As the days went by the pain became less, though the hole in her heart did not lessen. Mistress Eudora was kind to Rose and let her do her work mostly on her own so she would not be around people if she grew upset.

One evening she was assigned to serve dinner to the Royals with some other servants. Rose stood by the same wall as usual and tried to remain inconspicuous as the family walked in. When Prince Tristan walked in he only spared a brief glance at Rose before continuing to his seat. Rose had not seen him since the day in the village as she had been mostly hidden in the kitchen.

The four children were all seated around the table, waiting expectantly for their father. After a few minutes the doors swung open, but it was not the King who entered. Mistress Eudora walked in, her expression masked.

"The King is not well and will not be joining us for the meal," she murmured to Rose and the servants. At once they all left their positions and headed to the table to begin serving.

There was not much conversation around the table, rather an anxious silence settled over the group. Rose served quietly and kept her eyes downcast like many of the other servants. Even Prince Liam, usually the loudest of the group, was quiet and ate sullenly.

When the meal ended the four children walked out without a word. Rose began helping clear off the table. With a stack of tableware in her arms she turned and walked down to the kitchen so they could be cleaned. As she was heading back up the stairs to continue cleaning, Princess Suzanna emerged from the end of a hallway. She spotted Rose and walked up to her hastily and gracefully.

"Oh, you there, Rose, is it not?" She asked Rose kindly. Rose dropped into a quick curtsey.

"Yes, my lady."

"My maidservant was not feeling well and had to leave. Would you be able to help me ready myself for bed?"

"Of course, Princess," Rose responded immediately, somewhat surprised. It was an honour if one was asked to personally serve any member of Nobility. Princess Suzanna led Rose to her room and gestured for her to enter. Rose followed the Princess in and stood behind her as she sat by a small table with a looking glass against the wall.

Thankfully Mistress Eudora had already taught Rose what to do should she ever be asked to help one of the Princesses. Rose began pulling out the decorative pins in Princess Suzanna's hair which was pulled up into an elaborate design.

"How are you liking working in the castle?" The Princess asked Rose.

"I like it very much, ma'am," Rose said as she started pulling out the small pins holding her hair up. They made clinking noises as Rose placed them on the table.

"I imagine it is easier than being on the streets." She was not being rude, simply making a statement. Rose paused for a moment before continuing with releasing her hair.

"I was not aware anyone knew of my previous situation, my lady."

"Oh, you need not worry. I believe I am the only member of my family who knows, other than Tristan of course. We are very close, he tells me almost everything." Rose did not know how to respond but she need not have worried, as Princess Suzanna continued within seconds. "I understand, Rose, why it would be hard to bow down to others. Of course, I myself rarely have to curtsey, but it can feel somewhat demeaning. So you see I am not angry or disgusted with you, even though you disrespected my brother. I am certain Tristan has never been faced with such a situation. I think what you did was very brave," she said with a smile.

"That is very kind of you, my lady," Rose murmured, pulling out one of the final pins.

"You can drop all of the formalities," the Princess giggled. "My maidservant, Brigitte, and I always have long conversations. You can call me Suzanna." Rose tried to hold back her shock – a maidservant and their lady on first name bases, Rose could understand. But a regular servant calling the Princess by her first name was almost impossible to believe. Rose opened a drawer and located Suzanna's brush then walked back to her, flattered. "Now, let's talk."

"Very well, Suzanna, what would you like to talk about?" Rose asked her, smiling now.

"That's better! Hmm... tell me what it was like to live on the streets of the Kingdom." Rose began brushing through Suzanna's beautiful red hair gently. No one had asked Rose that question before. "You see, I've never had to spend a day of my life away from the safety of my home. I cannot imagine how awful it must have been, all alone out there."

"Some days were not so awful," Rose told her as she brushed through the tangles. "I had friends," Rose forced back tears as she thought of them. "The nights were the hardest. It was often cold and frightening. I used to watch the lanterns of the castle every night," Rose said with a chuckle. "It seems peculiar now that I am living in the very place I would watch." Suzanna was quiet for a moment as Rose brushed through her curls.

"Do you miss your friends?" Rose swallowed at her words.

"Yes, very much," she murmured quietly.

"Perhaps you could visit them one day," Suzanna suggested.

"I do not think that would be possible."

"Well, why not?" She asked, turning to Rose curiously. Rose averted her eyes, trying to hide the tears eager to spring up. She turned to put Suzanna's brush away so the Princess could not see her as she spoke.

"My lady, the life of a beggar is a hard one. Sometimes the people who most deserve to live..." Rose trailed off, unable to continue.

"You mean, your friends are..." Suzanna did not continue, but Rose heard her inhale a sharp breath.

"If it pleases you, I do not wish to speak of it anymore, ma'am," Rose said, still facing the wall. She was fighting a battle with her tears as she pictured the people she had lost.

"Of course," Suzanna murmured. "Of course, I am sorry – I did not realize. Here, help me change and then you are dismissed." Rose turned around and kept her eyes low, unable to look at Suzanna. She helped the Princess change into her nightgown as her eyes cleared up. Suzanna turned to Rose and smiled compassionately.

"You may go," she said. Rose curtseyed and turned away, heading for the door. "Rose," she called. Rose turned back to face her. "I am sorry about your friends. I am sure they were wonderful people." Rose nodded as the tears flooded back into her eyes and left the room, closing the door behind her.

As she walked away the tears overflowed. She did her best to force them away and not think about the grief. As she was walking she heard voices. She stopped and pressed herself against the wall, peeking her head around the corner. The Princess Emily was a few meters away, crying. Prince Tristan squatted next to her, rubbing her back as he tried to comfort her.

"Is Daddy going to be okay?" She asked through tears. Rose's heart broke for the child as she looked at the Prince hopefully.

"The healer said Daddy just needs to rest, okay sweetie?" Prince Tristan murmured. As Rose watched him she could not help feeling amazed. She had never seen this side of him, so tender and caring towards someone in need.

"I want to see him," Emily cried again.

"He cannot have visitors right now, but you know that Daddy loves you very much and will see you as soon as he can." Rose felt guilty at eavesdropping on such a private conversation between the two. She stepped away from the wall, hoping to pass by without being noticed. Prince Tristan's head immediately turned to Rose as she tried to cross the hallway unnoticed. Tristan and Emily both turned their heads to look at Rose and she froze.

"Oh, my lord, forgive me," Rose said, trying to wipe away any evidence of her previous tears. "I did not mean to intrude." Prince Tristan stood up and gazed at her.

"It is no intrusion," his voice rumbled. "Are you well?" He looked at her intensely and Rose realised what he was trying to ask – he wanted to know how she was coping with her grief.

"I am well, my lord. If you will excuse me..." Rose took a step away and walked off despite not being dismissed. Prince Tristan did not follow, for he had little Emily to look after. As Rose walked she thought over what she had witnessed. The Prince had been kind and loving towards his little sister. Perhaps it was true that his heart was not as uncaring as she had first believed. Inside she felt her heart soften, only a little, towards the handsome Prince Tristan.

The next morning Rose was sweeping when Anabelle dashed into the room, beaming widely. She ran up to Rose's side, almost out of breath.

"Did you hear the news?" She squealed.

"What news?" Rose asked, confused.

"There is to be a town festival in a few weeks and the King has given leave for any servants who wish to go!" Rose widened her eyes at Anabelle's words. She could remember every festival that was held over the years in the town. They were always a joyful, fun time. Travelling merchants and entertainers would come from afar to perform or show their goods. Of course, usually Rose was too busy begging to join in with the revelries.

"And any of the servants are allowed to go?" Rose asked Anabelle, dumbfounded. The King would surely be short of staff.

"Yes! I think he is counting on the fact that not everyone will wish to join in. Will you come? Oh, Rose, you simply have to come! Can you not imagine how beautiful and magical it will be?" And crowded, Rose thought to herself. "There will be dancing and entertainment and music and food, oh I can hardly wait!" Rose smiled at Anabelle's excited words.

"It does sound a pleasure," Rose said.

"Oh, it will be! So you will come?" Anabelle asked, practically bouncing up and down. Rose giggled and nodded.

"Of course I will come! We can go together," Anabelle squealed at the words and threw her arms around Rose.

"I am so excited! We will have the most marvellous time. I have to go tell Serena, I shall see you later!" She called over her shoulder as she dashed out the room. Rose laughed to herself and turned back to her sweeping. She thought over her words. A town festival would mean needing an elaborate dress, and unlike Anabelle, Rose did not have a family who could help supply a dress. Rose frowned but then envisioned how wonderful the festival would be. She would simply have to figure something out, perhaps by the time of the festival she would be able to afford her own gown.

That evening Rose was working in the kitchen with Mistress Eudora.

"Will you be going to the festival?" Rose asked her curiously. Mistress Eudora laughed heartily at her words.

"Goodness, no! I have sworn I shall never go to another one of those revelries. Far too lively and crowded for me. Good for the younger generations, though," she told Rose, eyeing her up and down meaningfully. Rose giggled.

"I will be going," Rose told her.

"Excellent! You shall have a fine time. Now, my dear, I am out of rosemary and desperately need some. Could you collect a small amount for me? If you hurry you should be back before dark. There are quite a few bushes in the outskirts of the forest, do you know the place?" She asked Rose.

"Yes, Mistress Eudora. That is no problem, I shall be back soon," Rose responded as she was handed a basket.

Rose left the kitchen and walked outside. It was dark out, it must have been later than Mistress Eudora thought. She contemplated turning back and finding the rosemary tomorrow morning, but she did not want to disappoint Mistress Eudora. She had said she desperately needed the herb. Rose hesitated then decided to continue. She was sure she could be there and back quickly and safely.

She trekked along a well-used trail from the castle to the woods. Rose reached the woods and weaved through the trees searching for a rosemary bush. The night air was cold and the forest quiet, the hairs on her arms rose up. It was far scarier in the woods at night than she had thought it would be. It took her a fairly long time to find the rosemary as it was so dark, but she was determined not to give up. At last she found a bush. Rose grinned in satisfaction and began picking off pieces and placing them in her basket. The bush was stubborn but she worked as fast as she could.

She was making steady progress when the snapping of a stick caught her attention. Rose whipped her head around to search for the source of the noise. Something sliced her cheek but she ignored the pain. A growl rumbled through the trees. Rose froze and tried not to breathe. Another deep growl rippled towards her. Her eyes searched desperately through the darkness, trying to see what was coming. Her breathing stopped altogether when her eyes landed on the form of a large, grey wolf. Its fangs were bared dangerously as it crept towards her.

Rose's heart pounded as she stared at the predator. She knew she could not run from it, it would catch her before she had taken two steps. Oh God, help. Please, please, help me. She stayed frozen, pressed up against a tree. Her breath came out in little gasps. She was all alone, only one person knew where she was and she could not know that Rose was in danger. There was nothing Rose could do. Any action she took would result in her death. Please help me, I'm scared.

A peace flowed through her. It was a horrid way to die, but at least she would get to be reunited with her parents. With Beth and Tilly. A silent sob choked her as she thought about everything she would miss out on. She would never experience love, she would never have her own child, she would never get to grow old and see the world change with each year. This was it.

The wolf crouched low, its hind legs prepared to spring. Rose squeezed her eyes shut, praying it would be a quick death. Rose heard one last fearsome growl, sudden and ferocious. At the last second she opened her eyes. The wolf sprang, its mouth open, and locked its jaw around her midriff. Rose screamed as searing pain exploded through her body.

~

The Knight's cheered as they finished practicing their swordsmanship. They had ended practice later than usual, it was already dark. Prince Tristan slid his sword and dagger back into their sheaths on his belt and wiped away the sweat on his forehead with his sleeve. A couple of the Knights thumped him on the shoulder heartily as they walked by.

"Good job, Lewis," Tristan said to one of the newer Knights. Lewis turned and bowed slightly. "You worked hard today. Your swordsmanship is much improved," Tristan told him.

"Perhaps I shall be able to best you one day, Your Grace!" The man cheered. Tristan chuckled at his enthusiasm. Ever since Samuel had bested him, everyone was hoping to be the next Knight to defeat Tristan.

"If you continue working as hard as you did today, I would not be surprised," Tristan responded, surprising himself with his own graciousness. He yawned as he walked back towards the palace grounds. Last night he had not slept until it was very late, as Emily was too distraught to go to sleep. He hoped that she would be less upset tonight.

The Prince walked towards one of the entrances and came face to face with Mistress Eudora. She was standing in the doorway, biting her lip and looking concerned. Her eyes were searching out in the distance, straining against the darkness.

"Is everything alright, Eudora?" Tristan asked her. She jumped as if she had not noticed him.

"Oh, my lord, I am concerned about Rose," she told him, her eyes wide with anxiety. Tristan frowned at her words.

"Rose? What has happened to her?"

"I sent her to pick some rosemary-"

"At night?" Tristan interrupted, incredulously.

"I did not realise it was so late, my lord. But she has not returned and I am worried." She looked guilty and concerned.

"Where did you send her?" Perhaps she was only in the village and had been distracted by someone.

"To the woods."

"The woods?" He nearly shouted as his heart took off pounding rapidly. "How could you be so foolish? There are predators in the forest! Wolves and bears and all sorts of creatures that come out at night!" Mistress Eudora's face went pale and Tristan felt his own fear spread through him. If a predator caught the scent of Rose she would be hunted and killed. Mistress Eudora clutched Tristan's arm tightly.

"My lord, I beg you, you must go and search for her!" Tears were pooling in her eyes. Tristan turned without a word and sprinted towards the forest. God, help me find her. The woods were vast and long, it would take more than just luck to find her. Tristan prayed with all his might, hoping with everything he had that he would get to her in time and find her safe.

He dashed along the common trail people used when heading to the forest, figuring Rose would have followed the same path. He entered the woods and looked around desperately.

Tristan had no idea where rosemary would be found, he did not even know what kind of bush it looked like. How was he meant to find her? In the distance he heard the rippling noise of a growl. His heart stopped then picked up double time.

He ran towards the noise hoping Rose was nowhere near it. The growl came again, Tristan was closer this time. He followed the noise and pushed through trees and shrubbery, just as he spotted the creature. His eyes took in the scene within a second. Rose was pressed against a tree, frozen, eyes closed. A wolf stood just opposite her, prepared to attack.

Instantly Tristan reached for his dagger and pulled it out. He was not fast enough, the wolf released a ferocious growl and pounced towards her. It struck her around her midriff. Rose let out a piercing scream as it held on to her. Immediately Tristan threw his dagger. It pierced the wolf on its back leg. The creature released Rose and howled before turning its head to Tristan. Rose crumpled to the ground in a pile. She did not move.

Tristan ran towards her and stood protectively over her, drawing his sword out from his sheath. The wolf crouched again and sprang hastily, limping. With a roar Tristan swung his sword around and drove it into the chest of the wolf as it pounced towards him. The sword met its mark. The wolf collapsed centimetres before him, a quick and instant death.

Tristan turned around immediately and dropped to his knees next to Rose. He shook her desperately. Blood was soaking the middle of her dress, a large cut ran across her cheek. She couldn't be dead. She couldn't. Rose let out a small groan from his touch. His breath came out in a loud whoosh.

"Thank God, thank God," he said over and over. Rose opened her eyes blearily to look at him.

"You... jumped in front of me," she groaned.

"Shh," Tristan murmured, not wanting her to exhaust herself. They had to move fast. Wolves hunted in packs, the others were surely not far away. It was a miracle that only one wolf had approached Rose.

"You... could have been... killed," she gasped out, speaking against the pain.

"I know. Listen, Rose, it's going to be okay. You're going to be okay, I'm taking you home." Tristan put his arms under her, trying to be gentle, and lifted her up from the ground. She let out a pained shriek as he moved her. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he whispered as he began walking fast, trying not to jostle her.

"You sacrificed yourself... for me," her voice was quieter now, losing its strength. Her eyes were closing slowly, her face paling.

"Rose! Rose, stay awake. You need to stay awake."

"Perhaps... you are... not... who I thought you were," she barely managed to whisper. Her eyes closed completely and her head went limp. Tristan shook her, trying to wake her up, but she did not move even slightly. He started running, figuring she would not feel the pain.

He sprinted with all his might back towards the palace where the healer, Brianne, had her building. Tristan ran to the door and knocked on it loudly, rapidly, over and over. The door opened to Brianne who took one look at Rose and stepped aside. Tristan went immediately to the bed where Brianne's patients stayed if they were not well enough to go home.

"What happened?" Brianne asked, her voice business-like and hasty.

"Wolf attack," Tristan responded. He placed Rose down gently on the bed. She did not move. Her face was white and peaceful. Brianne pushed Tristan aside and pressed her fingers against Rose's neck.

"She is alive," she told him. Tristan let out a relieved sigh as anxiety pumped through him. Brianne began tearing at the blood soaked bodice of Rose's dress but stopped when she realised Tristan was still there. "You need to leave," she told him forcefully.

"But-"

"Your Majesty, I cannot let you watch this. I will work long and hard to help the girl, I promise," she told him firmly as she pushed him towards the door. He kept his gaze on Rose anxiously. "I will alert you if she wakes up," Brianne told him. Tristan sighed as she pushed him out the room.

"Will she be okay?" He asked before she closed the door.

"Perhaps." The door swung shut in front of him with a bang.