"We thought you were dead."
I stood in stunned silence as I heard the other's footsteps trudge in behind me.
"You… you thought I was dead?" I asked my lungs hardly working.
Rose nodded, her eyes glancing confusedly at the people behind me, "They announced it in an official proclamation that the Sovereign and his Queen, Queen Hydrangea had been killed."
My body felt numb as I watched the wooden planks that formed the floor.
"Your majesty, forgive us but we were privy to this information and withheld it." Dimitri's voice said from behind me, it's usual merry lilt strained.
I turned to look at him, I could feel the ashenness of my own face, "Why hadn't you told me?" I asked my eyes momentarily flickering to the Sovereign's whose looked very… I couldn't place his emotion but it wasn't a happy one, nor an angry one.
"We simply never found the time." Brigitte said quietly, her eyes trained on her intertwined fingers. She stood a step in front of the two brothers, their taller stature making her look small, "I am truly sorry, your majesty."
I nodded, my fists clenching from anxiety and I felt my nails dig into my palm. My chest heaved and I attempted to calm myself.
"Rose," I swung around and faced her, "This is my personal maid in the palace, Brigitte." I said gesturing to the blonde woman. I repeated the same introduction that I had relayed to Row and Rose's eyes widened when I landed on the Sovereign.
"He's… he's the Sovereign?" She asked pointing her finger at him stunned.
I looked at him and instead of seeing a proud smirk he was scratching his head and looking down uncomfortably.
My brows furrowed and I nodded looking back at Rose.
She folded her lips and brought her hands behind her back, "Well, uh… y-you must be cold. The fire is still living in the sitting area. You can come in and take off your shoes." She said getting right to business.
Rose had been my sanity when I thought I was all alone in taking care of my siblings. She had been fifteen when I was taken and now her birthday had passed, she was sixteen.
She'd grown since then and was now nearly as tall as me. She had apparently inherited her father's height, whoever he was. I had inherited my mother's height and was quite short.
We all removed our soaked cloaks and boots and me and Rose led the others to the sitting area. I walked in and saw that it had been changed drastically.
Rose realized my shock and explained, "We were given some old furniture from Ms. Potter's inn and our old couch is in the loft, i-in the barn."
I nodded, "It looks lovely." I mumbled sitting on a worn green chair, the upholstered back was soft and inviting.
The others sat around the room, the old couch that I had known was gone and in its place was a faded orange couch a knit rug hanging off its back.
The place felt more homey than it ever had. 'Maybe they hadn't needed me after all.' I thought dismally with my back hunched.
"We have clean, dry clothes you can use but not hot water, we'll have to boil some tomorrow for a bath." Rose mumbled under her breath, "So, the boys-men, sorry." She faltered, "The men, can sleep in the loft and Brigitte can stay in Hydie's old bed and Hydie and the S-sovereign can sleep in mother's old room."
Me and the Sovereign both looked at her in surprise. She swatted her hand, "Oh, don't worry. It's been cleaned and all of the old sheets were burnt." She then straightened as though the problem was resolved.
By the Sovereign's expression he felt the same as I did and I shifted further in my seat, "Rose, it's not that but…" I bit my lip as I glanced at the Sovereign who also seemed apprehensive.
He stood suddenly and startled Rose, "I will be residing in the loft as well." He said loft slowly as though it was displeasing. 'Doing something that puts him at a disadvantage.' I noticed.
All of the others besides Brigitte looked between us confused. Rowan looked upset while Dimitri simply looked intrigued. Ariston was unreadable as usual and Rose was simply calculating.
With a hesitant voice she said, "Alright. Row can sleep on the floor."
Row opened his mouth in objection but upon receiving harsh glares from both me and Rose he shut it and stood by the door glumly.
I stood and swayed a little, realizing how spent I was. I rubbed my eye and looked at Row through my other one, "Show the men to the loft and remember to tie up the horses."
He nodded and pulled his hood back up along with the scarves around his lower face.
I turned to Rose but she was already leading Brigitte away most likely to my old bed. I swallowed and turned to look at the retreating figures of the menfolk of our group. The Sovereign was lagging behind and I caught his eyes flitting to mine for a second.
We both looked away and lighting a candle I ascended the stairs to my mother's old room. The wood floors creaked as I walked, at least one thing hadn't changed.
I stood in front of the door; the paint peeling and the wood dented. I took a deep breath and reached to turn the brass knob. The door opened with a creak and I was met by the smell of unused cloths. The dust was drifting through the air their particles being caught by the candlelight.
A knock sounded behind me and I turned to see Rose standing by the door, her eyes watching me nervously.
"Here are some of your old clothes." She handed me a stack of folded fabric. I nodded as I took them from her.
"Are you alright sleeping in mother's room?" She asked and I realized the reason for her nervousness.
I smiled a small smile and nodded my head, "Yes. I'll be fine Rose." I grasped the door and said, "You should sleep."
She nodded and I shut the door once she left.
Resting my back against the wood I was reminded of my clothing state. I set the candle down and removed my wet clothing. I dressed in the underdress Rose had given me and slipped beneath the covers.
The shutters on the window did nothing to stop the beam of light from the moon's white face. I blew out my candle and stared at the beam of light, watching the dust dance in the air.
I pulled the covers over my shoulders and my thoughts went to the Sovereign.
"Forgive him." Ratri-kar's voice spoke in my mind. I closed my eyes shut and fought the feeling of lostness.
If I forgave him then what would happen?