[Beauty and the Beast] Rose Castle

The red skirt immediately jumped up: "Then what are you waiting for, go to the clothing store and order the most beautiful dress for me! Remember, it is the most beautiful dress!"

The green skirt pushed her hard, and said in a hurry: "I want it too, I want it too! Mom, I want the most beautiful dress too!"

Mrs. Rockefeller frowned slightly, and reprimanded: "You are pushing and shoving, what do you look like? Even if you enter the palace like this, it is impossible for you to be favored by His Majesty." At this point, she raised her jaw slightly and looked at the concierge. Opening up the ball is equivalent to His Majesty's public selection of the queen. It is estimated that the clothing stores have been robbed long ago. As long as they are unmarried girls, who would not want to be favored by His Majesty."

"Madame Foresight. The tailors are indeed closed now."

"Fortunately, your father brought back silk and satin a few days ago, otherwise he would make a fool of himself at the ball." Mrs. Rockefeller took a sip of black tea unhurriedly, and glanced at the sisters in red and green dresses with distaste, "What style do you want?" Let me think about the skirts and jewelry of any style now. When Mr. Tailor comes, don’t make people have migraines because of the quarrel like last time.”

"Mom, I saw a ruby ​​in your drawer. I want to set it on the forehead!" the red skirt shouted.

When the green skirt heard it, her eyes widened: "What? Ruby? Mom, I want it too, I want it too!"

Mrs. Rockefeller's expression became a little stiff, and she didn't speak for a while.In the end, it was Mr. Rockefeller who suppressed the two girls: "Enough is enough. Rubies are only used by the royal family. How could your mother have such things. Be quiet, or no one will be allowed to go to the ball." She suddenly looked at me, "Look, Miss Winnie is also an unmarried girl, but she didn't say anything in the face of such good news, she was very calm from the beginning to the end."

What he said made my back sweat. Is my behavior too abnormal?Just about to say something to remedy, the red skirt yelled: "She came from a small place, and she probably doesn't even know what His Majesty looks like. How can we understand His Majesty's charm? Of course, she won't be as excited as we are!"

The green skirt nodded in agreement and said, "Sister, your point of view is finally consistent with mine. As long as it is a girl who grew up in the capital, who does not admire His Majesty. His eyes are as beautiful as the clear sky in the church square..."

"There is still money!" The red skirt added sharply, "Rule the entire Northern Kingdom, and maybe rule other countries in the future!"

"Yes! She's not calm, she's just ignorant!"

I quietly wiped off my cold sweat, and it was the first time I was so grateful for other people's ridicule.If it weren't for the "relief" of the red and green skirt, I really don't know how to explain my abnormal behavior.

"Okay, okay." Mrs. Rockefeller waved her hand and said with a frown, "Twittering like a bird, you can't be like this after entering the palace. It's all your dead father's fault for pampering you like this." She rubbed Forehead, "Anyway, the ball will be held for three days, so don't take part in tonight's ball, stay at home and learn etiquette, so as not to offend His Majesty, and become famous in the entire upper circle."

As soon as the words fell, the red and green skirt's dissatisfied screams almost lifted the roof.

She only talked to her two daughters and completely ignored Alisa and me.I don't need fancy dresses or learn manners, just a chance to go to the ball.I don't know if Mr. Rockefeller will let me participate... If he stops me, I can only figure out my own way.

When the screaming of the red and green skirt stopped, Alisa asked in a low voice: "...Mom, can I go to the dance?"

"Of course, my dear." Mrs. Rockefeller said in surprise, "Didn't you hear what the concierge said, all women can enter the palace without invitation... By the way," she changed the subject and looked at me with an apologetic smile , "Miss Winnie, there are not many silks and satins at home. If you want to go to the ball, you can only wear our old skirts. I don't know if you mind."

"I don't mind." I replied.

"Sensible girl." Mrs. Rockefeller smiled slightly, and looked at the red and green skirt with disgust, "Okay, girls, Mr. Tailor will come right away. Have you decided on the style of your skirt?"

You can't pin all your hopes on this family, you must prepare another plan.I closed my eyes, tried not to listen to the almost crazy heartbeat in my ears, and poured myself a cup of tea calmly.Holding the cup, I carefully recalled the structure of the manor.The Rockefeller Manor is very large, with many doors, and each maid has at least twenty keys hanging on her body. The only place that does not need keys and is connected to the outside world is a stable that is slightly smaller than the horse farm.There lived two coachmen, and half a dozen footmen who looked after the horses, and were guarded round the clock.

If Mr. Rockefeller prevents me from going to the palace tomorrow, I can sneak over there, escape from the manor on horseback, and enter the palace alone.But to do this, there are three prerequisites: one is to get rid of the maid who is watching me, the other is to distract the guards in the stable, and the third is to know the route from the manor to the palace.

It's so difficult.But I have to try.

After the meal, I politely bid farewell to everyone, went back to the bedroom, and forced myself to calm down and read a book.The noise downstairs has not stopped.At one time, the red and green skirts were thought to be too wide, which would interfere with dancing with His Majesty; at another time, the jewelry was too elegant, without sparkling diamonds.He twittered non-stop, and was reprimanded by Mr. Rockefeller after a while.

While he was scolding the red and green skirt, I opened the door.The maid guarding the door immediately asked: "Miss Winnie, what do you want, just tell me."

I shook the book in my hand: "The book is finished, can I go to the study to get some more?"

The maid looked downstairs, as if she wanted to ask Mr. Rockefeller for advice.I smiled harmlessly and said, "Mr. Rockefeller didn't say that I wasn't allowed to go to the study, right? He's getting angry now, if you ask him this kind of question, he might reprimand you too. I'll come back with two books."

The maid hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, Miss Winnie, please come with me."

If ordinary people walked into Mr. Rockefeller's study room, they would be amazed, because the whole wall is full of bookshelves, reaching to the roof, and a small ladder is needed to get to the top book.But after seeing the library, this level of bookshelves can no longer surprise me.The maid followed and stood at the door of the study, staring at me motionless.Looking for the map of the capital under her surveillance, I couldn't help feeling a little nervous.Fortunately, I have the experience of looking for books in the library, so I won't show embarrassment.

First I took a few love novels and put them on the ground. I climbed up the small ladder and searched for them one by one.This book is not, this book is not... The palm of the hand was sweating, and finally, on the third shelf, I saw a drawing lying horizontally on the bookshelf.Lifting a corner to look, it is a map of the Northland.Slowly pulled out a book, and stuck the map inside like a thief.I was about to go down the ladder, when suddenly there were footsteps and conversation outside.

It's Mr. Rockefeller and his valet.

Oops……

I was so nervous that I jumped straight off the ladder.Fortunately, there is a carpet on the ground, and the height is not high.I quickly hid the book in my hand under the pile of romance novels and dusted myself off.At the same time, Mr. Rockefeller pushed the door open and walked in: "Winnie, why are you here?"

I pointed to the pile of books on the ground, and said as nonchalantly as possible: "Come find the books."

"I see." Mr. Rockefeller nodded, looked at the servants and maids, "You all go out, I have something to say to Miss Winnie alone."

The servants retreated obediently.In the whole study room, only me and him were left.Looking at his figure walking towards me, a crazy plan gradually took shape in my heart.

Although he could escape from the stables of the manor, the plan was too ideal, and it would fail if he was not careful.The safest way without mistakes is to gain the trust of this man and ask him to take me to the dance voluntarily.He was self-confident to the point of his own will, as evidenced by his conviction that my "family" was inferior and less wealthy than he.

The palace is so big, if Lambert is really as ordinary as he said, finding him will be like finding a needle in a haystack.However, it is estimated that Mr. Rockefeller would never have imagined that my "family" is the "great majesty" in his mouth, the initiator of this ball.

The heartbeat was heavy, and it was deafening.It’s been a long time since I felt so anxious and excited, like the night before my father promised to take me to the market when I was a child.I clenched my fist quietly, looked up at Mr. Rockefeller, smiled and said, "Sir."

"Rosa." He came to me, folded his arms, leaned against the desk, with the toe of one foot standing next to the other, "It's a pity to say that your original name suits you so well." .If it hadn’t been for His Majesty’s order not to allow anyone to be named ‘Rose’, I would have watered you into the most beautiful rose in the world. By the way, what do you think of my previous proposal?”

His words gave me goosebumps, and I couldn't help digging my nails into the flesh.Relax, relax, act snobby, let him let his guard down.

"Mr. Rockefeller, I have seriously thought about it these two days. You are right. My relative does not have your money, and it is impossible for me to live in such a large manor. But," I deliberately paused, if Agreeing too quickly will arouse his suspicion, "I don't think you will treat me wholeheartedly. You are rich, but you can't spend it on me. Otherwise, Mrs. Rockefeller said just now that she would not do it for me. Why didn't you speak for me when I got a new dress?"

After finishing speaking, I hesitated and pouted.After doing this action, I felt a sudden chill in my heart.

But he liked it very much, touched his chin and smiled: "I said you were in the restaurant, why did you look a little ugly, so it was because I didn't talk to you." He thought for a while, "My wife's actions are really stingy. , There are still a lot of silk and satin at home, just a few sets of skirts, which are completely enough. So, how about I call the tailor over later, how about I tailor a beautiful skirt for you?"

Hooked.He didn't stop me from going to the dance either.I took a deep breath, my fingers were trembling, and I pretended to be cold and said: "I don't want to upstage your family, I just want to be treated fairly and justly. I'm past the age of only listening to sweet words, if Mr. really likes I, please take corresponding actions!"

The words fell, and there was no response for a long time.I couldn't help being a little uneasy. It was the first time I played this type of role. I didn't know if I said something wrong. I was about to search my guts to make up for it. The next second, Mr. Rockefeller suddenly laughed: "Little girl, it's not good for us to be so frank earlier. What? What do you want, I will give you. Want fair and just treatment, okay, you have a share of whatever material my daughters wear. "

Speaking of this, he squinted his eyes and stepped forward: "I agreed to your request, should you give me something?"

I couldn't bear his closeness, so I quickly took a step back.He turned cold: "I have promised what you want, what does that mean?"

"Mr. Rockefeller, I will not surrender myself until I see the benefits."

"Okay." He clapped his hands, loosened his royal blue bow tie, raised his jaw and looked at me, his eyes were full of hunting desire, "Before the ball starts, the skirt will be delivered to you. Do you want I will give you any jewelry. I hope after the ball, don't forget what you said to me. As long as you are obedient, you will have whatever my daughter has. But if you keep playing hard-to-get tricks with me, don't blame me Force women."

After speaking, he left the study.I let out a long breath and sat down on the ground, my palms, forehead, and back were covered with hot sweat.

Whether the dress is beautiful or not is not important, entering the palace is my goal.Hope nothing goes wrong then.

Although it didn't sound like he would stop me from entering the palace, after returning to the bedroom, I turned over the map of the capital several times.In any case, it is always safer to make two-handed preparations.

In the evening Mr. Rockefeller brought a tailor to my room.I don't know if I will see Lambert tomorrow night. I was too nervous, and I played my snobbery too much. I kept letting the tailor put diamonds on the skirt until the whole skirt became unbearable.Fortunately, Mr. Rockefeller didn't say anything, but just looked at me with a smile: "Our little rose looks so fresh and beautiful, but its taste is... Let me help you as a staff member. Dressing like this to go to the ball will only embarrass me. After all, now Everyone knows that you are my lover."

I looked at him blankly, and goosebumps crawled all over my body again.

Before going to bed, I pondered for a while, locked the door from the inside, and pushed the sofa behind the door in one breath.After finishing all this, I went to the bathroom and took a shower. I wanted to lie on the bed and sleep to refresh myself.But thinking of seeing Lambert soon, he tossed and turned for a long time, unable to fall asleep.

For me, it's just that I haven't seen him for half a month... I can still recall his facial features, the bridge of his nose, his voice, and even the smell of his body.But for him, he hasn't seen me for five years.Will you not recognize me?

What if the girl whom the fortune-teller says he thinks about day and night is not me... Then am I really going to be Rockefeller's lover?

Thinking about it, I fell asleep in a daze.In the middle of the night, I was awakened suddenly by the sound of a lock being unlocked.Someone is opening the door with a key!

I turned over and got out of bed, picked up a thick book, and planned to give it to him when he came in.But I overestimated him. With a "click", the lock was opened, but the door remained motionless.It seems that there is not enough strength to push the sofa behind the door.After a long time, I heard Mr. Rockefeller cursed in a low voice: "Damn bitch!" Then, there was the sound of his footsteps leaving angrily.

This incident scared me enough that I couldn't fall back asleep until dawn.

In the early morning of the second day, I pushed the sofa back to its original position and went downstairs to eat as if nothing had happened.Mr. Rockefeller obviously didn't sleep well, his eyes were black, and he glanced at me sullenly from time to time.It seemed that what happened last night made him quite annoyed.Fortunately, there are other people in this room besides me.Soon, the chasing and fighting in the red and green skirts calmed his anger.

The day passed like a pinch.I don't know how many times I looked at the clock, and I didn't know how many times I peeked at Mr. Rockefeller's expression.Maybe it was my little actions that pleased him and caused him a misunderstanding. He didn't get angry for too long because of what happened last night, and he didn't decide to ground me.In the evening, I finally heard the sweetest voice of the day:

"Miss Winnie, the carriage is waiting outside the gate. Here is your skirt."

I changed into the long skirt that the maid sent me.I don’t know how Rockefeller helped me as a consultant, but this skirt is beyond words. The hem of the skirt is more gorgeous than peacock feathers, inlaid with dozens of gemstones, and the pannier is only narrower than the door.It was too bad to wear this dress to Lambert.Forget it, it would be nice to have something to wear.

Walking downstairs, everyone was silent, and no one spoke for a long time.I thought the red and green dress was going to mock my poor taste, but they looked at each other and howled in dissatisfaction: "Mom, why are there so many gems on her dress? Didn't you say that setting too many gems would make my dress look ugly?" Is it vulgar? Why does her dress look so beautiful!"

Not to be outdone, the green skirt yelled, "I don't want to wear this skirt anymore! I want to wear hers! Winnie, change it with me!"

"There are no rules at all!" Mrs. Rockefeller's face darkened. "Miss Winnie is a guest, and you are the host. Can guests and hosts wear the same dresses? If you are like this, how can His Majesty like you?"

These words made the red and green skirts quiet instantly. Mrs. Rockefeller waved her hand to let them get into the carriage first, and then turned to look at me: "Miss Winnie, there are only two four-horse carriages at home, and one has been taken by my husband. The other carriage is very small and cannot hold so many people. You and Alisa are a little bit aggrieved, can you take the servant's carriage? Don't worry, the carriage was decorated last night, and it will never be seen that it is a servant's ride. "

I don't care, as long as I can see Lambert, I don't care, but to my surprise, Alisa has no objection.

Isn't she Mr. Rockefeller's own daughter?Why not fight for yourself?

Mrs. Rockefeller heard our reply, raised her jaw slightly, and glanced at us contemptuously: "A sensible girl." She stretched out her finger in royal blue gloves and tapped Alisa's cheek, "My daughter If only you could be so worry-free."

We got into the carriage, Alisa and I were separated by panniers.I didn't see her crying until the carriage drove into the gate of the palace, the fireworks shone through the night, and the brilliant lights penetrated into the carriage.

Noticing my sight, she immediately lowered her head and wiped away her tears: "I'm sorry."

"Alyssa, why didn't you tell your father about your grievances?"

"After my mother passed away, my father changed a lot... In the past two years, he has been making money like crazy, and he has no time to talk to me, and I dare not bother him. My mother told me to treat everyone with kindness and sincerity. Therefore, I have always treated my stepmother as my own mother, and hoped that she would see my goodness... But, you have also seen it," Alisa replied softly, "It's useless, it's useless at all. No matter what I do, she They don't even like me. Miss Winnie, is it because kindness is useless, or am I not kind enough?"

"Maybe many people think kindness is useless," I thought for a while, and said with a smile, "but I can sit here and talk to you alive, and come to the palace with you to attend the ball, because my family and I are enough Kindness." Leaning over, wiped her tears with a handkerchief, "However, if the other party doesn't care about your kindness, maybe you should consider treating them differently."

"Thank you, Miss Winnie." Alisa sniffed, "During the dance, I will help you inquire about people with black hair and blue eyes. Maybe tonight is the day you reunite with your family!"

I stuffed the handkerchief into her hand and smiled: "OK, thank you."

The fireworks exploded in the air, reflecting the surroundings in colorful colors.For some reason, the closer I got to that person, the calmer I felt.It seemed that all the sharp, noisy, chaotic voices disappeared, leaving only a calm inner voice: You will see him soon.

Stepping off the carriage, surrounded by noble, beautiful, or delicate girls, their skirts are more gorgeous than fireworks.When the red and green skirt saw Alisa and me, she immediately rolled her eyes and said, "I won't go in with them!"

"We're all a family, of course we have to go in together." Mr. Rockefeller got off the carriage. He was wearing a strict three-piece suit and leaning on a cane. "It's like going in separately."

The night sky is gloomy and cloudless, but it has become the purest canvas for the five-color fireworks.Before entering the palace, one has to walk up a thousand steps, surrounded by hundreds of iron-clad guards with expressionless faces.Outside the palace, there is a well-manicured lawn. Inside the palace, the crystal chandeliers are crystal clear, and the Roman columns are tall and magnificent. There is no place that is not decorated with expensive gold leaf. Even the handrails of the stairs are painted in a dazzling gold color, which is far more beautiful than the one in the dream. The sight should be splendid and magnificent.Walking into the promenade with the crowd, there are portraits of successive monarchs hanging on both sides, and the frame is inlaid with the golden lion emblem of the Lancaster family.

Look left and right in red and green skirts.The red skirt pointed to the golden lion badge and said, "I've seen this! Last time the Earl of Lancaster was watching a play at the Opera House, I saw this badge embedded on his boots!"

People around looked over and talked a lot.Mr. Rockefeller held his forehead, showing a rare embarrassment.Mrs. Rockefeller lowered her voice and said angrily: "This is the family crest, of course it must be inlaid on the boots! You are not allowed to speak until you see His Majesty!"

Unmarried girls from the entire capital gathered here, almost shoulder to shoulder, and the strong smell of incense powder was suffocating.I held my nose and walked forward sullenly.At this time, Mr. Rockefeller's voice sounded in my ears: "Why can't you seem to move your heart?"

I tried to stay away from him as much as possible, and warned in a low voice: "Mr. Rockefeller, your wife is still here!"

"So what? She has already acquiesced in my relationship with you." He said, pushing towards me, "You are also coming to the palace for the first time, even Caroline and Grace, who have always been pampered, have shown ugly faces , but you acted very calm. What are you thinking in your heart?" He said jokingly, "Could it be that only His Majesty can touch your hard heart?"

Hearing this sentence, I raised my head as if feeling something.The first thing I saw was a pair of tight short boots. He was leaning on the high throne, with his eyes lowered, and he was carelessly turning the crystal cup in his hand. He was wearing the black dress of the king of the North Kingdom, with tassels like golden ears of wheat hanging from his shoulders. , with a slightly longer hem that falls to the ankle.

Finally saw him.

In an instant, the unpleasant smell of powder disappeared, the annoying voice disappeared, and even the crowd no longer seemed crowded.This is the first time I know that I just look at a person, even if I don't look at him, talk to him, or hug him, I feel happy.

"Strange." Mr. Rockefeller followed my line of sight and saw Lambert, "Why does His Majesty have traces of witchcraft? What is he doing with witchcraft at this time?"

At the same time, Lambert suddenly raised his eyes, his pupils were slightly scarlet under the light of the crystal chandelier, and looked straight at me.