The King's Lover
Chapter 37: Out Of The Dungeons

Chapter 37: Out Of The Dungeons

"Thank ye, Mister ’Enry," Rose said with a bow as she stepped out of the cell. She could barely stand. Her bare toes wiggled as they touched the cold floor. She clasped her hands in front of her as she bowed. Rose was unsure how she felt; she was just glad this was over with and she didn’t have to spend too long in the cold dungeons.

"No, no, no," Henry cried. "Don’t thank me. You shouldn’t be here at all." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he pushed his niece down to the ground.

"Uncle!" Martha cried, as her hands hit the floor first, protecting her face. "What are you doing?"

"You best start pleading for your job—or better still, your life."

"What? I’m not going to beg—ahh!" Martha screamed as Henry pulled her ear again.

Martha kicked her legs out as she once again screamed in pain. Her ear was sore and red. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her voice was starting to go hoarse, but it didn’t stop her from screaming.

"You don’t seem to understand the severity of what you’ve done. You threw an innocent woman into the dungeons—and not for any reason but because of what the crown prince gave to her. Do you understand that we could both lose our jobs and suffer even more severe consequences for this stupid act of yours? Just what were you thinking?"

"It’s not wrong that I reported a crime, Uncle," Martha screamed as she cried her eyes out. "Why would the crown prince give her his coat in the first place?"

"That is none of your business. Now apologize to her!" Mister Henry yelled.

"I’m sorry," Martha said, but the apology didn’t sound genuine, and even her uncle didn’t buy it.

"Apologize properly. You aren’t fooling anyone with that half-assed apology of yours," Mister Henry yelled at his niece.

"I’m sorry, Rose," Martha said with a sniff.

"It’s okay," Rose finally said. She just wanted to go back to her room and get some sleep. She was just happy this got resolved in time.

"No, it’s not," Mister Henry said and bowed. "Please forgive my stupid niece. And should she bother you again, let me know instantly, and I will put her in her place."

Rose nodded and grabbed the wall as she started to move up the stairs. "Thank ye for gettin’ me out of ’ere," she said as she slowly went up the stairs.

"Let me escort you to the servants’ quarters," the steward said with a bright smile. fre eweb\(n)ovel(.)co(m)

"Nay, ye don’t ’ave to do that," Rose said as she continued up the stairs. "I’m fine. I’m sure the steward has far more important t’ings to attend to."

"Nothing is more important than this," Henry said and rushed after her, abandoning his niece on the floor, not caring whether she got on her feet or not.

It was clear how Martha had been able to call guards on Rose. Martha’s uncle was the steward. There was no resemblance, and if she hadn’t found out today, she never would have guessed—not even their personalities were alike.

She got to the top of the stairs to see Mister Henry behind her. Rose barely spared him a glance and just continued walking as carefully as she could toward the servants’ quarters. Just as she was about to take the turn that would lead her there, Edna appeared.

"Rose!" she cried and rushed toward her. "You’re out."

Rose gave her a curt smile, but when the maid got close enough, she couldn’t help it—she put all her weight on the poor woman. "Mister ’Enry got me out," she whispered against her.

"Rose!" Edna screamed.

"I’m fine," she said and tried to push herself up again. "I’m just tired and maybe a little ’ungry." She tried to laugh to make it seem lighter, but she only ended up coughing.

"I am so glad, thank you, Mister Henry. I’ll get her to her room," Edna said and adjusted Rose so she could support her while she walked.

"I’m grateful," she whispered. .com

They got to the door of the room she shared with Martha, and Rose felt her eyes well up. It had been an absolutely worst day. She hadn’t even had the chance to mourn properly—to mourn what she had lost.

"Rose," the steward called as Edna made to open the door.

Rose had completely forgotten about his presence and couldn’t help but be taken aback when he called her. "Mister ’Enry," she replied and turned her head in his direction.

"If it isn’t too much to ask, would you please not inform the crown prince of this?" the older man asked. He looked uncomfortable as he made his request.

Rose paused for a second. The steward seemed to have misunderstood. She didn’t think the crown prince would lift a finger about her situation. He wouldn’t care, but since the steward was so bothered, she could adhere to his request.

"Yah," she replied.

"Thank you," he said.

Rose shook her head as she turned away. "Nay, I should be thankin’ ye instead." Who knows how long she would have stayed there if he hadn’t come to get her? Rose wondered how he had found out.

"Edna, make sure you get her something to eat and tend to her wounds. The crown prince might call..." The steward let the rest of his words trail off.

Rose’s stomach twisted as she tasted bile. She didn’t think she could bear it tonight. Not tonight. She might actually jump off the balcony if she had to endure anything else tonight.

"Yes, I will."

"Mister ’Enry," Rose called. "May I ask for a favor?" She pulled herself from Edna. She needed to be on her feet for this.

Henry looked hesitant, but he knew he couldn’t refuse—not after what his niece had done to her. "If it’s within my power," Henry replied.

"I don’t t’ink I can see the crown prince today," Rose said with water in her eyes. "Would it be too muc’ to ask ye to help me with that?" she asked.