Glass Rose

As a baby, Rowena's life was less than exciting; rather, it was filled with shrieking and wailing, coming mainly from the queen. It was a horrible noise that made Rowena start to cry and cause her mother despair. When she grew up her mother told her to be glad she couldn't remember when she was a baby. The thing was Rowena did remember those days, just barely. She never told her mother so it wouldn't cause her grief. Rowena loved her mother first and foremost. In her childhood, no one else mattered.

Rupert spent hours with them both for two reasons. One was to get away from Nanettia and two, because he loved them more than anything. Rowena tolerated him, but didn't really recognize him as anyone important. Rowena was an intelligent child and no one but her parents could see it. No one else cared. Intelligence wasn't important. Power was. And the king and queen had that.

Rowena knew she loathed Rupert's wife ever since she heard her. She cried so hard because of that awful, shrill calling. It was enough to drive you mad. Every one of the servants winced when Queen Nanettia called. She wasn't a nice person; she was pampered and selfish. Amelia never met anyone like her in the glen. People there had to work for what they had. Earned everything. Strangers? Well, Amelia never bothered much with them. Strangers only stopped by to replenish supplies, to have their form of transportation fixed, or replenish themselves. People traveled. But, royalty like Nanettia never traveled that much.

Amelia didn't take any orders from Nanettia, she wasn't one of Nanettia's ladies-in-waiting and she wasn't going to put up being ordered around by the wife of the man she loved.

Though she had no clue about Rowena's origins, and she never suspected that the girl was Rupert's child, Queen Nanettia hated both Rowena and her mother. Rupert always seemed quite fond and friendly with them. Yet she loathed them both with the excuse that they were just servants. Rupert detested her the same way. She was just a damn idiot. Nanettia could've cared less. Want she wanted was power.

The only problem was Rupert could not divorce her. If Rupert would divorce Nanettia, the crown would be taken from him. Rupert would have gladly given up the crown, but his mother and father would not let him. Rupert had no heir, or so everyone in the kingdom thought. All the royal difficulties were keeping Rupert and Amelia apart. This left Amelia further scornful towards Nanettia.

---

“Rrrrrrrrrrruuuuppppppperrtttt!!!” Rupert cringed as he heard the queen call one foggy but bright morning. He left before little toddler Rowena could start bawling. Amelia wanted him to stay with her in the tower but she didn't want Rowena to cry either.

Rupert must've gotten to Nanettia in time because there was no second shriek. Amelia sighed. Silence it was a relief.

She stared out into the tower window the sky was filled with grayish white and the grass below was blowing softly. Over the horizon was a trace of the forest whence Amelia came. She made the journey more than three years ago and missed her beloved glen dearly. She missed the scent of wildflowers, butterbeer, the ravens crowing, spring birds chirping. She yearned for it all. But she knew she'd never go back. William knew too. Amelia often wondered whatever became of her dear William. She'd never know.

Rowena giggled happily as she looked out too. She wasn't conscious that the world was cruel and harsh, especially to one like her. One with a different kind of power, the one with magic.

Amelia watched as Rowena walked slowly and sat down in front of the window. She loved her daughter so much.

Rowena started walking and talking awhile back, and still needed improvement but she yearned to learn everything. She was only three years old. Amelia didn't know how she could provide Rowena with an education. She wasn't educated herself. She had been abandoned in the woods a long time ago, when her parents had seen her magical powers.

“Mama when we go to 'len?” Rowena asked. Amelia had told her daughter, in stories, about her home, her glen.

“I do not know my Rose,” Amelia replied.

“Will I go to 'len ever, mama?” Rowena turned her head, staring at her mother with those clear, piercing eyes.

“Mayhap my darling. Perchance you will.”

“What about Papa? Will he go?” Rowena looked sad, knowing all too well the answer. Rupert was father, and she had some care for him, during the years. Never that much affection, but there was a certain fondness she had for him.

“No my Rose. Papa can never go to the glen,” Amelia answered solemnly.

“Oh poor papa.” Rowena went back to looking outside.

Amelia hung her head sadly. Yes, that was about right. Poor Rupert. He'd never see it again; they both knew it in their hearts. They longed to run away back there but it was not a possibility. Not as long as Rowena had no proper home. No proper life.

Amelia didn't know whether she'd she it again either. She wanted at least to die there where she was born. Yet

Rupert came through the doors of the tower once again with an extremely happy look on his face.

“Will you come with me on a trip?” He took Amelia's hands in his. Amelia grinned. “Nanettia will not suspect a thing,” he added

Amelia nodded. “Good! Count me in!”

---

“So, Rupert, where exactly are we going?” Amelia asked as she and Rowena rode a mare and Rupert his stallion, Ambertone.

Rupert smiled. “Another kingdom. I have to make negotiations with the lord. There are rumors that the lord and lady are eccentric. Some sources from your magical community say they are a wizard and witch.”

Amelia's eyes widened. “Really? Is it really true?”

“Yea, milady Amelia, so it seems and we will also be far from my queen, the spoiled thing. I am overjoyed that we are gone from her.”

“Aye.”

“Aye!” Rowena giggled. Amelia looked adoringly at her daughter. She had not known a lot of magical folks well, besides William. She wanted to meet someone else besides him who actually knew what they were doing. Most of the wizards and witches were confused and didn't know what was with their powers. A lot of them didn't know about their community. She'd never been to a wizarding village before.

Their destination was to a manor owned by Lord Gryffindor. Manor Gryffindor, it was called. It was not a famous kingdom in the moors but it was a large one and wealthy one. Perhaps it was because the lords were magical that the kingdom was discreet. There was indeed there were nobles of magical lineage in that kingdom, unknown to other nobles or the non-magical peasants.

The lord and lady certainly had to be magic folk because the nearest town to the manor was a magical one. Amelia was fascinated but they did not stay long. The lord and lady did not dress such as the normal nobles Rupert met. They wore robes like those of some strangers in the glen. They both had to smile. For Rupert, he was glad not to meet the ordinary pampered and conceited nobles but for Amelia, she was elated to be near magic again.

They met in the gardens, which were almost pretty as in the glen. Almost.

“Ah, welcome Sire Ravenclaw who are these? Your queen and child?” Tall, broad, and bearded Lord Godfrey Gryffindor bowed politely and motioned to Amelia and Rowena. Rupert's lip seemed to twitch.

“Nay my personal servant, Amelia, and her child,” Rupert answered uneasily. Amelia rolled her eyes as she rocked a sleeping Rowena. Servant! Ha!

There was a woman next to the lord, elegant and sharp -- the Lady Gryffindor. She nodded to Amelia and Rowena. “Oh I adore children! I have two of my own.” There was young boy, no older than twelve years, who stood proudly next to the king. He looked quite smug.

“This is young Godfrey Gryffindor II,” the lord announced.

Rupert nodded smiling. Boys were more valued than girls, of course, but Rupert could care less if all his children were all women. Her certainly would love it if Rowena were his heir.

“And this is Godric,” the lady said but Amelia did not see the other child. “Godric!” the lady scolded. Rowena stirred, opening her eyes, half asleep.

A small boy, older than Rowena, appeared from behind his mother shyly. He poked his head out and squeaked, “Greetings!” He blushed deeply. His hair was unruly and dark brown and his eyes were an amber color. He looked about seven or eight years of age.

Rowena watched him from her mothers hold. Pools of clear blue met liquid gold. Godfrey coughed loudly, interrupting the youngsters' stares. All looked at Godfrey, Rowena drowsier than the rest.

“Ahem father, may I go practice my fencing?” he asked arrogantly.

“You may,” his father approved and Godfrey left for the horse stalls where some squires practiced.

“Wait for me!” Godric said, rushing after his brother.

Rowena promptly dozed back to sleep, forgetting all about the two boys. Amelia shook her head, chuckling slightly and patted her daughter's head fondly. Rowena could care less about boys.

“I hope you all enjoy your stay Sire,” Lord Gryffindor told Rupert.

Rupert nodded. “I know I will.” He winked at Amelia who giggled silently. There seemed to be a sparkle in Gryffindor's eyes.

---

They all sat at a long table, which of that intimidated Amelia. People were so far away. Why did they need to be? But lord and lady sat closely. Lord Gryffindor sat at the head of the table, with Rupert at his right. Next to Rupert were Amelia and Rowena. Across from them were Lady Gryffindor, Godfrey, and Godric. Rowena's head appeared above the table, but her hands couldn't reach.

Whilst Rupert and Lord Gryffindor discussed negotiations, Lady Gryffindor was holding her own conversation with Amelia and her daughter. Amelia found she was a very caring lady and had a fondness for education.

“Education isn't important to people these days, especially commoners, but from what you've told me about your daughter, she seemed to want one,” she observed.

Amelia replied, “Yes, my little Rowena likes to learn. I don't know where she got that from.”

“Aah, children. They have such quirks.”

“It's quite queer sometimes.”

Lady Gryffindor giggled. “Why yes! I know how that is.”

Meanwhile, Rowena stared across from her where Godric sat. He glumly prodded his food. He looked at her. "Do you not like your food?"

“I wouldn't know. I can't reach.”

“Oh, let me help then.” He produced a wand from under the table and pointed at her chair. “I've been practicing charms my mother taught me. Wingardium Leviosa!”

Rowena's chair lifted off the ground just enough so her small arms went above the tabletop. She giggled. Lord Gryffindor watched in horror. “Godric! What in heaven's name are you doing?”

“It is okay Papa, the girl and her mummy are like us I can feel it.”

“Yes, but--!” Lord Gryffindor looked at Rupert.

“It is all right, I know already,” Rupert interrupted.

“And you have not told a soul?” Lady Gryffindor asked sternly.

Rupert shook his head. “No, not a single one.”

“Well, that's good,” Young Godfrey, yawned. “I am bored out of my skull. C'mon Godric.”

Godric gave one last glance at Rowena, jumped off his, and followed his brother.

When they had finished their supper, they were all ready for bed.

“Well, we can accommodate Rowena to her own room,” Lady Gryffindor said. “Would you mind sharing a room together?”

Rupert and Amelia looked at each other and grinned.

---

“Amelia,” Rupert told Amelia on their ride home. “I think I know how Rowena can learn.”

“Oh?” Amelia held Rowena, who was fast asleep. It had been days and they were finally going home. It was a bittersweet ride. More bitter than sweet.

“Yea. I can give Rowena her education. Teach her.”

“Even give her the library?”

Rupert blinked. “What library?”

“The one that no one uses Rupert. Are you daft?” Amelia rolled her eyes, giggling.

“Oh I never knew we had one.” They both burst into laughter but stifled themselves dreading Rowena would wake. “Lovely child I am glad she is ou—yours.”

“Ours Rupert,” Amelia corrected, “for now anyhow. Then she will be her own when she becomes of age.”

“Or earlier,” Rupert stated sadly.

Amelia nodded and place a hand on her stomach. “Rupert?”

“Yes?” Rupert stared at the path ahead, content.

“I fear I am with child again.”

Rupert stopped his stallion suddenly, in shock. “W-w-what??”

---

It was nine months later when Amelia's second child was born. She wasn't magical; Amelia and Rowena knew it. Rupert named her Eleanor. During this time, Queen Nanettia also gave birth. Rupert told Amelia he had to lay with her the kingdom needed an heir but it was also a daughter. Amelia understood but was not happy. She always thought that Rowena was the true heir, not any of Nanettia's borne. She'd stick to that forever, till the end.

Amelia and Rupert walked in the gardens, with Eleanor in her mother's arms, and four year old Rowena walking beside her.

“Mummy, I wanna get a book from the li-berry,” Rowena said suddenly. She still couldn't say 'library' but was improving. All she had to do to go to the library was ask. “May I?”

“Of course my Rose.”

Amelia crouched down so Rowena could say goodbye to Eleanor. “Bye-bye Ellie,” Rowena whispered. Eleanor cooed. “Bye mummy.” Rowena hugged her mother around the neck and ran off into the palace.

Danielle was born only a few days before Eleanor. She had come earlier than expected. Some servants were bitter that Nanettia didn't die from childbirth. Amelia, though she hated Nanettia more than any of the servants, thought it was a cruel thing to say. Although Nanettia wasn't a good person, no mother deserved to die after such pain and never see her child.

Rowena loved spending time in the library, where there was nothing to do but read. Fairy tales were fascinating. Not real, but fascinating nonetheless. Rowena usually read histories, family lineage, and those kinds of things. There was a full section in the library. Her mother never read them to her. She couldn't read. Rowena tried to pronounce hard words she couldn't understand, and ask her father or someone knowledgeable later for the definition. She didn't really understand most of the books, but she'd get someone to teach her in a couple of years, she had decided that months ago.

This visit to the library wasn't so pleasant. Queen Nanettia was there, with a servant and her baby. The servant was the one cradling the baby while Nanettia was complaining about how loud and wretched the castled was. Rowena, meanwhile, was at the backdoor, deciding whether or not should she come in. Surely, the queen would exile her. Was getting a book to read that worth it?

Deciding it was worth enduring Nanettia's wrath, she came in.

For Nanettia's part, Rowena's entrance was very unexpected. A young child, one of the servants, coming into a room without acknowledged or permission from her.

“What are you doing here?” she barked at the girl.

“I just came to get my book,” Rowena said softly.

Nanettia stared at the girl. She couldn't be more than five years old. Her clothes were worn and freckled with dirt. Her skin was fair but stained, and her dark brown hair limp and coarse. About the only thing that was clear about the child were her brilliant blue eyes. Nanettia didn't utter a word as the child boldly went to the table near her, took a book, and quietly left.

“Who was that?” Nanettia snapped her servant.

“I believe it is his Highness's servants, Amelia's, daughter, Rowena. Quite a charming child.”

The queen scoffed. “Charming, indeed!” She rolled her eyes. “My child shall be the most charming.” She never actually heard Amelia and Rowena's names before then. She was just suspicious of them. She could care less if Rupert was in love with the servant Amelia, she just didn't Rupert to divorce her and take her title away from her. She was raised to be a queen. It was just her luck that she had gotten Rupert for a husband. He didn't care about power and superiority. He had other priorities, some of which she didn't understood--like the concept of love.

“Rowena is quite smart, your Highness. I reckons Sire wants her to be taught,” the servant informed as she rocked baby Danielle.

Nanettia blinked at her. Taught? That child, who was a mere commoner? Impossible. Even she did not read.

---

The years passed by and Rowena started to grow up. Sometimes, a little too fast, her mother thought.

“Mother,” said seven-year-old Rowena came into the chamber where they slept. Eleanor was brushing her hair in front of a mirror while their mother was feeding their two-year-old brother, Thomas. Thomas was Amelia's third child from Rupert and he wasn't magical either. “I do not understand that woman.”

“Nanettia?” Amelia asked without looking up at her.

“Yes. I do not get why someone who rules this kingdom is so conceited. What is this thing about power? I do not get it. Its as if she only cares about her and power.”

“My Rose,” Amelia said quietly, “She was raised that way. Its what she strives for.”

“I—”

“Rose, you cannot understand her unless you have looked at it in her point of view.”

Rowena frowned. How? It was positively inconceivable. But she knew her mother wouldn't say anymore on the matter. “How can you tolerate her?”

“I try my best,” was her mother's simple reply. She handed Thomas a small piece of fruit. “Oh Thomas please eat it?”

Rowena sighed and sat on the bed. She looked her younger brother straight in the eyes. Thomas didn't look away. ”Thomas, cooperate, please?”

Thomas blinked and when his mother tried to give him the fruit again he accepted it. Amelia smiled. “I still have no idea how you do that.” Rowena shrugged. Rowena had a way with people, particularly children. She'd always look them in the eye and they'd do what she wanted. She didn't do it often, just when her siblings were being fussy.

“Can you teach me?” added a squeak, which was Eleanor, who joined them. “I would like to do that to you.”

Rowena rolled her eyes and then giggled. “I do not know how I do it.”

“Rose,” Amelia said softly. She always called her that nowadays. It was like Sweetheart and Darling, which were Thomas and Eleanor's nicknames. Love was reserved for their father. “You know if you want to understand people, you really do have to see it the way they do. And everyone is not sweet and innocent as you.”

“I know Mother,” Rowena nodded. “Maybe when I get a little older, I'll understand.”

“I think you understand now...”

There was a knock on their door and Eleanor went to get it. It was Rupert.

“Hi papa,” Eleanor and Thomas chorused.

Rupert frowned. “Why did you open the door without asking who it was first? Did I not say—?”

“You're fretting Father,” Rowena grinned, “Besides, we knew it was you.”

“Well, I still—“

“Father,” she said, a warning tone in her voice. He frowned even more. Rowena was his daughter. She should've been able to command him that easily. Amelia giggled lightly. It was not often she smiled anymore.

Amelia hadn't been very happy for a long while. Only Rowena and Rupert had noted the changed. They hadn't thought it was anything. Not yet, at least. Amelia had grown depressed. It wasn't Nanettia. It wasn't any of the children. It wasn't even that she could never truly be with Rupert other than in forbidden love. Maybe it was the last one but there was more than just that something very

“How is Danielle?” Eleanor asked. Danielle was four years old, same as Eleanor. They both spent time together, though Nanettia reproved of their friendship. They were becoming best of friends. Amelia didn't know whether she approved it or not but she was glad her daughter had a friend. Friendship, which she didn't have much in her own youth, was very important.

Rupert smiled kindly. “She's missing you but her mother is making her dress up for a ball she's setting up. Balls, I cannot stand them.”

“A ball?” Eleanor asked, utterly confused, “Why would you dress up for a ball?”

“Not the ball like a toy,” Rowena explained. “A ball is a formal gathering for social dancing.” She remembered reading something about this from one of the books. They didn't sound much fun to her. It sounded dreadfully boring really. Besides, she hated dancing.

“What is it for?”

Rupert shrugged. “I do not know. I was not the one who wanted it.”

Amelia sighed. “All the servants will have to work hard today, I suppose.”

Rupert nodded sadly. “Yes. I'll try to get Nanettia not to work you too hard.” His love grinned.

“Don't. I need the exercise. Get my mind off things. But do so for the others... they are the ones who need rest,” she said. Rupert nodded and left.

“Mother? What is wrong?” Rowena asked.

“Nothing,” Amelia lied.

Rowena frowned. It was like her mother. She had always been bad at lying. She supposed there was no one to really lie to when she was a little girl. But however bad Amelia was at lying, there was a problem with her. Rowena knew it.

She'd solve it later, but there was something she needed to do first.

Nanettia was born and breed to be like she was. She was to be conceited and greedy. She wasn't loved. And she knew no one in her own castle loved her, except maybe her own daughter, not even her husband loved her, she knew that. Sometimes it got lonely, being who she was, but she shook it off quickly. No one would love her. Yet that was unconditional love. Danielle only loved her because she was the one to give life to her.

'She should be grateful!' Nanettia always thought. She didn't even know why she was complaining, Danielle was obedient enough, though she spent time with that wench's child, Mi-something-or-other. It was annoying how much time her husband and child did not spend time with her. Rupert, she knew, had a mistress. She was sure of it. And his heart belonged to her. It may have been that wench, the one he says is his servant. His heart maybe hers, but he had better not leave his own wife! That would take away her title!

'Why did I not have a boy? A girl is practically worthless,' Nanettia grumbled.

She was overseeing the ballroom being set. Servants were so stupid.

“No! Don't put that there! The white flowers belong over there on that table!” she snapped. Honestly! Why on earth did she bother to keep them?

She sighed and she shoved the servant boy who was placing the flowers to her own table. “See? That's Danielle's flowers! It should be at her table! Incompetent boy!”

The boy glowered and moved the flowers.

Nanettia was annoyed. She had to get this done today. She didn't need any distractions! She closed her eyes for a moment. She needed some capable people. She suddenly realized someone was watching her. She spun around on her heels and faced

It was that girl. The one she saw three years ago, the wench's eldest daughter.

The girl was dressed in deep blue yet still worn and dusty. Her dark brown hair was woven back in two subtle braids, but was still matted. Her skin was still fair and also still bruised with dirt. Yet the eyes they were still clearer than ever. Still blue clear blue pools that probed the soul. Nanettia didn't like the like at all. She was intimidating, even to her.

“What do you want now?” Nanettia pushed back the fear that entered into her.

The girl shook her had. “I'm sorry,” the child said, “I do understand now. I don't hate you... I pity you.”

Nanettia blinked. No one pitied her. No one. Why on earth was she to be pitied for? She was queen! She had everything she wanted or at least her mother wanted. The child turned and vanished through the stairway.

Nanettia fought back memories childhood years. She would not cry. Not in front of her servants. Not ever. She vowed never to feel those feelings again.

Going back to the task at hand, Nanettia looked towards the nearest servant and started barking orders. It was the only way to drown out the compassion leaking in.

Rowena did understand. She didn't hate her any longer and she did pity her. Nanettia's mother behaved the way she did now and probably so did her whole family. Nanettia did care, or would, if she didn't close it in deep inside. Rowena didn't know if she would ever show it. She hoped so. Nanettia would probably have a lot of compassion. Probably.

---

Nanettia had many balls over the years, for different occasions. Rowena and Amelia never attended. Sometimes, Danielle would beg Eleanor to keep her company. Thomas never went out of the room for Rupert had said to hide him from everyone, especially his wife.

Meanwhile, through the years that pasted, Amelia's health was failing. She began to get so homesick that she became ill. Rowena was twelve then. She took care of her mother, who moaned about how she missed home and wanted to go back

Rupert's visits were becoming infrequent and short. Amelia feared that he didn't love her any longer. Worry caused her illness to worsen. She was no longer the same stubborn, determined self. She hadn't been for a long while. She felt like one of Nanettia's servants. She stopped doing her duties, which were taken over by Rowena.

One night, Nanettia was having another ball, this time for Danielle's ninth birthday. She invited nobles from all over. She certainly didn't want Rowena or Amelia there, but Danielle begged and begged.

“But Mother! It is my birthday! I want them to come!” was Danielle's defense. She was different from her mother and was more like her father. She was often shy but rebellious in her own right. Eleanor had to go too, it would be her party as well. Eleanor was more willing and she said she'd sneak in somehow. Eleanor's mother wouldn't and couldn't come. She was tired and had developed a fever. As for Rowena she needed some convincing.

Danielle and Eleanor had been friends since they were three years old. They were sisters even if they're mothers were different and hated each other. They had somehow formed a friendship. They chatted and gossiped about the servants and some nobles. Danielle would complain about the obnoxious people she met and Eleanor would whine about the chores.

Danielle knew about her father and Amelia. She knew he had other children with her. She didn't care. Her father still loved her. Her mother? Well, she was sure she had love for her. Nanettia certainly spoiled her enough. But she didn't want to be spoiled. She wanted to be a common girl. Though Danielle never told her mother that. Nanettia would absolutely be horrified if she ever found out.

Eleanor fancied the idea of being princess, such as Danielle was. True, she wouldn't want Nanettia for a mother, but still Of course, she'd never admit this to anyone. Not to Danielle, not to Rowena, and certainly never to her mother. For all she knew, her own mother would disown her for even mentioning it. In her heart, she knew Amelia would never disown her, but nobility was tempting to her. Yet there were more important things, such as her friendship with Danielle.

They were best friends. Sisters. That was that.

The current task was going to be difficult. Rowena had downright refused when Eleanor first asked her. “I have work to do,” was her excuse.

After Eleanor reported this to Danielle, who was frowning by the time she finished. “Pathetic excuse. Your sister has become more hot-tempered.”

“I know,” agreed Eleanor, “She has been like that ever since she first suspected there was something wrong with Mama. She is hopelessly devoted to her. She's getting stricter and grumbling a lot now. Sometimes, I cannot stand her anymore. I wish she would be back to the way she was.”

“Aye,” Danielle said wistfully.

“But right now, we just have to convince her to go! She needs to lighten up!”

Danielle nodded thoughtfully. “C'mon, let's go.”

For the last half hour, Rowena's sister and half-sister had been bombarding her with reasons she should attend the ball for Danielle's birthday. All of which she didn't think were good enough.

“But there is going to be people your age!”

“There are boys!”

“Food!”

“Presents!”

“Erm...Books!”

They almost had Rowena with that one, if Rowena had known better. “You will not have books at a ball. Nobles don't buy books for children. Especially not girls.” She scowled at 'girls.' She couldn't stand it. Everyone deserved an education but she was kept from having a proper one. Sure, her father taught her to read, but she wanted to learn more than that.

The two younger girls started to whine.

“But why not?”

“Please?”

“Oh you two shut up before I put a curse on you,” Rowena muttered. She had learned a few charms, curses, spells, and enchantments from her mother. Rowena became fascinated by the magic. She wished all young witches and wizards could learn too. She wanted to teach Eleanor and Thomas, but surely, as she and her mother presumed, they couldn't do it. They might have been too young, but at the same age as Thomas (seven years old) she was making things float or explode (by accident, of course). At Eleanor's age (nine years old) she was transforming objects. Of course, Rowena was also advanced for her age but shouldn't Eleanor and Thomas have been too?

“But—” they said simultaneously.

“No buts.”

The two cursed under their breaths and stalked off. They were certainly in a foul mood.

Rowena grinned. Finally, there was peace.