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The peek of sun that hit across the room woke me up. My head hurt from last night. I did not sleep for hours after the kiss. I recalled all that happened yesterday and I fell back to my bed, with the sheets covering me from head to toe.
Alistair kissed me!
Did anyone see that? My maids did not go for dinner. I came back with him and the guards. Did they see us? I did not pay attention to the after what happened.
After the sweet kiss on my cheeks, Alistair smiled and I ran to my room. I enjoyed it yet I did not want it to happen. Why will he do that? I asked myself again and again.
Just like last night, this morning I tossed on my bed like bread. The door opened and Liza walked into the room. She called my name four times before I brought down the sheets.
"Good morning, my lady," she greeted with a bow. I looked at her. Liza had no worries. I wondered how life was for her. What goes on in her mind when she isn't serving me?
"Morning Liza. I'm not in the mood," I turned to the other side of the bed, showing no interest.
It made her worried. She came to the edge of my bed and asked "Did something happen last night at the dinner? I thought you were going to send for me after that."
The Dinner? I sat upright to give the gist. It was a horrible idea to attend the dinner. She would listen to Alistair instead. He knew his family better than anyone. However, that was the reason for this sober mood.
"They all hate me because I'm a Thule," I told her. "If eyes could kill, I would have been dead by now. The Grand Queen hates me the most."
"Oh my God," Liza placed her right hand on her chest. She also shared my pain. "This is so sad to hear. I thought they were all nice people and won't mind if you are Thule or not."
"They did. It seemed like the Percival type of people won this round," I said, leaning against the bed frame. The hatred started with Percival. It spread like wildfire across the palace.
"Excuse," Emily appeared at the door. I rolled my eyes and looked away. I did not want to see any Aerendian this morning even though I knew they were not the same. "Forgive me, my lady. I had to attend to the queen mother this morning."
Yes, the queen mother was on my side. Emily was also a good girl. It would be better if I treat her well before she switches sides "I understand, Emily. Come, I have questions for you."
She came and I asked, "Do you that girl sitting next to Luta yesterday?"
"Nope, my lady. I was not at the dining hall last night," Emily answered. I was so curious that my brain went to sleep. Of course, she was not there. "If my lady would tell me her name or describe her, I can give information."
I could not remember her name. I was not introduced to her yesterday. We only met at the other palace then, the dining hall.
The king mentioned her name yesterday. It came to my mind suddenly and refused to stay "Her name…Rosa…,"
"Lady Rosalind?" Emily asked. She got it.
"Rosalind…," I called the name. That woman looked suspicious as well. "I don't like her at all. Who is she?"
"The grand queen's best friend is Rosa's mother."
I thought all these while she was a member of the royal family. Emily went ahead to explain what she was doing in the palace.
Lady Rosa was offered to the king more than ten times and rejected her. His refusal to marry her made Grandmother angry. Rosa was still leaving the palace because they thought that one day the king will change his mind.
"Now, I understand the old woman's anger," I crossed my hands in front of my chest. "I do not like Rosa. Emily, keep an eye on her. I want to know if she goes to the king or not."
"As you wish, my lady," she bowed.
"Good," I wanted to go back to bed when I remembered last night. The king asked me to accompany him to the farm. I forgot about it because of the kiss. I sprang from the bed and the girls followed me "I have to meet the king now."
**
The Author's POV.
The grand queen retired to her chamber that night. She could not sleep despite the physician's advice. The king did not want to listen to her and cancel that marriage.
This was the first time he was doing this. Alistair was not controlled by anyone but he always grant her request. No matter what she asked. She was used to hearing yes than no from him.
"She will be our biggest problem, granny," Rosalind paced back and forth around the room. She has been like this ever since they came from the dinner. "Do you see the way Alistair stared at her?"
Rosalind was almost in tears. She fought so much that they won't out but they disappointed her.
"We have to come up with a plan to send her back to Thule," Grandmother said, drawing the blanket, up to her waist.
Rosalind knew that the old woman's plan was the best. However, she had to find a way to get close to the king. It was easy getting the king's attention. Maybe changing her makeup and wardrobe might help.
"Do not hurt your head about it, my child," the grand queen interrupted. "I shall come up with something by the morning. Go to bed, dear."
Rosalind bowed. She was assured by the queen that something will be done by tomorrow. After checking the candle stands, she left for her room. Tomorrow was going to be a beautiful day. Someone will be leaving the palace for Thule soon.