Roses bloom among Thorns~ Chapter One

The bells of St. Clements Church sounded through out the little village of Asiana. Tessa Gray threw back the overly stuffed quilt and began to get dressed. For it was Sunday, and every Sunday,
Prince William made a speach to motivate his people. The speech always consisted of how when he first came to Asiana, it was over run by petty thiefs and crooks, and how he intends to keep Asiana bound together with the bonds of his just command. 'Just' Tessa thought in irony 'How is it just that his people are starving and dying while he's in his gigantic bloody castle eating away and living the rich life.'"Tessa dear, it's time we make our way to the castle. Prince William is ready to make his speech!" cried Tessa's Aunt Harriet, whom absolutley adored Prince William. "Coming!" replied Tessa,who had finished lacing up her dress. She opened the door to her bedroom and found an eager looking Aunt Harriet. "Well come along, Dear. We have to hurry!" Said Aunt Harriet as she dragged Tessa through the hallway of their small but comfortble hut. They raced out of the door and rushed through the busy streets. They finally reached the front, having earned a few death glares from spectaters as they had shoved some out of the way. "People of Asiana!" Shouted the Royal Ass himself. He continued with his speech, looking like an avenging Angel, ready to carry out the divine justice of Heaven. Beside him stood Lord James Carstairs, the second in command of the kingdom. Tessa herself like him better the Prince. She had found herself tuning out the speech until The Prince came to part that was not usually there.
"As you all know, I have come of age and that means that I need a queen. All women that are of ages from 17-19 please come to the castle gates at dawn. This concludes the speech today!" After that the crowd thinned out, most likely to do their chores for the day. Aunt Harriet looked at Tessa with a grin that might have split her face in half if she smiled any wider. "Aunt Harriet, please reduce your smiling. I don't wnt you to get hurt." said Tessa with a worried expression. "Oh Tessa! Isn't this wonderful! You have a chance to meet the Prince!" She said. "Oh we will make you look absolutely wonderful. I will make you a new dress and I will do your hair in the morning and-" "Aunt Harriet!" Tessa said, cutting her excited looking Aunt, "I was going to wear one of my regular dresses and wear my hair like normal. Besides, I was thinking of not going anyway." "Oh you are going." Said Aunt Harriet with a stern expression. "Alright. But I don't want the prince to see me as someone who pampers themselves with fancy clothing and expensive jewlery. If he does decide to choose me, I want it to be because he likes me for who I am, not my appearence." Said Tessa. "That is completely sensable. Now, shall we continue with our kapers?" Asked Aunt Harriet, extending her hand to Tessa. "We shall." replied Tessa, taking the other woman's hand. The two women then strode off through the street that was choked with the people of Asiana.

...

William Herondale sat in the grand library, re-reading 'A Tale of Two Cities'. He had always like the exciting novel. A knock sounded at the door. "You may enter!" He said as he set the book down, remembering the page number. "Ah, James! How nice to see you." He said, regarding the man before him, the one with siver hair and a pair of eyes to match. "William," James said, slightly pinching the bridge of his nose, "We live in the same bloody castle, cut the damn formality." William put his hand over his heart, with a look of faked pain. "That hurt Jem. Right here." He said once again pionting to his heart. "Well that's what you get." Said Jem, Obviously trying to hold back his laughter. William burst out laughing and at the same time, so did Jem. They laughed so hard that they were doubled over and holding their stomachs. "William! Jem!" Cried a sharp voice from the door.
William stood up with his hands behind his back. Jem stood and did the same. They both inclined their head at the same time and said in unison, "Sorry, Lady Charolotte." They regarded the woman at the door. Lady Charolotte was a small but regal woman. "No need to appolagize boys. But it is time for supper. Come along." With that she walked out of the room, with the two boys trailing close behind.

...

Aunt Harriet and Tessa sat at their little table and ate together by candle-light. Tessa had not eaten much, in fear of being sick because of the growing nauseous feeling in her stomach. She felt worried about meeting the Prince tomorrow. She knew that she shouldn't feel that way but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was going to make a fool of herself. She had also begun to feel self aware. What if she didn't look good enough? or What if her clothes weren't fancy enough? were some of the thoughts that kept spinning around in her head, echoing louder and louder until they were practically yelling at her. "Tessa, dear, are you alright? You are looking quite pale." Asked Aunt Harriet. "Yes Aunt Harriet I am feeling quite alright. Can I be excused to my room so that I may get some rest for tomorrow?" She asked. "Of coarse dear. I shall see you bright and early for the meeting with the prince!" Aunt Harriet exclaimed as Tessa got up and all but ran to her room. She went inside and changed into her night gown. She brushed through her chocolate curls, then she went to her bed and retired for the night, and at the same time, fearing for the morning.