The King’s Lover

After the conversation with the crown prince, Prince Rylen paid Rose a visit in her quarters. He asked her a few questions about her conversation with Caius. He also asked her when she would like to leave for Edenville. Rose replied that she would like to leave now, and Prince Rylen held back a chuckle at this. Then he told her the next morning would be better.

It was only after Prince Rylen came to see her that Rose started to believe Caius would let her go. Her excitement grew until she could barely contain it. She could barely sleep. The fact that she would be on her way to Edenville the next day was enough to keep her awake the whole night.

When the servants came to get her in the morning, Rose was already up and dressed to go. They helped her pack, which wasn't much of a help as she could only take a tiny bag. Prince Rylen had told her to pack lightly, as the journey would be done on horses so she could get to Edenville as soon as possible.

Rose was fine with this. After all, the clothes weren't actually hers. She was satisfied with leaving everything behind as long as she could go back home.

All she took was a change of clothes, her flute, and swallows. Perhaps her father would finish it this time. This was a thought she couldn't help but harbor. Rose didn't dwell on it too much, as it only brought memories about Ander. She didn't know what he currently thought about her, and it would be foolish of her to assume that things would remain the same way. But a small part of her hoped they would.

Since the crown prince had been willing to let her go home, there was a chance he might let her go forever. It was a dream, she knew, but right now she was hopeful enough to daydream.

"Ma'am," one of the servants called. It was clear they had been trying to get her attention for quite some time.

Rose snapped her head to look at her. "Yes," she answered.

"Someone is at the door," she said.

"Oh, right," Rose mumbled and glanced at the maid holding the bag.

She took a deep breath and walked to the door. Rose was not surprised when the open door revealed Sir Thomas. He was dressed in black apparel—a doublet embroidered in gold, a sword at his side, and boots almost reaching his knees.

"Lord Thomas," Rose said with a curtsey.

The latter simply grunted in response and started to walk away. Rose turned to the maid and stretched out her hand for the bag she held. The maid seemed a little hesitant to hand it to her; she would have been content taking it out for Rose.

She smiled softly as she accepted the bag, and Rose strapped it across her shoulder. It wasn't heavy; she could sprint while holding onto it.

She instinctively waved at the maid and rushed after Thomas, not caring if the maid waved back or not. Thomas was already some distance away, and it took her a moment to catch up.

She wasn't angry about this. It was just like Thomas. He didn't have to come get her himself, he could have sent a servant but he came all the way.

She got to his side and tried to keep the skip out of her step as Thomas led them to the main entrance. Rose gripped the strap of the bag tightly, more for something to do with her hand than from a need to hold it.

As soon as they came upon the entrance, just as the guards would open the doors, Rose heard a familiar voice call to her. She turned before she could think about it, and Lady Deana was rushing down the stairs with her dress in her hands and her maids with stricken expressions as they rushed after their lady.

Thankfully, she got to the bottom of the stairs without any incident and rushed toward Rose. Stopping about three feet away, she dropped her dress and grabbed Rose's hands.

Rose thought it was completely out of character for Lady Deana to do this. She was always prim and proper, polished and poised. The only time she had displayed this much urgency was when her husband arrived after searching for the bandits.

"Were you intending to leave without so much as a goodbye?" Lady Deana asked.

Rose wasn't trying to be rude, but she truly thought she had said enough goodbyes as it was. There was no need to bother the lady so early in the morning.

"I apologize, Lady Deana," Rose said sweetly. "I didn't want to pull you out of bed."

"I wouldn't have minded," she replied immediately. "But never mind. I hear you're going home to your mother. I am so happy for you. I'd like to give you some things to take home, but Thomas insists you're traveling light. However, it would be rude to return home empty-handed."

Rose noticed a maid step forward with a heavy sack—Rose hadn't even noticed the bag the maid was holding until she stepped forward.

"I am sure the horses will be able to take this. I made sure to pack things that aren't so heavy," Lady Deana said.

Rose froze for a little bit, but she knew instantly that there was no way she could refuse this. It was winter; she was worried that her father might not be able to save up enough food for the cold. This was more of a blessing than Lady Deana would ever realize.

"Thank you," she said, her eyes welling up as she looked at the lady. "I am very grateful."

Lady Deana looked at Rose with a proud expression, and it was clear this was the exact reaction she had been hoping to get.

"I wish you a safe trip," Lady Deana said and let go of Rose's hands.

Rose stretched out her hand to try to take the sack from the maid, but Thomas swatted her hand away. It didn't hurt, it was more shocking than painful.

"You!" He pointed to a random guard, and without saying a word, the guard rushed towards them and took the sack out of the open doors.

Rose curtsied to Lady Deana, and the lady smiled at her before Rose turned her back toward her and walked toward the door.

Rose felt her teeth chatter as the winter breeze hit her square in the face. It was harsh as it was cold. She adjusted the scarf around her neck, bringing it as high as she could. She knew the cold would only get worse from now on, but she knew even if she froze to death, she would still make her way to Edenville to see her dying mother.

There were about five horses. Two already had riders, and Rose recognized their faces as the crown prince's men. She figured two were for her and Thomas, but there was still an empty one.

She looked around, wondering if one of the men had not mounted his horse yet. In that moment, Thomas shot her a look as he got on his horse, and Rose rushed to the horse she assumed was hers. It was behind Thomas, a brown stallion with a black saddle.

"No," Thomas said without looking at her. "The other one. That one is for him. Took you long enough."

Rose turned her head as she immediately realized the glare Thomas sent her way wasn't directed at her. Rather, it was directed at the man behind her.