Flowers in the Garden

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Lady Rosalie St. Claire


Sitting in the garden, Emma was waiting for one of the St. Claire daughters to join her. Fiona had subtly suggested that for the duration of her time in Demeria, it was only appropriate that she acquire a more expanded entourage, taking on more ladies in waiting from the young, unattached women who attended Court this season. Agreeing that some additional companionship might be nice while her future hung in limbo, she'd quietly studied those who might do, extending her first invitation for an interview (for lack of better word) to Lady Rosalie St. Claire.

They were roughly the same age, though admittedly, Emma knew very little of the St. Claire girls. Just that there were four, all blonde, all beautiful, clever, witty and the banes of their father's existence. Hoping for some aspects in common, she requested the meeting in the gardens, enjoying the chance to be out in the late spring sunshine. Wearing a gown of a rose hue, her dark hair braided and coiled with matching ribbon and a hat perched to prevent her nose from burning, she kept an eye on the path by which she anticipated Lady Rosalie's arrival.

The qualifications were simple in Emma's mind - Rosalie needed to get along with Natalie as well as herself. She needed to enjoy riding, walking, helping other people (or at least pretend to on that last one), and could keep up with Emma's busy schedule. Some assistance in managing the royal-sponsored social events would be a plus. In exchange, Rosalie would receive a stipend, rooms near her own, and an expanded wardrobe, as well as some freedom she might not otherwise have. Emma was hardly a formidable taskmaster! It was an opportunity most ladies would jump at, she knew.

Whether Lady Rosalie would, she would see once the lady arrived, which would presumably be any minute...

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

The idea of being a Lady-in-Waiting to the Princess was intriguing, and a chance that Rose couldn’t pass up due to her quest of finding an identity of sorts. She had only heard the nice things about Princess Emmaline, but she would find out, she supposed, what the other woman was made of. Well, young woman, to be precise, as she and the lady she would be a companion of were roughly the same age. Wondering at it, she picked a gown of pastel green to match her coloring and hurried into the gardens, taking a few shortcuts she discovered entirely by accident. She thought the rest of her family didn’t need to know what she did in her spare time, so meeting the Princess would be a perfect alibi if she chanced to get a little lost on the way back. Unable to help a giggle at the thought, the girl came to an abrupt halt when she realized that, busy as she was with her thoughts, she almost ran into the Princess herself. Thankfully, she managed to stop a fair distance to avoid any crashes.

Right, she was supposed to… curtsy or something? Where exactly was she when Julia was teaching those lessons? Racking her mind for how one was supposed to introduce oneself to a dignitary, Rosalie had a brief couple of minutes of gaping fish moment, both because the Princess was rather a beautiful young woman and because she blanked for a minute, and covered the blank up by dropping into a curtsy as befitted the other young woman’s rank, which she thankfully remembered how to do. “Your Highness, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she managed, deciding that if she was going to blank, she might as well try saying something. This way it would probably even come off as honest reaction, which was exactly what she needed. Still, she also needed to pay attention to where she was going, next time she would definitely run into someone, and that someone might not be lenient at all.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Emma might be a woman under stress, but thank the Triad, she still had a sense of humor! She barely bit back the chuckle at the unceremonious arrival of Lady Rosalie, seeing the young woman recover her balance and her wits, though she was downright curious what had her giggling. Emma was rather sure whatever tickled Rose's fancy, it had little to do with her. Still, watching her all but skid to a halt to prevent collision sparked a laugh that was revealed in dark eyes. For the sake of Rose's pride, she kept it to herself. First impressions were important to everyone, after all.

The gaping fish moment only added to Emma's desire to laugh, further constrained with herculanean effort as she tilted her head, watching Rosalie with birdlike curiosity until the younger lady seemed to remember everything in a rush. Curtsy, check. Polite greeting, check. The smile spread across her face as she stood and offered a hand to Rose, deciding to drop any pretense at formality. Something told her Rosalie St. Claire was cut from radically different cloth than her older sisters. "The pleasure is mine, Lady Rosalie. I'm glad you were able to join me for a walk through the gardens." There was something about Rosalie that suggested keeping still might be a challenge for her, reminding her of a hummingbird. "Tell me," she began, setting them off on a stately pace along one of the paths, "how are you finding your way around? The castle and gardens can be a little confusing, I know..."

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Whew, it seemed like first impression was rather nicely made. Stifling a sigh of relief, Rose accepted a handshake from the Princess, getting up from the curtsy she managed to remember and noticed the laugh in the other young woman’s eyes. Thank the Triad, she seemed to have a sense of humor, that meant that she’d likely would look with tolerance upon her sometimes shenanigans that she tended to pull off, will she nil she. “Any time, Your Highness, I must admit I rather enjoy a good stroll if the weather is nice,” she replied, keeping pace next to the Princess. Rose was really grateful that the other decided that a walk was what needed, as she wouldn’t have been able to stay still for her life.

Oh. Finding her way around? “It’s quite confusing, since I’m a fairly recent arrival, but I believe I’m learning my way around well,” she decided on, because in all honesty one did not say to the Princess who lived in said castle that you were attempting to discover all the secrets it had. Chances were, it might not be accepted as a good one, but she would certainly make good use of all the shortcuts she could find. The gardens, whether the Princess knew it or not, was as much a maze of passages as the castle, and it only made more fun to explore. Wondering if she should be asking any questions back at her, Rose decided she would have to figure out this Lady-in-Waiting thing as it happened, and for now kept the pace with the Princess, not rushing ahead nor straying behind, as neither would be of benefit to either young woman. For now, stately pace that was set suited her well. Then, well, she’d spend her energy somewhere else.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Her initial assessment of the taller, golden haired young woman seemed spot-on. Rosalie was a bundle of energy, though Emma noticed little in the way of nerves. That was a good sign; she did not want to intimidate or make any of her future ladies nervous. There was enough to be anxious over in life without adding to it. The hand was given a warm, brief clasp and shake before they set off along the path, the better to enjoy the beautiful day and the myriad of sights and scents that comprised the gardens. Emma herself was soothed by the landscape that surrounded them, allowing her to be more natural and at ease and to direct her entire attention to the young woman beside her.

The tactful answer was noted, though a sidelong look took in Rosalie's face. She had no reason to suspect that Rose was anything less than truthful, but there was a definite air of mischief about her that made Emma want to smile. If nothing else, Rosalie would add some liveliness and laughter to her life, and right now, Emma desperately needed that. "Are you enjoying Court so far?" For the moment, Emma would take care of directing the conversation, the better to take stock of who Rosalie appeared to be. Whom she really was had to be discovered over time and exposure to each other.

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Admitting to herself that the warm and brief clasp of her hand by the Princess felt nice, Rosalie let go when the other woman did and kept pace with the Princess easily enough. It was no trouble when you had three sisters to do the same, as she was prone to getting ahead of them all and then waiting for Lynesse, who sometimes seemed to fall behind on their strolls. The realist of the three, Rose tended to enjoy her present surroundings, not the made-up ones, and did not fail to notice the beauty of the garden that surrounded her and Princess Emmaline right now. While she didn’t outright squeal, her eyes showed delight at the surroundings, and she made a note to visit the beautiful place more often if she could, perhaps even bring her sisters around. Surely even Julia had taken time to enjoy the sight! If not, she would correct the omission as soon as her older sister was back, but the time would tell about whether her sisters would be willing to or not.

For now, the young woman was brought back down to the present by the Princess’s question and clapped her hands in delight at the thought of the most recent event she had a chance to attend. “Yes, indeed, and the masque was most marvelous despite what seemed to be some trouble?” She left the question open, as she didn’t know if the Princess would answer it, and did not want to put the other young woman under unnecessary pressure. Instead hiding it with a quiet giggle, she allowed a grin. “I managed quite a few dances just on its edge, and it spilled well into the streets, so there was no trouble on my side until my family’s guard found me to inform of my sister’s search.” She was still feeling most sorry that the event had been cut short due to Julia hurrying her and their sisters away due their father’s over-protectiveness, but perhaps there was a reason for such matter, and there was nothing to be done but wait for another event of the same scale. Her curiosity, too, would really lead her into some trouble at one point or another, and Rosalie directed it into admiring the landscape instead. She probably was poking her nose where it didn’t belong already, but she hoped she didn’t offend the Princess with her question. Besides, she was bound to find things out – sooner or later.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

The effort to set a more casual tone had the desired effect. Rosalie appeared to settle a little, though Emma could help but think the girl was never completely still unless she was asleep. All that energy both amused and exhausted her, yet Rosalie was not obnoxious about it. Emma appreciated that greatly, and felt her own energy returning from the proximity to the young woman, her smile resting on her face more easily as they took in the gardens, at their spring finest. Blossoms brightened and scented the air, lending a paradisiacal atmosphere to the castle itself. Was it any wonder that she loved spending time here? And if the look on Rosalie's face was any indication of how she felt, Emma had found a kindred spirit. "It's beautiful, isn't it? If I could, I would spend hours every day here. I love to see it at all times of the day. In the morning when it's full of mist, or in the afternoon sunshine. In the evening at sunset, or watching the moon rise over the gardens." She would miss these gardens terribly if matters worked out in regards to her marriage.

Reminded of the trouble at the masque, Emma felt herself sobering. "My father is ill, I fear, and he collapsed during the masque. He is improving, thank the Triad, but we needed to see him directly back to the castle." The truth was already out; Emma saw no reason to dissemble needlessly, especially as Rosalie would be confronted with the situation if she joined Emma's entourage. "I am sorry the masque was ended so abruptly. It had been a lovely evening to that point, but I am sure your father and sister were concerned for your well-being." A gentle gesture indicated the knight who trailed them at a discreet distance. "It is not always easy or pleasant to be watched over so closely, but it is part of who we are, would you agree?"

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Yes, the gardens were beautiful, even if the only times that Rose had seen them so far was during the full day. There was something there in the tone of the Princess that made her make a note of the times and wonder if she would manage to badger her sisters to join her in observing the phenomena. “Beautiful description, Your Highness, and it makes me curious,” she admitted, a discreet glance cast toward a knight who was following them at an equally discreet distance while she listened to the Princess speak. She knew that her own family’s would be patrolling the garden while she or any other of her family members were there, so they were never alone or in any danger, and could enjoy the beauty the place offered. “Yes, indeed, though I keep being reassured they are for our safety.” Here she couldn’t help wrinkling her nose at the thought. It did feel a little constrictive, to put it politely, but Rose knew they only did their jobs, and decided she might as well let them do so.

Listening with sympathy clearly shown on her face, the young woman made a mental note on the situation that the Princess was facing, no doubt her brothers were much in the same way. After all, it looked like what affected one of them tended to spread to the rest, and the young woman couldn’t imagine the pressure that the illness of their father put on the young Royals. Of course she was aware that her own sister bore a weight of a Lady of their House, and tried to help where she could, but that was, in comparison with their country, smaller than the rest of it. Suppressing a shiver at the thought of any of them having to cope with the pressure of ruling a country, Triad forbid, Rose attempted to reach out to the other young woman, with a sympathetic smile more than anything else. “I hope the troubles will resolve for you, Your Highness,” she said, the tone slipping into her voice. So far, the Princess seemed like a kind soul, but Rose was more than aware that there was impression and impression, and she still was not certain whether she was making a good one. Ah, time would tell, though for now the conversation came easy. She was really worried for naught, especially as the garden’s serene landscape calmed down her restless energy enough to keep up the conversation.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Emma understood that nose-wrinkle perfectly, sympathizing instinctively with it. "Believe me," she lowered her voice to ensure only Rosalie heard her, "I wish it didn't have to be this way either, but that's a battle neither of us have a chance of winning. I would rather save the fight for something that I am not only more likely to win, but a situation that's much more important to me." Hoping that made sense, she wasn't one to counsel open rebellion except in matters of extreme personal importance. Ironic in light of feeling an increasing desire to quit the castle and leave it all behind, but Rosalie didn't know that and right now, Emma wasn't about to confide that to anyone but Natalie.

The expression of sympathy was greatly appreciated, the moreso for knowing it was sincere. Rosalie struck her as an honest, candid young woman who spoke her mind and heart equally. Emma tended to prefer people - read: friends - who were genuine in their thoughts and feelings. It spared her having to wonder at hidden agendas and misplaced motives. "Thank you, Lady Rosalie. He is in very good hands with Lady Katalin, who tends him with great care and diligence." The impression made so far was a good one, but it was time to shift the topic away from the emotions keeping her on edge and get down to the business at hand. "Tell me, my lady, would you truly want to join my household? This is your first venture to Court, I know, and I'd like you to be able to enjoy it without unnecessary burdens."

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Rose couldn’t help a quiet giggle at the suggestion from the Princess to pick her battles, but nodded in agreement with the young woman. “Don’t worry, Your Highness, I believe I know when to pick a fight, though I’m still learning all the tricks,” she confessed in a voice equally as low as that of the Princess and hoped her mischievous expression didn’t let off too many warning bells for the other to read. Really, sometimes she was too expressive for her own good, and right now Rosalie wasn’t certain whether it was a help to her or a hindrance. Figuring she would be able to use it to a point, she decided to continue being expressive, as one’s expression was read as often as one’s tone of voice, or at least that was how she had been caught so quickly when she was younger. Oh, she wasn’t quite an old soul yet, but she knew her inability to control her expressions was one of her weaknesses, and decided not to work on it. Making a note to suggestion of when the open rebellion was best suited, the girl cast another discreet glance at the poor fellow trailing them. “He must be thinking we’re planning a conspiracy,” she giggled, trying to put the topic back on the more relaxing track, and answered her next question in a normal tone of voice, more to put the fellow at ease than anything else.

“Your Highness, this would help me adjust to the Court all the quicker,” she said, more or less serious now that the Princess turned the conversation to the point and remembering why and how she sort of prepared for the answer. Yet most of it she came up with on the spot and had no wish of pretense. “And as for the unnecessary burdens, I expect they would only help me rather than hinder, as it will let me meet the people I wouldn’t get a chance to otherwise.” Not to mention it would introduce her to the spots that could be used for other things, which she’d get to in her spare time. Hoping the mischief didn’t show up again, Rose barely resisted a laugh, wondering just what her Highness would be thinking of having a too-giggly and expressive Lady-in-Waiting around, but figured she’d let the Princess decide for herself whether she needed someone like her.

Princess Emmaline Carlisle

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

She smiled at Rosalie's confession, aware that she had plenty of tricks to learn herself about picking battles and winning them, especially with figures of authority. Emma suspected there was a pitched battle coming with her father over the matter of her betrothal to the Crown Prince of Sarkozsy; Sedrick was surely aware by now how much of an unmitigated disaster the relationship - as it was - had become. Keeping the smile on her face when thinking of Nikolai was not easy, but Emma did not want to burden Rosalie so soon. She'd learn the less attractive aspects of serving a Princess soon enough, she didn't need to be frightened off out of the gate. Looking back over her shoulder at the knight, she laughed softly, "He usually does, but thankfully, I usually talk myself out of it before putting plan into action." The teasing glimmer returned to her eyes then as she guided Rosalie around a corner to the next section of the path.

Listening to her reasoning, Emma nodded thoughtfully. Rosalie offered a rather mature perspective on the matter, granting her some relief that the young lady had a notion of what she was getting into and what would be asked of her. There were a few who approached her thinking that serving as a Princess's lady in waiting was an easy, fast track to popularity in the court and a spouse of significance. Rosalie was not one of those. Added to the list was Rosalie's cheerful nature, and she thought the young lady might be a valid addition to her tiny household. "You've given this some thought, judging by your answer, but there is another aspect to consider. You will not be taking instruction only from me, but from Lady Natalie as well. Will this be a problem?"

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Rose gave a quiet giggle at the glimmer of teasing in the Princess’s eyes and returned her next words in kind, an impish grin and a quiet tone to avoid scaring poor fellow too much. “Well, we shall correct that little omission, Your Highness,” she informed the Princess in all seriousness. “Who knows, maybe you have some excellent ideas in which we can have some fun aside from…” She bit her lip just in time to stop herself from adding the bit about the lady lessons, and had to stifle another laugh at the very thought of Princess Emmaline sneaking around. She just couldn’t see the picture just yet, but maybe that was because the Princess didn’t seem like the sneaking kind. How very odd that was, considering the Princess had two brothers, but she decided she would wait and find out if she had a chance to.

As for the rest of it, she had no trouble at accepting instructions from the Lady Natalie, whoever that person was. They were likely going to learn to get along and she hoped it wouldn’t be too hard to do. Of course she was also aware that the life in position she was eyeing wasn’t going to be a picnic in the park all the time, but Rose just thought it was going to be a challenge to look at the odds and to do some growing up of her own. “No, Your Highness, it would not. After all, Lady Natalie was likely longer in your household than I’ve ever met you, so it’s only her right to do so,” she replied, a note of humor in her voice, considering the possibility that there wasn’t just one Lady-in-Waiting for the Princess. If there was, she was going to be very surprised, indeed.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

"From...?" Emma didn't miss the significant pause and indulged her curiosity by asking, rather than letting it go. That wasn't the first time she'd heard Rosalie hesitate over her words, prompting wonder over what she was reluctant to say. She doubted it had anything to do with her family, unless it was the ages-old tradition regarding a St. Claire daughter wedding a Carlisle son. Emma was doubtful Rosalie wanted anything to do with that, and she had more than a passing idea that Riordan was ready to break with tradition.

The mention of Natalie made her smile to herself. "Natalie has been with me for quite a while, but I doubt she's anything like you expect." In fact, Natalie could easily be Emma's own utter opposite, their close relationship a puzzle to many within the court. "I think you'll get along with her splendidly. Let's not fuss over rights and responsibilities. We all have enough of those already," she added dryly. "Shall we go find her? I think before you decide if you want to do this, you deserve full disclosure." If Rosalie couldn't get on with Natalie decently, then Emma would not incorporate her into the household. She had enough strife that she refused to accrue more simply because it was expected.

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Rosalie gave a rueful sigh at the prompt from the Princess. Ah, well, it was best to own up now than consider the situation later and get into trouble for that. “As you may have noticed from my arrival, Your Highness, I do not always pay the best attention to the lessons my older sister tried to make certain I learned,” she confessed sheepishly, letting the tone slip into her voice. “Sometimes I would much rather spend the time doing other things, and the lessons, especially when I was younger, were something to be avoided.” Thus she found herself scrambling to remember things from time to time, especially if those were something one was supposed to know easily, like how to curtsy properly when faced with a certain rank.

At seeing a smile on the Princess’s face, the girl nodded to her words, considering them. If the Lady Natalie was anything like what the Princess said she was, then the three of them would probably get along just fine, despite the former having been around the Princess for much longer than Rosalie herself. “Of course, Your Highness, please lead the way. I admit I’m intrigued about this Lady.” Managing a playful curtsy as she walked along, the girl hid a curious giggle to herself as she took in the garden, mildly distracted from the path and had to skip a bit to avoid tripping. The path was not the place for the daydreamer, but thankfully she wasn’t her older sister and didn’t get lost that badly, so as long as she kept an eye out for stray rocks and barbs she was going to be fine.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Emma laughed outright to that, fully grasping the meaning behind Rosalie's subtle explanation. The more tedious lessons deemed appropriate for young noblewomen of a certain rank, she surmised, where the skills of learning how to address people properly, stand, sit, walk, curtsy and generally behave appropriately were imposed. "I know the feeling. I tried to avoid them myself, but there are times when I've found those lessons, however dull, boring and trying to my spirit, to be helpful. Fortunately, I'm no kind of a teacher so you don't need to worry over me imposing such knowledge on you."

Continuing to direct the walk, she believed Natalie was working with the Lady Katalin in the herbal gardens and headed in that direction accordingly. "Intrigued is a good word. I think you'll find Natalie possessed of a similar spirit as yours, but I will also warn you as I wasn't. Natalie is a very open, honest and occasionally blunt lady. Despite that, she has a beautiful heart, a giving spirit, and a generous nature. It took me a little while to grow accustomed to her, but I doubt you'll have a problem adjusting to her ways. She should be just over here with another Lady I'd like you to meet - the Royal Physician, Lady Katalin. They've become friends."

Lady Natalie Kendall, Lady Katalin de Winter