Preface:

Rosette of Catalonia, Queen of Mercia, sat before the fire in her sitting room with tears rolling down her cheeks. The previous evening replayed on her mind.

Edmund, her husband of nearly twenty-four years and the only man she had ever loved, told her their marriage was at an end.

No…

He said that their marriage was an unlawful abomination before God. Since she had, had previously been married to his brother, James, and therefore never was. He turned his back on her and walked out the door. She stared at the door in shock. She could not believe such words could over his lips. They had fought for so long and so hard to be together. They suffered through several years of uncertainty, heartbreak and broken dreams. Rosette crumbled to the floor, sobbing into the carpet. Lady Elizabeth, her lady-in-waiting, tied to pull the Queen off the floor. After several minutes of begging and pleading, Lady Elizabeth was finally able to get her mistress to her feet. They shakily walked to the Queen's bedchamber. Rosette collapsed into her pillow and cried more. Lady Elizabeth sat with the Queen until she fell asleep.

Rosette knew Edmund was unhappy with her. She had failed. She had bore many children in her life. Sadly, just one remained living, not the son the King desperately sought, a beautiful daughter. He was convinced only a male heir would secure his legacy and the Dynasty. Rosette had not failed her beloved, she had failed the kingdom, her family and her country. The alliance with Alcantara depended on the success of her marriage and the production of an heir. Everything she was raised for was crumbling around her. Edmund blamed her for not giving him a son. She remembered every loss, she still felt the pain of the miscarriages, the still and the sweet eyes of those who drew breath but still did not survive. Rosette wished she could go back and save at least one. If she could just have one son, Edmund would return to her side. The love once they shared would not be lost.

The Queen stared into flames wondering, "What could I have done differently? How can I mend my marriage? Can it be mended? Is there still in his heart for me? Will he truly cast me aside? Am I doomed to pass into obscurity? What of Bethany? Will he leave her out in the cold as well? Has God forsaken us? Is there anyone out there who may help us?" "Who can save us?"

These questions spun around in her mind. She was lost. The Queen did not know what to do or what to say.

The day wore on. Her ladies were growing increasingly worried. They offered the Queen wine and food but she would not even speak. As the evening approached, Lady Elizabeth tried one more time, "Your majesty?" she questioned. "What is it, Lady Elizabeth?" Rosette responded. "Will you, please, take your evening meal?" the Lady begged. "I have no appetite." Rosette lamented, "I believe I will take to my bed." she added and headed for her bedchambers. Ignoring the protests of her ladies.

The next morning the Queen did not emerge from her bedchamber. Her ladies waited but there were no signs of life. They grew more and more concerned. They wondered if they should send for a doctor. Around midday Lady Elizabeth knocked on the bedchamber door, "Your Majesty, are you unwell?" she asked. Queen Rosette refused to respond and would not come out. Lady Lucilla was afraid they may lose their Queen and decided to summon the King. By evening the Queen remained sequestered and the King had not come to see her. They knew not what could be done. Was there no one who could save the Queen and the Kingdom? They wondered.

It was on the third day around midday, when a ray of hope crept into the Queen's apartments. The King sent a message for the Queen.

Queen Rosette,

I am writing to inform you of a new appointment to your household. She will be arriving this evening. I expect you to greet her and treat her with the utmost respect. She will be very apprehensive,please, ease her mind and make her feel welcome.

Sincerely,

Edmund IV, King of Mercia and Menapii

Rosette was angry; angry that he would appoint a new lady to her household without consulting her. She wondered if he had tired of Josephina and found another. Was this new lady a conquest he wanted to keep close? In her mind, she decided to go along. If she could help it, the girl would not stay long. Reluctantly, the Queen allowed her ladies to dress her. She instructed them to dress her in her finest. Rosette decided to show she was STILL the Queen. In her sitting room she awaited the arrival of her new Lady-in-waiting.