The Rose Without a Thorn

“And how are they on coin?” the woman questioned with delighted conspiracy as they exited the sick room. “I hope you pay them well.”

‘’They’re paid very well. More then in other noble house I’d say.’’ Tamara answered to girl with a honest voice.

Dunya eyed her with a playful squint before her eyes flickered over the gardens again. “Maybe you’re right.” Dunya murmured, “I would have never guessed you of all people would be someone who’d appreciate different.” Dunya commented as she let one hand hover above teh surface of the cool water, her fingers tracing aimless shapes.

Tamara looked down at her sister for a moment, then she slowly let out a breath, a soft smile crossing her face . ‘’ They say that change is good for the soul, ‘’ She paused, her eyes now fixed on the garden before them, ‘’In my case. I think they were right.’’

“Oh,” Dunya laughed when she recognized her sister’s silhouette in the darkening hue, “Have you finally decided to leave that castle? As beautiful as it is it compares not to our estate. It’s too…closed.” Dunya moved back towards her seat but found her comfort on the ledge of the fountain, close to the cool water that barely touched her arm. 

Tamara smiled and moved forward to sit next to her sister. ‘’Is that your way to tell me I don’t get out too much,’’ She said in a teasing voice, ‘’I like it here more. It’s different a good different.’’ In truth their estate held so many bad memories to Tamara. It wasn’t her favorite place. ‘’With so many gardens around, I’m sure you’ll feel like you’re at home in no time.’’

Dunya was sitting close to the fountains within the gardens, a book cradled between nimble fingers as she eyed the inked words with languid interest. Her wide emeralds cruised along the horizons of the greenery surrounding her, before she tucked the bookmark between the pages and stood up when her eyes caught a sort of movement she was not familiar with. The twilight was setting in as the night brought in a new flat of the ebony sky, ornate with stars that glowed softly in the summer breeze. “—Do tell my sister I won’t be attending dinner. I much rather enjoy reading under free skies.” She called out after who she assumed was a maid sent to call her inside.

At sunset, after finishing all her duties, Tamara slipped from her room down the narrow hall and off to the side where Dunya’s room  was. Upon reaching the door a maid told her Dunya was out again. With a small sigh, Tamara walked through the guarded corridor and out in the gardens. It usually took Tamara an hour to find her; but not this time- this time she knew where to look. ‘’Hm, are you sure?’’ She mused, ‘’ She will not be very pleased.’’

She loves the serene brutality of the ocean, loves the electric power she felt with each breath of wet, briny air.

“That’s not how it’s put, my darling, that is how it is. Thankfully, I happen to be fantastic liar or I’d be dead in a ditch long ago.” 

‘’Thank God for that,’’ Tamara said quietly.

Though pain was his stalwart friend and exhaustion a close companion, Borislav succeeded in his demands to be propped up near the large set of windows of his rooms.

Tamara walked along the path to the flower garden with a ball of yarn and knitting needles in her hands. Crossing to the other side, she stepped over pansies and daisies to get to her favorite stone bench under the arbor, but  she found it already occupied. ‘’ Yes, quite nice,’’ The duchess responded as she listened to the song of the birds.

Solitude — that most precious commodity to Viktor, for it allowed him to think — was nigh impossible to truly procure with Kaborg’s four walls, without interruption from those most pestilent aspects of courtly life. On providential occasions, there was blessed peace to be found in the grounds…but this, quite obviously, was not one. The Prince’s cool gaze fell upon his companion, expression eternally sphinxlike. “  — Good morrow.”

Tamara  was looking outside of her window, she wanted to go outside and get some fresh air, she felt like she was trapped in the room. With her cloak wrapped around her, she stepped outside, smiling as she felt the wind flowing through her hair. The scent of jasmine filled the air and softened early morning sounds – buzzing insects amidst wet mists and dripping leaves, the dawn voices of myriad birds, their calls overlapping and interacting . It was all so peaceful, she thought dreamily, so peaceful. However, a sudden voice pulled her back to reality from her daydreams and she looked up, her eyes softening at the recognition of her cousin. ‘’ Vitya,’’ The duchess called in a soft voice, as she approached him, ‘’ What are you doing here? ’’

Tamara turned her face slightly to the warm sun, all the while listening to woman before her. ‘’It’s pleasure to meet you, Countess Viktoriya. I’m Tamara, Duchess of Rozanov.’’ The duchess said, her eyes returning to  Viktoriya.

After finishing a breakfast, she decided to take a walk in the garden.  The garden was empty, however, and she enjoyed her walk among the meandering paths that led to little surprises of special arrangements of flowers, statuettes, and miniature waterfalls.

“You mean the life of enticing men, some handsome, some ghastly, into my bed, taking them between my legs for a bit of coin? Lying at how fantastic they are? What a God-sent gift?”

‘’Well...when you put it like that...'’ Tamara trailed off, a perplexed line coming between her expressive eyes.

Karina nodded solemnly, taking in every word the woman spoke. “I will do as you suggest, my lady.” She stroked the creature in her arms, allowing a smile to spread across her features as it began to purr. “I do, actually. A kind servant gave me the suggestion. It’s name is Снежок .”

Tamara looked down at furry white cat. It purred softly as it lay peacefully in girl’s hands. ‘’I think the name is quite becoming.’’ The duchess said, allowing a soft smile to spread over her face.