The Black Rose

Chapter one

It was July fifteenth and I was at Her Ladyship Johnson’s, Joshua’s mother, for tea. She is kind to me, and is always telling me to call her Emily. However, her husband, Lord Antonio Johnson is not so kind. He is Joshua’s father. I think that he thinks his son should be with someone who is titled. He is the King’s best friend, and he is from Spain. Therefore, it would be only natural that Joshua and the Prince are close, almost like brothers.

It was around noon when Emily’s maid brought me a letter. I looked at the name and I saw that it was from Jonathan, who is my best friend and my right hand in my league. The envelop said urgent, so I asked Emily if I could be excused to read it.

“Of course dear, but please hurry back.” She said

“Of course.” I replied

I bowed and went into the garden on the outskirts of the Johnson property. Once in the garden, I looked around to make sure I was alone, then I opened the letter. It read:

You must come to The Spot, there is trouble with the king and his family. We are all waiting for your arrival, so that you may tell us the plan of action, for I fear that lives may be at stake here. That is as much information that I should give you.

-Johnathan

I had just finished reading the letter, when I heard footsteps behind me. I refolded the note as quickly as I could, then turned to face the intruder. Luckily it was my, well at the time, fiancé, Joshua.

“Hello Darling,” he said, “I was on my way to come and get you for lunch. We have a guest today.”

He had not seen the note in my hand, but he knew that something was wrong. The smile had melted off of his face.

“What is the matter Anna?” he asked

“Nothing” I replied

“Is everything alright?” he asked

“Yes Joshua, everything is fine.” I replied, slightly annoyed

But he was smarter than I had realized, he knew that I was troubled. He kissed me and the note transferred from my hand to his. He pulled away quickly, satisfied with his handy work, and began to unfold the note.

“Please.” I said pleading with him to not open it.

“Why not?” he asked accusingly. “What are you hiding from me?”

“Please just give me the note back. It is very important.” I said.

I know that the explanation was not good enough, but he gave it back.

“Anna,” he said “One way or another, I will find out what is going on with you. But for now, I will drop it. Meet me at the house in ten minutes, Anthony is here.”

I looked up at him, and I did not know what to say, so I just nodded.

“Alright,” I said at last, “Just let me take care of this and I will be along.”

He kissed me on the cheek, and then lifted my hand to his lips. Then he turned curtly around and left the garden.

I watched him leave, and with a sigh, I turned around and sprinted for the hollowed out tree that I found on the property, In the tree, I kept some supplies that I might need, in case of an emergency. I took out a piece of paper and wrote a response. Then I folded the paper and melted some black wax. I poured the wax on the paper and I took off my ring. In secrete, it was a signet ring with the insignia of a rose. I pushed the ring into the wax and left my mark. I then gave the paper to my falcon and took off for the house. I made it back to the house in time to make it up the walk with Anthony.

Anthony is the Prince of England, and he is good friends with Joshua. We entered the house, and Anthony held the door open for me.

I entered into the foyer and Anthony followed.

“Thank you, your Highness.” I said and I curtsied

He bowed in return and smiled.

“Anna, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Anthony.” he said

“Of course.” I said distractedly

He must have figured out that something was wrong, but he did not say anything.

“How are you Anna?” he asked

“I am alright.” I lied because the letter had been distracting me.

He smiled again and then he kissed my hand.

At that moment, Joshua came bounding into the foyer, and grinned at his friend. They shook hands and they shared a laugh. It was clear to me that they had not seen each other in months.

“Joshua,” Anthony had said abruptly, “You had better be careful of Anna, and treat her right. And if I find out otherwise, then I will have someone take her and bring her to me.”

Joshua looked at him for a second, then he laughed. Anthony joined in with the laughter, and I could not believe what I was hearing. I knew that Joshua would not take his friend seriously, even I knew that the prince had fallen in love with me.

We went into the dining room for lunch. After we had finished lunch, I told Joshua that I should be getting home.

“Alright.” He said

“Thank you.” I told him

He said goodbye to Anthony and readied the carriage, then we left. It took half an hour to get to my house, which was a mansion left to me by my grandparents.

“Anna,” Joshua said suddenly, breaking the silence

“Yes?” I replied

“What was in that letter?” He asked

I should have known that the letter was still on his mind.

“It does not concern you Joshua, it only concerns me.” I retorted

“Well,” He stated, “I would like to know its contents, and the identity of the sender.”

“No, Joshua.” Said a little more forcefully this time

“Please,” He said “I love you Anna, so I am concerned. I would hate it if you were seeing someone else.”

“Well,” I said a little more kindly, “You do not have to worry about it. I will tell you that it was from Johnathan, my best friend, but it is not a love letter.”

He let that sink it, and he was silent for the rest of the ride. We finally made it back to my house, “I will see you tomorrow.” Joshua said as he kissed my hand.

“Of course.” I said back with a smile