Red Rose Rising

by A J Manney

  Valen smiled at Beckam’s defeat, and Zalia caught her breath. That was the first full smile she had ever seen on the Prince. She couldn’t imagine what would happen if he ever directed it full-on to her. It was devastating! She felt her heart rate pick up, before shaking herself. What am I doing?

  Before she could turn away, Valen and Beckam noticed them and turned around. Valen instantly dropped the smile and his dark penetrating eyes met hers. Looking at him without his shirt on, she blushed and turned away. She looked towards Beckam. When she looked at Beckam, she noticed the markings. They started on his chest, about two inches below his collarbone and wound up and over his shoulder. Zalia found herself walking toward him, mesmerized. “Beckam,” she called and he looked up. “What are those marks?”

  Beckam looked down at it and then over at her. He held his shirt but didn’t put it on yet. He looked at her questioningly. “It’s my marks.” At her look of confusion, he continued. “All first-born princes are marked with royal marks. It signifies they are of royal blood and will be king one day. Most get them when they are born; I got mine when my father died and I became first-born prince, heir to the throne.” Beckam let Zalia study his markings. It was the symbol of his kingdom—two half circles. It was surrounded by other intricate markings. He pointed at Valen. “Valen has markings too.”

  Valen had already put his shirt on, but he slipped it off and turned around. Zalia saw his marks started on his back right below his right shoulder. They spread from his shoulder down to the middle of his back. It was an intricate marking of a crescent moon surrounded by other decorative markings. It was beautiful and somehow masculine at the same time. Zalia had a crazy desire to touch it. She lifted her hand but caught herself at the last moment. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. Thankfully, nobody seemed to notice.

  Both men put their shirts back on, for which Zalia was very grateful.

  Beckam looked at Zalia in confusion. “Didn’t Kael have a markings?”

  Zalia thought for a moment. “I honestly don’t know. Maybe he did, and I just never noticed. I mean, I don’t think I ever saw him with his shirt off.”

  Beckam shrugged. “The marks can be anywhere on the body. Maybe he didn’t get so lucky with placement,” he said with a chuckle. “Well, enough talk,” Beckam said. “Let’s get to work.” And they did. For the rest of the afternoon, Zalia trained with Beckam, working with daggers. She worked again with Valen practicing with the sword, then more strength and physical training. When they finally finished, Zalia was sore but not as sore as she had been before. Every day she was getting stronger.

  At dinner, Beckam talked about the plans for the next few days. “We have two more full days of training. Three days from today, we travel to the castle for Zalia’s party. You girls will have a day to rest and prepare, and the next evening will be the ball. After that, it’s right back here for training. Understand?”

  Zalia and Raven nodded. After dinner, Zalia helped Mari put away the food and wash the dishes. Finally, she left the kitchen intent on heading to her room for a relaxing soak in the tub and to bed. She walked quickly to her room with her head down. She was tired after the emotionally draining day. She slowed her steps when she got close to her door because Valen was leaning against the wall next to her door with his eyes closed and his arms crossed. Zalia tiptoed past him, trying to slip into her room. Without opening his eyes, he said quietly, “You don’t have to go to the ball if you don’t want to.”

  Zalia looked up in surprise. How did he know I don’t want to go? He doesn’t miss anything! She was still standing there, unsure what to say when he opened his eyes and leaned his shoulder on the wall so he was now facing her. She let out a deep sigh. “I don’t want to hurt my grandfather’s feelings. This relationship is so new to both of us. It will be fine.” She didn’t even try to pretend with him. He obviously knew she didn’t want to go, so why pretend.

  He stared into her eyes for a moment, then nodded. He turned to walk away. Zalia couldn’t help herself. “Valen,” she called out. He turned back to look at her. “Thank you,” she said simply, knowing he knew what she meant. He nodded again and turned and walked away. Hmm, maybe the Prince isn’t stonehearted after all. Zalia smiled to herself and went into her room to take a long bath and go to sleep.

  That night, Zalia fell right to sleep but knew it would be a long night when her dreams started right away. They were always the same.

  Zalia was running through the castle trying to find her family. She couldn’t find them. Where were they? There was death everywhere. Everywhere she looked, servants were being cut down. She saw Silas killed right in front of her. His eyes remained open, staring up at her as she ran past.

  She had to get to the throne room. Zalia ran harder and harder. She got to the throne room and threw open the door. There at the front of the room stood Kael. He was talking to Mother and Father. They laughed and smiled as if everything was okay. Zalia opened her mouth to scream at them to run, but nothing would come out. She ran towards them, but she couldn’t reach them. She watched in horror as soldiers surrounded them. She screamed as her parents and brother were cut down in front of her. “Zalia,” she heard them call one last time. Sobbing she tried to reach them but couldn’t. “Zalia... Zalia,” she felt somebody shake her. She was too weary and heartbroken to open her eyes. She felt a hand reach up and push her hair out of her face. She heard a low, soothing voice speaking quiet words to her. Her mind didn’t register what the voice was saying, but she felt safe for the first time in a long time. She relaxed back into her sleep and slept the rest of the night.

  Zalia awoke the next morning feeling rested for the first time in a long time. She thought through her night. She remembered having the nightmare, and then she thought she remembered someone being in her room. Or had she only imagined it? It couldn’t have been Valen right? Was it Beckam? She didn’t want to ask because she didn’t want to humiliate herself. She wouldn’t be able to look at Valen all day if she knew it was him.

  Zalia shook it off and focused on getting ready for training. She only had two more days until the small break for her party. She finished getting dressed and headed out the door to start her day. She didn’t look Valen in the eye when he came in for breakfast. She held her breath when he glanced towards her, but she released it when he didn’t say anything. Maybe it had been Beckam. That day and the next flew by as Beckam and Valen tried to fit in as much training as possible. Both nights she slept fitfully, like she had too much energy, but she didn’t have her nightmare. She was grateful for that.

  The morning of her birthday, Zalia woke up early and got dressed quickly for the day. She was eighteen today. She should be happy, but all she could feel was deep inner sadness at reaching this milestone without her family at her side. She shook it off and decided to do her best to not think today. She headed towards the kitchen but was intercepted by a smiling Raven. “Happy birthday, Zalia,” she said and gave Zalia a huge hug.

  “Thanks, Raven,” Zalia said with a smile.

  Raven looked down. “I’m sorry I don’t have anything to give you,” she said sadly.

  Zalia smiled at her. “Your friendship is the best gift I could ever have,” Zalia told her truthfully. They walked arm and arm towards the kitchen. Breakfast was a special affair. Mari had gone all-out making a spice cake, fresh fruit, cheese, sausage, and eggs for breakfast.

  “You are so amazing, Mari. Thank you for making my morning so special,” Zalia told her and gave her a big hug.

  “Happy birthday, Zalia,” Mari said.

  Beckam came in next, calling out loudly, “Happy birthday, cousin!” He strode towards her and placed a narrow box in her arms.

  Zalia looked up at him. “What is it?” she asked.

  He laughed “You have to open it.”

  Zalia opened the box. She caught her breath. Inside lay a beautiful ruby-jeweled dagger. Zalia caught her breath. “Beckam, it’s beautiful. Thank you!” She stretched up on her tiptoes t
o give him a hug. He hugged her in return and smiled down at her.

  “Do you feel any different?” Beckam asked Zalia seriously.

  “No, should I?” Zalia asked.

  Beckam shook his head. “I was just wondering if anything would happen to you on your eighteenth birthday.” Zalia pondered this for a moment.

  “I don’t think anything is different. I’m sorry,” she said to Beckam.

  “It’s okay,” he said. “We’ll figure it out. Let’s eat this delicious birthday meal.”

  Zalia knew what he was referring to. They still didn’t know why Zalia’s birth had been kept a secret and why no one knew she existed. Zalia let out a quiet sigh and picked up her fork to try and eat.

  Everyone began to eat the wonderful food Mari had made. Valen was quiet and didn’t say anything to Zalia, not that she was expecting him to. But she couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

  After everyone finished eating, Beckam looked at the girls. “We need to get packed up and leave in an hour, okay?” Both girls nodded and started to head towards their rooms.

  “Zalia,” Beckam called out. Zalia turned to look at him. “Can you come with me to the training center for a moment?” he asked.

  “Sure,” Zalia said as she followed him to the armory where Beckam stood. When she got close to him, he said, “We need to fit you with a sheath for your dagger. Here, try a few of these.”

  Zalia took the sheaths and set two of them on the ground, so she could try on the third. “Where does this go?” she asked, looking at it.

  “On your thigh,” Beckam said. “That way, even if you’re wearing a dress, you have protection.”

  Zalia sputtered up at him. “I’m supposed to strap a knife to my thigh under an evening gown?” she asked incredulously. He just grinned at her.

  “That’s the idea. Now stop stalling and try it on,” he said.

  The first two didn’t fit at all, but the third one seemed to work. Beckam didn’t look at her when he said, “You’ll have to try it when you don’t have your pants on and see if it still fits.”

  Zalia felt her cheeks burning, so she thanked him quickly and left.

  When Zalia got to her room, she saw a small white box sitting on the middle of her bed. There was a small note sitting on top of it. It read,

  I believe these belong to you.

  I’m happy to return them to their rightful owner.

  Happy birthday, Zalia.

  -V

  Zalia couldn’t imagine what was in the box. Her hands shook as she carefully opened it. Immediately she recognized her mother’s ruby earrings. Zalia lovingly picked them up out of the box, her hands shaking. Silent tears coursed down her cheeks. These had been her mother’s favorite earrings, a gift from Zalia’s father. Zalia had never been so grateful for a gift. She couldn’t believe Valen’s thoughtfulness. He must have found them when they raided her kingdom, and he brought them to her. It was the nicest thing anybody had ever done for her.

  She sat still a few more moments looking at her mother’s earrings before getting up to pack. She didn’t have long before it was time to head to the castle for a party she didn’t want to take part in. Maybe she could talk to her grandfather while she was there and see if he had any leads on why her parents had hidden her away.

  Chapter 10

  Zalia packed her bag and headed to the front of the training center. She was nervous to see Valen, unsure of what to say to him. She shouldn’t have worried because when she got out front, it was just Beckam and Raven and a few guards for protection. Zalia noticed there were only three horses saddled. “Is Prince Valen not coming?” she asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.

  Beckam shook his head. “He had business to attend to. He said he would try to make it back in time for the party tomorrow night.”

  Zalia knew he probably wouldn’t. She couldn’t imagine that he had any desire to hurry back for a party that consisted of socializing and dancing. He was more a fighting kind of guy. She couldn’t tell if she was relieved or disappointed.

  They began the ride back, talking as they went. Well, Beckam talked the most. Raven and Zalia mostly listened. A few hours later, they arrived back at the castle. They were greeted by Kell and the other members of the king’s guard and escorted into the King’s chambers.

  “Beckam, Zalia, and Raven, it’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you.” Her grandfather came forward, giving them all huge hugs. He hugged Raven as if she was one of his grandchildren. Zalia grinned. She loved that about her grandfather. He treated people so well. He grabbed Zalia’s hand and kissed it. “Happy birthday, Zalia.”

  Zalia smiled at him, “Thank you, Grandfather. And thank you in advance for my party,” she said graciously. She meant it too. It was kind of him to go through all this just for her.

  He smiled down at her. “Your birthday present is on your bed.” He looked up at them all. “I’m sure you ladies are looking forward to some relaxing and resting today before the big party tomorrow.” Zalia and Raven nodded and started heading towards the door. “Zalia, I would like to have a quick word with you first before you go. Raven, you will find your room ready for you.”

  Raven said, “Thank you, Your Highness.” Then she left quietly. Her grandfather waved Beckam and her over to the sitting area.

  “So Zalia,” he began, “how is training going?”

  “Well, other than the fact that Beckam is trying to kill me, great,” she said with a smile.

  Beckam and the King let out a laugh. Beckam looked at her fondly. “She’s doing a great job. Actually, she has surprised me a bit. She’s picking up on things faster than I thought she would.”

  Zalia beamed with pride at his kind words. Her grandfather looked over at her. “I knew you would, Zalia. You’re so much like your mother.” Zalia felt a pang of sadness hit her, but she managed a small smile. “So,” he looked at Zalia, “Anything today? Do you feel any different today?”

  Zalia’s smile fell. “No; I’m sorry. I don’t feel anything.” She felt so bad disappointing them. She knew her grandfather wanted an explanation of why his daughter and son-in-law ceased all contact when she was born. She was disappointed too. She wanted to know what was wrong with her.

  Her grandfather smiled brightly at her. “Well, today is a day for celebration. It isn’t every day that you turn eighteen,” he said with fondness. “Zalia, you’re free to go. Enjoy your day off. Get some rest, and I will see you at dinner tonight.” Zalia walked over and gave him a hug before leaving. At the last second, she turned back and walked over and gave Beckam a hug too. He just smiled as he pulled her in for the hug.

  When Zalia found her room, she walked in and stopped inside the door. Laying across her bed was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. It was a deep red, the color of her kingdom. Zalia went over to the bed and lovingly touched it. It was beautiful and so elegant. It had layers of red silk. The top was intricately designed with jewels sewn into the bodice. Next to the dress lay a beautiful pair of soft leather shoes. Zalia slipped them on. They felt heavenly on her feet. She could dance all night in these, and her feet would never get sore. Zalia took off her clothes, so she could try on the dress. After getting it on, she knew she would need help with all the tiny clasps behind her; but she held it on to be able to look at herself in the mirror. She caught her breath. It was a bit more revealing than she was used to, but she was turning eighteen after all. It wasn’t inappropriate, just lower than she was used to. She couldn’t wait to wear it. She slipped it off and put her clothes back on so she could go check with Raven.

  She went to Raven’s room and knocked on the door. Raven opened the door, and Zalia could tell she had been crying. “What’s wrong?” Zalia asked her anxiously. Raven opened the door all the way and pointed to her bed. Zalia looked toward the bed and saw a gorgeous yellow dress laying on her bed. Looking back at Raven, Zalia smiled with tears in her eyes.

  “It represents your kingdom,” Zalia said. Raven nodded. “Oh Raven
, you’re going to look so beautiful in that dress.”

  Raven said, “I can’t believe he got me a dress in my kingdom’s color. That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.” Zalia loved her grandfather even more. He was so considerate and kind.

  “You are going to look like a princess by the time we get done with you, Raven!” Zalia said with a smile. She was excited for her friend. She would do her best to enjoy the party if not for her own sake, but for that of her best friend.

  Zalia and Raven parted ways after that. They both wanted to get some rest while they could. Their bodies were tired and sore from all the training they had endured. After a restful afternoon, they met up with Beckam and Zalia’s grandfather for supper. It was a casual affair. They talked and enjoyed each other’s company. Zalia and Raven didn’t stay long afterward but went back to their separate rooms to get some good sleep before the big day tomorrow.

  Zalia prepared for bed but was uneasy about going to sleep. She felt worked up and nervous, and that always led to her nightmares. She had snagged a few books from her grandfather’s library earlier in the evening and she tried reading to tire herself out. Finally feeling tired, she fell into an uneasy sleep.

  She ran and ran, sobbing as she saw her guards and servants killed before her eyes. She had to get to the throne room.