Once Upon A Rose - Chapter 9
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And now, for the next part of our story.
Chapter 9
When Celsiana arrived at Avaleen’s home, she was surprised her friend was not in the garden. As she walked towards the house, she heard raised voices coming from the kitchen.
“I don’t care,” Nicholas said, angrily. “That man has no say over where I study or what I choose to learn.”
“It’s not that simple,” Avaleen’s father replied. “If you leave tonight, there will be consequences.” He paused. “I know it’s not fair, but your mother and sister could be affected by your decision.”
Celsiana paused by the window, wondering what had happened. She was pretty sure this had to be about the man from the guild.
Nicholas stormed out of the house and almost ran into her. “Sorry,” he muttered under his breath.
Avaleen came out right behind him. “Nicholas…” Avaleen stopped when she saw Celsiana. “Oh, I didn’t realize it was so late.” She turned back towards the house. “I’ll be in the garden with Cecil.”
Avaleen’s father nodded to them as he walked to the shed. Celsiana wanted to ask about what was going on but decided to wait until they reached the garden.
“What are you doing here?” Avaleen whispered. “It’s too dangerous for you to be here right now.”
“I want to ask you about something,” Celsiana whispered back, “but not until we have some privacy.
They walked to the middle of the garden and began weeding. “So, what did you want to ask?” Avaleen brushed her hands together. “The soil is almost too wet to weed today.”
Celsiana nodded. “I wanted to find out more about the guilds and if they’re involved in what’s happening at the castle.” She glanced over at her friend. “And why is your brother so upset?”
“This morning, the head of the guild told Nicholas he could no longer study in the other village.” Avaleen shook her head. “It’s not fair, and I don’t want to be the reason he has to stay here.”
“I heard what your father said,” Celsiana admitted. “Do you really think they would threaten you and your family?”
“I do,” Avaleen replied. “The guild has always tried to control what happens here, but it’s getting worse.” She lowered her voice. “I’ve never seen my father so worried.”
Celsiana debated whether to tell her friend about the diamonds. She didn’t know if it would help, so instead she asked, “How long ago did the man leave?”
“Why?” Avaleen’s eyes narrowed. “What are you planning?”
“I think my father needs to know what’s happening in the village,” Celsiana said, “but I doubt he’ll be concerned if Nicholas is not able to return to his studies.” She hesitated. “It’s not that he doesn’t care, but his focus will be elsewhere the next few weeks.”
“The weddings?” Avaleen asked.
Celsiana nodded. “I think if I could see the head of the guild actually doing something that would threaten the safety of our subjects, my father would act.” Or so she hoped.
“I don’t know what we can do,” Avaleen said. “Nicholas might help us if you told him who you really are.”
“No.” Celsiana shook her head. “He would probably insist I return to the castle.” She paused. “I can tell you this. There are some alliances involved with the wedding that may impact the guild, which might be why they’re so adamant about maintaining control right now.”
“That makes sense,” Avaleen agreed. “We could try…” She stopped as she heard the shed door slam.
“I don’t want to discuss it,” Nicholas said. “I’m sorry, Father. I just need to clear my head.”
“Let’s go.” Celsiana pulled Avaleen up with her.
“Where?” Avaleen asked.
“We’re going to follow Nicholas,” Celsiana replied. “I would guess he plans to do more than take a walk.”
“What makes you think that?” Avaleen hurried after Celsiana.
“I have two brothers,” Celsiana reminded her. “We’ll make sure Nicholas doesn’t do anything he’ll regret.” She smiled. “And maybe we’ll find out what’s really going on.”
“Do you think he knows?” Avaleen asked.
“I would imagine he has a fairly good idea,” Celsiana said. “Royalty or not, men usually don’t share all the details with us. I think this is one time we need to work together.”
Read another chapter next Friday!