Rosie's Games

"You expect me to grant them sanctuary? To let them stay in the palace?" King Marlin's gaze hardened as he locked eyes with his wife. "Aurinda..."

Interrupting him, Queen Aurinda spoke with determination, "I yearn to bear a child, Marlin. You made me a promise that you would do whatever it takes to fulfill that desire. This is the only way. I implore you to accommodate Lady Dorothy Lux." Her voice carried an undeniable finality, a tone that the King of Wugari desperately wished he did not have to hear.

"Those people have accused the Duke of kidnapping His Blessedness, Federico Lux. This—"

"I want a child," Aurinda's voice cracked with emotion, tears glistening in her eyes. "Lady Dorothy is the only one who can possibly help me. I believe the Duke will understand. Besides... he has not yet wed the Duchess. Without his authority... she holds little power to make decisions."

"Aurinda..."

"Please... you made me a promise," she pleaded, her voice filled with longing. "You said you would grant my every wish. Zadock... a child is the only thing I desire in this world. Please give Lady Dorothy a chance. I would kneel before you if you so wish. Just... please..."

Zadock Marlin, the King of Wugari, released a heavy sigh. "Very well," he relented, nodding in reluctant agreement. "Someone come..."

Soon after, a servant bowed before the King. "Send a letter to the Duchy. I wish to have a personal conversation with Lady Rosie."

"Why?" Aurinda questioned, a hint of impatience in her voice. "We don't need her permission, we—""The four great families have recognized her authority even in the Duke's absence. You understand the weight of that, do you not?" Marlin interrupted, his voice tinged with seriousness. The fact that the pillars of Wugari acknowledged Rosie's power was not a trivial matter. It meant that they would heed her words without question, even if it meant... the destruction of their own kingdom.

Aurinda's eyes widened with a potent mix of realization and apprehension. The weight of their decisions settled heavily upon her as she comprehended the potentially far-reaching consequences.

Her desire for a child had the potential to upset the balance of their Kingdom.

A solemn atmosphere surrounded them as they thought about Duke Rothley and his four great pillars.. The pillars held immense power and were pivotal in maintaining stability within the realm.

"Then I shall personally speak with her," Aurinda declared, her voice laced with determination.

As a woman, she believed Rosie would empathize with her predicament, and she hoped that forgiveness had found its place within Rosie's heart, despite the sins Aurinda had committed in the past.

Before long, Rosie arrived, accompanied by Denys, the current steward overseeing the estate. Aurinda welcomed them into the lush confines of the greenhouse, a place where she had previously showered Rosie with her favorite delicacies.

Rosie regarded the spread of delectable food with a hint of caution before her gaze met Aurinda's, an understanding passing between them. "Your Majesty," she began, her tone tinged with a hint of reservation, "You do comprehend why I am hesitant to consume anything you offer, don't you?"

Aurinda's heart sank as she acknowledged the ramifications of her previous actions. She had violated Rosie's trust and understood the lingering doubts it had cast upon their relationship. Seeking to amend her past mistakes, she spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

"Lady Rosie, I understand the weight of my past transgressions, and I regret the pain I have caused you," Aurinda confessed, her voice laced with genuine remorse. "I do not expect your forgiveness readily, but I implore you to hear me out."

Rosalind's smile remained fixed, masking the intrigue that coursed through her veins as she settled into the chair opposite the Queens. Her eyes locked with Aurinda's, waiting for an explanation of the purpose of this unexpected meeting.

"Why, may I ask, did you invite me here today?" Rosalind's tone carried a touch of coolness, her directness revealing her astute nature.

Aurinda, appreciating Rosalind's forthrightness, returned the smile. "Straight to the point," she mused, before sighing softly. "I requested this meeting because I pleaded with my husband to allow Lady Dorothy Lux and her father to stay within our borders."

Rosalind raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. She had anticipated that the King and Queen would grant accommodation to Dorothy and her father, for they are considered one of the seven great families, but she had not expected the Queen's personal invitation. The situation now demanded her full attention. There had to be more to this story, a hidden motive behind the Queen's actions.

The sudden request could be linked to Lucas, but why would the King and Queen of a Kingdom seek Lucas's permission for anything? Lucas was simply a Duke. He is not a member of the Royal Family.

Rosalind's response came with a sense of resignation and deference. "Your Majesty, I see no reason to stand in your way," she acknowledged her limited authority to impede the decisions of the King and Queen.

The Queen, however, persisted, her voice tinged with a note of longing. "Are you truly uninterested in understanding the motivations behind my actions?" she queried, her words carrying a glimmer of vulnerability.

Rosalind wanted to tell her that she had no interest in the Queen's reasoning, but before she could say a word, the Queen added. "I yearn for a child. While it might not be possible, I am hoping that Lady Dorothy could lend me a hand."

"You think she could heal you?"

"I heard what happened in the mansion and I receive news about her capability to heal. I — While I have not seen it in my own eyes. I wanted to take a chance. I wanted to ask her to help me out."

Rosalind frowned. She did not know what to say. While she understood the Queen's longing for a child, she also knew what kind of person Dorothy is.

Before Rosalind could gather her thoughts and respond, a servant discreetly approached, whispering into the Queen's ear. Aurinda's face lit up with unexpected delight, a glimmer of anticipation shining in her eyes. "I did not anticipate her arrival at this very moment," she exclaimed, her gaze shifting to Rosalind. "Lady Rosie, would you mind if I extend an invitation to Lady Dorothy to join us here?"

Caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, Rosalind's mind raced to comprehend the unfolding circumstances. Was this a mere coincidence or a carefully orchestrated plan?

Uncertainty clouded her thoughts, but she knew she had little choice but to accept the Queen's request gracefully. With a forced smile, she replied, "Of course, Your Majesty. I welcome Lady Dorothy's presence."

Without hesitation, the Queen signaled to the servant, instructing them to bring Dorothy into the greenhouse. Anticipation filled the air, mingling with Rosalind's apprehension as she awaited the arrival of her very own sister.

Moments later, the door swung open, revealing a woman adorned in a flowing, pale blue gown. Her entrance exuded elegance, and a gentle smile played upon her lips, radiating an aura of warmth and kindness.

Dorothy, with her divine appearance, commanded attention as soon as she entered the greenhouse. Her light blond hair cascaded in gentle waves, framing her delicate features and adding to her ethereal allure. Her jade-like skin glowed with an otherworldly radiance, accentuating her mysterious and enchanting presence.

However, beneath her captivating exterior, Rosalind could sense an undercurrent of darkness that sent a shiver down her spine. It was an oppressive aura that reminded her of the demons that they saw on that island.

"This lowly one greets the Queen of Wugari, Her Majesty Aurinda," Dorothy offered a falsely respectful curtsy, her voice laced with a deceptive sweetness.

Aurinda, displaying her warmth and approachability, dismissed the formalities with a wave of her hand. "Please, let us set aside etiquette for now and take a seat. Although I believe you two have already been introduced, allow me to once again present the Duchess of Wugari, Lady Rosie."

Dorothy's warm smile radiated as she bowed in acknowledgment of Rosalind. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Rosie," she greeted cordially, her tone carrying a genuine sense of connection.

"Please, Lady Dorothy, make yourself comfortable," Aurinda gestured to the seats. "And do not hesitate to inform me if there is anything else we can do to accommodate you during your stay."

With a gracious nod, Dorothy settled herself gracefully beside Rosalind, her presence exuding serene confidence. "There is no need for such trivialities, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of tranquility and a hint of a seemingly innocent smile. "I came here today to express my gratitude for the generous hospitality extended to us. I had no idea that Her Majesty was already entertaining another guest."

Dorothy turned her gaze towards Rosalind, a hint of malice flickering in her eyes. "I can only hope that my request does not offend you, Lady Rosie," she said, her voice dripping with insincerity.

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My goal Is to release a chapter of Rosie's Games everyday for the whole month!. :)