Rosehip Tea

The tea ceremony was a palace event that Queen Elesha had laboured for in terms of decorations, food served and of course the different flavoured teas available, milk, and honey to the overflowing.

That afternoon just an hour before evening, her ladies maid Bea dressed her in a dark shade of green that had white rose buds scattered from the waist of the dress to the hem of the dress. Her hair was pinned in a bun, fastened with braids and gold pins. She wore the emerald tiara and necklace that had been gifted to her by King Hans for the event that evening. She slipped on her gold shoes and gold rings on her fingers. A red cloak was placed on her shoulders with gold trimmings signifying her status as queen. She wanted to look her best this evening and Bea her ladies maid had painted her eyes,lips and cheeks in such a delicate shade of pink, she looked like she had on a rosy glow.

She arrived early at the evening parlour, where the tea ceremony would take place. The weather was favourable to her as it was not too hot or too cold. She was just taking a bite of a fruit tart, as she could not resist the marvelous display of food, made ready by the servants, when she heard her name called out from behind her. She turned around and was surprised to find her mother and sister looking at her with winning smiles on their faces.

"Elesha, I see you have done well!" Queen Matilda remarked as she eyed her daughter's facial reaction.

"Mother, I did not expect your presence here, neither did I think Estella would want to attend," said Queen Elesha rather apologetically.

"No harm done, my little girl, you wear the crown now you may do as you deem necessary, that is the difference between a princess and a queen."

"How did you know about the ceremony?" Queen Elesha asked her mother, as she guided them to a large sofa that was placed near the great big golden harp situated in a corner.

"Bea keeps us informed as instructed," Queen Matilda replied simply.

"I don't quite condone with that, Mother Bea's loyalty should be to me not to you."

"Bea's loyalty is to the Kingdom of Weiss and you, let us not fight about the matter," pleaded Estella responding to her sister's disagreement.

"You look so regal Elesha, I do envy you," commented Princess Estella as she look about the parlour. "We are here to give you some support," she added, hugging her sister.

"I appreciate the gesture but I would have done well on my own."

"We're here now, though we shall stay out of your way. I hear Lady Lystra is to be in attendance, is it true she was chosen to be the kings concubine," asked Estella.

"Yes, Estella but do mind your business and your manners, you two aren't supposed to know everything that goes on here."

"Well it's common knowledge my love, gossip spreads like wildfire. Bea failed to mention this bit of news," Queen Matilda replied calmly.

"What am I to do with both of you snooping around my court?" Queen Elesha looked up and asked exaperatedly.

"Let us be of help of course." Princess Estella demanded as she got up to eat a few blue berries from a silver bowl.

"I've brought you a lovely concoction of rosehip and hibiscus tea, it's said to guarantee ageless beauty."

"Thank you Estella, but you needn't have."

"You need it, Your Majesty I insist, you get blemishes easily when you're stressed" said Estella doing a mock curtsey for her sister.

"Well this will certainly be quite a surprise to my court as we are not formally expecting you, since you have informally poked yourself at my ceremony, I suggest you both be on your best behaviour. No mischief making, am I clear Estella."

"Yes, Your Majesty," said Estella smiling sheepishly.