The Enchanted Rose (17 page)

“I’m sure you never intended for that to happen. But it did. Now you had a problem. You nor

Roselyn have magic.”

Everything is beginning to make sense. It’s why Chavez could open the doors when I could not. But how could she steal Madrid’s magic? I reach up and grasp the ear cuff. The piece of jewelry Mother always told me never to remove. 

“So you stole your true daughter’s powers. It would fix everything. You would have magic, and Roselyn would have magic, just like all the other royals. And Madrid, a servant, would not appear to have powers. It was the perfect plan.” 

“It was, until she grew weak. Her magic wasn’t enough anymore,” Jossa spits. 

“That’s why we were never to remove our ear cuffs, isn’t it?” I launch the little piece of metal at her, not caring where it ends up. She yelps as it hits her arm, bouncing off and rolling out of sight. 

Madrid removes hers as well, though she doesn’t throw it at Jossa. 

“Of course that’s why I demanded you always wear them. You were too stupid to realize they had meaning. You just fell for the excuse that they were a bond of friendship between you and your maid. Which, I suppose, in a way they were.” Jossa’s eyes gleam. She is so proud of herself. “Then when I realized it was no longer properly working, I removed mine.” 

“Yours?” I ask, astounded that she still feels like she has the right to gloat. 

“Of course. There were always three pieces, dear. Two crowns, and the gold band separating them.”  I shake my head, sickened with this news. All this time, I was just a puppet for this woman. 

“Indeed. Which is why you went to the Oracle and begged for more. She said no, which angered you. So you stole it, and in the process, set off a storm that would wipe away all magic. You didn’t mean for that to happen, but it helped you figure out what to do. If no one had magic, no one would suspect a thing when you couldn’t use yours either.”

“I deserve to be queen. I deserve to rule. This nitwit does nothing but moan and whine. He is hardly a king as it is. As for marrying Roselyn off, I just wanted her to be happy. This wedding is the king’s fault. Not mine.” She sneers. 

“You murdered the Oracle. You set off a storm that wiped away all magic. You killed the only people who knew your secret.” My heart aches. The farmers . . . They were my parents, after all. “This is why you interrogated Madrid. You needed to make sure she didn’t remember anything. You’ve been wiping her memories, haven’t you?” 

“She was a baby, but I couldn’t risk even the smallest of things coming to her. So of course I had to make sure she didn’t remember anything.”

“This is all true, Jossa?” The king turns to her now. 

“Everything I’ve done was for the betterment of the kingdom while you wallowed.” 

“You are to be stripped of your title immediately,” he says, anger filling him. I’ve never seen him show this much emotion all at once. 

“No, I won’t.” Jossa raises her hand as if to strike the king. A ball of magic appears in her palm. It must be the magic she stole. I try to stop her, but remember that my powers were stolen. 

Madrid screams. “No!” She throws her ball of magic at Jossa, who shrieks at the attack. People begin to scatter as the two women face each other. 

“You. I knew I should have gotten rid of you the moment you were born. You have been nothing but a nuisance!” Jossa shrieks before going to attack Madrid. Madrid defends herself, but under the attack, she can’t do more than create a shield. 

“Enough!” the king yells, his voice reverberating throughout the room. “Guards, take this woman to the dungeon.” He looks at the two men at the doors. They begin to approach just as Jossa becomes hysterical.

“No! I am the queen of Tivor! I will not tolerate this! I am not going to the dungeon!” She flings herself at the king, but before she can reach him, he has magic in either hand, shielding himself. 

I spin around, pulling the sword from one of the soldier's scabbards. Swinging it around, I bring it against Jossa’s throat. “Stop!” I yell. 

The room freezes as everyone assesses the situation. “I will not be brought down by you, of all people,” she hisses, gathering more magic in her hand.

“And once upon a time, I thought I knew you,” the king says, pity in his voice. In one single movement, he grabs his sword and plunges it into the queen’s chest. 

A look of pure shock fills her eyes before her now-lifeless body falls to the floor. I step back, just as shocked. The sword falls from my limp fingers. Osric wraps his arms around me and holds me.

The guests have all been given a place to sleep for the night somewhere in the castle. All but one. I haven’t left Roselyn’s side since the incident in the great hall. She leans into me and lets me hold her, for which I am grateful, considering I never thought I would see her again.

When we are called into the king’s study, I fear the worst. I can’t calm my nerves as I wait for him to speak, for him to tell me to stay away from Roselyn. I have to keep reminding myself that he no longer has power over her. 

Madrid sits in the chair beside us, and Chavez sits beside her. And while they aren’t holding on to one another like a lifeline, they are holding hands.

Roselyn filled me in on how they feel about one another, and I can’t help but smile as I think of the way things played out, how all along, the woman I wanted to be with had the freedom to be with me. We just didn’t know it. 

I think of the life she would have had if Jossa hadn’t interfered. Would we have ever met? Despite the heartache she caused, I can’t actually hate Jossa. In the end, she brought me and Roselyn together.

“Thank you for waiting.” The king enters the room and takes his seat behind the desk. “I have asked around, but no one knows anything. It appears Jossa eliminated the only witnesses. I suppose that is proof enough. For what she did, Roselyn, my sincerest apologies.” 

Rose nods, biting her lower lip while trying to hold back tears. I place a kiss on her forehead that makes her smile. 

“Prince Osric, I must apologize to you as well. I have hated your mother for too long for something that was ultimately not her fault, yet I placed the blame with her to ease my pain. She came to me and my twin brother and asked for help in defeating the princess witch. Baccio willingly agreed to help, yet I was hesitant. Because he wanted to fight, he was killed. All this time, I’ve blamed Queen Shanice, and I realize it was never her fault, just as the magic storm was not your fault, yet it was you who went to fix it. So please, forgive me.” He stands and bows before me. 

All this time, Jossa was telling the truth. She didn’t care who Roselyn married so long as she left the castle. All this time, we were kept apart because the king held a grudge. “All is forgiven. And . . . Your Majesty?” 

“Yes?” 

“I am sorry for your loss. Both twenty years ago and today.” I bow my head to him, not willing to move from Roselyn’s embrace. 

“Thank you. Today I lost my wife, it is true. But I should never have fallen for her lies, and that is what I regret most. I also regret not getting to know my daughter. Roselyn, I am sorry that I was not a father to you. Madrid, I am sorry that Jossa was able to trick us all, and that I was not a father to you either. But I would like to be there now, for both of you, if will allow me.”

“But I’m not your daughter, Your Majesty.” Roselyn sits up now, paying full attention to the conversation. 

“Not by birth, true. But you have lived in my castle all your life. You have lived the life of a princess. The kingdom recognizes you as my daughter, and I could not be happier to keep you as part of the family. Besides, I am sure Madrid would like a sister.”  “Very much!” Madrid looks to Roselyn and then to the king. 

“As would I.” Roselyn smiles. 

“Then it is settled. Tomorrow, we will have a ball in honor of you both. And you will both be rightfully crowned as princesses of Tivor.” 

“Thank you,” they say together. We all laugh. 

“Your Majesty,” Prince Chavez speaks for the first time. “I would like permission to court your daughter.” 

“Have you not been listening? I now have two.”  Roselyn bursts into giggles, and the king smiles. 

“Princess Madrid, sir.” Chavez blushes. 

“Permission granted. As long as that is what she wants.” 

“It is.” Madrid smiles. And at that moment, all seems well in the world. 

“I do have an announcement.” I remember the fairy godmothers. 

“Go on.” The king sits forward. 

“Gwydion has taken over Selma’s position as Oracle and magic keeper of Avonathia. He has also implemented a new safeguard to ensure that when royalty marries a commoner, or in Roselyn’s case, she is royalty without magic, we do not have the consequences we faced with Jossa. One fairy has been sent to guard each kingdom. They have the power to give magic to those who need it, such as Roselyn will.

They will be known as fairy godmothers.”

I lean my head on Osric’s shoulder as we walk the corridor, grateful we finally have a moment alone. “I love you,” I say because I can. It’s exhilarating, being with him out in the open. No more hiding, no more lying or sneaking. 

“I love you too.” He kisses my forehead. 

Goose bumps cover my arms, a shiver running up my spine. We always dreamed of the day we could freely show our love for one another. I never expected it to be so sweet. 

“Come on. I want to see something.” I release my hold around his waist and reach down, grabbing his hand. I turn so I’m standing in front of him, just so I can see him. It’s like a dream, and I’m afraid to wake up. I laugh and take off running, still holding his hand.  “Where are we going?” He laughs, keeping up with me. 

“To gather flowers—well, at least one, anyway.” Happiness overtakes me, causing everything I say to come out with bubbles of laughter and giddiness. 

“Oh?” he asks, but I don’t bother to answer. 

Instead, I continue until we’ve reached my room. I stop and let go of Osric’s hand long enough to push the doors open. Then I snatch his hand up again and go straight to the window. I stop in front of the table. There, lying on it, is the rose. The petals that darkened, turning a ghastly red, and almost ruining my chance of being with Osric, are now back to pure white. 

I pick up the rose, examining every petal, every bit of it. It has healed. I look at Osric, holding the rose close to me. “What should we do with it?” 

“I say we keep it. Show it as proof that love is stronger than magic.” He wraps his fingers around my hand that’s still holding the rose. 

“I love that idea.  But how? In what way could we best display it?”

“Let’s have it made into a necklace, something you can keep close to your heart. That way, you’ll never have to doubt how much I love you.” He leans closer, pushing the rose from between us. 

“You’re just full of good ideas today.” I moisten my lips. 

“Thank you.” He presses his lips to mine, his arms wrapping around me. And for the first time, I’m finally home in every way. 

Giggling, I step back and intertwine my fingers with his. “Let’s get this to the metalsmith. I’m eager to have it back.” 

Osric walks beside me, hand in hand, in no real rush at all. We walk through the corridors, smiles plastered on our faces, not a care in the world. I bask in the sunlight once we get outside. 

I had almost forgotten what sunlight felt like. A crazy idea, thinking the storm really only lasted a matter of days when, in fact, it felt like years. Maybe it was the stress and worry of not being with Osric for so long that made it feel that way, or just how awful the storm was, but I’m happy to finally be free from it. 

I look at Osric, noting that he doesn’t look nearly as happy as I feel. “What are you thinking?” 

“It’s just crazy how all this happened. We spent so much time worrying about not being together. We almost lost it all, but because of a stranger, his fairies, and a flower, we’re here together, having our happy ending after all. It just feels . . .” He pauses. 

“Unreal? Like a dream?” I laugh, realizing that is how it feels to me. 

“Exactly. And any moment now, I expect to wake up and find that this isn’t real. That you’re not actually here with me at all. We’re not on our way to get this rose set in metal, preserved for all of time and eternity.” He looks down at the rose in my hand.

“But the best part is that it
is
real. We’re here together, and nothing will break us apart. Do you know what we’ve done?” My smile widens, though I didn’t know it was possible. 

“What?” He raises an eyebrow, slightly confused, according to the expression on his face. 

“We’ve proven that love is the most powerful magic there is. We have shown the world that no matter what comes our way, our love is stronger. We’re unbreakable, untouchable.” I release his hand and wrap my arm around his, snuggling my head against his shoulder. 

He unwraps his arm from mine and instead wraps it around me, holding me close. “You’re right in every way.” He kisses the top of my head. 

Content, I look around us, noticing the people putting their lives back together now that the storm is over. Buildings being repaired, gardens being grown, children laughing and playing in the streets again. 

“Can we visit a friend before continuing to the metalsmith’s shop?” I stand up straight and look around, noticing one particular shop still not in use. 

“Whatever you wish, my love.” He smiles at me. 

“Thank you.” I lean in for a quick kiss and then dash off toward Nadi’s house. No children run around the house or in the woods behind it. I knock softly on the door. I can hear voices inside. 

“Good afternoon, Your Highness.” Harold bows. 

I am shocked to see him walking and answering the door. “You’re better!” I beam, happy to see that he is well, that despite Jossa’s blackened heart, the physician did as I asked and continued to help Nadi’s husband. 

“All thanks to you, Princess. If not for your help, I fear I would not have survived at all. So, thank you. If ever I can repay you, please just say the word.” He takes my hand in his and kisses my knuckles. 

“It was my pleasure. The king and queen should never have allowed you to fall so ill without helping. Nadi is the best seamstress there is. I don’t know how I could possibly wear clothes made by anyone else. You and your family will be taken care of from now on. Anything you need, just ask.” 

Tears form in his eyes. He opens his mouth to speak, but no sound comes out. I just smile, understanding his joy. Nadi appears behind him, all smiles. “Princess!” She pushes past her husband and throws her arms around me. I return her embrace. 

“Thank you so much! I don’t know how to repay you. Truly, you have done so much for me and my family. How can I return the kindness?” She steps back, wiping away the tears streaming down her cheeks. 

“Well, allow me to show you.” I grab one of Harold’s hands and one of Nadi’s and begin marching toward the market. I stop in front of the abandoned dressmaker’s shop. 

“Please pardon my confusion, but what would you like us to do?” Nadi drops my hand and stands in front of me, looking befuddled. 

“I would like you to reopen it, and promise me that it will never close again. That you will run it and continue making the finest clothing in all the land. And if anyone tries to tell you that you can’t be here for any reason, you send them directly to me. Do we have a deal?” 

Nadi sniffles, wiping at her face with her apron. “Thank you, Princess Roselyn. Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.” I smile. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with the love of my life.” I look behind me to where Osric is waiting patiently, grinning and taking in the moment. 

“Of course. Go!” Nadi laughs. Just as I am turning, I see Harold hugging and kissing her. It makes me giddy. 

“Thank you!” I say to Osric.

“Anything for you.” He puts his arm around me, his fingers curled around my waist. We continue toward the metalsmith’s shop. 

A young man stands just outside, repairing the frame around the door. He looks our way before continuing his work. Suddenly, he looks back and sets down his tools. “Your Highnesses.” He bows.

“Please, that is not necessary. We’re just looking for the metalsmith. Is he here?” Osric asks. 

“Of course. One moment, please.” He runs inside the building. “Temujin, Princess Roselyn and Prince Osric are here for you!” he shouts, which makes me laugh.

A large man, standing at least a head and a half taller than Osric, his dark skin glistening with sweat, appears in the doorway. “How can I be of service, Your Highnesses?” He too bows. 

“We are hoping you can take this rose and coat it in metal, and then turn it into a pendant.” I offer him the rose. “It is very dear to us, so we are hoping you can be careful with it.” 

He plucks it from my hands and examines it. “I would be honored to take this job. Please allow me a few days to get my shop up and running again, and I will get it back to you as soon as I can.” 

“Of course.” I curtsy. “Thank you.” 

“It is my pleasure, Princess.” He bows once again. 

With nothing left to say, Osric and I walk back through the market and into the castle. I open my mouth, about to ask him what he would like to do, when I hear my voice being called. 

I turn around and find Madrid running toward me. She stops and takes my hand in hers. “Father would like to see us.” She smiles wide, the happiness reaching her eyes. 

“Of course.” I turn to Osric. “I’ll be right back.” I kiss his cheek and allow Madrid to pull me after her. 

“What’s the rush, sister?” I try to think of the possibilities—what could the king want with us? But my thoughts are too scattered, my heart so light, happiness running through me, filling me with a warmth I didn’t know was missing. 

“He was eager to speak with us, though I do not know about what. All I know is that I finally have a father, and now . . .” She pauses, slowing down until she has stopped walking altogether and is now facing me. “You’re my sister, and though serving you has been one of the only sources of joy in my life, I can’t say I am sad to see that part of my life come to an end.” Her grin reaches from ear to ear. 

I am overjoyed for her, and for me. We’re sisters, best friends, and finally Madrid is getting the happiness she deserves. But her mention of having a father causes me to frown ever so slightly. I don’t mean to—it is not the thought I wish to dwell on. 

But flashes of seeing my real father being killed right before me play out in my head, and all over again, I wonder what life would be like if I had gotten to meet him. And my mother. Diego and Brenna, two names attached to two people I don’t know. Yet, I should have known them as Mother and Father.  “I’m so sorry, Rose. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. I know the turn of events wasn’t in your favor, and for that, I am terribly sorry.” Madrid rests her hand on my shoulder, a frown on her face. 

“It’s not your fault. And I did not wish to diminish your happiness with thoughts of my birthparents. I just can’t help but wonder how my life would have been if Jossa had never switched our places. What if you grew up a princess, and I grew up a farm girl?” 

“I imagine that I would have wished I wasn’t a princess, and you might have wished you weren’t a farm girl. And somehow we would meet, and maybe even switch places just to get what we both wanted. My point is, despite all the bad, maybe things worked out this way for a reason. All my life, I wished I knew who I was. I wanted to know why my parents left me in a castle just to take care of royalty. And now I know, and it’s almost as if I wish I didn’t. At least, not knowing the truth, I could pretend that my parents were heroes and they didn’t have a choice but to leave me behind. If I had to guess, your parents were wonderful people, and they would give anything to have you back.” 

“If that were true, why didn’t they ever visit? Even if they couldn’t tell me the truth, why not come here to see if I was all right? And for that matter, why ever give me up?” I ask, not expecting Madrid to have the answers, only wanting to open up to the one person I had been able to trust all my life.

“You believe they willingly gave you to Jossa, but perhaps she gave them no choice. She was stealing my magic. She could easily have enchanted them, made sure they could never come to Tivor because she couldn’t risk the truth getting out. And if they did willingly hand you over to the queen, perhaps they believed that it was your best chance at life.” 

“One day, you are going to make a wonderful queen, Madrid. You are wise and kind and caring and understanding. And you have opened my eyes. Perhaps I was too quick to judge them. One thing I know for certain—I do wish I could have met them.” 

Madrid pulls me into a hug. “I wish you could have too.” Leaning back, she grasps my hand again. “I know it wasn’t your fault in any way that you didn’t get the chance to meet them, but right now, you can make sure you never miss an opportunity like that again. The king has extended his hand to both of us. You can continue loving the father you’ve always known. And I can finally have a father at all.” She grins again. 

I crack a smile, unable to stay sad when Madrid was so excited. “You’re right. So let’s go see what he wishes to discuss with us!”