XII. Every Rose Has A Thorn

When I cast my unbelieving eyes upon someone, someone who I had not seen, or been apart with for years, I sensed the outset of a nostalgic wave of emotions.

But this name... This name frantically writhed out of my mouth. "Mother?" How else could I react other than pounce on her for a mother-to-daughter embrace. She well accepted me in her arms the moment I was in her distance.

A tear cascaded while I was buried in the crook of her neck. A light feeling lifted up the weight in my chest. At the same time, there was this heavy downward pull that kept me grounded. Mother's arms were gentle, yet firm around me. This touch of hers was what I lacked to experience for several years. Questions were not my priority right now.

We had not extricated ourselves from this union. When she talked, that roughly familiar maternal tone of hers came flooding in. "Ara! Oh my-- You've grown! My daughter." She sobbed, her whole body shaking incessantly. For a second, she pulled away to caress my face with her tender gaze. "So beautiful, and so radiant..." Her finger situated itself beneath my chin.

The beaming smile of hers never ceased to melt away.

I responded to her, excited, and overwhelmed by what was unfolding all at once. "Mother... I missed you very much."

"I missed you as well. And this time," she held my hands in hers, "I will never go away."

The tinge of her voice sweetened the moment, and then there was a clap behind us. I whirled around to find Aunt Genevieve slamming her palms against one another, batting her eyes as though unimpressed.

She expressed utter discontempt, "How convenient. You come back here, after leaving Ivy for many years without a mother figure by her side. Fortunate enough, she accepts you." This ruffled the composure of mother, who stared at her and took a step forward.

"I am here to make things right," Mother responded.

"Aster, I would have to reopen a few wounds from the past before I consider you back in the picture," Aunt Genevieve clenched her jaw.

"Whatever it takes to mend my relationship with you, I will do it." Mother did not glare at her, instead she scooted closer as subtle as she could, but Aunt Genevieve stopped her there.

"Don't you know how hard it is to raise Ivy properly? How to ensure her happiness, despite me not being her real mother?!" Her voice oozed with rage, and misery. "I care for her as if she is my second daughter, and I know that Rose treats her like a sister as well. We were fine until you barged out of nowhere!"

"This is why I will fix things, beginning with taking down Keith Philipps, and Jake Partridge."

Princess Salome looked on awkwardly, then backed away slowly. "I shall take this as a cue to leave, then." She ebbed from the courthouse, sparing space for the family.

"You haven't even involved yourself in Ivy's life. So why does it sound like you're part of this case–"

"Because I am. I supplied the contract, and the document of the estate purchase." Mother stared at a slightly stunned Aunt Genevieve. She sighed. "Allow me to elucidate..."

"You shall, but not here," said Aunt Genevieve.

"The manor is where I'll explain, I suppose," Mother replied.

We made our exit from the courthouse, but along the way, I observed the character witness who was called in awhile ago. Her withering glare was aimed at me.

* * *

Once we retreated to the manor, Aunt Genevieve brought us over to the lounging room, then perched down solemnly. Her sudden change of composure plunged the room in a serious atmosphere. Rosalie, and I sat side-by-side while mother situated herself opposite Aunt Genevieve.

"Now explain yourself. Where were you this whole time?" Aunt Genevieve arched an eyebrow, her head tilted upward.

Mother squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head away from the negative memories which she was about to spill. "You never really knew much of my background, right?"

My gaze sprang to my aunt, who nodded her head.

Mother continued in a sullen tone. "To begin with, my name isn't Aster Persephone. It was Antoine Newton." When she shared that, there were collective gasps around the room including mine.

"Why did you change your name?" I asked.

Mother peered into my eyes, searching for any trace of emotion she worried of. "I was a courtesan Of Govern-, er, Keith Philipps. He always courted me, coaxed me to become his betrothed because I was the single courtesan who caught his attention." She kept on explaining, eventually alluding to a clue. "He went as far as having a locket with my initials in it. But I denied, and so he sadly kept that. At that time, he was not governor, but rather someone among the many seats in the Parliament. Low class."

"Does this mean that he has been bribing for decades?" Rosalie questioned.

Mother inclined her head. "He has been since. Eventually, he met with Elton Somerset, as these two were associates." At the mention of the name, Aunt Genevieve winced in her seat.

"I-isn't he..." Rosalie widened her eyes, an onset of surprise latching onto her. She swiveled her head at her mother. "Father?"

"Yes. And he died travelling overseas." Aunt Genevieve answered in defense.

"For as far as I know, he's alive," Mother dropped the words, igniting the fire.

"You can't mention his name here. He's irrelevant!" Her grumbling timbre bled of fury.

Rosalie glared at her mother making her stiffen in her seat, then she returned her stare. "I need to know about him."

"Are you certain, Rose?" Mother wanted to be sure. Rosalie eagerly bobbed her head, attentive and leaning forward. With a deep breath, mother responded. "Your father left overseas, to Monaco. He has a family there that are linked with other groups in an illegal trade."

Meanwhile, Aunt Genevieve reclined in her seat, scowling, and muttering under her breath.

A frown plastered on Rosalie's face, she bent her head down. "What... If he had a family in Monaco, why did he go to Helmburn?"

"To set up a meeting with Keith. Unfortunately, he used your mother as his cover-up." The truth staked Rosalie in the heart.

Aunt Genevieve jolted out of her seat, sensing the pain in her daughter. "That is enough coming from you!"

"Shut it!" Rosalie cried out. "How dare you keep this from me?"

The composure of my aunt wavered unstable, and then collapsed. She unsheathed an upset expression. "Because I... I did not want you to know how your father was a treacherous leech. He never said to me that he had a first family. He... he used me, and we had a fling, then that put a child in me. You..."

Rosalie was already in tears, and Aunt Genevieve inched forward, flinching when her daughter stormed out of the room.

"Give her spa–" Mother was cut off when Aunt Genevieve pivoted, nose snarling.

"Do not tell me what to do!" She trudged out of the room.

I peeled off of my spot, and sat next to my mother who shot an apologetic look at me. "I am sorry about what happened. Everything. For not being there for you. For... for not providing a life."

I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and tugged her close. "Shh, it's alright. You're back."

She smiled warmly.

I thought of how the scene unfolded, and that we still needed answers. I needed answers. "About Aunt's question... where were you?"

Mother began telling the truth weaved with sorrow, pain, and tragedy. "I met your father. We loved each other truly. Then, before you were born into this world, your father enlisted in a roaring war in the East. He made a promise to keep our home safe. Your home safe."

As she said those words, I felt tears prick my eyes.

She breathed in, and out, controlling herself, and swallowing in the sadness. "When it was announced that the kingdom won, I cheered only to receive news of his sacrifice." She had a shaky voice. "Him gone became an advantage for Keith. He kept pulling me in, and told me that he'd kill all of you if I did not join him across the sea, to Monaco. I had to comply for your safety... I was weak at that time."

Eventually, she was off the brink, and into the pit she had been shying away from. Tears fell from her as we both shed them.

"Finally, after years of pained obedience, I made a bold move to burn down his estate. I took with me enough money, and the evidences I needed for the future. It took a long time to go to Helmburn when security around Monaco tightened. But what I did paid off, and I would be headed back home." It was lengthy from her, but I didn't mind.

"W-what happened when you came home?"

"I was more of a coward than ever, struggling to face all of you. And then recently, I broke in the Opera House, and stole a jaguar costume. Then, I took Princess Salome away."

"So you were the reason she vanished this whole time?" I gasped.

"It was me. Salome, and I used to be acquainted, and I knew that she wanted to run away. I proposed to her that she leave the kingdom with good words from people... otherwise there would be backlash," said mother, and the pieces were making sense.

"What took you two so long?" I raised an eyebrow at her.

Mother sighed. "She was devastated by what she discovered, but it's not my place to say it."

"Oh..." I trailed off.

She rose up to her feet. "I am going to start fixing. First, the bedroom."

"Let me help you," I said.

She refused, but I insisted. Eventually, we were in her dusty bedchamber.

"It has been a long time since my last here," she stated while her eyes wandered the walls, the bed, drinking in the view shrouded in an untouched chaos.

"I remember sleeping here sometimes, whenever I was scared of stormy nights," I said. She and I chuckled after.

"We have a lot to catch up on." She grinned.

"That we do," I gave out a reply.

* * *

The next days passed by in a blur, and the tension appeared to have subsided.

There was a call from the receiver that summoned me to the castle for a meeting with three other people. Soon after, I complied, and ended up in a table occupied by Princess Salome, Lady Deanne, and Sir Carlos. I was still getting used to Keith Philipps no longer assuming his governor title, or Jake Partridge no longer a lord of his own house.

Princess Salome cleared her throat, and began the conference. "As you may all know, I've brought you here together to discuss the future of this kingdom."

Sir Carlos knitted his eyebrows together. "Are you certain about your decision, your highness?"

"Yes, and please call me by Salome," She replied.

I was not expecting this, but I had to be sure. "Why must we not address you formally, and what decision?" With those questions out, Salome had her eyes on me.

Her curved smile became wider. "I step down as Crown Heiress, and pass the line to you, Lady Arabelle."

"B-but why?"

Salome slanted her head, her eyes adoring me. She spoke in delight. "You have shown the promising qualities that a monarch must possess. Besides, I never wanted the crown in the first place, and it is only right to have it passed onto someone much more deserving." She added in a mock tone, clicking her tongue. "The Ashworthe bloodline must end with me. It's a long, long history of tragedy, and masquerade."

"I-I can't believe it. Thank you for the opportunity," I grinned from ear-to-ear.

She simply giggled, lit up in a way I hadn't seen. It was far from how I watched her a day after the Twilight Ball betided. "And thank you for taking up the opportunity. The least I can do is to attend your coronation, guide you through the rites, and give regal counsel before I go."

"Pssht, it was unbecoming of you at the hearing," Sir Carlos stated. "But we never had a royal like that in years, so it's a fresh air to breathe."

"What's unbecoming was Keith, and Jake," Lady Deanne mocked.

"Speaking of those two, I hope they indulge in prison. It's the perfect place meant for them," said Sir Carlos with a hoot. "I can already make up scenarios in my head, like Jake acting out on a temper until he is crushed by a fellow inmate–"

"Alright, we have had enough of that creative imagination," Salome retrieved her jaw, which hung from what Sir Carlos talked about.

"What is next for you, Salome?" Lady Deanne asked. It sounded almost casual. Now that she was no longer Crown Heiress, we did not need to address her by Your Highness, which made it all the more unorthodox in my perspective.

She placed her elbows on the table, her arms bent around, and her fingers entwined. "I am contemplating on venturing across the seas, and explore the world. Hopefully I won't brush paths with a certain someone."

Without a word, Lady Deanne rose up from her seat and covered Salome in her arms. "We are going to miss thee!"

At first, Salome rolled her eyes, and ignored her invasive touch, but soon melted into the embrace and squeezed her eyes shut. "I will miss Helmburn, my home, but I think it is finally time I get to decide my life, and my fate. I am over with royal living."

I let my gaze pan to Sir Carlos who wept dramatically. "Yes, yes! But before you leave, you must watch the theatre play. It's one of the memories you'll be carrying with you as you take on the world."

Salome gasped. "The play! I almost forgot about it."

"Well, since you mentioned that you are staying for Lady Arabelle's coronation, I must tell you that the play will be performed in that night," Lady Deanne informed enthusiastically.

"That would also mean a lot to the theatre actors, and actresses, and Madame Desiree. They have been rehearsing properly for your entertainment," I told her.

Salome did not hesitate. "Of course, I'll watch! I have actually been looking forward to it."

"Greeeeaaat!" Sir Carlos belted out as he sobbed uncontrollably.

"Someone needs to give him a thorough check," said Salome.

* * *

I went to the realm prison of Helmburn which sheltered two abominable criminals. After having asked the guard for the whereabouts, I was escorted to the lower levels where there were several cells with inmates in them. Among one of those were iron bars with Jake, and Keith behind them.

Jake, and Keith jerked their head up when I revealed myself to them. I expected a glare, but they both smirked, rising to their feet. They had smug looks on their faces as they approached, but were hindered by the iron bars.

An exasperating timbre clawed its way in my ears. Lord Jake, I meant, Jake, angled his head as he took me in from head to toe. "Too bad I was not able to mess you up that night. You would have come out of the room, limping and reminiscing of the best moment in your life."

"I did have the best moment, seeing where you are now," I curled my lip up.

"What's your deal?" Keith asked, seething.

"Aww, quit pretending you two do not want to witness this face again," I teased them, provoking their ire.

"I'd rather witness feces," Jake replied.

"Judging by your tone, I bet you'd hate for me to linger longer, so I'll skip straight to the point," I told them, and folded my arms over my chest, an eyebrow arched. "Did you two plot the assassination of the Queen?"

What came after were howls of laughter.

"Us? Kill... the Queen?" They guffawed.

"Tell me. Now." I scowled at them.

"If you think we planned to kill the Queen, think again. Use your brain... unless you don't have any?" Keith thought he hurled an insult, but I merely smirked.

"Oh, why not use your time wisely," Then, I placed a hand over my mouth when I faked catching my breath. "Unless you don't have any, anymore. How unfortunate."

They gritted their teeth.

"And Jake... I bid adieu to our short-lived passion," I said.

His glare vanished into a sad look.

I turned in my heel, and walked away.

* * *

I was in front of the door of House Hemington, hoping to get a word in with Lord Adrian.

After striking my knuckles against the door, it opened a few seconds later. Lord Adrian swung the door open, greeting me with an unreadable look on his face. "Good day, Lady Arabelle. What can I do for you?"

I showed him the bouquet of flowers, and smiled. "Here to tell you that I am sorry," I pressed the bouquet to his chest.

He had no choice but to accept. He gave way for me to enter his house.

His manor was regal. How come I had not visited it yet? He showed me the way to his living room like a gentleman. When I collapsed on his couch, I never averted my gaze from him as he took his seat.

"How about I help you with whatever you need," I offered.

"I don't need it, but thank you for offering. It's a kind gesture." I assessed his tone, but there was none of that romantic ring to it.

I peeked around, taking note of the wonderful accents of his interior. "Your manor is quite lovely."

"Indeed, it is." His cold stare watched every movement.

"I... I'm sorry again. For lying to you. I should have told you. Instead, I was carried away by my plan, and pressed on. I didn't choose to snap out of it..." I pursed my lips into a slit, staring down at the floor. "I'd do anything for you. I owe you for destroying our bond. You're so kind, my Lord. Benevolent. And you can't be with someone who broke your trust."

When I was about to extricate myself from my seat, he spoke in a deep voice. "I wouldn't want that to be permanent." He rose up, and made his way over to me, in slow steps.

"Oh... I-" I took a step back, but he grew closer, and it was inevitable that we'd be too close.

"I see how you helped Lady Anthanasia seek justice... unrolled the bile of Jake, and every... secret," He mentioned those sentences as his knuckles explored my cheek. "That was admirable to say the least." His voice dropped to a low whisper, sending tingles down my spine. He held the back of my head when his lips neared. "Ara, I understand why you had to do it... I'm proud."

"But, don't you hate me?" I asked.

His eyes glimmered, and we were inching closer. "When I rushed into the room that night, I felt fear that I'd lose you. I admit that. Keith could have stabbed you."

"He didn't. And you won't lose me. I can still be your friend–"

"I don't want to be just friends, Ara."

"What do you want?" I questioned.

"May I?" His eyes adored my lips. And I uttered yes. That stirred him forward, unleashing his stifled passion. We were tangled in a fiery kiss.

His lips coaxed mine to open, and I gasped when his tongue found mine.

"Adrian..." I mumbled.

It was as enchanting as my first kiss, but better. This time, it was amplified.

"I know you've been anticipating..." He said in my ears, his warm breath skating across my skin.

"Not exactly... I-I came to apologize–"

He shut my mouth when his lips locked with mine. His hands worshipped every curve, every slope, and every part of my body. "Liar," he whispered.

Soon after, I was in his couch, his arm draped around my shoulders. "I promise that from now on, I will tell you everything. No secrets."

"And from now on, I will remain loyal to you, and only you," said Adrian, who captured me in his sweet embrace. He and I had surrendered to each other again.

* * *

A long day out demanded rest in the bedchamber, but I stepped past the threshold when Rosalie came to me, eyes wide.

"Ara! My goodness! You're back!" She panted.

"What happened? You're out of breath, Rose!" I was shocked to see her like this.

She took a second to recollect the wind in her lungs, before she quivered. "They argued, our mothers, in the study... And then they left without telling where they were headed!"

"Rose, I know where we should check..."

"The study?"

"They were last found in there. We might as well track down a remnant. Anything! It could lead us to them," I said, and she bobbed her head.

"You're right. Let's go there. We don't have much time!" Rosalie rushed the words out in a frantic manner. She hurried up the stairs, and I called out to her. I was hot on her trail until we reached Aunt Genevieve's study.

There were signs of haste abandoned in the room, like the feather pen that was placed elsewhere but a container it was supposed to be in. "Rosalie, I need you to examine the study, and I mean a thorough one."

"I'll check the seats, and this, er, part of the room," Rosalie informed.

My eyes, and hands darted everywhere. I searched frantically across the desk, and found none that led us to them.

Where would they go? I asked myself.

Then, I rummaged through the drawers, and remembered that there could be false bottoms. When I checked the lowest drawer, there I discovered a secret storage with folders, and envelopes. Rosalie came over, and looked in surprise. "There are lots of folders and documents there..."

I withdrew one out, and it was a clipping of files about a land deed to a farmhouse. Then, there came a map with the location of the farmhouse pinned. It was estimated almost a kilometer away from this manor. The farmhouse was close to the coast.

"I never knew we owned a farmhouse," I told Rosalie.

"How come they've never told us about this?" She asked.

Another page stapled to the front was a paragraph stating that the farmhouse had been abandoned since there was no lien, and the debts piled up. Under Mallory Nefyn, the property had been officially taken away from House Ausleya.

"Their debts piled, and eventually the property was taken away," I explained to Rosalie.

She scoured the false bottom for another folder, which she displayed to me. "A research on... atropa belladonna." She explored it, and flipped from page to page. "My mother had been exploring information about nightshade?"

Then, it clicked into place. "Don't you think she..."

She looked at me with a grave look on her face. "She's involved in the assassination?" She closed the research folder. "We'll have to let her confirm that."

I dug into the secret compartment again to retrieve an envelope with the wax torn off, indicating that it had already been opened. There was an address.

From: E. Somerset

To: Genevieve Ausleya

"What is that?" Rosalie's curiosity was peaked when she noticed the envelope in my hand.

"It's a letter, from Elton Somerset, to your mother," I admitted to her, and she did not look enthusiastic. But that did not stop her from taking a peek. I pulled out the letter within the envelope.

Dear Genevieve,

I shall miss our tender union. The last gift I give to you are the seeds of nightshade. Hopefully it aids you in whatever you are planning on.

It pains me to say that we must no longer see each other again. I have a family in Monaco and they are my priority. They know about us, and they are calm about it. But if I crawled back to you, to your embrace, they'll send out mercenaries.

I live in a dangerous world and I chose it. I can't drag you in peril any longer. I want you to know that I have always wished to make things right. For now, I send good greetings to you, and our daughter, Rosalie.

Yours truly,

Elton

Once I finished reading the letter, I heard a sob from my cousin. I turned to her with a frown.

"Hey..." I whispered.

She buried her face in her hands. The letter painted her blue. In between sobs, she mustered words. "He... regarded me as... his d-daughter. Knowing all this... truth... made my life complicated."

I comforted her, humming while she was enveloped in my embrace. "I'm here for you, just as you're always there for me."

We were pulled back by this moment. I had to let her allow the revelation to sink in.

She rubbed her eyes, and steeled herself. "We need to go to the farmhouse. I bet they're headed there for something."

"Right. But we'll need a ride." I told her.

"The driver is on break," said Rosalie.

"I... I'll try our automobile."

I brought the map to the farmhouse with me as we lunged out of the study.

We egressed the manor, and went to where the automobile was residing. But before that, I halted Rosalie in her tracks, and held her shoulders. "You can't come with me. It's dangerous."

"But I need to help you!" She insisted.

"I can't put you in harm's way. And you can help me..."

"How?"

"I need you to call the constable to the farmhouse. Make sure they're a team. I'm telling you this now in case shit happens," I instructed.

Suddenly, she hugged me. "Don't die out there, I'm begging you."

"I won't," I swore to her.

A minute later, she watched as I prepared the automobile when I mounted it. I stared at her for awhile, and there was a looming danger where I was headed. I had to expect the worst.

It was time to go, and drive to the farmhouse.

I led myself down a rocky pathway. Light was leaving since the sun was dipping over the horizon. By the time I arrived at the place, it was already nighttime. But... there was light.

I sauntered toward the farmhouse.

Then, I burst my way in... to find Queen Amice pointing her pistol at Aunt Genevieve, and my mother, with Sir Quint by her side!

"Y-you're alive?!" I gaped in horror.

She rolled her eyes, now shifting the aim of her gun from not only between two people, but me as well.

"Ivy, what are you doing here?!" Aunt Genevieve was terrified, her eyes brimmed with panic.

"I went after you both–"

"So this is a family reunion, then? Except reunions don't usually end in bloodshed." Queen Amice stated.

This whole time, the victim was alive... but she was playing something else.