The Black Rose

Chapter two

As soon as I saw the dust trail of his carriage, I left my property to go to the abandoned church. I had gotten there in less than an hour, and upon entering the doors, I found that all six chairs were full, but the seventh, at the head of the circle was empty. That chair was mine.

Johnathan saw me first. “Where have you been?” He asked concern in his voice.

“I was at Joshua’s house.” I replied

I heard the rest of the league start to grumble.

“Wait,” Johnathan said, “She is our leader, and she more than likely has a good reason that she was late.”

“Thank you, Jonathan.” I said “I do have a very good reason. I was having lunch with the prince. Anyway, we should get back to the matter at hand.”

“Of course Anna.” Johnathan said

“Now,” I stated “We all know that the King of Spain and his family are in trouble. I have come up with a plan.”

“What is the plan, My Liege?” Johnathan asked

“I will be taking three people including myself and we will leave in September, so long as nothing gets worse. As for who will go and what the plans are, I will have to decide. I will get back to all of you in two days time. But for now, this meeting is adjourned.”

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The next day came, and I was surprised to hear knocking at my front door. It was Joshua. I had forgotten that he wished to see me again today.

“Shall I escort you back to my place?” He asked me

“No, I think that I need to stay here and clean up. I have been neglecting this place.” I replied

“Alright.” He sighed, and he turned to leave, and I caught sadness in his face.

“Joshua,” I called, “that does not mean that you cannot stay here with me.”

He turned back to me with shining eyes. I know that he loves me so much, and to hurt him in anyway would be the end of me.

“I will even help you clean up. I know that it has been hard since your grandparents have passed away.” He whispered softly

“Thank you.” I said, “That would be wonderful.”

We had just finished tending to the vast rose garden, just as it had begun to rain. We had just made it back inside when it was starting to pour down rain.

“Well,” Joshua laughed, “That was fun.”

He was soaking wet and I had laughed as well.

“Yes it was.” I replied

The thunder clapped, and rattled the house.

“I should be getting back home now.” He said

“Alright.” I replied

He hesitated by the door for a moment then said, “You are welcome to come with me. The storm looks like it could get worse and I do not want to leave you here all alone in this.”

I pondered this for a minute, because little does he know that I happen to love potentially dangerous storms. But then I gave an answer “Okay”

Then I cringed at the thought of seeing his father, because he does not like me.

“What is the matter Anna?” He asked

“What about your father?” I asked him “Will he be alright with this?”

“He will just have to be.” Joshua said with a smile playing on his lips

“But, you know that he does not like me. And the fact that you are inviting me over to spend the night without his permission just might send him over the edge, because we are now talking about a scandal, which he will not want.” I replied

“Do not worry about it, my love” He said

He had completely convinced me to go with him and I replied, “Alright, just let me get a few things from my room.”

His green eyes lit up at my consent and he said, “Alright. I will be waiting at the front door for you.”