Chapter 1.7: Give and TakeLast Episode:When last we saw the Rosas, Adrian admitted to all the nobles of the kingdom that he knew he was the son of Marcus Bulwark. Since Blakely Doran won the contest, he pledged himself to his new King, swearing himself and his family to serve them faithfully. He feels he can best serve the kingdom in the role he is in, as a diplomat.
The family lives in Rosa Manor, located on Optimist's Outlook in Newcrest. The household consists of:
- Lady Ferina Rosa- the matriarch of the family; she was to wed the heir to the throne, but her brother was furious and challenged the prince to a duel. Both he and the Prince were killed. She didn't realize she was pregnant until later. She kept her son's parentage a secret after marrying a family friend.
- Lord Adrian Rosa- the head of the family, and an important man in the kingdom. He is a diplomat and serves as the face of the kingdom. He is happy to serve Newcrest and its new King and Queen.
- Lady Marisa Rosa- Adrian's wife; she is the sister of Lord Donovan Xavier of Windenburg.
- Lady Jayda Rosa- Adrian and Marisa's first born and heir. She's a toddler with the Angelic trait.
- Lord Quinn Rosa- Adrian and Marisa's second born child. He is a baby.
- Daichi Tanaka- the family's butler, he has served them for years. He is also Lady Ferina's lover. The two formed a relationship that took some time to come to light. The family supports them wholeheartedly.
*****
Adrian nodded Meredith as she smiled at him, motioning him into the castle entrance. "M'lord, the King will be right with you. Why don't you go make yourself comfortable in the library?"
"Thank you, Meredith. I will." Adrian's expression was thoughtful. Times were always changing. Who knew that better than he? It seemed every time he turned around, something else was different. It wasn't a bad thing, for the most part, really. Change often meant growth. Still, it wasn't always comfortable. He settled himself into one of the armchairs in the library, lost in his reverie.
After all, hadn't he just watched his mother get married again? He fully supported her relationship with Daichi. He was a good man and he adored Ferina, that wasn't in any doubt. Still, her marriage to a butler would certainly draw attention and it was what had taken Daichi so long to propose. He hadn't had any intention of doing so, in fact. Except Adrian- and even more so Marisa- had told him to do it. Life was too short to hesitate and Ferina wasn't a young woman anymore. So Daichi had finally asked her and the two had a private ceremony, only themselves with Adrian and Marisa as witnesses.
Adrian smiled softly to himself. He had never seen his mother look so radiant.
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It was good to see her happy. Daichi treated her like a queen. She deserved to be happy. She had put her own needs last for far too long, to his way of thinking.
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"Lord Rosa- Adrian!"
Adrian was brought out of his thoughts abruptly; he started and then grinned ruefully at his King. He began to rise, but Blakely waved it off. "Please, not necessary. Stay seated. Thank you for coming." The King took the chair opposite Adrian and sat on the edge of the seat. "Thank you for meeting me today. I know it's been rather busy for you. Was just your boy's birthday, wasn't it?"
Adrian nodded. "Yes, your highness. Quinn's getting big already. Hard to believe."
"Aye. Time flies, doesn't it?"
"Yes, yes it does. Seems like just yesterday he was born. Now he's toddling along by himself!"
Blakely laughed. "How are he and Jayda getting along?"
Adrian's grin was wide as he pulled out a picture. "Oh, they like to get themselves into trouble a bit, but I'm a lucky man. Look at these two." He held out the photograph to Blakely, every inch the proud papa. The evidence of how close his children were was in the photo.
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"You are indeed a lucky man. Those two are going to be heartbreakers soon enough, aren't they?"
Adrian grimaced. "I'm trying not to think about that. They are already growing up too fast. It'll be Jayda's birthday soon enough."
Blakely laughed. "Aye, I know that feeling. Zach's getting up there too and Rhys will be running around before I know it." He shook his head. "Anyway, apologies. I know you must want to get back home."
The two men settled in. Adrian crossed his ankles and waited for his King to speak once more.
Blakely sat with his elbows restig on the arms of the chair and steepled his hands in front of his face. "As you know, both Strangerville and Sulani have opened their borders. There have even been some overtures, the possibility of treaties and trade agreements."
"Yes, I had heard about this. Beatrice was gathering more information, the last I knew."
"Aye. Based on her information, I will be meeting with the Chief of Sulani in a month's time. However, she is concerned about Strangerville. There are rumors and stories about strange things happening. She is still collecting data, but what she's found so far is concerning."
Adrian frowned, thinking. "What has she found?"
"There are rumors of some kind of an illness taking hold. What kind of illness, no one seems to know. There haven't been any casualties reported that we've been able to dig up."
"Still, that is concerning." Adrian gestured with his hands. "I take it you'd like me to visit there?"
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"Yes. While the rumors of this illness are concerning, I can't, in good conscience, ignore a kingdom that may need our help. I would feel better sending someone in to take stock. If you see anything that concerns you, please, report it immediately. If there is anything that we can do to help, see if you can find that out as well."
"Of course, sire. I will send a missive to them tonight and work out travel details."
"I knew I could count on you, Adrian. Thank you."
The two men stood and shook hands. "I'm happy to do my duty. I will do what I can to assess the situation in Strangerville and then get back to you."
Adrian was escorted out of the castle by Meredith. He was quiet on the way home. It wasn't until he strode through the door of Rosa Manor that he relaxed, smiling softly. There was nothing like coming home.
"Da!" Adrian looked down the hallway and saw Quinn. His son grinned up at him, his big bright eyes sparkling. "Hey, there's my boy!"
"Papa, fly! Papa, fly!"
"You wanna fly, huh? Like a bird?"
"Bir', bir'!"
Adrian laughed as he hefted his boy up onto his hip and carried him down the hall to the ballroom where there was more room. Quinn often got a bit over-enthusiastic.
The laughter of his son rang out around them as he hoisted Quinn up into the air, calling for more and more.
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The sounds of her son and husband brought Marisa into the ballroom. Adrian's smile widened as he was greeted by his wife with a kiss on the cheek.
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"Your meeting went well?" she asked him, holding his hands in hers.
"Yes. It's as we suspected. The King would like me to pay a visit to Strangerville. He and the Queen will be meeting with those in Sulani. He wants me to see what I can find out about the rumors we keep hearing of Strangerville."
"I'm glad he trusts you with something so important. When do you leave?"
"As soon as I get a reply. I've sent a messenger to the Roswells. From what I understand, they are the oldest family there. "
Her hand rubbed up and down his arm. "It sounds like your best bet. You'll be careful."
It wasn't a question; he still answered. "Of course. I'm only going to find out some information."
"Mm, see that's all you do." The two held hands as they walked down the hall. Adrian leaned close to whisper in his wife's ear. Whatever he said made her giggle and eyes light up.
****
"Gamma, story!"
Ferina beamed down at her granddaughter. "What story would you like to hear tonight, my little one?"
"Da princess in the tower!"
"Ah, the Trapped Princess it is, then, my sweet." Ferina opened the cute picture book about the Princess who lived in a tower. There was a Prince in there as well, though he was a bit late to save the Princess as she was done with waiting and saved herself! Jayda loved that story.
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As she read, Ferina watched as Jayda's eyes grew heavy. But before she could close the book, Jayda was looking up at her grandmother with a serious expression. "Gamma?"
"Yes, sweetie?"
"Is papa there yet?"
Ferina pursed her lips, her gaze traveling upward for a moment. "I imagine he is, sweetie. It doesn't take long to travel. He'll be back before you know it."
Jayda nodded seriously. "Ok, Gamma." She settled back and then cuddled down into her covers, closing her eyes. She was asleep in moments.
Ferina sighed quietly. To be young again. Her thoughts traveled to her son, who should have arrived in Strangerville a few hours ago.
****
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Adrian stepped out of the car, shielding his eyes from the sun. He wasn't sure what he had expected, but it wasn't what he was seeing. There was a certain charm about the desert landscape, he had to admit. Still, something in the air seemed- off. Perhaps it was only his imagination, getting the better of him.
He leaned in and tipped his driver before he sauntered into what appeared to be the center of town. Hm, the reply from the Roswell's had said they would have someone meet him here. But he didn't see anyone.
"Lord Rosa?" He turned around at the voice. A young woman in a uniform stood behind him.
He extended a hand toward her. "Yes, I'm Lord Rosa."
"Colonel Aberwith. Ted Roswell told me to meet you today. We're glad to have you." Her grip was a strong one. "If you need anything, all you have to do is ask."
"Thank you. I had my bags taken to where I will be staying."
"Good, good. I think you'll find the accomodations more than adequate."
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"I'm sure they'll do nicely." He smiled disarmingly. "I was hoping to meet with Mr. Roswell soon, if possible."
"I will see if that can be arranged. He's often a busy man."
"Of course, of course." As he stood there with a smile plastered on his face, Adrian's alarm bells were ringing. Though the Colonel seemed sincere, her body language was tense and she rarely met his gaze. He was about to chalk it up to simply being unused to visitors when he caught a glimpse of the person behind that was walking jerkily behind the Colonel.
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*****
"Alright, alright. Adrian?" King Blakely looked around at the gathering of people in the great hall of the castle. His gaze rested on Adrian. "You called this emergency meeting as soon as you got back from Strangerville. Share your findings here, with everyone."
Adrian stood up to address his fellow aristocrats. He pulled in a deep breath. "As you know, I went to Strangerville to see if I could glean any information about the rumors we kept hearing. We're no strangers to illnesses here and the King sent me to see if we could be of assistance in any way or at least substantiate any of the information we had."
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He paused, picking his words carefully. "I have already told the King what I have found, but I wanted everyone to know." He began to lay some photographs down. "I was only there for three days, but it is my opinion that they are hiding something. Something serious." The first photo was of the woman he had first seen in the town center. There was a gasp from Lady Beatrice even as her husband picked up the photograph, frowning.
"Were you able to ascertain what the cause of- this is? Or even- what is
this?" Gunner asked.
"The representative I spoke with was extremely close-mouthed about everything. Even asking direct questions got little in the way of answers. Then there were the outright lies." Adrian shook his head in disgust.
Beatrice was holding another photograph. "Adrian? What can you tell me about this?"
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"Not as much as I would like to," Adrian answered. "I do know when I asked about these plants- they were scattered about town- the Colonel became very defensive. I was lucky to get this picture." He shook his head and held up his hands. "Something is wrong in that town. I can't explain what it is, can't give you the kind of information we were hoping to get. What's more, they either won't admit anything is wrong or don't think anything
is wrong."
As the discussion continued, King Darian sat back, thinking. Strangerville's borders had been closed for all of his reign and for a good portion of his father's as well. He had always thought it was because they were simply an insular people. But now, he wasn't so sure.
A while later, Blakely stood up and addressed his nobles and his Queen. "Based on these findings and on their apparent lack of forthcoming, I have no choice. The borders between Newcrest and Strangerville will remain closed. Further, there is to be a quarantine for any that travel to or from there. We still can't know just what it is that is happening there. The weather changing has been difficult enough and our citizens are still reeling from that. I will not turn away those that may need help, but neither will I expose our citizens to anymore danger than I have to."
No one argued. Adrian sat back. It was no less than he had expected. There was little choice when those in Strangerville refused to cooperate. For now, it was all they could do.
****
"Thank you, Daichi. I'll take care of that. Almost done with the cake." Marisa continued to mix up the batter she had in the bowl as Daichi checked the dish in the oven.
"Of course, m'lady. Hard to believe it's Jayda's birthday already."
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"Tell me about it! Can't believe my baby will be going to school soon. Doesn't seem possible." She wiped the back of her flour-covered hand over her forehead. "Then again, my brother's kids are going into high school and his youngest is in middle school." She glanced up at the clock. "And they'll start arriving any minute now!"
Before too long, the front doors opened to admit friends and family. Quinn found his older cousin River quite fascinating and kept following him around, babbling excitedly.
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Their star of the hour wasn't sure what to think of her cousin Eva. Though she enjoyed the attention everyone was giving her.
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Then it was time for cake. Adrian had the honor of holding her up to the candles. She blew them out so quick, it had been impossible to get a picture of her doing it!
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She refused to pose for pictures until she was properly outfitted and attired to her own satisfaction.
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She certainly favors her father in coloring, except for her eyes. She inherited her mother's eye color. Her brother, on the other hand, inherited most of his coloring and looks from his mother.
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****
Darian looked down at the picture that Adrian showed him. "Can't believe how big she's gotten. Or your littlest, Adrian. They are beautiful children."
Adrian and his uncle were at the Ebony and Ivory Inn, having a meal.
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"Thank you. I think so too." Adrian's eyes sparkled.
"I'm sorry I missed her party."
"Think nothing of it. We understand. How are you feeling?"
"Better. Much better. Since you came back with your report, Blakely and I have spent a lot of time in meetings. He's doing well, but he requests my council when I can give it."
"As he should." Adrian paused as the waiter came with their food. He took a sip of his wine, nodding approval. "Your experience would be invaluable to him. To all of us, uncle."
Darian shrugged. "I won't be here forever, my boy." One corner of the old King's mouth turned up into a self-deprecating grin. "But I'm happy to give my council." He raised his glass. "I am proud of you, all of you. The way each of you has stepped up lets me know that when the Matriarch calls me to her, I can go knowing that Newcrest will be well taken care of."
Adrian was silent for a long moment, swirling his wine in the glass. "I was going to say bite your tongue. But I'm old enough to know that everyone's time will come. Still, I hope that it will be a long time before we have to worry about governing without your Council, uncle."
Darian laughed. "Hear hear!" He took a sip of his own wine.
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"How's your mother? I was happy to hear about her marriage."
Adrian smiled. "She and Daichi are very happy together." His smile faded. "I hope you weren't offended because you weren't invited to the wedding. Mother told me that she just wanted me and Marisa there."
"Oh no, of course not. I understand." He looked off to the side, his gaze distant. "I can't imagine it has been easy for her. I wish she had been able to confide in me all those years ago."
"Uncle," Adrian's voice was soft, "I think my mother didn't want to add to your burden. I know she felt for you when your Amelia died."
"I know I was mired in grief. But I would have helped her."
"She knows that. Uncle, you have nothing to be sorry for. She did what she thought she had to. That's all any of us can do."
"Ha!" Darian winked at his nephew. "When did you get so wise?"
"I wouldn't call it wise," Adrian returned with a wicked grin, "just an observation."
The two laughed as they finished up their meal. "Tell your mother, and that lovely wife of yours that we'll all have to get together again. I very much enjoyed the last time I came over."
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"Of course. You'll have to come for dinner again one of these nights. Perhaps once things settle down a little."
"I'd like that." The two men stood from their table and walked out of the Inn. They said their good byes and then went their separate ways.
Adrian had decided to walk to the inn. It was close to the Manor and it was a nice night. By the time he and his uncle had concluded their dinner, it was dark out. That was ok. The air held a chill to it, but it wasn't too bad yet. The weather had been fairly mild, at least so far. He knew it wouldn't last forever, though.
By the time that he walked through the front door of the manor, it was fairly late. As he proceeded to head toward the stairs, he heard soft voices coming from the front parlor. He looked in briefly and saw his mother and Daichi on the sofa. "That feels wonderful, Ichi, thank you."
"Always, my dear."
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Adrian smiled softly as he wandered up the steps to change. He looked in on his sleeping children and found his wife already in bed as well. Not quite ready for sleep yet and remembering his conversation with his uncle, he padded back downstairs to the kitchen.
He grabbed a cup of green tea and stood there in the kitchen, contemplating life for a moment. If anyone had predicted any of this when he had first been told of the contest for the throne, he would have thought they were crazy. It was strange the turns that life so often took.
"Thinking deep thoughts, son?"
He looked up at his mother as she came into the kitchen, smiling softly.
"I suppose so. Just thinking about life. It's been pretty good to me. And I have you to thank for that, mother."
"Oh Adrian. I'm your mother. It's my job. I'm just glad that things worked out."
"Me too."
The two stood in companionable silence for a moment. "Did you enjoy dinner with your uncle?"
"I did." He reached up into the cupboard to grab a glass for some water. "I told him we had to have him over for dinner soon."
"That's a splendid idea. We should have a party. What do you think?"
He had to grin. His mother loved her parties. "I think that would be a great idea, mother. Marisa would enjoy cooking for everyone, I think. What should she serve?"
When there was no answer, he turned and looked over his shoulder at her. "Mother?"
Ferina swayed on her feet, all the color drained from her face. "A-adrian," she whispered as she pitched forward onto the floor.
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"Mother? MOTHER!"
****
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Watcher's Note: And thus, our first loss in our families. It was a tough one for me. Especially since it was the last thing that happened on Adrian's week. I will have a little memorial photo in the
Memorium section.
