The King's Lover
Chapter 158: If You Did—Good!

Chapter 158: If You Did—Good!

Rose was still full from lunch when dinner arrived, but this time around, Edna accompanied Lily when her dinner was brought. Rose was so happy to see her, and the maid equally had a bright smile on her face. f.re(e) w.e(b)nov el.c.om

"Edna," she called as she opened the door.

"Rose," Edna smiled and slipped into the room, not letting Rose take the tray. Lily, however, handed the tray to Rose and refused to step into the room.

As soon as Rose took the tray, Lily turned on her heel and left, leaving Rose to stand awkwardly in front of the open door with a tray in her hand.

"Don’t pay her any mind," Edna said. "She’s just embarrassed from this afternoon."

Rose turned to look at Edna and slowly turned away from the door. She closed it with her foot and walked to Edna, who was placing the tray on the table.

"I heard what happened," Edna said as Rose got closer. She shook her head, her face showing disappointment.

"Do you think I told the crown prince?" Rose asked.

"What? Of course not. And if you did—good! They’re at fault for speaking to you in that manner and getting angry when they get punished for it. Besides, I heard Mistress Edith got a message from the Queen to find some way to make you miserable, and the maid was one of the people who agreed. This will serve as a warning to the rest of them. Anyone who wants to do the Queen’s bidding should be ready to deal with the crown prince," Edna announced with her chest in the air, eliciting a smile from Rose.

"I don’t like that. I’d rather not have to deal with any of this," Rose finally said.

"Yes," Edna replied, nodding her head. "I agree. But at the same time, why eat dried bread when you can eat this?" She beamed, her hands spreading wide.

"Join me," Rose said immediately. "I wasted most of lunch, I don’t want it to happen again. I’m still full from lunch, I can’t finish this."

"You don’t have to tell me twice," Edna said and reached for the chicken. She ripped the thigh off with just her hand. She dug her teeth into it, the juices dripping down the corner of her lips.

"Hmm," she cried as she chewed. "If I weren’t so busy now, I’d be here every day."

Rose laughed as she watched Edna eat with such gusto. Perhaps it wasn’t so bad after all.

"’Ow are you?" Rose asked, making no attempt to eat. She wasn’t hungry, and even if she skipped dinner, she would be fine.

"Me?" Edna called, her mouth full. "Fine."

"You’re very busy. Lily said so."

Her face darkened for a bit, but she quickly covered it up and happily munched on the chicken. "Yes. I wish I could come to see you more often," she said, wiping the corners of her lips and standing to her feet.

"You’re leaving?" Rose asked.

Edna nodded and wiped her hand on her apron. "I have to go."

"Should I set aside some food for you? I can ask Lily to give it to you on days you can’t come."

"No," Edna said with wide eyes.

Rose’s expression dampened as she realized how insensitive her offer was. If Edna were caught, she would be accused of stealing and punished. They both knew the Queen had her eyes on her—it must even be a risk for her to be here now.

Rose turned her face away. "I’m sorry I offered."

"Don’t apologize. If I can join them to bring your meals, I will. And don’t worry, I’ll eat more than you’re offering."

Rose nodded her head and watched Edna walk to the door.

"Also, don’t pay Lily any mind. She’s just usually grumpy. I’ll scold her about being mean to you."

Rose shook her head. "She’s not mean."

"Okay," Edna replied and waved.

Rose waved back and didn’t stop waving until the door closed. Only then did she slowly turn to look at the food. There was chicken, vegetables, soup, and some boiled rice, but she didn’t have an appetite for any of it.

For some reason, she particularly missed home tonight. They often ate their dinner together. Rose would sit in the corner while she watched her father feed her mother. It was a routine that happened every night. Rose wondered how they were faring; she would give anything to see them.

———

Caius was late to the dining room. His mother was already seated, and by the look on her face as he walked in, he could guess that she already had an idea about what he did.

Rylen glanced at him from the door and stiffly nodded. Caius wondered if his mother had said anything to him, but he suspected that she had. His mother tended to speak to Rylen more, often comparing the two’s behavior. Caius had never been bothered by this. As long as she left him alone, she could speak to Rylen all she wanted.

"Mother," he said curtly as he took his seat.

"Caius, what is the meaning of this?!" she barked as he sat down.

At least she let him take his seat first, so maybe she wasn’t that angry. But Caius knew that wasn’t true—he could almost see the steam pouring out of his mother’s head. And not only that, her ladies-in-waiting looked pale. They didn’t even whisper amongst themselves.

"What do you mean, Mother?" he asked, his expression bland as he pretended not to know what she was talking about.

However, Queen Violeta was not buying it, nor did she plan to give her son the chance to lie or sweep this under the rug. "Henry, come here!"

Henry jerked where he stood by the door and rushed to the Queen in brisk steps, his head low. "Your Majesty," he said, bowing even lower.

"Now tell me what you told me a few moments before my son walked in," Queen Violeta demanded.

Henry nodded and kept his gaze away from the crown prince. He cleared his throat as he began to speak. The fear in his eyes was clear for all to see.