WAR OF THE ROSES

The crackling of the fire penetrates the silence and echoes off the stone walls. He feels warm in his cheeks, but cold inside. He watches the nobles stand as the snow falls, choosing their white or red flower, sealing their allegiance and their fate. Loyalties of blood, marriage and ambition swirl inside him as he imagines the war between the roses in the darkness outside. He waits for news to be brought to him.