Someone Else's Heart

Chapter 7

Rosalyn winced as her handmaid dragged the brush through her unruly hair once more, desperately attempting to untangle it. She was trying hard not to cry out in pain as the last time she had done so she had gotten a scolding of how it wouldn't hurt so much if she had just tied it back when she went riding. Explaining how she didn't have time to tie it back when she was running from her cousin and her seamstress would only induce more chastising on how she shouldn't avoid her duties.

So she remained silent through the excruciatingly long ordeal and she had to admit her hair did look lovely once it was finished. It was pulled up and swept back into an intricate bun with some curls falling lose giving the look a slightly more carefree air. Rosa still felt recognizable behind the make-up and the dress and the hair.

As a knock sounded at the door Rosa felt her heart start up in nervousness, hesitant to see what Edmund thought. But it was only Lucy coming to see if Rosalyn was ready yet. The young queen looked radiant in a gold and burgundy dress, her curled hair hanging loose around her shoulders. There was no doubt in Rosalyn's mind that when Lucy came of age she would have more than her fair share of suitors lining up for her hand.

"Ed's waiting for us with the others downstairs." Lucy answered the question she knew her friend was silently pondering.

Checking her reflection one last time Rosa followed her young friend to where they were meeting the others. As soon as they had reached the stairs to the foyer where the royals waited Rosa's eyes flew to Edmund. A smile lit up her face as they made eye contact. Quickening her footsteps slightly she closed the distance between them until she was standing just before him.

"You look beautiful Rose" Edmund murmured as he offered her his arm.

"Thanks," she blushed. "You look dashing yourself." He truly did, all dressed up like he was in a royal blue color that matched the trim of Rosa's gown. One would have thought they had planned it that way.

As they reached the entrance to the main ballroom where the guests were waiting the royals lined up to be announced. High King Peter was first, accompanied by Lucy and Susan was next, who had the misfortune to be paired with Rosa's cousin. Edmund and Rosalyn were last, and as they waited for their names to be announced Rosa couldn't help but notice Edmund fidgeting slightly with the hilt of his sword that hung on his other side.

Squeezing his arm brought his attention back up to her. "I'll be right here the whole night," she promised with a small smile, trying to ease his nerves. Edmund didn't need to force a smile as they made their way into the hall. He rather enjoyed that thought. That Rose would be by his side for the whole of the evening.

Shortly after the royals had entered the ballroom music began playing and Edmund surprised most everyone when he readily took to the dance floor with Rosalyn. It wasn't that he was confident or eager to show off the dance moves that he had learned but more that Rose loved dancing and Edmond loved making her happy. Albeit being allowed to hold Rose so close was also a fair motivator.

"I believe you have succeeded in astonishing most everyone at court with your swiftness of foot." Rosa whispered conspiratorially to Edmund as they spun around the floor.

Many eyes were on the revolving couple, her fair features contrasting with the young King's darker ones. They made a handsome pair, as was popular opinion. Courtiers had been saying it for years, waiting for the friendship between the marchioness and the just king to blossom into something more. It seemed tragic that it should happen now when the girl was promised to another.

Rosalyn's arrangement was no secret within the court, whose gossip always seemed to be fresh, and most saw it as unfortunate. Their pity and sympathy went out to the young royal pair. However Rosa and Edmund decided to ignore the stares they were receiving as they both became caught up in the dance.

Edmund's hand felt warm and reassuring against Rosa's back as he led them through one of the simpler dances she had taught him. It was almost as if they were alone back in the training barracks again. Rosa felt a pang in her heart when she realized she would no longer be spending the early morning hours teaching Edmund how to dance. It was something she would miss dearly.

"What's the matter?" Edmund brought Rosa out of her thoughts. "You look sad, wistful."

"Nothing," Rosa attempted a smile, but Edmund just sent her a pointed look. "I'm just going to miss how things have been, how they are now."

Edmund's heart fell. He was going to miss this too. Soon enough he would no longer be able to hold Rosa as he was now. He wasn't even sure if he would see her anymore as she might not be allowed to visit once married.

"Come let us get something to drink," Ending the dance and leading her towards the refreshments Edmund attempted to put aside those unhappy thoughts. It was Christmas Eve after all. It was to be a joyous time.

Susan and Lucy had been watching their brother and Rosa from their thrones. Lucy was pleased that Edmund had actually taken to the dance floor with Rosa. Watching them together it had to be clear to just about everyone that both were taken with the other. Seeing the downtrodden looks on both of their faces when they retreated from the dance floor worried her slightly. They had been so perfectly happy looking not a moment before. Perhaps something about the wedding came up.

"I do not see why he cannot simply get the courage up to tell her. It would make everything entirely simpler." Lucy huffed frustrated at it all.

"On the contrary Lucy I do believe it would only stand to complicate the situation as she is already betrothed and her husband to be is coming in a week's time." Susan countered her sister's claims. It is not as if Susan disagreed with Lucy about her brother and Rose being in love. On the contrary Susan would rather like it if they ended up together. However situations being as they were it was not the most opportune time for them to own up to their feelings.

"Oh drat, Robert is going to spoil their fun," Lucy exclaimed as she noticed the Baron swiftly making his way through the crowd toward the two young royals. "Susan quick do something!"

"What is it you want me to do?" Susan questioned her sister exasperatedly.

"Go and ask him to dance." That was probably the last thing Susan cared to do but with a push from her sister she had little other choices. So head held high she readied herself to be Rosalyn's and Edmund's savior for the night as she went to distract Rosa's cousin.

Robert was anything but pleased when Susan caught him and asked for a dance. Being a gentlemen he could not decline the queen's invitation no matter how much he wanted to. He managed to still keep an eye on his cousin for a while as they twirled around the dance floor but then with the next turn around Rosa and Edmund were gone from their last spot. Cursing to himself he had no choice but to wait until the dance came to an end before he could go looking for them again.

As it was the Just King and Rosa had found their way to one of the balconies off of the ballroom that looked over the frozen gardens. There were candles perched in the trees that bordered the garden and some of the guests could be seen walking along the garden's edge below. While Edmund had been surveying the scene below them Rosa pulled the small wrapped box she had kept tucked in the ribbon tied at her waist.

"Happy Christmas Edmund," she whispered, smiling when he turned to see her holding out the silver box.

Edmund chuckled to himself as he pulled his own small box wrapped in red from his pocket. "It would seem we both had the same idea then."

Rosa's smile grew as they exchanged presents. It was not yet Christmas, but Rosa could not wait until midnight. Besides, she wanted to be the first one to give Edmund a Christmas present.

Edmund watched as Rose opened her gift first, excited and a little nervous for her reaction. He needn't be as she would most certainly love any gift from him simply for the fact that it was from him. The smile that lit up her face when she unwrapped the locket was enough to ease Edmund's nerves. Carefully the marchioness fingered the silver locket that had a north star etched into the front with the smallest stone in the middle making it shine. Opening it she found the engraving Edmund had had inscribed

Dec. 16, 1001

My best day

Yours, Edmund

Rosa found herself tearing up as she read it. The date printed had been the day they had first met in the forest. Edmund was claiming that day had been his best day. Without saying a word Rosalyn threw her arms around Edmund.

"I take it you like it then." Edmund murmured happily as he returned Rose's hug. He hadn't been expecting such an emotional reaction and it pleased him all the more that she was that emotional upon receiving his gift.

"I love it Edmund." Rosa whispered before pulling away slowly. Attempting to put the locket on herself she couldn't seem to get the clasp to meet the eye. "Would you help me with the clasp?"

Edmund took the chain from her hands and, with a moment of fumbling, managed to hook the necklace. When she turned to face him again she was fingering the locket lovingly. It made him happy knowing she liked her present so much. And to think Peter had laughed at him when he first bought the piece of jewelry.

"You're turn," Rosa chimed, turning Edmunds thoughts back to the present. He unwrapped his box slowly, much to Rosa's chagrin, but he eventually pulled out the silver pocket watch from the packaging. Edmund studied the gift, noting the Narnian Crest on the front and popping open the cover to reveal it too had an inscription engraved on the inside of the top.

So you're never late, unless by choice.

Yours always, Rose

Edmund chuckled at the words. He would admit that more often than not he ended up late to most things: some from choice and some from simply losing track of time. The gift suited him nicely.

"It would seem we both had the same idea," Rosa echoed Edmunds earlier words; referring to them both engraving the others' gift.

"It's perfect Rose. Really. Thank you." Rosa beamed up at him in return as he tucked the watch safely into his shirt pocket.

The pair remained on the balcony for some time after that: retelling stories from their past and making up dialogue between the people who walked the paths below them. It was good fun, both often erupting in laughter and then hiding behind the stone pillars when the people they were watching turned to look.

Eventually the chilly winter air won out over Rosa's determination to stay outside with just Edmund and her as she was forced to retreat indoors. Edmund was slightly disappointed when they headed back to the ballroom. Getting Rose on her own, all to himself, was a rare occurrence these days and he took much joy when it was her and him and no distractions. Albeit his disappointment was short lived as he noticed a small piece of green leaves tied with a red bow hanging just above the entrance to the balcony.

"Rose," Edmund called out to the marchioness as he eliminated the few steps separating them rather quickly. Her eyes questioned him and he answered them by simply pointing up.

"Mistletoe," she murmured quietly when she noticed the Christmas plant. The marchioness didn't realize how close Edmund was until she glanced away from the leaves to find him right before her, close enough to feel the warmth of his skin. It's not as if they hadn't been standing just as close while conversing on the balcony earlier; it was just she was much more aware of their closeness now.

"Tradition says those that meet under the mistletoe shall share in a kiss," Edmund responded, not looking away from Rosa's eyes. She matched his gaze, feeling slightly giddy at his words.

"I suppose if it is tradition…" Letting her words drift off Rosa could feel her heart beating as fast as butterfly wings as she started leaning forward towards the just king. She felt Edmunds hands move to grasp her waist slowly, hesitantly, and although he had held her waist earlier that night while dancing, this time it felt…different.

Resting her hands on his shoulders to keep balance Rosa stood on the tips of her toes to meet Edmund's lips with her own. His lips were soft and warm against hers and she could smell the light scent of whatever soap he used. She was blissfully happy in that moment taking in every second of their kiss: her first kiss. Edmund himself thought that there was nothing that could make this moment better for he was embracing Rose in a way he had always thought he would only dream about. Both royals were so caught up in each other neither one had noticed they were no longer alone.

"Rosalyn! What in the devil are you doing?!" There might not have been anything that could make the moment better, but there was definitely something that could make it worse. And that something was Robert.

Sorry for the lateness. I really only have the usual excuses: school and work and boyfriend and life getting busy. Thank you for your patience and I hope you enjoyed this update!

Rach

xoxo