The King's Lover
Chapter 28: Delphine’s Kindness

Chapter 28: Delphine’s Kindness

Rose fell asleep faster than she wanted. She could hear Delphine speaking in the background, but for the life of her, she couldn’t understand a thing she was saying. She didn’t want to think about what had happened. She just wanted to forget it, and the soft bed being so soothing against her sore back was just what she needed.

The sound of rustling woke her up. She opened her eyes to see Delphine by the dresser, a powder puff to her face and a candlelight beside her. She turned to see Rose looking at her and smiled. Rose realized Delphine had been wearing makeup last night—no wonder her face had seemed oddly pale.

Delphine stood up and rushed toward Rose, gathering her dress in her hand. "I have to be out of the castle by dawn. You can still sleep some more if you’d like." fre/ew.ebnovel.c om

She was dressed completely differently from last night. Instead of just a robe, she wore a full dress, a corset tied around her waist, and a skirt so voluminous it looked like she was hiding at least two people under it. Her hair was also done, tied up to expose her shoulders. A simple necklace rested on her neck, drawing attention to her collarbones—or perhaps two other things.

"Nay, thanks," Rose replied with a smile as she moved to a sitting position. Her back was sore, but at least it didn’t hurt as much as it would have if she had slept on the hay bed.

"How’s your back?" Delphine suddenly asked.

Rose’s eyes widened, and she lifted her head to meet Delphine’s gaze. "Ye knew."

Delphine shrugged. "There was a commotion when I arrived. I might have asked around."

"Thank ye," Rose said softly.

"Don’t mention it. Well, I don’t think we’ll be seeing each other again, at least not anytime soon. With you here, I doubt..." She paused, smiling knowingly. "I best be on my way. Oh, that reminds me."

"What?" Rose asked.

"He likes it when you’re spontaneous. I thought I might give you a hint. If you’re here, why not make the most of it?"

Rose’s eyes narrowed. "I’d rather go back home." She didn’t want tips on how to please the crown prince. She wanted to be out of here.

"Hmm, it’s a pity you think that. Well, your entire situation is pitiful." Delphine placed a kiss on her forehead, smearing lip color over her face. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

Delphine walked away, picked up her parasol, and went out the door, leaving a stunned Rose sitting at the edge of the bed. Rose could tell Delphine was a courtesan. She could pass for a court lady. Not only was she pretty, but she had such exquisite mannerisms. It was completely different from the woman from last night who had screamed so brazenly.

Rose shook her head and stood from the bed. Was that what the crown prince wanted from her? If she did it, would he tire of her and let her go? Rose slowly walked to the door. She didn’t want to be in the room after Delphine had left. She might be punished for being somewhere she shouldn’t be.

Rose made her way to the servant quarters without much incident and arrived at the room she shared with Martha, only to find it locked. She knocked once, twice. She inspected the door. It was clearly locked from the inside. Rose tried again but didn’t get any response.

Some servants were already awake and going about their duties. She didn’t know how long she had before she would get assigned something to do. She would have liked to at least change out of these clothes. She wrapped herself tighter.

"Mart’a," Rose whispered and knocked. "Mar—"

The door was pulled open. "Never call my name like that," Martha said, glaring down at her.

Rose rolled her eyes and walked past her. "Next time, it’d be nice if ye opened the door—"

"What was that? I can’t understand you. Maybe when you learn how to speak." fr.e ewe.bno.vel .com

Rose sighed and didn’t reply. She just walked to her bed and sat down, mindful of her back. She sat upright, avoiding resting her back against the wall. She searched the satchel that held all her belongings and found a good enough dress.

"Also, we need water. Edna and I used all the water trying to get you cleaned up twice in one night. Fetch some!" Martha ordered.

Rose slowly lifted her head to look at her. She was clearly wounded, but Martha didn’t care. She sighed. She would have to get the balm from Edna. She doubted Martha would give her any, even if she knew where it was.

"Are you deaf?" Martha asked.

"Didn’t ye say ye couldn’t understand me? Does it matter if I respond?" Rose asked, meeting her gaze. fre(e)webnove.l.c.om

Martha narrowed her eyes. "Now!"

"I ’ave to at least change clothes," Rose replied, lifting the dress she had picked out of her bag.

Martha scoffed and left the room. Rose sighed at her absence. She couldn’t catch a break. Her back burned, and she could feel the start of a headache. Rose grabbed her head and pushed herself to her feet. She had to get to work, but before then, she would check the kitchen for something to eat.

It was either that, or she was likely to fall on her face. She was still here, and she had no idea how she could possibly leave. Rose made a mental note to ask the crown prince the next time she saw him for her proof. She had not forgotten the reason why she was here.

She didn’t know if her father was done with her wedding present yet, but if he knew he had to send it to her here, he would finish it as fast as he could. She felt a pain in her chest. It was only two days until her wedding, and it was pretty clear she was not going to make it.