There was a party,
Filled with dancing and hundreds of sparkling candle lights,
It was held in a garden,
Even Her Majesty, the Queen, was in attendance.
A wine glass shattered in her hand,
And she met someone. Yes, a man with eyes as green as an emerald jewel.
She had met him before, but where?
And he proposed…did he?
Annalise heard Alice scream in her head. Her piercing shriek brought her back to consciousness and she sprung up, gasping for breath. "She is awake." She heard someone say.
"It is alright ma chérie." Antoinette rubbed her back as her chest heaved.
"Just breathe," George said, taking one of her hands in his.
"Breathe." Her body responded positively to his voice as she could feel the air filling her lungs.
"Good, my dear," George said in a soothing voice. "How are you feeling?"
He questioned, and it was at that moment she noticed she was in a room filled with people.
Her aunts, uncles, cousins, the queen, the crown princess, and Prince Louis surrounded her.
She was quiet for a moment before asking, "Did I miss the blooming of the Titan Arum flower?"
"Are you serious? A flower?" John exclaimed incredulously. "Annalise is fine, everyone."
"Be quiet, John!" Emmett smacked his head.
"Ow, that hurt," John whined.
"My dear." The queen moved closer to the bed, and George and Antoinette made way for her. "How are you feeling, my dear?" She sat at the edge of the bed.
"A little...light-headed," Annalise mumbled.
"Hmm." The queen hummed and pursed her lips. Then raised her fingers to Annalise's forehead and then her cheek, brushing it lightly. She then tucked in a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.
"My royal physician will stay behind to look after you." She said. "I believe you will feel much better tomorrow morning. When you do, I would like you to join me for breakfast at the palace tomorrow. Your parents are welcome to come along if they wish." In the meantime, do take care of yourself." She gave her hand a gentle squeeze before rising to her feet.
"Amelia, Louis." She called to her children. "We are leaving." The crown princess immediately followed her out of the room. The Prince, however, was hesitant. He looked over to where Annalise lay, it was as though he wanted to say something to her, but at the very last moment, he changed his mind, giving her a slight bow before walking out of the room.
"Your majesty." There was an echo of voices as her family members bowed and curtsied, sending them off. Once they left, Edward moved closer to the bed. "You had me very worried." His face fell as his brows knit together.
"I was with The Countess of Thistleworth, Lady Gastrell's daughter, Amber, when I saw you lose consciousness. I tried to rush to you, but thankfully, the prince caught you before you hit the ground.
"He did?"
"Oh yes, everyone saw it." He replied.
"Yes, we are all grateful and ecstatic that Annalise is awake now. I am so happy my heart bursts for joy." Alice's voice was laced with sarcasm as she resurfaced from the small crowd.
"You have feigned ignorance and lack of interest all this while." She said in accusation, hurt and anger. "But why did you not tell me sooner that you knew the prince?"
"Because I did not," Annalise said simply.
"That does not make any sense. Why would someone not talk of THE PRINCE be proposing marriage to someone he just met?" Alice folded her arms in unbelief.
"We met once before, but it was by chance, and he did not propose to me," Annalise explained.
"You just said you did not know him." Alice countered.
"Alice, that is enough." Sir Geoffrey, her papa, snapped at her. "Can you not see your cousin is unwell?" Alice gave Annalise a scornful look before storming out of the room. The sound of the door slamming shut sent shivers down the spines of everyone in the room. Indeed, hell hath no fury as a woman scorned.
Annalise massaged her temple; the evening events had taken their toll on her. She suddenly remembered her cousin's engagement party and how she must have made a mess of things.
"Josie, Sophie." She called out, stretching out her hand in her direction. "I am so sorry." She began.
"Do not say another word." Sophie smiled as they moved closer.
"It is all right. We believe you." Josie took her hand. "And we do not blame you for anything that has happened."
"Rest up and take care of yourself, so you can feel better and be back on your feet," Sophie said as she kissed her on her cheek. This warmed her heart very much. Josie and Sophie led everyone out of the room so she
could get some rest. Shortly after, the queen's royal physician checked on her. He told her she was fine and would have a complete recovery following a good night's sleep, so she did just that.