Dedicated to theuniversaloutcast, who left such a nice comment on my last chapter that I'm still smiling from! Thanks for the encouragement!
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It was not long before Prince Liam's birthday arrived. Rose and Tristan had not been able to speak since their time together in Suzanna's chamber; but when they did happen to see each other, the secret smiles exchanged between them filled Rose with a pleasant warmth.

A great ball was to be held for Prince Liam, and all servants had to help with the preparation leading up to it – even Rose, an upper servant. The servants worked tirelessly – preparing the ballroom, organizing rooms for guests who would not leave the same night, and assisting in the planning for the meals that would be served.

At only nine, nearly ten, Prince Liam was not overly excited at the prospect of a dance; but when he was told that his closest friends had been invited, he brightened and cheered up.

On the night of the ball, Rose dressed Suzanna in one of her finest gowns and pulled her hair up into an elaborate bun. The guests were arriving and the light chatter of voices could be heard wafting up into Suzanna's chamber. Excitement had Rose's heart racing – this was the first Royal Ball she had ever attended. Granted, she would be there as a servant, but even just viewing the sights would be a marvellous experience.

Prince Liam had spent the day with his family. They had all gone riding around the palace grounds, and then Tristan had even let Prince Liam try his sword. It had made the young Prince's day complete – even though the sword had been far too big and heavy for him. Rose smiled as she thought of Tristan spending time with his much younger brother. He clearly loved his siblings and would do anything for any one of them.

Suzanna stood up from her stool when Rose was finished with her hair and twirled around.

"How do I look?" She asked.

"Beautiful," Rose said sincerely. The Princess's red hair perfectly brought out the delicate nature of her pale skin. Her dress was a lovely midnight blue colour that shimmered in the candlelight. "You will astound everyone."

"Thank you, Rose," Suzanna replied. She surprised Rose with a brief hug. "You will be attending the ball, will you not?"

"I will, but I think I shall be serving the guests. I will be sure to watch you dancing, if I can."

"The Duke of Adryrwen has been invited, did you hear? I hope he will ask me to dance," Suzanna sighed. Rose smiled at the Princess. Suzanna often spoke of the Duke and her affections for him. The Duke of Adryrwen was a strong and loyal ally to the King, and hence Suzanna had met him many times at events and celebrations. It was believed that the Duke would ask her father permission to court Suzanna soon.

Rose felt a measure of sadness. If they courted, they would surely marry. Suzanna would move away. Rose would miss her terribly – assuming she did not leave with the Princess.

"I do not doubt that you shall dance the night away with Duke Wilson. You will have a wonderful night, do not fear."

Suzanna nodded and smoothed down her dress skirt. "I will see you later, then." Rose agreed and said goodbye as he mistress eagerly left the room. Rose put away the items she had used to prepare Suzanna, then left the room herself to return to the servants' quarters.

The room was alive with the sound of excited maidservants. Rose responded to the people who greeted her as she rushed to her bed. She pulled out the chest underneath her bedframe and rummaged in it to find a suitable dress for the evening. She pulled out a plain pale blue gown – simplistic, so it would not draw attention away from the noble women attending the evening, yet suitable for a servant serving at a ball.

She dressed quickly and braided her hair in the same manner of many of the other servants. With a final look in the rooms only looking glass, she nodded and turned to head to the ballroom.

She followed a few other servants who were making their way to the ballroom. The servants were slipping into the room unnoticed through a back entrance masked with a curtain. Rose entered and found herself surrounded with the noise of the ball. The sounds of conversation were loud and jumbled, the whole room seemed to hum.

The ballroom was framed with huge, golden curtains. The floors were a deep brown stone that had been so polished that the candlelight reflected off it. A marvellous, enormous chandelier hung over the heart of the room; its crystals sparkled beautifully, boasting of the wealth of the kingdom.

Rose was drawn away from her observations by a servant bumping past her. She shook her head and continued on her way – she was not there to admire the sights, but to work. Mistress Eudora stood in an alcove with a door that led to the kitchen. She was barking out orders to servants who were entering and emerging from the door. Rose slipped into the line of servants and entered the kitchen. She was immediately handed a silver platter with appetizers on it. Behind her, another servant was handed a platter with drinks. Rose left the room and was assailed by Mistress Eudora's voice.

"Henrietta, offer those to the guests just arriving. Laurel, do not forget to lower your eyes this time! Julie, the children can have their pick of that platter. Rose, meander through the crowd with that tray. Erica, for goodness sake, please do not drop that again," Mistress Eudora seemed to never pause for a breath as servant after servant walked past her. Rose barely caught her own instructions in the midst of the havoc. She was hurried along through the alcove and re-entered the ballroom.

The musicians had not yet begun to play, so the guests remained standing and conversing. Rose took a deep breath and delved into the crowd, meandering as Mistress Eudora had instructed. All around her, the guests took the food from her tray, never pausing to look at her. She did her best to remain invisible as she circled through the crowd. It was not long before her tray was empty and she had to return to the kitchen for more food.

When she arrived it was less busy than earlier, only a few servants trickled in and out of the kitchen. Rose entered and exchanged her plate for a tray of drinks. She exited and smiled at Mistress Eudora who was looking more relaxed.

"Rose, you can continue walking through the crowd with those drinks," Mistress Eudora stated. Rose nodded and continue on her way to the ballroom. Rose briefly wondered where Anabelle was but soon found her answer when she saw her friend serving appetizers to a group of elderly people seated in a corner.

Rose spent the next few hours serving various food and drinks to the guests. Eventually Mistress Eudora took pity on her and sent her to stand on the edge of the room with a tray of drinks. Rose was enjoying herself as she stood with her platter. She could see the guests and watch the dances – most she had never seen before. Every now and then someone came up to her to take a drink from her tray, but mostly she was left alone.

Anabelle soon joined her with a tray of fruit, opting for standing by the wall instead of weaving through the crowd.

"The ballroom is so busy," Anabelle commented as they watched a lively dance.

"I know. It is beautiful though," Rose responded. All the colours of the men and women's clothes made the room feel vibrant and exciting. "I have never seen a ball before."

"Nay, I don't suppose you have," Anabelle said with a gentle smile. "My first ball I served at was for Princess Suzanna's own birthday when she turned fourteen. Everyone always looks like they are having a brilliant time."

"Perhaps one day you shall attend a ball, not just serve at one."

"Perhaps," Anabelle replied with a dubious smile. Rose yawned and blinked a few times. Standing on her feet for so long was making her grow tired.

"It seems this night will never end," Rose murmured.

"It is late, but it will grow much later before this celebration ends," Anabelle told her. Rose searched through the crowd as she looked for the young Prince Liam. She finally spotted him dancing with Suzanna. Rose beamed as she watched them, it was so adorable she had to stop herself from saying 'aw'.

She finally pulled her gaze away from the siblings and searched subtly for Tristan. She found him standing next to his father, who was seated on a ceremonial throne that had been placed on an upper level so he could oversee the evening. They were speaking to a woman and an older gentleman – probably her father. Rose felt a pang as she observed the woman. She was dressed so extravagantly and beautifully, Rose felt like she was once more a dirty beggar in comparison to her.

Rose sighed and was about to look away, when Tristan looked up from the woman. His gaze immediately turned to Rose – she was surprised he already knew where she was. Had he been watching her earlier?

They held their gazes for a few seconds. Even from a distance, Rose could have sworn that longing was plastered on Tristan's face. She looked away, unnerved. They had to keep their appearance of strangers, which meant no prolonged gazes between them.

Rose stood for a while longer until the last glass was taken from her tray. Rose said farewell to Anabelle and returned to the alcove with her platter of empty drinks.

"Rose." Mistress Eudora called her over before she entered the kitchen. Rose walked up to her and curtsied.

"Yes, Mistress?"

"Take a break, dear. You have been working for a long time," Mistress Eudora told her. Rose sighed in relief; her arms were beginning to burn from holding up the trays for so long.

"Thank you."

"Do not stay away too long, you may have a half hour to yourself but then you will need to return." Rose acknowledged the instructions before entering the kitchen and returning her tray. She left empty handed and headed out the back exit of the ballroom. All the noise of the ballroom was beginning to give her a headache.

The only people around were a few alert guards who nodded at her as she walked past. It was quiet and refreshing to have some time alone.

She was strolling slowly down a hallway when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned her head anxiously, only to see Tristan walking quickly toward her. Rose widened her eyes in surprise, even as her heart fluttered happily. She was about to speak when Tristan looked at her briefly and nodded his head in the direction of the library door nearby. He walked past her without a word and slipped in through the door. Rose blinked then rushed to follow him.

She entered the library blindly. It was dark, the only light came from the moon through the windows, and from a single candle lit next to the door. She took a few steps inside and bumped into Tristan.

"Oops, sorry," she said, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the dim room. "What are you doing here, Tristan?" She asked, amazed that he had left the ball.

"I saw you leaving so I followed you. I wanted to see you," he said with a guilty smile.

"I am surprised you left unnoticed."

"I hid with the musicians and ran out when a dance began," he admitted. They laughed and Rose leaned forward to hug him. He welcomed her happily into his arms.

From inside the library they could just make out the sounds of the ballroom, and dim hum from the sound of the musicians.

"Did Prince Liam enjoy his day?" Rose asked as she pulled away. Tristan dropped his arms, only to take her hands.

"Aye, he enjoyed himself. And though he will never admit it, he has been having fun at the ball tonight."

"I heard you let him use your sword," Rose said, beaming up at him. Tristan smiled fondly as he thought of his brother.

"He will begin training as a squire in three years, but even then he will only be permitted to have a small sword. He will not be granted his knighthood for many years. I think he revelled in the chance to feel like he was a real knight and a strong man," Tristan told her, squeezing her hands gently. Rose pulled a hand from his so that she could cup his face.

"You are a wonderful brother and a wonderful Prince. Liam could not ask for a better role model," she murmured. Tristan seemed to be in a daze as he looked at her. His eyes lit up at her words and he grinned.

"I thank you. I have not always been the brother he deserves, but he is a good boy and he will grow up to be a great man. I hope he will always see me as a brother he can trust." They stood quietly for a moment; Tristan lightly began running his thumbs along her hands.

"I never had any siblings, or any other relatives. The only family I ever knew of were my own parents," Rose said thoughtfully. Tristan frowned and moved his hands to run his thumbs across her cheeks.

"Do you miss them?"

"I hardly remember them. I was four when they were executed. It is hard to miss that which you do not remember. It is more... missing what I never had. Knowing that I missed out on something. When I see children with their parents, then it hurts - or just never having people to turn to for advice and direction. I am sad that I lost what never should have been taken from me. It is lonely." Rose trailed off and swallowed back her sadness – it was pointless to grow upset now, fifteen years later. Tristan was quiet for a moment, and he moved to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. The simple act had Rose's heart in a frenzy.

"I never want you to feel alone again," he murmured.

"I am not lonely when I am with you," Rose replied, leaning forward to rest her head against his chest.

The sound of the musicians beginning a new song could just be heard through the walls of the castle.

"I wish I could dance with you tonight," Tristan said despondently.

"That would be nice, but unfortunately this is not a masked ball," Rose responded with a smile as she thought of the first time they had danced together. Tristan tsked and wiggled his eyebrows, making Rose laugh.

"I will just have to dance with you now, then," he told her. He moved his arms around her waist and draped them there lightly.

"But we cannot hear the music properly," Rose protested, moving her arms around his neck nonetheless.

"That does not matter. We can just sway."

And sway they did. It was no elaborate dance, but it felt intimate and special. Rose could not remove the smile from her face. When a few minutes had passed, Tristan spoke up again.

"You said your parents were executed?" He asked hesitantly. Rose immediately felt her mood plummet, but she nodded anyway.

"Yes."

"Why?" He asked gently, tightening his arms around her.

"I do not remember, I was too young," Rose admitted. Tristan paused then continued again.

"They were executed in this kingdom?"

"Yes, of course," Rose responded, confused. Why was he pressing for information so much? Tristan moved his arms from her waist to take her hands. He seemed almost excited.

"All crimes and executions are recorded in the kingdom. There should be an archive somewhere in this room with the details of your parents. We could find out what happened, why they were executed," he suggested. Rose felt her face fall. Would knowing be a greater burden than what she already carried? Tristan immediately read her mood and looked at her with compassion. "Only if you want, my Rose. We do not have to look; it was only a suggestion."

Rose closed her eyes as she thought. It had hurt her for so long, not knowing or remembering why she had lost her parents. Never knowing what her parents were accused of, never knowing why she had grown up as an orphan. To find out the crime of her parents would hurt, but at the same time, perhaps it would bring closure and lead to peace. She finally opened her eyes and looked up at Tristan, who was waiting patiently for her response.

"Okay. We can look for the record," she breathed out. Tristan nodded and released her. He walked to a nearby shelf and reached for an object, a candle, Rose realised.

Tristan lit his candle from the flame of the candle by the door. He turned to walk further into the library, and Rose followed.

"The records of crimes are usually kept down here," he explained as he walked past shelf after shelf. He finally stopped in front of one shelf that had three huge tomes on it.

"Why are there three books?"

"This one is for crimes and punishment, the middle one is our record of executions, and the third one has recordings of deaths in the act of service."

"So we will look in the first two tomes?" Rose asked.

Tristan nodded. "If you are sure they were executed, then yes."

Tristan handed Rose his candle and proceeded to lift the two books from the shelf. He walked over to a table and laid them down with a loud thump. Rose placed the candle between the books and opened the book closest to her.

"How are these organized?" She asked in dismay as she studied row after row of names.

"Alphabetical order of the last name, and then by year," Tristan told her. He leaned over and sifted through the pages until he reached the list of 'C' names. He then turned to his own book and began turning the pages.

Rose studied the writing as she found the 'Cu' names, then 'Cul'. She frowned. Where there should have been a record for 'Culbert', there was nothing. She peered closer, thinking perhaps she had just missed the record the first time. Nothing.

"They are not in this book," Rose said to Tristan. The Prince looked up briefly, then returned his gaze to his book.

"That is okay, perhaps they are in this one."

Rose stayed quiet as Tristan scanned the names on his pages. A minute later, he looked up with a confused expression.

"There is no record of a Culbert execution in here either." Rose felt her heart drop to her stomach.

"How can that be?" She asked. Tristan pursed his lips and drummed his fingers on the table as he thought.

"You are sure they were executed?" He questioned after a minute.

"They must have been. I was told they were killed by the royal family."

"Who told you that?" Tristan asked, surprised.

"The Knight who took me to the orphanage," Rose said with a shrug.

"You do not know his name?'

"Nay, I was too young."

They stood silently for a minute. Why were her parents' names not in the archives?

"What about that other book?" Rose asked eventually. "Maybe their names were recorded in the wrong book by accident."

"It is a possibility, I suppose. There is no harm in looking," Tristan said as he walked back to the shelf and pulled out the final book.

"What does it mean by 'acts of service'?" Rose asked as she ran her hand along the inscription on the book.

"It is primarily for people in the military who have passed away, as a way to honour their memory. But there are other names in there too – people who died to protect information or help the kingdom," Tristan answered as he opened the tome.

"It is a record of people who lost their lives serving the King?" Rose asked humbly.

"Precisely," he murmured. He was quiet as he flicked through the pages and began scanning the details recorded. Rose distracted herself by watching the still flame of the candle. Tristan looked up suddenly with wide eyes.

"What?" Rose asked, holding her breath.

"They are in here," he told her. Rose released her breath and held her hand up to her heart. "But Rose, they are not in here by accident. Your father died protecting my father." Rose blinked and felt her face pale.

"What?" She repeated blankly.

"Your father was a Knight - Sir Daniel Culbert," Tristan explained, pointing to the book. Rose shook her head, dumbfounded. My father – a Knight?

"A Knight?" She breathed out. Tristan nodded and looked down at the book.

"It says he was killed by the arrow of an assassin; he jumped in front of the King, but the arrow was fatal. He was a hero."

"But... but how could I not know any of this? Why was I told the royal family killed him?" Rose asked. Tristan looked at her with compassion.

"I do not know, Rose. I am sorry."

"What... what about my mother?" She asked after a moment.

"Roseanna Culbert. It says she was held hostage and refused to reveal information about the kingdom. She was killed," Tristan said gently. Rose sat down on a nearby chair in shock.

"I was named after my mother," she mused. Tristan smiled and knelt down in front of her. He took one of her hands and placed a light kiss on her knuckles.

"And what a wonderful name to have inherited. Both your parents were brave and heroes."

"I can't believe it... all this time I thought my parents were criminals. I thought your family had executed them; I was so angry for so long."

"I know," Tristan whispered simply, squeezing her hand.

"Thank you for caring enough to find out what happened to them," Rose finally murmured.

"Anything for you, my Rose," he responded. Rose leaned forward and hugged him around his neck tightly. She pulled back slightly so she could look him in the eye.

"I love you," she whispered. A huge grin broke out on Tristan's face and he caressed her cheek.

"I will never grow tired of hearing those words," he told her. He is going to kiss me, Rose exulted as he moved closer. Before his lips could touch her own, the library door swung open with a bang. Rose squeaked and held her breath as they stared at each other with wide eyes. Tristan quietly blew out the candle and the darkness engulfed them.

"Tristan?" A voice peeped out. Tristan sighed in relief and took Rose's hand in his own.

"It is Suzanna," he told her calmly. Rose failed to see how that made the situation any better, but she followed him anyway as he pulled on her hand. "I am here, Suzanna," Tristan called out quietly. They approached the door where Suzanna could clearly be seen in the candlelight. Suzanna looked between them with raised eyebrows. Please don't hate me, Rose silently begged.

"Oh, sorry, did I interrupt you?" She asked simply, entirely unsurprised. Rose's mouth dropped as Tristan pulled her closer to his side.

"As a matter of fact, you did," he grumbled. Suzanna laughed quietly and rolled her eyes.

"I am sorry, brother. Father has noticed your disappearance. You had best return before he grows suspicious," Suzanna told him.

"Fine," Tristan sighed. He looked at Rose and pouted – Rose nearly laughed at his expression. That was twice they had been interrupted before a kiss.

"Go, I will see you soon," Rose told him with a smile.

"Very well. But I will finish what I started before the week is out," he told her with determination, referring to their kiss. Rose blushed furiously, chronically aware that Suzanna was watching them.

"Yes, yes, yes, there will be plenty of time for romance. Just go before Father sends out a search for you," Suzanna hurried, shooing him with her hands. Tristan rolled his eyes and squeezed Rose's hand one last time before leaving, hurrying back to the ball. Rose turned to look at Suzanna with wide eyes. Suzanna took one look at Rose and laughed.

"What? Did you think I did not know about you and Tristan? He practically came skipping to me the day after confessing to you. He may be a civilized Prince, but he cannot keep anything to himself when he is excited. I have told you before that he tells me everything, you know that. Though I have to say, Rose, I am a little disappointed I found out from my brother and not you. I thought you would be desperate to share with someone what had happened – and who better to talk to than me?" Suzanna said, grinning. Rose's mouth practically dropped to the ground.

"But I thought... but... but," she stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence. Suzanna giggled and patted Rose on the head.

"I am only teasing you. I take no offense that you did not talk to me. But I am overjoyed, I thought right from the moment I saw you that you would be perfect for Tristan. But there is not time to speak of this now, my Father will be frustrated if two of his children disappear. I must return to the ball. Are you coming?"

Rose blinked and shook her head slowly. "I... think I need to clear my head. I am going to step outside for a moment."

Suzanna smiled. "Okay, farewell."

"Farewell," Rose murmured as the Princess walked back to the ballroom.

Rose left the library and made the short walk to a side entrance of the castle. She walked outside and breathed in deeply the night air. She immediately felt more relaxed. She walked by the castle wall for a minute.

There was no one out, not even any guards, and suddenly Rose felt nervous. It was probably not safe for a servant girl to walk alone at night. Time to go inside.

Just as she was about to turn around, she noticed an odd shape on the ground. Rose frowned and walked toward it. With a gasp, she realised it was a body. Was that... a guard? She ran up to the body and knelt next to the man. With a sigh she realised he was still breathing. Rose stood up – she had to find help. Had someone knocked the man unconscious? Or perhaps he was ill and had dropped to the ground? Her heart raced at the discovery.

A snapping sound from the right caught her attention. Before she could turn around to see what had caused the noise, something was thrown over her head. Rose opened her mouth to scream, but before she could make a sound something hard hit the back of her head. Her vision turned black as pain erupted in the base of her skull.

She slumped lifelessly to the ground, unconscious.