Keep calm. Watch my breathing. Don't lose focus.
She thought to herself as she circled the room. Trying to reassure her frantic mind.
I will not lose his love like the foolish Maximillian. I will be graceful. I will be witty enough to marry a prince. I can do that for father after all he ensures I want for nothing. I will do whatever he asks… for I know what awaits me should I fail.
Rosetta: "Agh."
No! What have I done?!
Books scattered across the floor. Silence covering the room like snowfall. A maid hurriedly started picking them up one by one.
Duke: "Oh gods! What is this?! Can you not even walk properly now?! Not only a girl but a clumsy one at that! Start again or do we need to visit your sister?!"
He said threateningly, completely disgusted by her error. She unconsciously quivered at his abrupt shouting. Hearing his cane hit the floor with a crack as if snapping her back into reality she quickly grabbed the books the maid handed her, carefully balancing them atop her silky blonde hair. She thought for a moment how if she had rougher hair like Maxi the books wouldn't slide so easily.
Ugh what am I saying? I cannot think of her again it will only make me lose focus. Father cannot see me unfocused.
On the outside Rosetta always needed to show grace in everything she did. Her overbearing father scrutinized her every action. She needed to wear the newest fashionable dresses, no matter how uncomfortable they were and disregarded if she could breathe properly in them. The world would end should she complain about her breathing to father. Her hair wasn't much to manage, it always fell straight and was very fine but she always envied Maxi's style. She had hundreds of ways to wear her hair and Rosetta grew tired of her own plain hair. Even the color was enticing it was ruby red unlike any other woman in the whole city. Sometimes she wondered how she could possibly attract a royal if father didn't believe the gorgeous Maximillian couldn't. However, she had to extinguish such thoughts. She couldn't let father see how much she admired Maxi or her torture would be much more cruel. Rosetta was also expected to perpetually carry herself with with confidence, to be entertaining whilst knowing her place. Inside this burden incessantly haunted her.
I must think quickly.
Rosetta: "Oh please father! Do not compare me to that incompetent fool. I am just growing tired of this practice. I would like to work on my music now."
Her response seemed to please the Duke. She relaxed her shoulders and breathed deeply. He nodded to a servant to organize her desk. She was so relieved he seemed to be in a good mood that day.
I know my singing always relaxes him. I'm glad he gave me this opportunity.
After awhile the steward came to give the Duke news and the Duke followed. Finally, she could practice in peace. Her voice was hoarse after using it for so long so she decided to head to the banquet hall to practice her dancing. There was no doubt that she was very talented and skillful but just the thought of a mistake was enough to let a cold sweat fall down her back. She performed beautifully for hours trying to perfect her flawless routine. When she was satisfied she apprised the servants to bring the tutor to her study. At that moment heard footsteps coming behind her. She turned to see a young girl, older than her probably around Maxi's age. She had blonde silky hair like Rosetta. Rosetta's face grew into a smile.
Rosetta: "Hello!"
Esther: "Hi, I am Lady Esther Maddox!"
Rose: "As I'm sure you know I am Lady Rosetta Croyso."
She said coldly. Unsure why she responded that way she continued in a lighter tone.
Rose: "You are the daughter of Maquess Naomi Maddox and Marquis Asher Maddox, are you not?"
Esther was stunned by Rose's formality but too enthused at the possibility of a playmate and inquired about the eldest Croyso daughter.
Esther: "Yes I am! We just arrived early this afternoon. I am so glad to meet you. There is no one my age to play with at our castle."
Rose: "Oh."
Her heart turned over in her chest as she realized the girl had heard about Maxi. Knowing how father is embarrassed by Maxi's sweet natured stutter she had to act fast.
Rose: "Unfortunately my sister, Lady Maximillian Croyso, has a chronicle illness and spends most of her time resting."
Esther was increasingly surprised by how well this young lady spoke seeing as she was only as tall as her own chest. A little disappointed she could not have the companion she hoped for but optimistic for the graceful lady in front of her. She eyed Rosetta's appearance and excitedly replied.
Esther: "Fortunately for me Lady Maximillian has an accomplished younger sister. Would you like to play with me?"
Rose was elated at the chance to have a friend. Someone to share her thoughts with freely and just as suddenly she was overwhelmed with her father's words running through her head.
Rose: "I must finish my schooling. I do not have time for child's play for I am to marry the prince."
As the words left her lips she realized she was being a poor hostess and quickly changed her attitude.
Rose: "However, since you are our honored guests I'm sure father will understand."
Esther: "Great!"
She said with feigned joy. She could feel the blood leave her body as she followed Rose.
Marry the prince? Father said I am to marry the prince if we're ever to escape the control of the Duke.
It is well known that Duke Croyso holds the best banquets and is a generous host but he is equally as infamous for his ruthless ambition.
I knew there would be competition for the prince's affection but I never thought I would meet any of them or unknowingly befriend them. If this girl is anything like her father I might as well give up now. No! Father needs to rest but the Duke uses him as a steward. I must be the one to marry the prince.
Esther: "On second thought. I do not wish to be the reason you shirk your duties. How about I accompany you? I'm sure I'm much more advanced and could tutor you."
Rose: "Oh yes! I would appreciate that greatly!"
Rose felt herself relax as she could be a good hostess and continue her training thinking very fondly of Esther. Esther needed to gather as much information as she could about Rose. Her strengths, her weaknesses…
Stop. What am I thinking this girl could only be 5 years of age I should actually help her.
The two walked into Rose's study. Esther immediately felt inferior.
She has her own study? I have to use the library…
Esther: "Your study is magnificent."
Rose: "Thank you I decorated it myself."
She decorated this whole room?! She can't possibly mean that I have yet to start real training like that. What could I teach this girl if this is how advanced she is. Help her? She is the Duke's daughter after all. She does not need my help.
Esther: "What are you currently working on?"
Rose glided across the room. Esther couldn't help but notice her amazing posture.
Rose: "I was hoping you could help me with my basic arithmetic. I have been having trouble with my addition."
Esther also had trouble with arithmetic. Not wanting to admit this she scrambled her brain for an alternative. Coming up empty what could she possibly teach this girl who speaks as though she were older than Esther. That's it.
Esther: "I was thinking we could work on your speech."
Completely admonished at Esther's comment. No one had ever complained about her speech before. She made sure to never make the mistakes Maxi did for if she did…
Rose: "My speech?"
Is all she was able to blurt out. She was definitely more eloquent than that but she was at a loss. Seeing the horrified look on Rose's face Esther knew she had her exactly where she wanted her.
Esther: "I can clearly see or rather hear your beautifully flowing words but they would not interest the prince."
Feigning nonchalance Esther peeked at Rose to see if she still had her attention. Rose was hanging on her every word. She continued.
"I have spent much time with the prince and he tells me he cares not for noble ladies. He yearns for the excitement of a peasant girl."
Rose: "King Rueben would let the prince marry a peasant?!"
Esther was surprised she addressed him so casually. Had she already met the king? Of course she has probably visited many times with her father. I mustn't be too detailed she might discern the truth that I have never met the prince either. Rose started feeling anxious as she knew what they were talking about would upset the Duke.
Esther: "How am I to know what the king thinks? I only know what the prince told me."
Rose: "Please teach me how to talk the way the prince likes. It is very important I win the prince's heart."
Looking into Rose's pleading eyes Esther felt guilty. She then realized this girl never even considered her as competition. Is she so naive as to believe that it is only between her and the other princesses? Esther was aware of her prestigious lineage but she knew Rose was no more a princess than her.
That is all in the past. I will make this girl see I am a worthy opponent. She will answer to me and I will treat her as the Duke treats father.
Esther: "Of course I will teach you. What are friends for?"
Esther left to wash up before dinner. Rosetta felt she needed fresh air in her lungs and walked down to the gardens. To her surprise Maxi was sitting playing with her dog. Every time Rosetta saw her sad, round eyes she was overcome with a desire to hold her, even play with her. Her own eyes saddened at the thought of father catching them playing together. Rosetta quietly left the garden. A passing maid informed her that her father was waiting for her in the dining hall. The thought of spending time with him often paralyzed her but she somehow forced herself to become the lady he molded her into.
"Thank you, Anne. I'm starving!"
She said in such a lighthearted voice it even amazed her. The maid; however, didn't think more of it and went on to her duties.
I can do this. I am refined. I am regal. I am grace.
She walked into the glum dining hall and sat down next to her father. She noticed that Marquis Asher's face was red and distorted. Her father encouraged her to eat so she did. The dining hall was always filled with a heavy silence but today it seemed heavier than usual. She looked to Esther seeing her cheerful face emboldened her to to practice her new speech.
Rose: "Father would it please you to hear a rather funny joke?"
The Duke did not look pleased and she felt stupid for asking. He has never been one to fool around. She looked at Esther again for reassurance. Esther motioned to her as if giving her praise then she looked back to the Duke. His face hadn't changed but he reluctantly nodded his head. She continued.
Rose: "What is the difference between peanut butter and jam?"
Duke: "What is the difference?"
Rose took a deep breath and said with a smile.
Rose: "One cannot peanut butter themselves into a woman."
Marquis Asher jumped up from the table and tried to grab the Duke by his robes. Startled both girls screamed and ran to each other. The Duke's knights immediately grabbed him and pinned him down to the table. The Duke let out a cold laugh and told the guards to send the Marquess and Marquis to his bedchamber and for Lady Esther to be sent to her own bed. Rose thought this was strange but had no time to react. As the hall cleared a cold hand grabbed the back of her neck.
Duke: "What is wrong with you?!"
Rose: "…"
Did my joke upset the Marquis?
Duke: "Who told you such a thing?! Do you think refined women speak that way?! Where is your chastity?!"
Rose had become immobile, inaudible. She needed to calm herself and speak clearly to calm him.
Rose: "Don't be upset Father."
Her voice was a little shaky and sounded whiny. She breathed.
"Esther taught me a lot of jokes to say to the prince. He prefers servants to ladies…"
She trailed off as her father burst into a roaring laughter.
Duke: "You let her deceive you? My trusting daughter have you learned nothing? She has never met the prince! The way she handled you she just might. Did you honestly think she would be your friend? My pathetic girls. Steward bring my daughters and the higherarch to the drawing room."
Terrified by what her father just said she tried to tear away from his hold. His hold tightened.
"This punishment is for letting your subordinate make a fool of you and to ensure it does not happen again. If you do not face this as a graceful lady you will receive what the fool receives."
He said this a a much milder manner. Though his words made Rose shiver she composed herself following the steward.