CHAPTER 632: THE LETTER OWL

Queen Rose’s POV

Queen Rose stood before her vanity, slowly removing the jeweled pins from her hair.

The candles in her chamber flickered gently, casting warm gold across the silk curtains and marble floor.

Her shoulders ached with the exhaustion of another long day.

She reached for the night cream on her dresser when a soft knock came at her door.

"Come in," she said.

Hildegard slipped inside, bowing her head with a familiar, gentle smile.

Rose brightened immediately.

"Hildegard. You came."

"Of course, Your Majesty," she said. "You asked to see me?"

"Yes." Rose gestured her closer and sat on the edge of her bed, patting the spot beside her.

Hildegard stiffened at first and Rose’s face fell, displeased clearly written on her face.

"I believe I would just remaining standing your majesty if you don’t mind." Hildegard stated.

"No please don’t do that." Rose said unhappily. "We’ve been friends for so long. Please just take a seat. I just needed to see you."

Hildegard was hesitant at first but she eventually gave in.

Hildegard joined her, straight backed and poised as always.

Rose looking at her with her almond eyes as if wanting to say something and then changed her mind instantly.

"And one more thing." Rose said. "I know you are unhappy with me. I understand that. But please, do not call me by my title. You have never done such since we were children ."

Hildegard said nothing and gave a slight nod.

"How is Jasmine?" Rose asked softly. "She’s been staying with you these days."

Hildegard’s expression softened. "She is fine, My Queen. Troubled, but fine. She’s adjusting."

Rose let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Good. Good... I worry about her more than I should."

She paused, staring down at her hands.

"Truth be told, Hildegard... I don’t know why but I feel drawn to her." Her voice shook with confusion. "As if she comes from a place in my heart I can’t quite understand."

Hildegard smiled knowingly. "Jasmine has that effect on people."

Rose nodded slowly. "Yes... yes, she does."

She hesitated before continuing. "I remember seeing her painting once. She was quite good. I know she came here with almost nothing left her pack, from what she said."

Her eyes warmed.

"I want to gift her att. A real one. With materials. A place she can escape to."

Hildegard’s eyes softened. "She would love that, My Queen."

Rose looked as though she had been slapped, Hildegard calling her her Queen.

Rose seemingly managed a smile, touched by the beautiful imagines all over the room.

But Hildegard exhaled deeply, her face shifting, gentle concern replacing her smile.

"Uhmmm I was wondering" she began softly, "may I speak freely?"

Rose sighed heavily again, but it seemed she got the memo, Hildegard wouldn’t be calling her by her name anymore.

Rose stiffened slightly. "About what?"

"Auburn."

The air grew heavy.

Rose’s eyes narrowed. "Hildegard... we have discussed this."

"Not properly," Hildegard insisted. "Not since her coronation. We haven’t been... aligned since that day."

Indeed.

A quiet divide had formed between them, one neither dared to name.

Hildegard straightened. "I only want to protect you. But I must ask... are you certain about Auburn?"

Rose’s jaw tightened.

"She is my granddaughter," she said quietly.

"My Queen..." Hildegard pressed gently, "she looks older than she should. Far older. And something about her feels... off."

Rose bristled. "Perhaps she suffered. We do not know what she went through."

"Or perhaps," Hildegard said softly, "she is not who she claims to be and is taking advantage of it.

Rose inhaled sharply.

Hildegard continued, voice steady, respectful, but laced with urgency.

"And another thing, her closeness with Princess Chery. That woman has never cared for anyone. She dislikes everyone. And yet she has taken Auburn under her wing?"

Rose’s brows knit with discomfort.

"Cherry is family," she said. "She has changed. I know that she may have done terrible things in the past. But she has apologized and is now serving the spoke whom she hurt."

"She is dangerous," Hildegard countered, eyes darkening in disbelief . "And she has never shown loyalty to this pack. Why show it now? Why with Auburn of all people?"

Rose shook her head firmly. "Hildegard... let it go. The family is finally finding peace. I will not question that blessing."

There it was, Rose would forever be her Queen and she would always be underneath her.

She was not a member of their family.

Hildegard opened her mouth to speak in harsh tones but then-

TAP. TAP. TAP.

Both women froze.

A soft tapping came from the tall window by the balcony.

Rose’s hand flew to her chest. "Good heavens what was that?"

The tapping came again, sharper this time.

Hildegard stood quickly. "Stay behind me."

They approached slowly, hearts pounding.

An owl perched on the balcony rail, its amber eyes glowing in the moonlight.

A small scroll was tied to its leg.

Rose exhaled shakily. "It’s just an owl..."

She opened the window gently.

The owl hopped forward, offered its leg, and flew off into the night.

Rose untied the letter, frowning. "I wasn’t expecting anything."

"Who is it from?" Hildegard asked, stepping beside her.

Rose broke the seal and unrolled the parchment.

Her breath hitched.

"It’s from the mage," she whispered.

Hildegard’s brows shot up. "The one who told you Scarlett’s child survived?"

"Yes." Rose’s hands shook slightly. "The one who revealed Auburn was alive."

Hildegard’s eyes narrowed. "What does she say?"

Rose read aloud softly:

"Queen Rose,

I bring good news about your granddaughter.

I will visit within the week to inform you of everything.

Prepare yourself, for truth is coming."

Rose smiled with sudden joy. "The mage doesn’t know I’ve already found her. How wonderful she must have more news!"

Hildegard said nothing.

Her face remained calm, but inside, her thoughts swirled like a silent storm.

We shall see, she thought grimly.

We shall see if the mage calls Auburn the true princess.