Chapter 22: Like A Lighthouse
It was nighttime again. The rest of Rose’s day was pretty uneventful. The maids left her alone, and she did end up taking a nap on the bed after eating lunch. It was the best nap she had had in a long time, and she didn’t wake up until Martha walked into the room, glaring at her as she lay on the floor. Neither said a word to the other and after a few moments Rose just turned and faced the wall.
Edna found her some clothes. They were decent enough to wear around, and even if they weren’t, Rose was just glad she didn’t have to wear the night dress anymore. The dress she had on was heavy with different layers, and it was pretty clear it must have belonged to a noble at some point. The dress was still pretty, but the color was completely faded.
It was almost dinner time, but Rose found that she wasn’t hungry. She sat up on the bed; she was too nauseous to be hungry. It was finally nighttime, and she would have to fulfill the reason she was here. She took a deep breath. She had already made up her mind, and she would properly apologize to the crown prince.
She looked around the partly empty room, which was dark except for the streaks of moonlight that came from the tiny window. Martha had more items than she did, even a dresser. All Rose had was the little satchel that held all her clothes, given to her by Edna.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and Rose turned her head to see Martha march into the room with a light in her hands. "Get up; you’ve been sleeping all day."
Rose rested her eyes on Martha and then slowly turned away. Martha didn’t like this and walked closer, shoving the light in Rose’s face. "Didn’t you hear me? Did you forget what your job in the castle is, or should I tell Mister Henry you said we shouldn’t get you ready for tonight?"
Rose sighed and gently pushed the light away from her face. "I don’t understand why ye don’t like me, and tha’s fine. Just know I’d rat’er not be ’ere. If ye can find a way for me to leave, I’ll be more than ’appy to listen."
Martha snorted. "Listen to how smug you sound. We all know this is the best you’ve ever—"
"Martha, if we don’t start now, we won’t finish before dinner is over. She must be in His Royal Highness’s chambers before he gets there, remember?"
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