Chapter 11: Coming of Age P.2

Age: 8

The carriage ride was short, under and hour, due to our mansion in the capital being near the Palace which was important for security. The sight of the enormous and grand Castle took my breathe away, it was a million times more beautiful than in my dreams where the 'future' Rosalia only saw the grand spectacle as a nuisance in separating her from her beloved. The grand castle had an entire waterfall flowing underneath it it, as it sat on two mountains that looked as if they were used as the main foundation for its tall and unique structure. White marble and jade could be seen everywhere, while the pristine Capital rested even farther below it.

I prayed today would end up well enough, and Ricin lazily rested on my lap while I fidgeted.

He peaked one ocean blue eye at me, before letting out a heavy sigh. "Relax" he chastised, "I will be with you no matter what" he said, stretching out before looking up at me completely. Oddly, I took confidence in his words as I nodded with determination. I had Ricin, Vincent, and Ceil on my side... I could do this! Let's break my engagement! I silently cheered in my mind. My father, who still had not looked up from his paperwork, had no clue of the plan formed between me and Ceil. I proposed it would help if he looked shocked as well, while I played innocent and dumb. Father was not the type of man to lie, so he was unfortunately not included in the plan. Ricin had already agreed to give a slight scare to the Royal family while acting arrogant to show his displeasure in me not marrying for love. Ricin had gained favor from Royalty due to his aid (by my command) to go around the Kingdom and help farmers with struggling crops, and any placed suffering drought. This aided the Kingdom greatly in bringing in higher crop productions, as well as gaining popularity with my mother's business.

Ceil even praised me, which was shocking due to His normal attitude of making me look like a fool. Ricin only ignored him, calling him a shitty child which made me choke on my tea. Ceil had only raised an eyebrow but said nothing while I apologized in his stead. I must admit, I did have some enjoyable times with Ceil.

As we finally arrived at the Castle, I was helped down from the carriage by Vincent who eagerly lead me down the stairs. My heart could barely hold itself back from tossing his neatly combed hair into a mess. As we walked through the inner gates of the palace, many maids stared and blushed at sight of my father, and cooed in false lovingness towards me and my brother. Keeping a straight face, we went to father's personal office in the Castle, still having a few hours before the audience with the King.

While me and Vincent sat drinking tea in a rest area of his office, Father quickly went to work after patting us both on the head.

"This place is beautiful, huh Vin?" I said, sipping my still hot tea. Vincent nodded, still amazed at the grandeur of the Castle and its complexity. "Hey... wanna explore?" He asked cheekily. Admittedly I did want to see the Palace library and possibly the medical wing's garden. I would even like to speak with a few of the Palace physicians.

I nodded eagerly at Vincent, as we quickly slipped out of father's office. Without even picking his head up, his deep and commanding voice echoed throughout the room.

"Behave" was all he said, nearly giving me and Vincent a heart attack.

"Yes Papa" "Yes Father" me and Vincent said at the same time, before making our grand escape. Ricin following behind lazily, likely looking for a place to nap. I let him be as me and Vincent walked through the endless and huge hallways, finding guest rooms, a large bathhouse made entirely of marble, a few training rooms, knights and servants quarters, a weapons vault which caught Vincent's attention, and finally the Library for me!

"Vin, I'm gonna check out the Library next door" I said, while he happily explored and played with the thousands of different weapons. Truly, it looked like a torture chamber- and I did not want to spend another minute here. Vincent only hummed in response as he was so absorbed in... was that a fucking chain mace? What in the world are they using that for?! No one uses that in battle, as least not from all the war books and history books I had read. I left the creepily happy Vincent to his own devices as I headed towards the Library. A maid was stationed in the outside of the door, and she gave me a once over, probably seeing the high class clothes and cute child that looked exactly like Duke Vermillion and the Duchess, before panicking and opening the doors to the Library. I gave a soft thank you which earned me a happy smile and a bow, before entering a room so big it could put a modern day mall to shame from my past life. I couldn't even guess how many books were in here, big it was triple the size of the Library at home. I gasped in awe as I looked around like a kid and a candy shop.

With shining eyes, I went towards a random section, happy to find it was a medical section. Grabbing a few books which took my interest, I turned around without paying attention and ran into someone. All the books in my hands scattered, as I heard a low groan beneath me. I realized I had fallen on top of someone!

Opening my eyes in a panic, I quickly scrambled off what I realized was a young boy about my age.

"I'm so very sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?" I asked worriedly, praying not to offend this child who may be from a powerful family which could rival my own. Technically, none could rival it, but my life could easily get a lot harder if I were to offend a high standing noble.

The young boy took my hand as I helped him up, dusting his clothes off before looking me in the eye as he was about my height. My first thought was 'A Fairy' and an odd sense of familiarity.

"I'm okay, you alright yourself?" He asked in a cute and gentle voice, an adorable smile forming on his perfect pink lips. He nearly looked like a girl with his short curly brown hair, almost bronze in the warm magical lights in the Library. His big blue eyes were so pale they nearly looked white with only a drop of blue dye, and his rosy cheeks were still slightly chubby due to youth. I nearly fawned at the adorable boy!

"I'm just fine, once more I apologize. My name is Rose, what's your name?" I asked softly, an angel had to have a befitting name right? I truly did love cute and fluffy things.

"I'm Gerald! It's nice to meet ya Rosie" he giggled, giving me a pet name! I was close to swooning at this cheeky child. He seemed oddly familiar, but I was blinded by his sweet smile.

"What're you doin' in the Library?" He asked, his hands going behind his back as he leaned closer to me. He smelled like sugar! I bet he likes sweets...

"I'm just checking up on some of the medical textbooks here in the Palace. It's a bit of a hobby" I said casually, thanking Gerald as he helped me pick up all the books. He seemed surprised. "How old are you?" He asked seriously, to which I giggled. "I'm only eight but I still really enjoy herbs and medicine" I said, exempting myself from the weird looks I would like receive if I mentioned my little hobby in poison. I had recently been grounded after my mother found me foaming at the mouth and Ricin laughing after a small experiment.

"Wow... you're really smart! You're like that ice Prince" Gerald said cutely, helping me carry the books towards the table. I laughed at Ceil's nickname, finding it incredibly fitting. "Yeah, he can be a bit cold" I mused, as I began to take notes in my journal as I chatted about how un-childish Ceil is. I didn't even realize how much time had passed, until Gerald looked down at his little watch and sighing.

"What's wrong?" I asked curiously, at the downhearted child. He gave me a soft but sad smile, "I have to go home now, I was actually invited here as a playmate for his Highness, but we both seem to know he doesn't need one" he said dejectedly. I laughed lightly, "Well you are always welcome in my home to play! I can show you some of my work if your interested, I'm Duke Vermillion's daughter so I can let them know to let you in if you ever come by" I said excitedly. The thought of another adorable brother in my home brought me peace. He could possibly get along with Vincent too! "I have a cute little brother not far in age from me, I'm sure he'd also be happy to have someone around his age he could play with" I said, looking up into the shocked eyes of Gerald.

"I didn't realize you were the Rosalia! You're famous in the Capital, I should've put the pieces together. Sure! I'll come by and play sometime in the next month, maybe after the ball that will be held here for your birthday" Gerald said, flashing another cute smile that made my heart flutter. I wanted to ruffle his curls and pinch his rosy cheeks. I held back, breathing in self control that Vincent had taught me.

"Oh! By the way, I'm Earl Cowell's first son! I'll see you again Rosie" he laughed sweetly, leaving me alone in the Library once more. I sighed sadly, no more cuteness left in the room. Then I remembered.

Gerald Bel Cowell. The Earl's son, and the two faced child that literally branded me and strangled me to death. My throat constricted at the new information as my mind slowed to process exactly what the hell I have done. Certainly it isn't bad to get on his good side, but if the heroine appears and points me out as a supposed 'bully' even without evidence, Gerald was the type to mercilessly murder without a second thought to the consequences. It actually occurred in one of my nightmares, where I was convicted without evidence.

I sat tied and gagged in a basement, the damp floors of the metal animal cage I sat in roughly biting into my bare skin. I was completely stripped naked, with a chain around my neck leading to the outside wall of the cage through the bars. Like a dog who wouldn't behave it's owner would tie it up as punishment. Fury and rage boiled in me, as I had no further memory as to how I ended up in this situation except the fact that I had been taking a light stroll through the garden of the Academy before sundown. I had actually heard the Prince was going to meet the heroine, and I wanted to stop whatever outrageous things she was likely to propose to my fiancé. She had already seduced all the most eligible bachelors in school by this point, and I refused to hand over the man I love without a struggle. She could rot in hell for all I cared, simply for daring to think she could stand against the power of a Duke's daughter despite being a mere commoner just lucky enough to be blessed by a fairy.

That was when I did spot the two, seemingly sharing a moment as the wretched woman held out what seemed to be a homemade cookie! Furious, I was prepared to charge out there, expose the little whore for likely putting a love potion in the cookies, before I felt a sharp pain in my neck and everything went black.

Now I am here, naked, chained up like a dog, in a fucking cage. I began to shake in cold as seemingly hours went by, my stomach growling in protest from not eating for so long. My legs and arms already numb from staying still for so long with the blood circulation nearly cut off from my wrists and ankles as the ropes dug into my skin. That was when I heard footsteps. I hissed in pain as I moved slightly in surprise, causing the rope to dig deeper and more blood to seep down my hands and feet. I would make this kidnapping fucker pay for putting me through this. He was likely after money, and I was being held for ransom. I prayed for my chastity which I would fight tooth and nail for as the footsteps of the sick freak that put me in this position neared me.

"Awww~ look at the little doggy. You've been a real bad girl you know that? Bad doggies get punished" A familiar, sickly sweet voice rang out from the shadows of where I was positioned in the cramped cage. That voice...

In belonged to Earl Cowell's son, Gerald Bel Cowell. A prodigy in art and music, and a well loved young man who always had a cute smile on his face in the Academy. He was also apart of the shitty woman's little group of valiant knights. At his words, I scoffed.

"What the hell are you talking about? Cowell- sama, have you lost your damn mind?" I asked incredulously.

"Tsk tsk~ bad girl. Now I'm gonna punish you~" He said, a giggle unbefitting of his age and the situation making my spine crawl. What did he want?

"What do you want? Why are you doing this?" I asked angrily, not understanding what his goal was?

"You were bullying~ which a big no no.... especially towards her. You picked the wrong person to fuck with" halfway through his usual cute way of speaking, he took a dark turn as his words became nearly two octaves deeper and ending with a growl. My body began to tremble in fear. Was he really doing this just for that woman? Sure, I had said a few cruel words, but that was not unusual for a noble to do to a commoner, nor was she the only one!

"You must be thinking, I'm not the only one, right? Don't worry. I saved you for last. Your little friends are already dead" Gerald said, his act of acting cute long gone, and a killing aura pouring off of him. I noticed the room became lit up, as Gerald threw a match into a fire pit close by. The warmth of the flames helping calm my trembling limbs for only a second before I realized what kind of room I was in.

It was a torture room. Strange devices I had never seen before littered the tables covered in blood, and I soon realized it was not water that dampened the cage but old rusting blood and urine, the rest of the basement covered in similar fluids. I wanted to vomit when my sight landed on severed body parts... laid out across the table like a forgotten pencil or quill. A large, Iron Maiden was in the corner of the room, and I wished with all my might to have never looked at it when I realized someone was in it. I began to hyperventilate as I saw the dead, lifeless eyes, of some poor soul that was trapped with its coffin. Blood pouring out the sides and coating the floor.

A scream failed to escape my throat when I realized Gerald was crouching in front of me. His normally sparkly blue eyes looked wild and crazed, nearly bloodshot.

"Rosalia~ do you like what I did to your little friends? Don't worry. You can join them soon" Gerald laughed, manically like an insane person.

"Stop you maniac!" My voice was too weak from fear, as the cage was suddenly opened and I was grabbed out by the collar, my stomach and breasts, along with my thighs, dragged on the hard cement. I soon realized why he lit the fire. I saw within the flames a knife now glowing red hot at the tip. Gerald only laughed, dragged me as my body became bruised and cut from the force he took me with. I crept closer to the fire, before Gerald grabbed the knife where it wasn't in the fire.

"Let's see~ maybe my name so I can remember this forever" Gerald laughed, before coming near my stomach with the knife. Screaming and thrashing made no difference as he held me by the neck, stopping my air supply as I screamed in silence as the knife dragged deeply across my skin. The smell of burnt flesh fills the air, along with the distinct smell of fresh blood. Soon my consciousness began to fade, and finally, darkness consumed me and lifted me from my misery.

"Rose... ROSE!" I snapped out of trance as Vincent looked at me worriedly. I didn't even realize I had spaced out in remembrance of that dream. My body was shaking, and a cold sweat had formed.

I was suddenly pulled into Vincent's arms, as he rubbed my back soothingly, whispering words like 'It's okay.. I'm here.... it'll be alright....' to calm me down. I smelled his regular scent, vanilla with a hint of pine, and my trembling slowly subsided. I realized I had been crying, as I saw now the edges of his pristine white coat had soft wet spots on it now near his collar.

"Sorry... sorry Vin" I said shakily, as he slowly let me go, just enough to hold me at arms length with his hands still firmly gripping my shoulders to look at me.

"Rose, what happened?" He asked seriously, his brows creased in concern, as his brown eyes bore deep into my own. I gave a shaky smile of reassurance, feeling guilty for making my little brother worry when it should be me comforting him.

"I'm okay... it's just stress" I lied smoothly, but his narrowed eyes didn't seem to buy it. I hastily looked away from his gaze which seemed to look through me, but thankfully he released me before sighing.

"I'll let it go for now... but please tell me when you feel like it" He murmured softly, making my lips twitch into a smile.

"Sorry for worrying you, are you and Papa ready?" I asked, taking the offered handkerchief that he held out for me to dry my eyes. Such a gentleman... he'll break some hearts for sure.

"Yeah, he already headed towards the throne room. Ricin is outside, let's go" he said, helping me stand and holding my hand as we walked towards Ricin outside the Library.

Ricin tilted his head when he looked at me, a questioning look appearing in his blue eyes. I shook my head to let him know I would tell him later. For now, I had an engagement to break. With renewed determination, I tried to fire myself up, and dismiss the haunting images and feelings that never seemed to give me a single peaceful night anymore.

Ricin led the way, already finding the throne room ahead of time.

Two guards dressed in fancy armor and uniforms stood posted on the outside of two large double doors with gold and silver lining them. The doors looked extremely heavy...

"State your names" The guard standing on the right side commander in a deep voice. I couldn't see his face beneath the armored helmet but I smiled softly and curtsied. "Rosalia De Vermillion, and Vincent De Vermillion" I said loud enough for them to here. The guards looked at each other before nodding and opening the door for me and Vincent.

"No pets allowed. The cat needs to stay outside" the guard to the left commented, staring at Ricin.

"Oh" I said, but before I could explain, Ricin glowed in a soft green light before transforming into someone I had never seen before.

A handsome young man, who looked to be in his early 20's stood where the cat once was. His green hair shined with a glossy vibrance, and it's long locks were pulled back into a braid down his back. His bangs which framed his porcelain skin and chiseled jaw were messy but it seemed natural. His sharp blue eyes gave a menacing glare at the two guards who now took note of the huge translucent fairy wings which rested on both sides of him.

He wore a simple black tailored suit, with a green handkerchief tucked in his right breast pocket. It was the handkerchief I had made for him, with my messy embroidery.

Both Vincent and me stared in awe. Never seeing the grown Ricin before, who casually strode past the two knights before looking back at me with eyes that seemed to ask 'are you coming'.

Nodding I grabbed Vincent's hand before leading us into a vast throne room that was decorated in white jade and twinkling gold. A deep crimson carpet led from the entrance to the steps that lead to the platform which held the thrones. One for the king and the largest, and to its right a smaller but no less luxurious throne for the queen. And to the left a matching queen's chair likely for the crown prince.

In the large throne sat his Majesty the King of Frare. A young and handsome man with wild blonde hair messily thrown back, which gave a sexy appearance, but with gentle blue eyes that held endearment. A smirk was prominent upon his lips as he stared at me and Vincent, but also Ricin. The Queen, a voluptuous woman in a shinning gold dress that cascaded around her perfect figure like fine silk, had soft brown hair and fierce green eyes. She was a striking beauty that looked powerful. I was struck with awe at the two perfect humans. No wonder Ceil was the way he was.

"Welcome my dear Rosalia! And my Vincent, what a strong lad you're becoming!" The King laughed merrily, while the Queen gave a soft smile while analyzing me.

"Greetings to your Royal Majesties, as you've said, I am Rosalia De Vermillion, here as your humble servant" I said, giving an elegant and low curtsy.

Vincent followed suit with a bow.

"My... what polite children my dear friend has raised" the Queen chuckled, calling us to rise. I could see my father smiling warmly over on my left... my dad looked so proud.... I felt my conviction waved slightly. Nervousness began to take over as my palms became sweaty.

I then saw Ceil on his throne, his legs crossed lazily as he gave me an encouraging smile, nodding his head to Ricin. I nodded back. I needed to do this, I was a strong woman, I would not fail.

"As your Majesties know, I am here to introduce my contract fairy Ricin" I said, moving so Ricin could stride past me. In this form, I barely reached his stomach, which left me slightly bitter.

In complete elegance and perfect manners, Ricin bowed and gave his introduction to the King and Queen. The two looked impressed and happy at Ricin. This was where the plan starts... but the thought of these two kind people before me, giving us the patience and eloquence that we certainly did not deserve, made my heart ache... especially putting it all on Ricin.

"Your Majesties, I have come also to make a request" I said shakily, trying to be as firm and proud as possible. The King looked slightly surprised. "Speak child" he waved casually, still smiling warmly.

"I have come to ask for the engagement between his Highness Crown Prince Ceil and myself to be dissolved" I said in a firm voice this time, looking up with determination in my eyes this time. All three royals seemed to be shocked. It was eerily silent in the room now, as all eyes were on me, even Ricin was unprepared. In the original plan, he was supposed to throw a tantrum and demand the engagement be broken.

"My dear, we must ask why you would make such a request. Are you and Ceil not getting along?" The queen spoke first.

I turned towards her and gave my warmest smile, "Me and his Highness are good friends you see, but we have both come to the agreement that we are not suited partners for one another, and that me as a Queen would be unfit for the throne. I would like to continue supporting his Highness, not as his fiancé or wife, but as his friend. I've taken into consideration our own feelings for one another which will likely never go farther than simply friendship, as well as our fairies feelings in this matter. We decided that dissolving the engagement before its formal announcement would be for the best, and most benefit to us." I said, nearly in one breathe as I felt heavy anxiety come over me. I took a peek at Ceil who was once more smiling, but this smile seemed genuine, almost like a proud mother.

"Ceil dear, is this true?" The Queen asked, looking at her son now. Ceil only nodded saying, "Yes Mother, her words are the truth" in a gentle voice. It was all our turn to look at the King now, who wore a displeased expression. I felt fear settle into pit of my stomach as gruesome outcomes to this flashed in my mind.

"I'll accept. But I'm not happy about it.... I wanted a cute daughter in law from that shitty Vermillion so I could rub it in his face" the King grumbled, slumping in his throne. The perfect image of a King shattered before my own eyes as I stared up in disappointment and amazement. Now I see why Ceil complains about his "terrible excuse for a father" as he always put it.

The Queen sighed in agreement before giving me a sad smile, "Alright Rosalia, but I ask you to still support my son. You are important to this Kingdom, and I'd like to think of you still as the daughter I always wanted" The Queen said sweetly, and my face heated up in a blush before looking at my feet. The power of this woman's smile is frightening...

"Y-Yes your Majesty!" I said, hearing a few chuckles from everyone in the room at my sudden bashfulness.

Like that, I escaped my engagement... and with it, my nightmares containing Ceil also disappeared.