"Rose, are you okay?" Someone called out to her as she stormed out from her meeting with the Prince. Rose turned her gaze and noticed one of the girls who had cleaned her up earlier, Anabelle.

"No. No I am not okay. Here I was, thinking that maybe the Prince was not so bad when he started apologizing. But no, then he prattles on telling me I should not judge him and that I cannot blame him for anything, even if I was right! Then he just tells me that I cannot go back to the village and I shall be a servant instead – just like that! How dare he! He has no right whatsoever. I am so furious, why I could... I could slap him!" She simmered, barely making eye contact with Anabelle as she paced along the floor. Anabelle was silent and did not answer Rose. Finally Rose drew her eyes to Anabelle, staring at her expectantly. "What?" She asked her, snapping. Anabelle shrugged apologetically.

"Well, I mean no offense in saying this, but the way I see it, Prince Tristan just saved your life. Right now you could still be on the streets, freezing and scared. At least now you have a place to feel safe. He has shown you more favor than any of the Royals have ever shown someone – at least as far as I know. You should have been executed, but he spared your life."

"Does no one here hold anything against the Prince? Can none of you see what kind of a heartless man he is?!" Anabelle's eyes were downcast at Rose's harsh words.

"I understand that when you first meet Prince Tristan he comes across as-"

"Rude?"

"Well, yes, I suppose a little, and-"

"An arrogant, pompous fool?" Rose spat out. Anabelle glanced at her disapprovingly.

"Not exactly. What I was going to say is that he can come across as non-committal and not caring at all. But he isn't, believe me he is not all those things. He puts on a brave, somewhat arrogant act – but he has reason to. Many people whom he has loved have left him. He says he does not care for people, that all he desires is the fulfillment of his wants. But that is not true – those that have known him for a while can see that. He does care, much more than I think he would like. If you want my personal opinion, I think it is a self-defense mechanism. He is afraid to be close to people because it will hurt if he loses them. I know you have been wronged, Rose, but do not take all your anger out on him, I beg you," Anabelle told her.

Many people whom he has loved have left him. She was referring to the Queen, Rose knew she was. The Queen died when the Prince was a little younger, about seven years ago. Winters were hard here and she had been very sick. A great sorrow had swept through the land at the loss of their beloved Queen. Three days later, the Prince's younger sister passed away from a festering wound. Somewhere inside of Rose was sorrow for his loss, but her anger and hurt clouded her emotions. All she could see was a heartless man who had never cared for his people. Anabelle's blue eyes pleaded with her, and Rose softened her gaze.

"I am sorry. I know the Prince has been very hurt. And everyone around here seems to think he is marvelous. Maybe he is, but not towards me. Never towards me. But I will refrain from saying cruel things about him – I respect your feelings. Now please, please, could you take me to Mistress Eudora?" Rose said quietly. Anabelle spared Rose a soft smile. The two may have been at odds with their views on the Prince, but they understood each other. Anabelle began leading Rose down the hall. With each step away from Prince Tristan Rose felt more at peace.

They found Mistress Eudora slicing a freshly baked loaf of bread. She looked up, startled when they both entered the room, but then smiled.

"I see your meeting with Prince Tristan ended. Thank you for bringing her here, Anabelle, you may continue with your duties now." Anabelle curtseyed and exited promptly, smiling at Rose over her shoulder. Mistress Eudora gestured for Rose to take a seat whilst she finished her chore. "Tell me, child, what did the Prince say?" Remembering her words to Anabelle, Rose told herself not to speak unkind words about the Prince. It would not do well to make enemies rather than friends.

"He told me I am to be a servant here – 'it is a step up from being a beggar', he said," Rose choked up slightly at the words. She was scared, the stranger in a foreign place, forced into serving the last man on earth that she would ever want to. Mistress Eudora tsked briefly.

"'Tis a bit of a shame. To think, that dress looked so beautiful on you. Ah well, it certainly will be pleasant to have such a beautiful new face around," she told Rose, smiling fondly. Her words were almost enough to make Rose smile. Of course she would be upset about the beautiful dress she had found for Rose. Despite her words, Rose was still far too scared and upset to smile. "Now, now, do not look so forlorn child. In time, you will see, you will call this place home. And just think, tonight you shall sleep on a bed with a warm hearth crackling." Rose forced her lips into a smile when she saw Mistress Eudora's expectant gaze.

"But Mistress Eudora, I do not know anything about being a servant. Nor how to act correctly around nobility. How could he just order me to become a servant here? I'm so afraid," Rose told her, sucking in a deep breath to scare away the tears.

"Oh, sweet Rose, do not be afraid. You have friends here – we'll take care of you. I will teach you everything you need to know. You are strong and have been strong, child, so do not stop being strong now."

"What if I am tired of being strong? There is only so much one person can take. I do not know how much longer I can take the treatment of the world."

"Maybe that is why you were brought here. To give you a home, a place to feel safe. Yes, you are scared now, but I have a feeling in this place you will find much joy."

Mistress Eudora quickly found a servants dress for Rose. It was plain but appropriate for the work that would have to be done. She took the beautiful dress she had given Rose and said she would "find a safe place" for it.

Mistress Eudora spent the rest of the day, hours and hours, teaching Rose everything she would need to know to serve in the castle. She had appointed Rose as a kitchen hand, saying she was far too delicate for menial and tiring labor. She taught Rose how to prepare meals; how to use the pot near the fire; how to correctly hold a flask of wine; how to behave when serving the Royal family and any guests they had. The list went on and on. Rose's head was brimming with the immense amount of information required. She simply knew she would not be able to comprehend any more information – even now her head was aching. She was fatigued, lonely, scared, and in pain.

By the time the serving time for dinner had arrived, Rose was purely exhausted. Her leg was continuously stinging, but she did her best to ignore it – she had suffered much worse before. Mistress Eudora led Rose and five other servants out into the dining room of the Royal family. Rose did her best to ignore the wealth surrounding her, knowing it would only make her angry at the injustice between life as a Royal and life as a beggar. Diligently and quickly they prepared the long table, laying out food and cutlery. Rose worked slowly and under the watchful gaze of Mistress Eudora, who made sure she was correctly doing each duty. Rose's stomach still felt full from the bread and cheese she had eaten earlier – she could hardly comprehend how anyone could eat the amount of food that was being laid out on the table.

As a servant, her priority was to first ensure the Royal family was satisfied, and only then would she be allowed to see to her own needs. The Royal family consisted of the King; Price Tristan; his two younger sisters, Suzanna and Emily; and his one younger brother, Liam.

Rose stood with her back against the wall as, one by one, the Royal family began entering the room. Her hands were clammy as she watched them, realizing that one wrong move could lead to her being punished. Though she had never heard of the Royal's mistreating any of their servants it did not mean they would not. Suzanna was first, entering in all her grace and beauty. She was seventeen, almost Rose's age, and beautiful with curly red hair and pale skin. She nodded politely to the servants as she walked past, staring curiously as she passed Rose.
Liam entered next, his hair slightly ruffled and a hint of dirt on his shirt. At nine years old, he was evidently difficult to restrain when all he wanted to do was play. He did not pay any attention to the servants as he passed, but rather chattered loudly to Suzanna about how hungry he was. He was boisterous yet sweet. 

Rose held her breath as Tristan walked in, side by side with little Emily. Emily was seven, her mother had died when she was only months old. Her big brown eyes gazed up at Tristan lovingly – she clearly adored her older brother. Tristan was amusing Emily when he walked in, sticking his tongue out of his mouth. Rose pressed herself hard against the stone wall, doing her best to appear inconspicuous. Nonetheless, Tristan's gaze trailed along all the servants until he at last paused on her. She said and did nothing, keeping her chin held up high in pride rather than submission. A light smile broke out on his face and Rose hardened her eyes. Remember Beth. No, he would never be kind in her eyes – no matter what everyone said.

The four children found their seats around the table and all merged into one conversation. As servants, Rose and the others were meant to be invisible - make those above them feel as though the servants were not around them or listening to their conversations. Rose did her best to appear as though she was not truly there or listening, but she could not help picking up on bits of their conversation. She smiled to herself when Suzanna spoke of a Duke in the west she rather fancied, and when Liam talked about how his birthday was coming up soon.

A moment later the doors were opened. The room went silent as everyone anticipated the arrival of the next figure. The King entered, and despite looking tired and worn-out he carried with him a regal, authoritative presence. He was still young enough in his years. If it were not for the pneumonia he had suffered the year before he would still seem strong and capable. Many hoped for his complete recovery, while still many doubted whether he would reach his full health again.

The servant's in the room all bowed. Rose joined them, curtsying deeply. True, she had defied the Prince willingly, but the King was a much more severe figure who was not known for his mercy. She kept her head bowed, as she was instructed, and listened to his footsteps as he passed the row of servants. Rose was nervous to be near the King. If she drew too much attention to herself the King could discover who she was and why she was here, and could reverse the decision of Prince Tristan. Rose could end up executed if the King became angry. Oh God, forgive me for my rebellion. You know how I have been hurt... just, please, keep the King from angering.

As she stood up straight Rose caught Prince Tristan looking at her. He appeared both confused and amused. The servants all left their place by the wall and streamed out to begin serving. Rose was handed a flask of wine to fill the Royal's drinks and keep them full, while another girl was handed a flask of juice for the younger children. Rose took a deep breath and then walked to Suzanna, who seemed the kindest out of the family. Rose caught Mistress Eudora's eye who shook her head wildly, trying not to draw attention to herself. Rose paused before realizing her mistake. The King was always to be served first. Nervously Rose continued walking, as if she had never intended to stop near Suzanna.

She reached the head of the table, the King was not paying attention to the servants. Rose leaned over him quietly and filled up his glass, doing her best to breathe evenly. She finished the task without any mistakes and sighed in relief as she walked away from the King. Next she went to Prince Tristan who was distracted eating his food. He did not notice her by his shoulder as she filled his cup, and gratefully she walked over to Suzanna. Suzanna smiled at Rose and even thanked her after she filled her glass.

The meal was passing slowly without any mistakes. Though her heart was beating fast, Rose was feeling calmer with each moment that went by. All was well until the other girl serving drinks tripped over. She landed on the ground, her ankle made a resounding crack, and the room went completely silent. A couple of the servant's rushed to her side, whilst some more ran to find strong men. Her face was pale and drawn tight with pain. She did not make much noise but it was evident she was suffering. Three men entered the room quietly and helped the girl out. Conversation gradually broke out back along the table. Mistress Eudora rushed to Rose's side.

"Here, you serve the young ones," she told Rose, handing her a new flask of juice. "I'll serve the King," she told her, taking Rose's original flask. Mistress Eudora winked when she saw how relieved Rose was and turned to continue attending to the family.

Rose stood inconspicuously to the side until she noticed Emily's drink was nearly empty. Silently she moved over to her and began pouring more juice into her glass. Rose could feel Emily watching her so she glanced down briefly as she straightened back up.

"You're so pretty," Emily said suddenly. Again, the table went quiet. Rose froze as everyone's attention fell on her – this was not how the meal was supposed to go. The King frowned as he looked Rose up and down. Desperate to turn the attention away from her, Rose bobbed into a quick curtsey.

"Thank you, my lady," she nearly whispered before turning away from Emily's place.

"You there." Rose's heart skipped a beat and plummeted into a rapid, frantic pace. It was the voice of the King. Doing her best to appear meek and proper, Rose turned to him and curtseyed again.

"Yes, my lord?" She waited for him to continue and kept her head low as a servant should.

"Are you new here?" He asked her.

"Yes, my lord," Rose answered. The room was fairly quiet as everyone watched the exchange between them.

"I do not recall hearing that the castle was in need of more servants," the King said, raising his eyebrows. Mistress Eudora stepped in, trying to help Rose.

"No, Your Grace, we did not need more help but she was a special circumstance, and..."

"I hired her," the Prince cut in all of a sudden. "She was in need of work. It would not do to add another beggar to the streets." Rose wanted to frown at his words but instead she worked to keep her face blank and submissive.

"Hmm. You are right, of course," the King responded before turning his attention to Eudora. "As long as you are keeping firm track of the servants. I will not have my home falling into chaos." Mistress Eudora smiled and widened her hands.

"But of course, my lord. Each and every servant is accounted for, I assure you."

"Good. You may continue serving," the King instructed Rose before turning back to his meal.

"Thank you, Your Grace," Rose murmured. She turned away, her heart thudding in her chest. She ignored the gaze of the Prince as she served, working on slowing her breathing.

That night Rose was outside bringing the washing in for Mistress Eudora. She tugged the final sheet off the line before folding it and putting it in her basket. She walked inside and placed the basket down where Mistress Eudora had instructed her then headed back to the kitchen for any more orders. A couple of servants were mingling around doing the odd job here and there. Mistress Eudora was scrubbing a bowl, but she left it when she saw Rose.

"I have done the washing, ma'am," Rose told her.

"Thank you, child. You can go to bed, we are almost finished here. I know you have had a long day." She patted Rose on the head and beamed when Rose thanked her. Rose turned and walked through a hall heading for the servants quarters which Mistress Eudora had shown her earlier. As she was passing the library, Prince Tristan suddenly stepped out.

"Your Grace," Rose muttered, aiming to just walk past him. He fell into step with her. Rose forced herself to stare blankly ahead as she continued walking.

"How are you liking your work here, Rose? Are you glad you stayed?" He asked her.

"I do not see how I had much choice in the matter," Rose responded brusquely, picking up her pace.

"Rose, wait," he commanded her. Rose came to a halt and turned to face him. "You have been respectful, submissive, and proper to every member of the royal family except me. Which makes me think that you do not just simply dislike nobility. No, you have something against me personally and I want to know what it is," he told her. Her heart pounded but she shook the fear off and faced him squarely.

"I told you. I do not like the way you have abused the power given to you," Rose answered. The Prince took a step towards her, frowning deeply.

"But it is not just that, is it?" He asked. "There is another reason, is there not?" Rose remained silent and gazed just past him, not daring to look into his warm eyes and feel charmed into telling him everything. It was quiet for a minute before he pressed her again. "Tell me," he commanded. Rose stared at him through narrowed eyes before deciding to be honest.

"My best friend. You wronged her," she told him simply before turning away again. He made no sound, but a moment later she heard his rushed footsteps as he ran to catch up with her.

"I'm sorry. I am sorry for whatever it was that I did. But I am not the man you think I am, I want to do better – be better," he fell into step with her again but his apology meant nothing. Rose stopped again and glared up at him.

"I could never forgive you. Not in a million years, not if I live to be old and wrinkled, not if you apologized to me every hour of every day," she seethed. "I do not know why you are trying to make me see goodness in you, sir. I am just your servant, the least important figure in your life. It would benefit us both if you left me alone." Again she began walking. The Prince looked angry and frustrated.

"Tell me what happened to your friend," he commanded again. "Rose!" He said firmly when she did not stop. Rose paused and turned to look at him, trying to hide her sadness.

"You wish to know why I do not like you? Why I am angry towards you and you alone?"

"Yes, tell me," he said, softer this time.

"You do not even remember her, do you? My closest friend, Beth," she asked him, choking up. He looked at Rose, unable to answer for he could not deny her words. Rose paused for a moment before finding the courage to continue. "She was sick, she needed help. No one would assist her for she was a beggar, just like me. She went to you for she had heard you were kind towards the townswomen. She was wrong of course, you were only using them, but she did not know that. When she found you she begged you for any help, whether it be money, food, clothes, or a healer. Anything you could have offered she would have been willing to take. You turned her away without as much as a glance. She came back to me crying and scared for her future. You were her last and only hope, for a King and his family are meant to watch over their subjects." There was complete silence as Rose finished. Neither of them said anything, they merely stared at each other.

"What happened to her?" Prince Tristan finally asked. His face showed regret and shame, but that was not enough to appease Rose. She could never forget – she could never forgive.

"She died."

Rose turned away from him and walked as quickly as she could. Tears streamed down her face as she thought about her lost friend, the closest thing she had ever had to a sister. Her heart felt like it had been squeezed and crushed inside her chest. She nearly ran to the servants' quarters, hoping she would not be followed by the Prince or that no one would see her and want to talk.

It was dark inside, most people were already sleeping. Rose changed into her nightgown and curled up onto her own bed, too brokenhearted to relish in the comfort of being in an actual, warm bed. If it were not for Prince Tristan, my best friend would still be alive. Rose squeezed her eyes shut, trying to force away the tears. Darkness surrounded her and she succumbed an exhausted sleep, memories of Beth and Rose floating through her mind.