I try to focus on the soft tapping of the rain against my window, and for a moment my worries fade. A flash of lightning rips through the black sky, illuminating the otherwise dark room. The sudden light allows me to catch a glimpse of my reflection. Looking back at me I see my own troubled face, my body stiff with anticipation for the next day's events. 

I start counting quietly 1...2...3...4—the deep rumble of thunder breaks the near silence. The storm is getting nearer. It almost feels ominous, as if it brings bad news with it. A shiver runs down my spine as I think of the engagement that crawls closer with each passing minute. Sighing, I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, grabbing my cloak on the way to the door. I make my way down the stairs in darkness, afraid the slightest light or sound might give me away. Despite my worrying, I make it to the kitchen and out the servant's entrance. Once outside I let the cold rain soak me for a while, enjoying the way the icy droplets feel against my flushed skin.

With only the pale moonlight as my guide, the trek through the woods takes me longer than usual. Still, in less than half an hour I see the vague outline of Rosemary's familiar cottage. I'm surprised at how quickly the door opens after I knock, but then again Rosie hardly ever seems to sleep.

"Princess Riniya, what brings you here at this time of night? And in your nightgown nonetheless." She greets me with a smile.

"You know I hate it when you call me that." I grunt as I make my way past her and flop down on a chair. "Besides, if all goes well tomorrow you'll have to start calling me queen instead of princess before long."

"I'm just teasing Niya," she laughs softly. "what can I do for you?"

"I'm scared, Rosie. What if he's a horrible person, or has really bad breath, or what if I don't like the way he chews?"

"The way he chews?" She chuckles mockingly.

"Yes, what if he chews weirdly? I don't think I could live with someone like that, it would drive me to insanity, I'm certain of it."

"Oh my dear, you mustn't worry. Your father may have seen this as a strategic alliance but he wouldn't have promised his only heir to someone unless he knew them to be worthy." 

"I just..." I start, looking for the right words. "I wish I could marry whom I choose. When Prince Tolas asks for my hand tomorrow, I wish I could accept with no doubt in my heart that I will love him for all eternity."

We sit in silence for a while. Neither of us knows what to say. For the first time since my arrival, I take in Rosie's appearance. Her dirty blonde curls had escaped her braid and now frame her pale face. Her brown eyes, though twinkling as ever, betray her pity.

"You might grow to love him over time." She tries cautiously.

"But what if I don't want that? I want passion and excitement like you and Giselle have."

"Ah yes, the threat of imminent death, if the wrong people were to find out, does bring its fair share of excitement I suppose." Rosie chuckles sadly. "If my heritage isn't enough to get me killed, I'm sure my affair with another woman will do the trick."

Rosemary's father had been one of the magical folk, the cursed ones who live on the edge of the Barren Woods, in a dark land called Vuterra. The children of Crinyth grow up on cautious tales of the dreadful country, where the creatures of your most horrible nightmares lay waiting in the shadows, ready to pounce if you step too close. 

Though her mother had tried desperately to hide her true parentage, it wasn't long before my father, King Salemon, found out. Charged with high treason she was banished from the kingdom, leaving young Rosemary in the care of the local handmaidens. Once she grew older, Father appointed her as the village healer, putting her inherited abilities to good use. 

"I'm sorry, Rosie. I wish you didn't have to hide like this. I promise you, this all will change once I take the throne." 

"I don't doubt it for a second. But now you must sleep, Niya. You have a long day ahead." She says as she places a hot cup of tea in front of me. Maybe it was the valerian root, or maybe it was the exhaustion of worrying all night, but as my head hit the pillow I fell into a fitful sleep. 

                                                                                          *** 

By the time I wake the sun has filled the small cottage in its morning glow. Rosemary sits at the table, quietly humming to herself as she binds some herbs to dry. Beside her, a deck of tarot cards lays spread out.

"Death? Doesn't seem like a pleasant card to receive." I question, setting myself down across from my friend.

"On the contrary." A soft smile graces her face as she shifts her focus to the reading. "Death isn't necessarily a bad card. It simply represents change. It signifies the end of a large aspect of your life, but at the same time, it predicts the beginning of a new phase. However painful the change may be, it will allow you to grow into the person you were destined to become."

Not entirely comforted, I glance at the remaining cards of the spread. "What do those two mean?"

"The two of cups. It stands for deep connections and partnerships, shared values and compassion, but most importantly in your case—unconditional love. It shows a beautiful new union with a connection that runs through to your very core. A love you would do anything for.

"As for the last one, the five of cups. This card represents grief and regret. A sadness worms its way into your life and you find it hard to let it go. New opportunities lay waiting for you, but only if you've allowed yourself to heal."

"But what will I be grieving for? Who will I fall in love with? What change is coming?" I ask, desperate for clarity.

"I'm no fortune teller, Niya. I only read what the cards tell me, I'm afraid you'll just have to figure it out once the time comes. Though it does seem awfully convenient you'd get a true love prediction on the day Prince Tolas will ask for your hand in marriage." Rosie gives me a teasing wink, once again picking up her bundled herbs. At the mention of the prince's name my breath catches in my throat. With a hasty goodbye, I make my way to the door, briskly walking to the castle where Father will be expecting me.

(a/n) What do you think Riniya will be grieving for? Don't forget to vote if you enjoyed it!