The King's Lover -
Chapter 137: Don’t Worry About Me
Chapter 137: Don’t Worry About Me
Rose’s feet hurt from all the pacing she was doing, but what else could she do? She wasn’t sure she could leave the room, and if it weren’t that she didn’t want to make things worse for Edna, she would have run all the way to the dungeons to see what was going on there.
She had not seen Lily since this morning, and it was almost noon, which also meant she hadn’t eaten as no one had thought to bring her food, but right now, it was the last thing on her mind. Rose doubted she would have had much of an appetite had she been brought any food.
Rose sat on one of the chairs. She had to ask the crown prince to let her out of the room. Surely, she wasn’t going to be kept here like an animal in a cage, only to be freed when the master wanted. However, Edna was more important now; she would deal with all the secondary things later.
She shook her leg as she sat down. It was insane how slow the day passed. She had never really noticed, but right now with nothing to do, it was all she noticed. She feared she might be losing her mind a little.
Rose jumped out of the seat as she heard a knock, and before they could knock a second time, she sprang to her feet and pulled open the door, startling Edna, but she was even more startled when Rose almost jumped on her, only the tray in the maid’s hands stopped her.
"Edna," Rose cried happily and immediately tried to take the tray from her.
"No," Edna said and pulled the tray away from her reach, sliding through the open doors.
Rose shut the door and rushed after her. The maid didn’t look any different; her eyes did look tired and a little red, but other than that, nothing seemed wrong. It had only been about half a day, and it felt like she had not seen Edna in ages.
She dropped the food on the table and turned to Rose. The cream apron tied around her dress had a few stains but that was the only thing out of place with her clothes.
Rose was unsure what to do as Edna was not saying anything. Worried that the maid might be angry with her, she kept to herself, wrapping her arms around her body.
"I brought you lunch," Edna said with a small smile.
Rose nodded and undid her arms. "You didn’t ’ave to," she whispered. "I am glad you’re okay." Rose nodded vigorously as she spoke.
"I have you to thank for that," Edna said.
"It was my fau—"
"Did Lily bring your dinner last night and breakfast?" Edna asked, interrupting her.
"Yes," Rose nodded, even though only half was true, but she didn’t want Edna to know. "You should worry about yourself more. You were in the dungeons until this morning."
Edna shrugged. "Other than the cold, it wasn’t all that too bad. I might have to stay away for a bit," Edna added, softly, watching Rose’s expression.
"Yes, of course. I was going to suggest that. I don’t want you to anger the Queen any more."
"Yes, that. I might be able to bring your meals sometimes, or I might not. Complain to the crown prince if you don’t get your meals. You should take advantage of his favor. Don’t just use it on other people. Use it on yourself too."
Rose didn’t know about that. She already owed the crown prince enough. She didn’t think it was a good idea to keep piling them; at this rate, she might never be free from him. However, she didn’t tell Edna this.
"Yes, I will. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I am back to full health, and I am fine, really."
Edna nodded, and Rose couldn’t help but notice she wasn’t as chatty as usual. She chalked it up to Edna being tired, but something told her there might be more.
"Were you let go from the dungeons early enough?" she asked.
Edna nodded. "Mister Henry himself came to let me out just before breakfast. The crown prince’s orders."
"Oh," Rose said and nodded. It was noon now, but she was just seeing Edna. She wasn’t angry, more like worried.
"I should have come by earlier. I know you must have been worried. I just had so much work to do, and Lily told me she already saw you this morn—"
"No, no, I just wanted to make sure you didn’t stay longer in the dungeon before you were let out. Thank you for coming to see me even though it’s a little dangerous."
Edna scoffed. "I am not scared of the Queen," she laughed. "I’ll still sneak in from time to time."
Rose nodded and laughed. She had been worried about nothing; Edna was still Edna. The memory of her leaving the castle soon suddenly popped into her head, but Rose quickly pushed it down. The maid didn’t owe her any explanation.
"I should let you get back to work," Rose said. "Thank you for bringing me lunch."
"Don’t mention it," Edna said and stepped in for a hug. "Tell the crown prince to let you out of here. I can show you a place you can stay and won’t be bothered."
"Don’t worry about me," Rose said and pulled away. "I am fine."
Edna’s expression dulled, but she didn’t press. She walked to the door, waving to Rose as she walked away. The door closed, and she dropped to the nearest seat, her palms in her hands.
It was a good thing that Edna was fine, but Rose knew this was the end of whatever they had. Perhaps, it was a good thing that Edna was leaving the castle.
After some time, she forced herself to her feet to eat, only because she was still recovering and she knew she needed the energy. How else would she escape when the time came? Rose almost laughed at the thought. As if she could ever escape the crown prince.
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