Glass Rose

I’m working on the second chapter still… but don’t worry! Summer’s soon and I’ll be able to work on it then… Well… what is there else to say? I hope you enjoy this, it’s one of my occasional try for a lengthy and somewhat serious fic. Well, here’s the first chapter to Glass Rose.

 

Long time ago…

There was a young prince named Rupert Ravenclaw. He did not like his royal life. He acted as any sixteen years old would in modern times; he ran away.

It was a normal day, you could say, but Rupert was miserable. He was horseback riding in the country side. He was going farther than he ever did before. Watching the scenery pass, he had a sudden urge to just get off his horse and run. So, he did.

Rupert whispered to his horse, “Don’t tell anyone where I’ve gone… All right, Ambertone?” His stallion nodded gracefully and let him jump off. Rupert grinned and just ran into the woods. The woods were nothing like the moors he lived on unless you count the fact that it had plants. Ambertone was his favorite horse, Rupert regretted leaving him alone but Ambertone was brave and could take care of himself. That was why Rupert loved him.

Even though Rupert was one to rebel, he did have a kind and loving heart. More so than his own father, King Reginald Ravenclaw. That was why his mother cared more for his than his older brother.

Rupert roamed the woods and mountains and had not come to a town nor village for weeks. It was almost a month before he found one.

---

It was the beauty of glen that Rupert found… It was small, peaceful, and luscious. He immediately fell in love with it. After bartering some peasant clothes, he set out to the local pub to see if he can find a place to board.

He never cared much for pubs. There were always rude, atrocious people there. Rupert had been taught by his mother so he was much like her. He didn’t want to be though, yet he had no choice whatsoever. It was simply heredity.

Going straight toward the bartender, he asked for mulled mead. The bartender nodded and gave him a tankard. He’d never had mulled mead and before he knew it, he was feeling a little dizzy.

“’Oo S’rong for you mis’er?” asked someone beside him. It was man in a black cloak. Cloaks? Who wore cloaks? This man was also having trouble with the letter “T.”

‘Oh well,’ Rupert decided, ‘Thou suppose the world isn’t like Ravenclaw Castle.’ Unlike his mother, Rupert was more tolerant of others. He knew there was good in everyone. He believed that firmly, but he wasn’t so fond of indulgent folks. “No sir,” Rupert said politely. The man looked at him blankly. Outsiders weren’t so polite, no matter how nice some townsfolk were.

“All righ’ ‘hen…” The man said and rose from his seat and left the pub. Rupert noticed he was carrying some peculiar stick around. How strange these folks were.

Rupert turned to the bartender, “Have any…ER…softer drinks?” The bartender shook his head. Rupert sighed, “Oh well… thou better be off then…” Good thing the bartender was nice and didn’t charge him for his first drink (“I guess if you didn’t drink it… but lad, next time…”). Rupert, being polite as he was, thanked the man and left the pub quietly.

---

Rupert, perchance bored, went to the back of the pub. It was right outside the forest. This forest would lead to the fen, so he didn’t dare go explore it. Rupert leaned on the cold, hard wall of the pub. It was much quieter there than inside.

About to dose off, Rupert heard something rustling. Curious… There was some whimpering just beyond his sight. Worried that it was someone hurt, Rupert dashed into the dark woods in search of an injured person. He found that person soon enough. It was a young girl… barely fifteen, with dark, curly, messy brown hair, and the girl was unconscious. She wore a torn tarp for a skirt and a ridiculously large shawl to cover her top portion. He looked at her curiously.

“Are you all right?” He asked. She didn’t answer. The girls legs and face were bruised with dirt and mud. He saw there were small cuts on her face and lips.. Rupert carefully picked her up and carried her out of the forest. He was setting her down on the ground when the girl awoke.

“Get away!” She screamed, scrambling up. When she saw it wasn’t someone she thought it was she blinked, “Oh you’re not a thief… I am sorry..”

“Thine are forgiven,”

The girl laughed, “Thine? What are you? Perchance a knight?”

Rupert blinked, “ER no. Just a squire milady.” He knew it was a lie but this was a peasant, so what did it matter? ‘She’s a human being Rupert,’ he told himself, ‘And lying is a sin.’

“My name is Amelia,” the girl said, “and I am far from a lady. So, you are who then?”

“My name is Rupert,” he said proudly.

The girl reached out her hand and Rupert gave only a blank look, “What? Squire Rupert never shook a girl’s hand?” Amelia teased. Rupert shook his head.

“I’m afraid not, Amelia.”

“Did you fend off the robbers?”

“No, I just found you alone… are you always rudimentary?”

Amelia flushed, “No.”

“Where do thy live, Amelia?”

Amelia rolled her eyes, “In the woods, where else? Are you new to these parts?” Amelia sounded as if she could be one of those princesses but she didn’t appear to be one nor talk like it. Not one bit. Her voice was just like that he guessed.

Rupert nodded, “I just came from the moors…”

Amelia giggled, “The moors?! That’s far from here! Far from the glen indeed! Are you sure you’re a squire from the moors?! You don’t look like one!” Her laugh was curious. It was soft but sharp at the same time. Rupert waited till her mockery subsided.

“Fine then! Don’t thank me for coming and getting you out of the woods!” he started to march off. Amelia giggled once more and went after him.

“Alright, I’m sorry, but you really don’t,” she touched his shoulder, making him stop. She seemed much nicer then.

Rupert blushed, “So… are you all right then?”

Amelia looked a shade of pink too, “Yes… I’m all right.”

 

---

Amelia invited Rupert to the pub. Rupert was curious why would a girl go to a noisy pub filled with strangers. Amelia told Rupert she was fourteen years of age. Rupert said she looked more matured than that. Amelia blushed furiously when he said so. Amelia was not used to getting compliments from such charming boys. Or any boys for that matter.

Amelia went up to the bartender without a bit of hesitation. She grinned, “Two tankards of butterbeer, William.” The bartender, William, immediately produced two tankards of hot foaming butterbeer, whatever that was.

Amelia glanced at Rupert, “Or would you rather have a currant rum or mayhap… gillywater?” William snorted. Rupert frowned. What in the world was gillywater?

“Butterbeer will be fine,” Rupert said with all the dignity he could muster. How dare there make mockery of him! It was the second time that day!

Amelia rolled her eyes and handed him the tankard. Rupert drank down the butterbeer ravenously after his first taste. He had never any such drink so sweet and warm. It felt like it was fizzling in his mouth. He instantly loved it.

“I’m liking the glen more and more,” Rupert said.

“That’s good,” Amelia grinned. She was so diverse from the other girls he usually met. He felt it was worth roaming around the world just to find someone so strange like her.

---

Rupert took up residence with Amelia in her cottage in the woods. After Amelia cleaned herself up Rupert saw that she was prettier than he surmised. He often tried to convince himself that she wasn’t, but often failed. Over the next year; they often fought and apologized. It was a very odd friendship.

It was one day, about a year later, that things got more complicated. Amelia was feeling a little ill and said to Rupert that she needed to leave for a while. Rupert agreed but was still somewhat suspicious. Why would she leave if she was ill?

Amelia wasn’t really too sickly, but she knew if she didn’t get better; it would become better. She had what she called the “sniffles.” She promised to be back soon.

Rupert, worried that Amelia would get hurt (after all she was sick), went after her. He followed her curiously until she entered a cave in one of the mountains. Rupert was certainly surprised. Amelia usually hated going to the mountains. She herself was afraid of heights.

He followed her cautiously inside. Amelia was sighing as she went to the shelves. The place was lit by an oil lamp that barely illuminated the walls of the cave. There was also one of those peculiar sticks…. A wand perhaps? She picked it up and some herbs off a shelf. There was also a cauldron. Rupert, horrified that Amelia was probably dealing with evil witches, yelped and ran out. Amelia heard and turned just in time to see his mortified face. She sighed and threw some of the thyme she had into the cauldron furiously.

 

---

Rupert couldn’t believe he just saw Amelia with what was always referred to him as dealings with devils. Why would Amelia do anything like that? ...his stubborn, vivacious, darling Amelia?

 

Amelia felt exactly like Rupert… she was horrified. She didn’t want him to know… He’s probably now go to the villagers and spill the truth to everyone and then they’d burn her at stake. Of course she could ease it by a simple flame freezing charm, but she could never show her face in the village again! Not only that… she’d lose the only friend she had – Rupert. She wanted to cry so bad… and so she did. Cried her heart out.

 

Rupert took a deep breath and entered the cottage. He knew that Amelia was home again. When he entered he saw Amelia sitting in front of the fire. He hands were dirty and her face had lines where tears had streamed. Rupert looked at her with a heavy heart. He loved her so much… he didn’t want to see her like this… She was not ill any longer, but she was in deep dismay.

He came to her and wrapped his arms around her, “Amelia!”

Amelia cried once more, putting embracing him back, “I sorry! I’m sorry!”

He hugged her tighter, “Oh whatever for? I love you Amelia!”

Amelia looked at him in shock. He loved her? That’s what she had been longing to hear for quite a while… she gave a small chuckle, “Oh you! I love you too! …Do you not mind that I am a witch?”

He shook his head, “I wouldn’t even mind if you were the devil or God! I love you Amelia! I’ll love you no matter happens! I’ll love you whoever you are!!” She smiled and cried tears of joy.

Rupert held her close… it just felt so right… he loved her so much. Nothing else mattered.

 

Amelia rested in his arms for a time… Rupert looked lovingly down at her tear streamed face, “I still love you.”

Amelia giggled, “I know..” She lifted her head and smiled at him. Rupert kissed her cheeks, taking away the salty tears. His lips were warm and sweet… Amelia’s tilted her head to his lips would travel to her lips. Kissing her passionately and deeply, he knew that he’d never love anyone else like Amelia… and it would be true.

---

Amelia and Rupert were lounging in the pub. Amelia was feeling really better. She explained the concoction and how it would help her. Rupert was quite understanding. Amelia loved that. She had been so worried that Rupert would snitch her out. Yet he didn’t. He just confessed his love for her. How was that for a man? He was only seventeen but her truly, beyond anything else, loved someone with all his heart. Really.

They were just sharing a tankard of butterbeer (with Amelia giggling as the foam covered her mouth) when a man came rushing in. He was shouting, “Prince Regius Ravenclaw of the moors is dead! Killed in battle!”

Rupert’s eyes grew wide. He started to shake quietly… He stormed out of the pub crying. Amelia stared after him, a look on her face. What was going on with him?

 

Amelia met Rupert behind the pub. He always had some time alone there… where he could get away from everyone… everyone but Amelia.

“What is wrong now?” She demanded.

Rupert ignored her presence and muttered to himself, “I cannot believe this! If Regius is dead then… Oh, then I… Oh no!”

“What does Prince Regius have anything to do with this?” Amelia frowned.

“Amelia! This cannot be happening! Damn Regius! It’s all his damn fault!”

Amelia glared. Rupert never swore before. Not in front of her. Not ever. She didn’t approve of it, “What are you on about?! Tell me! NOW!”

Rupert glared back at her, “If Regius is dead, and then I will have to be king! THEY’LL BE LOOKING FOR ME! I don’t want to go back!”

Amelia frowned in suspicion then gasped, “You mean you’re a prince?!” she then looked at the ground and groaned, “No! Tis’ cannot be! I can’t be one of the village girls! No!”

It was Rupert’s turn to frown, “What?” Why did Amelia change the subject all of a sudden? He’d just reveal his own secret… and she was complaining about becoming a… village girl? Strange, strange, strange…

“I can’t be like them! Those girls in the valley who fawn over princes and just dream to be a princess! I don’t want to be like them! I’m not like them!” Amelia fretted.

Rupert held her soft hand in his, “That’s right. You are not like them. They don’t have the prince fawning over them.”

Amelia smiled.

 

Inside the pub the man was announcing,”… so now King Reginald is searching for the lost prince—Prince Rupert Ravenclaw!”

Out side Amelia embraced Rupert who was crying now for the loss of his brother. She heard the man inside. She knew she had to hide Rupert from people. More than she hid herself from the village. That meant they would see less William, who was like a father to her, but it was a price to pay to keep Rupert.

---

 

It was almost another year later when Amelia and Rupert had an agonizing fight. Amelia was then sixteen and Rupert would be eighteen in a few months.

Rupert was weary of staying inside the cottage. Besides, he needed some food. He was so hungry. Yet there were still knights searching the village once or twice a week. Amelia was gone; she needed to practice something or other. Rupert wasn’t going to stand for the boredom. He carefully sneaked out of the woods without Amelia hearing him. She could’ve been anywhere, he knew from experience.

He was as cautious as anyone could be. He slipped inside the pub without anybody noticing. Amelia wouldn’t approve… but she was constantly filled with paranoia anyway. It was endearing but it could get so irritating.

William frowned when he saw Rupert, “You aren’t suppose to be here lad.”

“I know,” Rupert whispered, “But I was feeling impatient. I can apologize to Amelia later. Bread today… please? I promise I’ll be careful to be discrete.”

William shook his head but handed him a cauldron cake. Rupert thought the society of witches and wizards was very sophisticated and he was quite fond of their foods. After Amelia, he couldn’t understand why anyone could discriminate against them. Of course ordinary people didn’t know a witch personally.

Rupert was eating happily when William coughed suddenly. Rupert frowned.

“Sir, another inspection?” William asked. Rupert was confused then realized someone was towering behind him… it sounded like one of the knights. Rupert started to panic.

Rupert felt someone tug him strongly and pull him out. It was Amelia.

“Sorry sir, I have to talk to my… um, brother… excuse me,” Amelia said to the knight and pulled Rupert out of the pub.

She dragged Rupert back into the woods. She didn’t talk to him until they reached their cottage.

“What on earth were you thinking?!” she demanded.

Rupert glared at her, “Well you had me locked up here like some rat!”

“If you’re suffocating so much! Then leave!” She pointed to the door, “Go ahead, be caught! Go back to your damn castle! Be king! I don’t care if you being so damn careless!” she had an equal look of anger on her face as he.

“Amelia! I didn’t mean—“

“Oh shut your mouth Rupert! You damn idiot!”

“Oh why do you not?!”

“Argh!”

“Same to you!”

Tears started to stream from both their faces…

“Why can you see I love you so much?” Amelia cried. “I just don’t want you to get hurt… I don’t want to lose you. I’ve lost everyone I’ve ever loved Rupert… don’t you understand?”

Rupert put a hand on her shoulder. Amelia jerked it away and ran to her bed, crying harder than she ever did before.

He hated to she her like this… He went to her bed and sat down. He placed a hand on her hair, stroking it lovingly. Amelia only cried even more. He sighed and forced her head to face him. Her blue eyes were watery and overflowing. His grip on her face softened.

Caressing her cheeks softly he promised, “You haven’t lost me… You won’t. Ever. I promise.”

Amelia’s arms flew around him and caused him to fall on top of her… They laid on the bed laughing. Rupert was silent as he gazed deeply into her eyes. Amelia fell silent as his face drew down on her. His eyes showed that he was intent on showing his love to her and Amelia the same to him.

That night… they shared one bed…

 

---

 

It was less than a few days after they first made love when dilemmas happened. Rupert was walking in town again. It was safe because knights didn’t usually go patrolling on Sundays. Rupert was about to go into the market when a shadow overcastted him. He froze knowing only it could be a knight. No one in the village had horses.

“Sir, turn around,” The voice sounded vaguely familiar; which made it much worse. Rupert reluctantly did as asked. The man atop the horse frowned at him. Rupert eyes went wide as he recognized the stallion. Ambertone.

He gulped softly, “ER yes? Sir?” Rupert recognized the man too. It was Waltham. His former personal guard.

“Prince Rupert?” Waltham asked, baffled.

“No sir,” Rupert shook his head. “I am just a poor peasant.”

“Rupert!” Rupert whirled around to find Amelia. “Where were you?!” she had been very angry whenever he took too long… and now, she had a right to be, though she wasn’t so good with her timing.

Rupert discretely motioned to the knight. Amelia stopped in her tracks.

“Oh, hello good day, sir, may we help you with anything?”

Waltham frowned even more, “Rupert, eh?”

Amelia nodded, “Yes, Rupert the peasant. That is all. My brother.” It was an on going lie that they were siblings. Amelia was an orphanage from birth and had no idea who her parents were. She didn’t even know her surname. She didn’t care.

Rupert nodded, “My Am—sister, called me that ever since I was little.. after Prince Rupert sir. I hardly even remember my real name.” He was beginning to tense. Ambertone was giving him a small horse smile that he only gave to those he loved.

Waltham’s frown disappeared, but he didn’t look please either, “All right. Ambertone, let’s go.” But Ambertone didn’t budge. “Ambertone!” Ambertone neighed and stayed put without a budge Waltham glared at Rupert. “I knew it! Prince Rupert!”

Villagers turned to stare. This was very different indeed. The village was beautiful but there was hardly any commotion around.

Waltham grabbed Rupert’s wrist and said, “You must come home.”

“I shan’t do such a thing! Let me go Waltham!” Rupert ordered; sounding like a prince for the first time in about two years. It was no use and Rupert was soon glaring at Waltham atop Ambertone.

“No!” Amelia shrieked. “No! NO! You promised you wouldn’t leave me!” William soon came and muffled her mouth. Waltham gave her an insolent look and rode off from the glen forever. William escorted a deeply distraught Amelia to his bar.

That was the last time Rupert would ever step foot in the glen… He’d never see the village which he once thought was a beautiful paradise. Though Amelia… that was a different story.

 

---

“Give me mulled mead William. No more butterbeer,” Amelia said glumly, pushing an empty tankard towards William. Her head laid slumped on the counter.

William frowned, “No. No more butterbeer either. It’s awful for you… especially in your condition..”

Amelia glared up at him, “What condition?”

“I can tell, I’ve seen lots of women in this state… and it is not good when a young girl like you is—

“WHAT CONDITION!?”

“I’m afraid that you’re with child, me dear,” William replied solemnly.

There was a long, awkward silence. The emptiness of the bar added to the misery.

“Are.. are you sure?” she looked at his old eyes… She could tell if he was truthful.

William nodded slowly…

Amelia gasped and finally lifted her head up. Her? She wasn’t ready to be mother. This couldn’t be happening. “Everything is just getting worse and worse!” she said, “When it was going so right…” he eyes started to sting with tears ready to be released.

William patted her shoulder.. “There’s only one thing to do…”

“I know…”

Tears burst fort, streaming down her face. William couldn’t help her any further.

 

---

Rupert scowled as a gold heavy crown was placed carefully in his head. He didn’t want to be a king. He wasn’t supposed to be; his brother was. He didn’t want to be but he was. That was that. He believed he’d never see Amelia ever again.

 

It had been a few months after he was brought back from the glen. He sick of the stones and rock and mud that made the damp castle. He wanted to be with Amelia in their small, homey wooden cottage… not that damn cold, hard castle.

He was walking in silent fury when he ran into one of the servants.

“Oh, so sorry,” Rupert apologized. The woman fell to the ground in a painful moan.

The servant was a woman and she was covered messily into clothes. A hood covered her head. She looked up at him with sparkling blue eyes. He couldn’t see her face.. just her eyes… those eyes who were familiar. Filled with love and weariness. Rupert gasped.

“Amelia?”

“Rupert?” the woman whispered. Her voice was weak and croaky. Rupert helped her up…

“What are you doing here?”

“I came… I couldn’t leave you… you promised,” tears started to swell…

Rupert nodded, “I know.. I’m so sorry…”

“Plus.. I’m with your child.”

“What?” Rupert looked at her, “You can’t be—“

Amelia shook her head to quiet him, “I am.” He observed her closely. Surely her stomach was larger than it was when he left the glen.

“But—“

Before Rupert could finish his protest a shrill voice called through the halls, “Ruuupertt! Come to thee now!” Both Amelia and Rupert winced. Amelia frowned.

“Who is that?”

Rupert looked down, ashamed, “My wife.”

“What?” Her head jerked to look piercingly into his eyes, “This is wonderful. Just wonderful.” Her voice was still weary but there was a great bitterness… her hands folded into a fist. Shaking with fury. “I cannot stand this…” she ran down to the kitchens.

“Amelia! Wait!” Rupert called after but Amelia didn’t stop. And Rupert didn’t come after her.

 

---

Months and months after… Amelia forgave Rupert because it really wasn’t his choice to wed. He was forced to marry a princess, Princess Nanettia to be exact, so he could be king. Rupert abhorred her. She was horrid with the most scratchy, shrill yell. Her laughing was even worse. Queen Nanettia was bossy and hated the servants and referred to them as her “slaves.” She was very intolerant. Amelia and Rupert equally detested her.

It was a cold, cloudy day. The winds were high and there was much shouting.

Rupert was nervous and Nanettia hadn’t a clue why. Nor she cared about it really.

“Why are you so… shaky?” she asked.

“Um… just a servant giving birth. She’s one of our best..”

Nanettia scoffed, “My slaves are absolutely useless. They do a horrible job.”

“They aren’t your slaves!” Rupert snapped. She was always getting on his nerves. Awful woman. “Besides, would you rather do all the chores yourself?” he scowled.

Nanettia looked insolent. “No,” she replied stubbornly.

“I have to go,” he said simply.

“Where?!”

“The throne room. Woman, don’t you ever be quiet?” he replied grumpily and stormed out.

“Oh why do you not? Bastard husband.”

 

---

Rupert entered one of the storage rooms carefully, with one of the ladies-in-waiting’s, Gwen, permission. He spotted Amelia holding a small fragile bundle.

He sat next to the tired but smiling Amelia and the sleeping baby. “She’s beautiful,” he whispered into her ear before kissing her cheek briefly. The child had fair, smooth skin… dark brown, soft hair was starting to grow..

“Like a rose…” Amelia cuddled next to him, her child in her arms.

“And so delicate…”

“Like glass..”

“Your glass rose…”

Amelia didn’t protest though.. her baby was hers alone. “My glass rose..”

The small baby girl stirred and opened her eyes slowly… Rupert looked lovingly at her.. Her eyes were clear, bright blue… brighter than Amelia’s.. She looked curiously up at him… Her eyes probed his eyes like she was searching his soul..

“What are you naming your glass rose then?” Rupert asked without taking his eyes off their child ad if memorizing the moment forever. He kissed his lover’s cheek once more.

“Rowena,” Amelia said, “Rowena Ravenclaw.”

That was only the beginning of Rowena’s tale… her legend… her legacy.

To Be Continued…