Rosie's Games

"That—" Dorothy's face flushed crimson, her voice quivering with suppressed anger.

"Your grace, I believe it is inappropriate to discuss such matters. The estate has only just recovered, and everyone is in high spirits," the Queen interjected, her tone attempting to defuse the tension that had enveloped the room.

"As long as her majesty understands that I did not intend to offend. I was merely concerned for her well-being," Rosalind replied, her words dripping with false amiability. Both the Queen and Dorothy saw through her facade, sensing the underlying meaning behind her words.

How had they missed it? It was clear that Rosalind had come here with the sole purpose of provoking them. But could they do anything about it? Unfortunately, the answer was no.

"In fact, I came here to apologize to her majesty for not being able to answer her summons. Magda, the gifts..." Rosalind motioned for her servant, Magda, to step forward. Magda promptly presented a velvet box to the Queen's servant, who then handed it over to the Queen.

"This is something my husband, the Duke, discovered in the treacherous depths of the north—a relic. While it does not possess any healing properties, it can be transformed into a formidable weapon. Its hardness allows it to be crafted into a dagger. I believe it would serve as a valuable secret weapon," Rosalind explained casually as she sipped her tea.

The Queen opened the velvet box, momentarily blinded by the radiant red stone that lay within.

"Once set ablaze, the stone changes color from red to black," Rosalind added.

"It is indeed a splendid gift," the Queen said, closing the box and handing it back to her servant, silently instructing them to handle it with care. "Thank you."

"I am merely sharing what the Duke discovered in those perilous lands," Rosalind replied. Her words may have sounded innocent, but the Queen perceived them as nothing more than a boast about the Duke's strength.

How could someone simply stumble upon a relic in the north? The Queen knew that the Duke must have confronted something immensely powerful to obtain such a treasure. Clearly, Rosalind was trying to show off.

"That relic is truly exquisite, your grace," Dorothy interjected, a smile playing on her lips. Taking a sip of her tea, she continued, "I heard that it was your Grace's birthday a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the celebration had to be canceled due to a sudden illness. I can only hope that your grace would accept a humble gift from someone as lowly as myself."

Dorothy reached out, presenting a small velvet box to Rosalind. "It is something that can only be found within the Lux Family's treasury—a possession my grandfather acquired long ago."

Rosalind raised an eyebrow as she opened the box. The sight of the simple bracelet nestled inside immediately triggered memories from her past.

"This bracelet..." Rosalind narrowed her eyes at the assorted colored stones adorning it. "It's beautiful." A distant recollection flooded her mind. In her previous life and this one, Rosalind had always coveted a simple bracelet stored within the Lux Family's treasury—a bracelet adorned with stones reminiscent of the night sky.

She had expressed her desire for it during her childhood visit to the treasury with Martin Lux. However, Martin had forbidden her from even touching it, and Victoria, her stepmother, had callously reminded her that it was not meant for an illegitimate child like herself. Rosalind had cried herself to sleep that night.

"It is known as the Tears of Rainbow," Dorothy smiled, her voice carrying a hint of mischief. "Because of its array of colors."

Rosalind nodded, fully comprehending the implications of the gift. Dorothy had long been aware of her true identity.

"Thank you, Lady Dorothy," Rosalind spoke, her voice laced with gratitude. "It is an exquisite gift." She handed the bracelet to Magda and turned her attention back to Dorothy, her innocent demeanor firmly in place. "However, I can't help but worry. I've heard distressing news about the other empires, particularly Aster. I can only hope that everything will be resolved for the best soon."

"Of course," the Queen, oblivious to the underlying significance of the bracelet, smiled warmly. "I have already pledged to send soldiers to Aster to help restore stability. Aster has been a steadfast ally to Wugari, and it is our duty to assist them in times of need."

Rosalind arched an eyebrow at the Queen's words but chose not to press further about Aster. Eventually, the conversation settled down, transitioning to discussions about fashion and trendy colors for the upcoming summer.

With the snow finally melting, many nobles were planning celebratory events, including one created by the Royals themselves.

The event in question was a hunting expedition.

Rosalind had heard about this event in her previous life. The Royals usually organized the hunt when the snow gave way to spring. Prominent nobles and influential families would receive invitations, and the nobleman who successfully captured the largest beast would emerge victorious. However, this particular event differed from previous iterations in other Empires.

First, the nobles were now allowed to bring ten additional individuals to assist them, specifically skilled in combatting beasts. This adjustment was made due to the treacherous nature of the northern wilderness, where the event was to take place. To further intensify the competition, a rule was introduced that permitted nobles to employ warriors unrelated to their families as their representatives.

The inclusion of these rules brought forth a wave of excitement and anticipation among the participants. However, a darker element emerged, casting a shadow of deceit over the proceedings. Nobles were allowed to resort to cunning tactics and set traps for their rivals, creating an environment ripe with opportunities for sabotage. The allure of victory and the desperation to outwit one another would drive some participants to cross ethical boundaries in their pursuit of success.

While this notion of cheating may have been shocking to some, it was regarded as part of the norm in the northern regions, where survival often necessitated resourcefulness and craftiness. The nobles, accustomed to facing formidable beasts in their daily lives, found these rules to be an acceptable part of the challenge, even if it meant resorting to less honorable methods.

Despite the heightened drama and intrigue, the prospect of the Hunting Event lost its appeal for many nobles. The combination of the elevated risks, the potential for treachery, and the dwindling trust among participants led to a diminished turnout. Only a select few, driven by ambition and an insatiable hunger for glory, remained determined to partake in the dangerous hunt.

"The purpose of this Hunting Event," the Queen proclaimed, her words carrying a mix of urgency and enthusiasm, "is to eradicate the menacing beasts that roam between the Kingdoms of Wugari and Lonyth. To ensure a united effort, we have extended invitations to the Seven Empires, and I am pleased to let the Duchess know that five of them have already confirmed their participation in this year's hunt!"

"What about the prizes?" Rosalind couldn't help but inquire, her curiosity piqued. These noble families already held themselves in high regard, and in the past, they rarely sent representatives to join the hunt. So why had they suddenly changed their minds?

The Queen's expression took on a mischievous glint as she responded, "Oh, the prizes... They are something truly extraordinary. However, I'm afraid the King has insisted on keeping them a secret until the hunt itself. I hope Your Grace understands."

Rosalind nodded, deciding not to press further. The anticipation only added to the suspense surrounding the grand event.

Seizing the opportunity to shift the conversation, Dorothy interjected, "Since Your Grace is already here, we would like to discuss the event that Her Majesty has organized. Originally, it was meant to be a celebration for my birthday, but I proposed that we include yours as well..." Dorothy's smile grew wider. "I can only hope that Your Grace will join us on this joyous occasion."

"A joint birthday celebration?" Rosalind echoed, her interest piqued.

"Yes," Dorothy confirmed. "Although Your Grace may not be aware, I was born two weeks before you. As I remained in the north to assist with various matters, I missed the grand birthday celebration held by the Empire of Aster. So, Her Majesty graciously suggested that we celebrate both our birthdays here. I believe it will be a delightful occasion for us both. What do you think?"

As Rosalind contemplated the joint celebration proposal. The Duke had already warned her that the Queen might have ulterior motives behind the idea. She couldn't dismiss the nagging suspicion that this grand celebration was meant to distract the people from the brewing tensions and dissatisfaction that loomed over the kingdom.

"A celebration amidst all that is happening around us..." Rosalind mused aloud, her voice laden with skepticism. "I fear the people may not respond favorably to such extravagance. Furthermore, I am but an outsider, hailing from the South. I was not born in the north, and given the current climate, I worry that my presence could be misconstrued." Her smile carried a hint of pointed irony, directed at Dorothy.

After all, Dorothy was no native to the north herself, and her contributions to the kingdom were questionable at best.

Rosalind couldn't help but question the audacity of Dorothy's sudden desire to have her birthday celebrated in this Kingdom. It seemed shamelessly self-serving, a transparent attempt to seize attention and validation.