princess Rosanna 10

    Rosanna's stomach growled and woke her up; informing her that morning had come. She did not know if anyone had discovered what had happened. At every moment she feared that Derrick would be on his way.

 Though the silence was deafening, her growling stomach and the mice were somewhat of a comfort to her.

She watched as the dark figure of a mouse scampered across her boot , it than ran close to the door and suddenly jumped out of the way as  the dungeon door creaked open.

Rosanna felt a twinge of hope that Amelia may be back but that hope was soon crushed as she saw her captures face lit up by the torch in his hand.

“Good afternoon, Princess, I do not have time to waste so hurry up.”

Rosanna hurried to obey, anything to keep his mind off of Amelia.

Derrick smiled with pleasure at her obedience and put a hand to her cheek.

“Have a little changed of mind my Princess.”

Rosanna's stomach churned at the thought of his directness but she only followed in silence as he proceeded down the long passage way.

“You were not so ignorant as to think that I would not notice the absence of my sister and that revolting guard now did you?”

Rosanna continued to walk but her hands began to shake.

Derrick turned to look at her and smiled.

“No matter, they can do nothing after the wedding, which is why I have decided to have it early.”

The news was shocking and devastating. Would there be enough time for Amelia and Sir Wright to get back with the expected help? Rosanna was afraid that it would not be.

“I know it is a bit sudden but I feel that it would be best.”

Derrick seemed to look at her for some kind of approval but seeing none he began walking again. He held on to her arm forcing her to follow.

Rosanna tried to think of anything that would change his mind about moving the wedding to an earlier time but nothing came to mind.

~chapter five

a wedding of doom~

Rosanna was now beginning to recognize her surroundings; they were at her chamber. Men were not allowed into her private quarters; and she hoped that Derrick would have the courtesy to follow that one rule.

To her relief he only opened the door to allow her space to enter than he left.

Several maidens were standing in the room; they looked as if they had been expecting Rosanna. As the princess's eyes surveyed her chamber she saw a beautiful white gown laid carefully over the bed. It was quite obvious that the maidens were there in order to ready her for the wedding.

Rosanna knew that she must make enough time for Amelia and Sir Wright to get back but she was not sure how.

As the maidens busily swooshed about her, pinning the dress to her frame Rosanna discovered something she could do. She would be the most impossible bride that ever had lived.

It took some time for the dress to be finished. When the maidens had completed their project they allowed Rosanna to look at herself in the large looking glass.

Rosanna had to force a smile from coming on her face because she did look like the perfect bride but she was not interested in looks on this particular day. She did not even want to get married.

Rosanna made a most displeasing expression and focused her attention the head maiden.

“I did not order this gown.”

Her voice sounded whiny.

The head maiden blushed slightly then with her head ducked she replied.

“No, your ladyship, the queen herself ordered it for you, you fit it so perfectly.”

All of the maidens agreed. Rosanna mentally agreed also but at this time she had more important matters to attend to.

“It will never do! I wish my wedding gown to be perfect.”

Rosanna suddenly felt like a spectacle as the maidens stared at her with surprise and irritation.

“This is the most expensive dress I have ever made, your ladyship.”

The head maiden said with hurt thick in her voice.

Rosanna felt guilty for criticizing the maiden's work but she had to stall.

Now was the time for her plan. She had spotted a tea tray on a nearby table. Rosanna walked over to it and one of the maidens poured her a cup. Rosanna raised the glass to her lips but purposefully loosened her finger and let the hot tea spill on the bottom half of the wedding gown.

“Oh, your ladyship! What have you done?”

The maids began dabbing at the stain which only made it worse. Rosanna watched as the head maiden stormed out of the room. “Job well done”, Rosanna thought to herself. Now they will have to take time to get a new gown.

Just as she had finished congratulating herself, the head maiden came back in carrying a white gown much the same to the one that Rosanna had on.

Rosanna frowned deeply; she had only slowed progress for a couple minutes. Not long after, the tea stained dress was on the floor and the new one was fitted on.

“Good thing I had a backup dress, your ladyship, else I don't know where we would be.”

The head maiden smiled with pride that she had thought to be so prepared.

Rosanna grabbed for another cup of tea but the head maiden hurried to set it safely back on the table.

“Wouldn't want another accident to happen.”

She said humbly.

Rosanna felt much defeated, she could think of nothing more to do.

It did not take long for everything to be finished; down to the last curl she was ready. The maidens all looked on her with approval.

The head maiden then hurried all of the others out of the room and she followed but not before grabbing the tea tray.

 Rosanna though that maybe she could escape again but all hope was lost when there was a knock on her door.

There was no one but her to open it so she peeked through a little space.

“Father!”

She was surprised to see her father. His pail face indicated the sickness he had been fighting.

“I thought you were ill.”

The king turned and bent is arm for Rosanna to place her hand in the crook.

“Father, please listen to me. I can't do this.”

Her father frowned and turned to look at his daughter.

“Plans have been made. My illness has taught me that I am getting old and I need to relinquish the throne.”

Rosanna put her hand on his arm and pleaded.

“Father, Derrick was harming you. You do not know the whole story.”

The king looked deeply into his daughter's eyes.

“How dare you speak of your future husband in such a manner.”

Then he grabbed her hand, placed it on his arm, and began walking toward the awaiting wedding.

When they reached the ball room the king signaled one of the officers, most likely so that he could inform those inside of the bride’s arrival.

“Father, please!”

She was almost to the point of tears but when she saw the anger in her father's eyes she forced herself not to cry.

Then the music began to play and two ushers opened the doors.

The room was overflowing with people who had been ordered to remain completely silent until the end of the ceremony.

Derrick was in the front, he did look stunning but his dark eyes, glowing with triumph, revealed to Rosanna that he was still the same wicked King she had come to know.

Rosanna could not hide her true feelings. She looked frightened and her face was pale. It did not take long for the guests to notice and a whisper began moving around the large room.

Rosanna was stricken with her coming doom.

King Charles placed his daughter's hand into Derrick’s and took his seat. Rosanna noticed little of anything but she was puzzled that she did not see her mother anywhere. If father was well how could it be that her mother was not also present?

Derrick squeezed her hand to get her attention as the vows were begun. The words seemed to be all mumbled together with the soft organ music. When the next words were said, Rosanna told herself it was all a nightmare.

“If there is anyone present who feels that these two should not be joined together speaks now or forever hold your peace.”

Silence was the only answer.

  © Copyright by Valencia Shove 2012