The King’s Lover

The ride back to the estate was just as quiet. Rose had nothing to say, and a part of her was still in disbelief. Last night she had made up her mind about what she would do, and today there was news that the crown prince had woken up. Well, not exactly—but at least Prince Rylen thought it was enough.

She gripped the reins tighter as they stopped in front of the main entrance of the mansion she had only left a few moments ago. The doors opened immediately, and Prince Rylen walked right out. Lord Leopold and Lady Deana were right beside him. Rose was surprised they would come to receive them.

Thomas jumped off his horse quickly, glancing toward her to see if she needed any help, but Rose didn't need any. She freed one leg from the stirrup and uncrossed it over the horse. While still holding onto the horse, she dropped the freed foot to the ground and slipped out her other foot.

Rose rushed toward them as she got off the horse, curtsying before she started to speak. "Prince Rylen, Your Lordship and Ladyship."

"I was worried we might not be able to stop you in time," Rylen was saying, with a smile on his lips.

Rose lifted her head. "Is His Majesty awake?" she asked.

"Not right now, but Lord Paul says he is only sleeping, and perhaps soon he should be awake again and this time around longer than a few moments."

Rose nodded. This was pretty relieving to hear, but at the same time, she didn't feel the joy she thought she would feel at not having to go to trial. But she was basically still stuck here under the crown prince's wing.

She smiled tightly at Rylen; she was sure it didn't reach her eyes. "I am grateful," she said, but her voice sounded empty.

"Welcome back," Lady Deana said with a smile. "I was surprised when I heard you had to go to the castle so suddenly, but now that the crown prince is awake, there's no need for that, and you both can return together."

Rose glanced at Prince Rylen, wondering what he had told the Lord and Lady. Rose wasn't sure they knew she was going to the castle for putting the crown prince in danger.

"Yes," Rose said absentmindedly.

"You should get some rest," Prince Rylen said. "I'm sure this morning must have been chaotic."

"Can I see His Majesty?" Rose asked before she could stop herself.

"No," it was Lord Leopold who spoke, and that was the first and only thing he said.

Rose lifted her head to him. She was unsure if the Lord disliked her or not. He wasn't particularly hostile, but he wasn't very friendly either.

"The physicians say it's best to leave him to rest," Prince Rylen further explained.

Rose nodded. "That is best," she replied. "Thank you, Prince Rylen." She curtsied again.

Rylen shrugged. He didn't think she should thank him so much. Thomas had been willing to break the rules; he had actually sent her off even though he knew it was dangerous. He was just like the crown prince, putting her in unnecessary danger.

Rose stood awkwardly as they blocked the path. She was sure the conversation had ended, but there was no way she could go past them. She was also worried that Lord Leopold and his wife had come out to welcome them. It should be time for breakfast now. Something bothered her.

"Walk with me, Rose," Prince Rylen said and turned around.

"As you wish, Prince Rylen," Rose said and quickly walked after him.

"Thomas, see to it that the men are attended to. Disperse them accordingly," Prince Rylen said without looking back.

Thomas grunted in response and bowed lightly. He didn't tear his gaze away until the door closed behind them. He couldn't help but notice that Lord Leopold and Lady Deana had also gone with Rose.

Rose felt even more awkward as she walked in their midst. Rylen was on one side, while Lady Deana and her husband were on the other. Rose walked behind them as she couldn't walk on the same line as them.

"I have informed Lord Leopold and Lady Deana of the situation," Prince Rylen said.

Rose didn't miss the stare Lord Leopold sent her way—almost like he was judging her. Rose was a little uncomfortable.

"They agree that sending you to the castle was the right thing to do. However, since His Grace is awake—at least fairly—they are willing to overlook the order of His Majesty for now. In the meantime, please…" Prince Rylen stopped walking and turned around to look at her.

Rose stopped abruptly, noticing all attention was on her. She stiffened. It didn't feel harsh—rather, it felt like she was on display in the marketplace where buyers could decide what to do with her.

"Don't do anything dangerous," Prince Rylen said.

"Don't try to run off," Lord Leopold stated.

"Darling!" Lady Deana scolded.

She pulled away from her husband and walked to Rose. "I'm sure you're tired, upset, and hungry too. Come with me, we'll get you all changed and ready for breakfast."

Rose nodded and let Lady Deana pull her away. However, there was one thing that was clear in her mind: she was sick of nobles. She would want nothing more than to never deal with their kind again.

"Thank you," she said to Prince Rylen as she was being pulled away.

Lady Deana's grip on her hand was soft. Her gloved hand held onto Rose's wrist as she walked ahead while Rose felt dazed.

"I know you had nothing to do with the bandits," Lady Deana was saying. "There's no possible way you could have been."

Rose was glad Lady Deana was taking her side, but at the same time, she was surprised her involvement with the bandits was a topic. However, it was only proper that she replied in agreement.

"I have never seen them a day in my life," she replied. "I just seemed to pick the wrong path yesterday," Rose whispered.

"I'm glad you're safe," Lady Deana said as they got in front of her room.

"Thank you, Lady Deana. I don't think I could ever thank you enough."

Lady Deana shook her head. "Get dressed. I'll see you at breakfast."

"Would it be too much to ask that I eat breakfast in my room?" Rose blurted.

Rose didn't want to be rude, but she didn't think she could be alone with them. She would most likely be the topic for most of breakfast, and frankly, she didn't have the stomach for it. All she cared about was when the crown prince would wake up.

Besides, it was a waste of time to pretend as though she would act right. She was going to be obedient as long as the crown prince could stop her from going to trial. However, if he still insisted on keeping her from her mother, Rose intended to run off again.

Maybe it was the fact that she had been willing to die just to see her mother again, but Rose knew without a doubt that as soon as the air was clear, she intended to go home—consequences be damned.

"No, not at all," Lady Deana replied. "You're still unwell, and you did lose a lot of blood and sustain some bruises." She reached out her hand as though to touch Rose's face but managed to stop herself.

"Beatrice will bring back your flute. You don't need to give it to me anymore," Lady Deana said. Her voice sounded pretty genuine.

Rose had almost forgotten about it. "Okay," she agreed easily. "However, I'd like you to keep the swallow. You did buy it, after all."

Lady Deana nodded. "When this is all over, I will certainly remember you by it."

"I am honored. Also, I don't want to make too many requests, but do you think it would be possible for me to know when His Majesty is awake?"

"His Highness?" Lady Deana corrected.

"Yes," Rose replied.

"I don't know if you'll be allowed to see him just yet, but of course. I'll send a servant."

Rose curtsied and slipped into the room. She didn't close the door until she could no longer see Lady Deana.

She was back to the waiting game. Rose didn't like it.

She hoped the crown prince would wake up soon, and perhaps in light of the fact that she had gotten him to the castle, he would consider letting her go home.

The weather was getting worse. Soon enough, the roads wouldn't be traversable, and she would be stuck here all winter.

Rose looked around. The room was cold. The fire was out. The room also felt a bit strange, but since Prince Caius was sick in the room they shared, she couldn't stay with him.

Not that she wanted to. She hoped he would get better—but more than anything, she wanted to get away from him.