Page 6 of Waking Roslyn

I forced my breathing to slow and dried my tears. My mother’s words came to me, reminding me to let it go. Even if there was reason for fear, we had to let it out, otherwise our bodies would hold on to it. So I blew the fear out of my lungs and shook it from my hands, hoping it would not cling to me.

Pulling myself together was vital so that I could set things in order. It was important that I move forward if I hoped to get through this mess.

I crossed to my window and looked down at the gardens, wishing I could walk through them and let the sunshine and flowers calm me.

A bird landed on the ledge for just a moment. “What do you think, miss?” I inquired of the bird. “Am I a fool for coming here with Lisette?” It was something I’d started doing years ago. When I’d given up on having friends, I’d started confiding in animals instead. They were excellent listeners, and they never betrayed my trust.

The bird flitted away, and I sighed. “Surely they will return in time.”

I had to believe that. Even if they hadn’t planned to return, they would get the letter about the delegation and rush home. They would.

They would.

2

Roslyn

Ever since receiving news of the delegation, I’d been nervous and paranoid. I still did my best to remain unnoticed, but my agitation must have shown, because I received many inquiries from servants asking if I was unwell.

Yes, I was unwell. But I never told them that.

It had been four days of waiting and worrying. I’d finally taken myself out to the gardens, hoping that the smell of flowers and a conversation with a few birds would ease some of my worry. Instead, the curious stares that followed my movements reminded me of all the reasons I needed to stay hidden, so I went back inside.

I crossed the great hall and had almost reached the stairs when a maid approached. “Miss Rose.” She dipped a curtsey. “This is for you.” She held out a letter, sealed with wax.

“Thank you,” I said.

She nodded in deference before hurrying away.

I stared at the crest stamped into the wax seal. Lisette! I grabbed up fistfuls of skirt, hurried up to my room and shut the door before breaking the seal.

Dearest Roslyn,

We received news of the delegation, and the duke and duchess will return right away. However, Edmund and I must stay here. Believe me, this is not what I would have chosen for myself or you, but the duchess demands it. She wishes for Edmund to repair relationships and the sovereign reputation with the people here in Murrwood. I don’t know how long she wishes us to live here, but the time could be significant. Regardless, you must come to Murrwood. Firstly, because I cannot do without you, and more importantly, we cannot have you staying there while the delegation is present. The duke and duchess will arrive the day before the delegation is set to be there, so pack up your things and be ready to go as soon as Their Graces arrive. They’ve told the coachman that he will only get one night’s sleep before he must bring you back to me. I’ll admit, I did have to put on a bit of a dramatic show to get them to agree to it, but I’d do anything to keep you safe.

The servants will help pack whatever you need, and I’ve sent a list of my own things to be brought (since I did NOT anticipate a complete removal to another home when I left the palace) and Edmund’s too. Please join me here. Bring anything you need to be comfortable. Hopefully you and I will be able to find some amusement here with this strange situation.

Your loving cousin,

Lisette

Lady Rockwell

I heaved a huge sigh of relief at the news. The duke and duchess would return in time, and I could be gone before the Saldian delegation arrived. Though the timeline still made me nervous.

Two days. The Saldian delegation was set to arrive in two days, and Their Graces would arrive less than a day prior.

Better than a day late, I reminded myself and immediately called for Everly so we could start packing my things. I’d be more than happy to leave this place behind and settle into a new home alongside my cousin.

By the end of the day, all the arrangements had been made. Additional trunks had been packed with Lisette’s and Edmund’s things, and Everly had her own trunk of belongings set alongside mine. I went to bed hopeful and woke up the next morning full of nervous anticipation coupled with a healthy dose of fear.

I spent most of the day in my room, trying to distract myself with embroidery and drawing, but my gaze was invariably pulled to my window. The duke and duchess were not supposed to arrive until this evening, but my foolish heart jumped every time I thought I heard a carriage.

By mid-afternoon, I’d resigned myself to sitting right by the window with my eyes on the horizon, willing them to appear. This day was going on forever.

The weight that dropped from my shoulders when I did see the carriage rumbling toward the palace nearly made my knees buckle. They were back. I slumped into the chair beside the window, my hand going to my heart as my eyes stung with tears of relief. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized just how terrified I was, but now the duke and duchess had returned, and I would be free to go to Murrwood and disappear into the countryside.

I stood and looked out once again, pressing closer to the window panes, thrilled when the carriage came to a stop.