as soon as I am able but I fear someone may find this book.
With Regards,
Rosaline
The young queen gently closes the book with a soft exhale, turning her attention to her bed where she carefully lifts the pad to hide the diary from prying eyes. With a soft turn she exits her private chambers to the quiet halls. Hollow footsteps echoing behind her in the dimly lit hallway as she carefully approaches the door, gently placing a hand over her stomach as a means to protect the fragile child. Raising her hand as she braces herself to knock on the door, the first thud echoing through the structure, reminding her of how alone she is in this prison.
“Come in, my love.” With a shiver, she raises her head and smiles, slowly pushing open the door to the madman himself. She gently bows before him with a voice like silk.
“My king, I am honored you have called me to your side. How may I be of service to you?” Disgusting worm. I hope the day you rot in the ground comes swift.
The king raises his hand, beckoning her forth with a hum,”my love, I simply wish to see my child. I hope to continue this new generation with strength and wisdom.” For a moment, young Rosaline’s facade falters before she steps forward with a smile,”Esmund, my darling, you are growing more impatient by the day.”
The king’s eyes darken to blackened pools as he reaches for the queen, grabbing her wrist in a serpent's grip,”do not tell me I am impatient.” Like a child. Rosaline squirms in his grasp before smiling, touching his cheek with her free hand.
“My darling, I must apologize. I did not mean to upset you. How about tomorrow we go into town? I am sure we could do with a break.” Esmund releases her hand with a huff, staring down at the papers before him.
“I have work to do, I want to make my home safe for my son.” Plans? Safer? What is he going to do?
“My king? What do you mean?” Esmund raises his head as a sickening look of glee passes through his eyes, he slowly turns a paper toward the young queen. An expression that dared her to read the paper before them. Reaching forth she grabs the paper, her eyes scanning the paper as dread fills her stomach.
“M..y king...is this…” Without question, she knew what this form was for; Esmund had a full plan to wipe out the mages in the outlying villages. Not some gossip from the maids but a fully formed plan to wipe everyone out. A warning, I must send one out to someone.
“I was informed that a child will be born who will cause the downfall of my kingdom. If I let the child grow to age, there will be war and nobody in this palace will be safe. I am also having the orcs come to build walls around my castle so no enemy will be able to enter. This palace will be a safe haven for us, my love.” Sickening. How could someone believe this is okay? There has to be something I can do. Think Rosa, what would grandfather do? An idea suddenly formed in her mind, not a good one, but it could save many lives. Some may be lost but given how close the date written is, there will not be time to warn them all.
“My darling, if I may..I wish to visit the village one more time before the walls go up. It is my former home afterall. Who knows what could happen, I’d like to visit just once more…” Esmund’s expression seemingly softens as he waved her off.
“Very well. I will have the guards bring you down to the village, but you must never leave their sight. Who knows what those wretched creatures may do to you if they capture you.” My dear grandfather was once part of those wretched creatures, you miserable creaton.
“Thank you, I simply wish to visit around. I can even dress as one of the maids so I may disguise myself from view of those who may wish to harm me.” It will be easier to pass on the message if I am not dressed as nobility.
“Hm...I see, that may be safer for you. I will have the guards pick up some supplies so it looks like official business. I hope you enjoy yourself. Now come here, my love.” Disgust was brewing in her stomach as she stepped closer. Placing a chaste kiss on the king before pulling away, the urge to run growing stronger by the minute.
“I fear I may only do this, the baby will be born soon and we can not risk anything.” With a nod, the king retreats, waving her away.
“Very well, I will let you rest for now. Tomorrow will be the last time you will be able to visit the village.” Rosaline carefully bows her head as she turns, the bile in her throat rising slowly.
“Good night, my king.” Die in your sleep, tyrant. With soft steps, she exits the room and gently closes the door, her heart racing in her chest. Gripping her chest, she rushes to her room and quickly grabs a piece of parchment.
To whomever this may concern,
I beg of you, warn your fellow villages of the king. In one months time, King Esmund plans a genocide for fear the mages will bear a child to overthrow him. It will be a massacre and I fear for this kingdom. Spread the word, flee if you must, but I beg of you...save your families, save your lives.
With hope,
The Iron Blossom
Rosaline stares at the paper before her, if she is discovered, it would mean she would be labeled a traitor to her kingdom. Her family disgraced. Death. Grandfather, I want you to be proud of me. For my kingdom, I will risk it all. I will stay by the king’s side for as long as possible so I may help as many as I can. I will take your symbol, your heart, soul, and spirit and hope Nekesis stays by my side as I move forward.
Folding the small letter, she places it in the drawer, sealing her fate. The first step toward freeing the land of tyranny begins with this small letter. Rosaline gently places her hand over her stomach one more time as she smiles warmly.
“My child, I want you to grow to be a kind ruler...I hope one day, you’ll see the Cerulean Fields among our people. I want you to live a wonderful life of freedom, I will always be here if you need me. Even if I am not before you, I will always be by your side.” The young queen raises her head and stares at the moons before her.
No matter what, I will help save my people, even if it costs me my life.
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