The King's Lover
Chapter 237: Dire Matters

Chapter 237: Dire Matters

"Your Grace," Rylen called as the servants helped Caius get dressed. "You are late."

"I heard you the first time. And don’t you mean we?"

"I would be in the dining room if I weren’t trying to make sure that you will join us," Rylen said with a neutral expression.

"I never said I won’t," Caius replied, adjusting the ring on his finger.

Rylen’s eyes followed it, then he returned his gaze to the crown prince’s face. "Maybe, but with you it is hard to know just what you’ll do."

"Enough about this matter," Caius said dismissively as the servants moved away from him.

Rylen nodded and stepped in line with Caius as he walked toward the open doors, which the servants held open. Rylen didn’t try to bring up the topic again—or any that might annoy the crown prince and deter him from joining them for breakfast.

When they arrived at the dining hall, the Queen was already seated. Caius walked in, staring at his mother, but he neither bowed nor said his respects as he made his way to his seat.

"Your Majesty," Rylen said with a bow as he walked through the door. "We apologize for keeping you waiting. Please forgive us."

"It is fine," Queen Violeta said with the sweetest smile ever. "Caius, I am glad you could join us."

Caius couldn’t hide his surprise at his mother speaking to him in such a normal tone. He had expected her to be furious—and not just that. He was sure it must have reached her ears by now that he had dined with Rose, yet she was all smiles. This was enough to make anyone suspicious; she was most likely plotting something again.

"I suppose it is, Mother," Caius said with a grin, wondering how far she was willing to keep this act. He could play along—after all, it wouldn’t be the first time but where was the fun in that?

"Don’t say that, son. I am always happy when we share a meal. Did you sleep well?" she asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

"More than I expected. I should probably do it more often," Caius said.

"Do what?" Queen Violeta asked.

"Not sleep alone," Caius replied, studying his mother.

Queen Violeta’s smile froze, and Caius could visibly see her fighting to control her emotions. She picked up a cup of water and brought it to her lips. She didn’t even take a sip before she brought it down.

"That’s great to hear," she said. Her voice sounded more shrill than normal.

Caius opened his mouth again to speak, ready to drive the dagger deeper, but Rylen cut him off.

"What about Your Majesty? Did you rest well?" he asked, ignoring the glare that Caius sent him.

"Yes," Queen Violeta responded.

Rylen was able to change the subject after that, and the tension at the dining table dispersed. After breakfast, they said their goodbyes to the Queen—and thankfully, Caius was respectful this time. He even bowed.

Rylen almost praised the goddess. He had also seen the way the Queen’s face lit up. Rylen wished the crown prince would try to pacify the Queen and not anger her at every juncture. If he didn’t care about himself, he should at least know Rose was a far easier target.

The crown prince led them to his private study. Rylen was glad that he didn’t have to convince him, but he could always count on Caius when matters turned dire—and the issue with the bandits was indeed dire.

"We have a lot to do," Caius said as they entered the private space. Though private, it was as large as the average room in the castle. Caius sat down and stared at Rylen.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I still need you to choose the men who would accompany us on this expedition."

"I will pick five. You can decide the rest."

"You won’t be taking your fifty knights?" Rylen asked.

"No need for that. It isn’t a battle, nor do we intend to capture Redhill again. Just twenty men should do the trick—coupled with the other guards sent and Lord Leopold’s men. At this point, the fact that the bandits have pestered us for this long is starting to irritate me."

"Alright," Rylen said, scribbling something down. "I will decide the remainder—fifteen in total. As for the training, Your Grace, it would be great for morale if Your Grace would make a couple of appearances."

Caius grinned. "Worry not, Rylen. I intend to do just that." Caius’ eyes sparkled as he spoke. The crown prince was always ready for a fight.

"There is another matter I would like to bring up, Your Grace," Rylen said.

"What is it?" Caius asked, just as a knock rang out.

The two of them frowned and turned to the door, both knowing they wouldn’t be interrupted unless it was important. <a href="https://.com">.com

Mister Henry rushed into the study, gripping a letter in his hand. "Your Highness," Mister Henry said, looking apologetic.

"I apologize for the intrusion, Your Highness, Prince Rylen—but a letter just arrived from Edenville, and I knew I had to bring it to you immediately."

Caius’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Who is the letter from?" he asked.

"I have reason to believe it is from t-the woodmaker," Mister Henry stuttered a little, as he sought a way to refer to Rose’s father without using the term her father.

"A reply," Caius said. It was more of a statement than a question.

Henry nodded eagerly as he stared at the crown prince. "I think so. The messenger didn’t give any more information other than handing me the letter."

"The contents?" he asked.

"I do not know, Your Highness. I brought it here as soon as I received the letter," Henry explained, stepping forward and stretching out the letter to the crown prince.

Caius accepted it immediately. It had the seal of the baron—it was the only way to ensure it would make it to the castle. It wasn’t that Caius didn’t think she would get a reply, but one could say he hadn’t thought that far ahead.

"Your Highness," Henry called, still waiting for orders—wondering what the crown prince would decide.