The pair left the apartments and made their way through the castle to the gardens. They found the party in the gardens on the side of the palace in the shade of the oak trees. They approached the King and Queen, Josephina noticed that the King could not take his eyes off Rosette. This upset Josephina knowing that he had never looked at her with that much devotion and love in his eyes. "Your Majesties." Rosalina said as they bowed to the lounging monarchs. The King and Queen looked to the arrivals with smiles. "Lady Josephina, your hair looks very beautiful." Edmund commented. "Thank you, your majesty." she responded. "Lady Rosalina, you did well." The Queen smiled at her niece. "Thank you, your majesty." Rosalina smiled. Josephina went to join the other ladies. Rosette motioned for Rosalina to sit next to her. Rosalina obliged and sat to the side of her aunt. Rosette leaned over and whispered to the young red head, "Are you alright?" she asked. "OF course. Lady Josephina and I had a nice talk." Rosalina replied. "I am not sure that it was a good idea to be alone with a member of that family." Rosette commented. "It is fine, Aunt Rosette. I had to discuss some things with her that I could not with others present. I cannot live my life afraid of them and I do not want them believing that I am. Her and I had an understanding about where I stand and the consequences of their plotting." Rosalina explained. "Rosalina, do not antagonize them and put yourself in undue dangers." Rosette commanded with concern. "Do not worry, I do not intend on antagonizing them or putting myself or anyone in any more danger than what is already present.
I just cannot be afraid to be myself and live as I always have." Rosalina assured. Rosette nodded, still concerned for her niece. From across the lawn Josephina sought reassurance from the man that she loved that plans had not changed. She did not get the answers she sought, the King would not even look in her direction. He continued to look to the Queen as if she was the only woman in the world. The King only looked away from her when a man walked up to him and told him something. What the man said made Edmund smile and then looked back to Rosette who was talking with Lady Rosalina. She really could not understand what had changed. Rosette looked the same as she has since Josephina met her. Josephina waited for a moment and slipped away when she was sure that no one was watching.
Lady Josephina ran through the palace searching for her father. She found him outside the offices of the privy council. "Father, may we speak?" she asked. She pulled her to a corner away from prying ears. "What is it?" he questioned. "There may be some complications to our plans." she said looking around. "What do you mean?" he asked. "When I arrived at the queen's apartment the Queen and her ladies were laughing and had flowers woven in their hair. The king was standing at the edge, unnoticed, staring at her majesty like she was the only woman in the world. I spoke to the King and the rest noticed our presence. The King seemed to be brought back to reality and addressed me. That is when the Queen and her ladies saw myself and the King. No one seemed to be pleased to see me.
Except Lady Rosalina, she focused on me and addressed me. She offered to fix flowers in my hair like the others. When everyone left she had me sit and she started with my hair then she told me." she trailed off looking away. "What did she say?" he pushed. "She said that you snuck into her chambers last night and threatened her. She said that you told her that if she did not stay out of our way that you would slit her throat and throw her body in the river. Father, did you really threaten to kill the child?" she questioned looking at him. "I told her that she would do well to stay out of our way. I do not wish to take her life but if she does not heed my warning I will be forced to do what is necessary to insure our future." he admitted. "Father, I think that we are making a drastic mistake. She is the beloved niece of the Queen and the King loves her and has momentous trust and respect for her. If he discovers what you have done and what is being planned he will not be pleased. I am sure that he will have us all executed. Lady Rosalina also said that she is not afraid of us or of death. She only wants her family to be happy and safe and give what it took to ensure that." Josephina said. "Josephina, I am working to insure your place on the throne and at the King's side. Do not let that girl make you question what is right. That foreigner should not be on the throne and we will correct that mistake. Your job is just to keep the King's attention on you and not to worry about the child. She may say she does not fear death but if she stares death in the face she will undoubtedly change her mind and head me. If she still defies then I will take care of it. Prepare yourself to wear the crown and produce an heir, leave the rest to me." he commanded.
" Father, how am I supposed to do that when the King can not turn his eyes from Rosette?" She questioned. " That is something you will have to figure out," he said and walked away. She stood in the corner looking around unsure of her role and how to obey her father.