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"Perhaps, instead of wasting your time questioning me, you should be searching for Jerome." Christain said smugly, "It's been a week, Rosalie. Even a fool would have had enough sense to have given up by now."

"We should just have him hanged, Rose. He isn't going to talk." Anthony folded his arms across his chest.

"Ah, and here I thought you were just a big lumbering brainless oaf. But it would appear you've the sense between the two of you." Christain laughed.

"You must have a death wish." Anthony spat.

"No, a death sentence, actually." Christain stated matter-of-factly.

"I'll be back." I said, before spinning on my heel and heading back down the hall.

There was only so much of Christain's stubbornness I could take each day, and as far as I was concerned, I'd reached my limit. Anthony followed me up and out of the prison, still seething at the encounter. After seeing how Christain had spoken to me that day, he'd requested to accompany me each day after, and he had. For the past week. Of course, I'd first refused, but then he took it up with George, who obviously thought an escort was necessary. After making our way into the garden, I turned to Anthony, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Anthony it's alright." I assured him.

"It isn't. He needs to pay for his crimes, and all you're doing is allowing him to tear into you."

"He doesn't bother me." I said.

"Deep down, you know he does." Anthony shook his head in disdain.

"Lighten up. I've some good news," I smiled, "George and I are announcing our engagement today."

"That's wonderful!" Anthony's sour expression vanished almost instantaneously.

"I just hope it isn't too soon."

"Nonsense. If anything, they'll be mad you didn't tell them sooner." he laughed.

"Well, they'll have to wait for a few more hours. We're going to gather everyone in the ballroom to tell them this evening." I said, heading for the castle, "I'll see you then."

I entered the castle, making my way to the kitchen where I'd hoped to find the twins with their mother, and sure enough, they were there. As Anne bustled about the kitchen, Dot and Darwin sparred in the corner with two wooden spoons. I beamed upon seeing how they'd remembered what I'd taught them, the footwork and stances.

"It would appear you've remembered what I taught you." I laughed, "And I did promise I'd give you riding lessons too, did I not?"

"Really?!" Darwin's face lit up.

"Of course, come." I smiled, taking the eager child's hand.

"Thanks Rose." Anne smiled.

I nodded, and led Dot and Darwin out of the kitchen, trying to match their excitedly quick pace. Soon, we arrived at the stables, a place I'd hardly ever been to. I laughed, as Dot and Darwin raced inside, each taking to different horses. Darwin's was small enough to be a foal, its caramel coat glistening in the light of the morning sun. Dot's choice was the pony's exact opposite, it's tall black figure a solid shimmering ebony.

"Perhaps we should settle on a smaller horse for now, Dot." I smiled, guiding her towards her brother, and leading his horse into the field, "Now, who'd like to go first?"

The rest of the afternoon slipped by quickly, as I taught the twins all I knew about riding. They were ecstatic to learn, but remained attentive as I carefully explained what to do. By dusk, they were able to ride on their own with ease, guiding their horses around the open field. I waved as I caught sight of their mother making her way towards me, a smile brightening her face as she observed her kids.

"Thank you again, Rose. You've no idea how much you help." she beamed, the light of the setting sun illuminating her features.

"It's no trouble, I enjoy spending time with them."

"I'm speaking of more than just the twins. Thank you. Really, for all that you've done." she turned to face me.

"What do you mean?" my brows furrowed.

"When we first met, do you remember what I told you? The King, he'd become closed off - cold. You've changed him, Rose. You brought back the cheerful kindly person I used to know. Thank you for that." she clasped my hands, a genuine grateful smile stretched across her face.

"I love him. More than anything. And trust me when I say, he's done just as much - no, more for me, than I could ever do for him."

"Being there, for each other, is the most that a family can offer one another. You've made all of our lives better. You're family, and don't ever forget it." she pulled me into a hug, before turning to her twins, "Dot, Darwin! Come on back to the castle!"

"Just a moment, mother." Dot hoped off her horse, pulling it back into the stables.

I smiled as Darwin carefully slid off his own horse, before trying to gently coax it back to its stall, feeding it a torrent of affectionate praise. His sister impatiently stomped over to him, grabbing the reins and putting the horse back herself, before joining her mother and I. The four of us returned to the palace, making our way to the ballroom where everyone was to meet for the announcement. My heart hammered. How would they react? I suppose it couldn't wait, though. It would have to be tonight, now.

As we at last entered the room, we found everyone waiting on us. I joined George at the front of the room, as everyone fell quiet, eager to hear the news.

"So, I suppose you're all curious," I looked around at the familiar faces, "And so, I'll just come out with it; the King and I are engaged."

Gasps rippled about the crowd. However, they didn't seem surprised or shocked, but rather excited. As though they'd anticipated it happening. And I suppose they were right to, George and I hadn't really made a point of hiding our relationship.

"When will the wedding be?" Alice asked timidly, her green eyes failing to conceal her joy.

"We've not yet decided," I answered.

"When did he propose?" Samuel questioned.

"I did, actually. The night of your wedding. We felt we should wait to announce it, so as to not take attention away from you and Trinity."

"Rosalie, proposing to the King? Now that's something I'd never have thought would happen." Fran remarked, smiling, and earning a few chuckles.

"I hate to address the elephant in the room, but... What of Jerome? What if he uses the wedding as a means to kill you both?" Trinity asked.

"The wedding will not be had until Jerome is behind bars." George said, placing a protective hand on my shoulder, and I reached up and placed my hand over top of his, giving him a warm smile.

"Well, this is indeed wonderous news." Anne clapped her hands together, "I never thought I'd live to see the day that you were married, my darling George."

"Nor did I. Until I met her." George pulled me closer.

"Now there's the matter of the ring bearer and flower girl. Does anyone now of any apt candidates?" I smiled.

"Oh I do! I do, Rosie!" Dot jumped for joy, raising her hand, and urging her brother to do the same.

"Would the two of you do us the honours?" I asked.

"Yes ma' am!" Darwin saluted, as his sister nodded furiously.

"Wonderful." I turned to Geroge, smiling, as his gaze trailed my face.

"That's all for now. Goodnight." George said, not bothering to lift his gaze from my lips.

"There's no shame in asking to be alone with Rose." Fran laughed as everyone cleared out from the room.

When we were at last alone, George grasped my hand, bringing it to his lips and softly grazing my fingers, before meeting my gaze. But rather than a playful look on his face, he seemed serious. I tilted my head, waiting for him to speak.

"Rose... You want this, right?" he asked after a moment.

"More than anything, of course." I frowned.

"And the notion of becoming Queen - It doesn't at all scare you?" he persisted.

"N-No not particularly. I love you and will be Queen if it means that I can be with you." I stated.

"You don't have to become something you don't want to be for me, my love."

"I may not be ecstatic about becoming Queen, but I would give the world to be your wife. I have no fears or worries and nor should you." I responded.

"Rose, I've known you long enough to be able to tell when you're lying." he tucked an errant strand of my white blonde hair behind my ear, regarding me with concerned  eyes.

"I'm not lying, I..." I paused.

He was entirely right, the thought of becoming Queen terrified me, and that was why I'd been refusing to acknowledge it. My eyes glazed over as my hands began to faintly tremble.

"I'm sorry - I... I..." I shook my head, forcing my eyes to meet his "I'm scared."

"You don't have to be, because I'll always be here for you." he smiled, "Besides, if anyone were worthy of being a Queen, it's you, my Rose."

He leaned in, lifting my chin up with his finger and tilting my head, before leaning in and kissing me. I closed my eyes, melting into the kiss. I loved him, so much, and he would help me through not just becoming Queen, but through everything else too. We at last pulled apart, before opting to head to sleep.

That night, cuddled next to George, the warmth of his body radiating onto me, I felt a sense of peace. I could handle anything with him by my side. Nothing would tear me down with George acting as a pillar. I loved him.

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