After a while of walking, Rose's neutral expression turned into one of a frown. She wasn't quite clear on what was happening, but it better not be what she was thinking. However, her suspicions were finally proven as Gladys stopped just by a door.
"What is this?" Rose asked, scarcely trying to mask the rage brewing up.
"It's been centuries, and I have no idea how you've lived, and frankly, I do not care. But I'm sure you should know what a door is," Gladys replied, sparing no form of sarcasm she knew.
"You are correct, I do know what a door is, and I also know this door. No, this entire hall is at the east wing. And I do recollect that wing belongs to the knights and servants of this household," Rose retorted, her frustration evident in her voice. "So please help me unravel this mystery, mother. What exactly are we doing here?"
"If I must explain everything to you, then that's just fine. This, Rosaline Shelly, is your chamber. As in, the space allotted for your accommodation," Gladys pointed at the door.
Rose's eyes narrowed as she struggled to comprehend her mother's words. "What do you mean, 'my chamber'? Are you suggesting that I stay in the Knight's quarters?" she demanded, her voice tinged with disbelief and indignation.
Gladys regarded her daughter with a cold, unforgiving gaze. "You lost your privilege to the north wing of the castle decades ago when you betrayed the Shelly household," she stated matter-of-factly, her tone devoid of any remorse or sympathy.
Rose's breath caught in her throat as the weight of her mother's accusation settled over her like a heavy shroud. "Betrayed the Shelly household?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "What are you talking about? I've never betrayed anyone."
Gladys scoffed dismissively. "Do not feign innocence, Rose. You know exactly what I'm referring to," she retorted, her eyes flashing with contempt. "Your actions brought shame and disgrace upon our family name. You are lucky to even have a place within these walls."
Gladys's words landed like a slap across Rose's face, her tone dripping with disdain and superiority. Rose's eyes widened in shock and disbelief, her jaw dropping in a mixture of anger and incredulity. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as a flush of embarrassment washed over her, the weight of Gladys's accusation striking her to the core.
With a heavy sigh, Rose forced herself to calm her racing heart, to quell the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She knew that her baby, her precious child growing within her, was her utmost priority. No matter how much she despised her mother's actions, she couldn't afford to jeopardize their safety.
Reluctantly, Rose conceded defeat, swallowing her pride as she resigned herself to her mother's decree. Though it pained her to do so, she knew that biding her time, playing the long game, was the only way to ensure their survival.
With a steely resolve, Rose squared her shoulders and took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges that lay ahead. She may have lost this battle, but she refused to let her mother's cruelty break her spirit. For the sake of her child, she would endure whatever trials came her way, holding fast to the hope of a better future.
"It's just for a little while," Rose promised herself with a smile on her face that painted the wrong picture.
It was a smile devoid of any genuine warmth. It was a facade, a mask she wore to conceal the turbulent storm of emotions raging within her.
Deep down, Rose knew the truth. She wasn't smiling out of happiness or contentment. No, her thoughts were consumed by bitterness and resentment, fueled by the injustice of her situation. But that was the nature of this place, this castle with its dark corridors and oppressive atmosphere—it had a way of bringing out the worst in her. It brought out the demon in her.
The ice cold queen she had locked away for centuries.
Did her mother truly believe that confining her to these quarters was an act of cruelty? Rose could think of a hundred ways to make Gladys's life a living nightmare, to exact her revenge for the years of neglect and betrayal. But she resisted the urge, knowing that such actions would only perpetuate the cycle of violence and suffering.
But that would be wrong. What lesson would she be teaching her child?
She would be a better mother to her child, teaching them compassion and forgiveness in the face of adversity. For their sake, she would resist the temptation to succumb to her darkest impulses, she hoped.