The King's Lover Chapter 2: Plump Rump
Previously on The King's Lover...
The sound of approaching footsteps sent a jolt of anxiety through Rose’s stomach. It wasn't just the anticipation of the guard drawing near, but also a suddenly resurfaced memory. A few days prior, Emma had mentioned the crown prince’s impending visit to Edenville. Rose had dismissed it as idle gossip, yet the possibility that she might have inadvertently interrupted the crown prince at the well sent a wave of horror through her. Why on earth was he in Edenville?
"You," a voice commanded.
"Yah," Rose responded, though she remained rooted to the spot.
"Head up," the voice instructed. "You may fetch water. His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, has granted passage to a commoner such as yourself."
A wave of dizziness washed over Rose; she felt as though she might faint. The crown prince was indeed in Edenville, and now, standing right before her. She slowly raised her head. The guard before her was young, clad in full armor with a flowing cape. His hand rested proudly on the hilt of his sheathed sword at his waist. His regal bearing was unmistakable, suggesting a noble background, perhaps even a knight. Rose found herself wondering if he was one.
"Did you hear me?" he inquired, a sneer evident as he gazed down at her.
"Yah, sorry. Thank ye," she mumbled, scrambling to her feet.
"Tch," the knight let out a dismissive sound and began to walk away.
Rose quickly followed, her buckets clutched firmly in each hand. Keeping her gaze lowered, she understood the importance of avoiding direct eye contact. As they neared the trees, the hairs on the back of her neck prickled. Someone was watching her intently. Could it be the crown prince? Rose knew better than to look up.
She bowed once more, dropping to her knees and bringing her forehead to the ground before rising and proceeding to the well. She also knew better than to speak. As she climbed the stone structure, she nearly lost her footing but managed to grab the well's edge for stability. That particular gaze felt dangerous; among the many eyes seeming to watch her, this one alone made her deeply uneasy.
A wooden frame was positioned in the center of the well, a pail dangling from a rope. Rose began to draw water, acutely aware of the persistent stare fixed upon her.
Caius’s gaze remained unwavering as he observed her. He conceded she was attractive, yet an inexplicable pull drew his attention, a discomfort suggesting more than mere visual interest. Her freckles were the first thing that caught his eye as she approached. He wished to continue staring, but then she kowtowed, turning her back to him.
Next, his attention was drawn to her attire—a garment that looked no better than a rag, adorned with patches of mismatched materials, and clearly well-worn. It struck him how slender she appeared within the confines of the shabby dress.
He yearned for her to turn around, to grant him a clearer view, but despite his intense scrutiny, she did not. His gaze drifted downwards, noting the plump curve of her posterior. Caius’s brow furrowed at the vividness of the image that flashed through his mind.
"Don't even think about it," Rylen interjected.
Caius reluctantly tore his eyes away from the redhead and turned to his cousin. It was astonishing that they were related, given their starkly different appearances. While Caius possessed sleek, black hair, his cousin boasted platinum blonde locks and blue eyes. Their personalities also diverged significantly; Rylen adhered to rules, whereas Caius thrived on chaos.
"Think about what?" Caius inquired, a smirk playing on his lips.
"You know precisely what I’m referring to. You’re only in Edenville for three days—don’t even consider it, for God’s sake."
"It’s rare to hear you swear, Prince Rylen. I understand you believe I’m indiscriminate, but rest assured, even someone like me possesses discernment."
He shifted his focus back towards the redhead, who had just finished drawing the water. Balancing the buckets in her hands, she bowed once more and practically fled the scene. Caius watched until she vanished from his sight.
"Shouldn't we be heading into the village now?" Rylen inquired.
Caius let out a groan. "Not just yet," he replied, placing the damp cloth over his head.
Rose arrived at the back of her house, panting heavily. She couldn’t fathom that she had run all the way home, just as she struggled to believe she had seen the crown prince. Well, not truly seen him. She had been too terrified to look, though a glimpse of his dark hair had registered. She eagerly anticipated sharing the news with Emma; her best friend would be ecstatic.
"Rose, Rosie! Is that you?"
"Fat’er!" Rose squealed, rushing into the house. She entered through the back door and found her father seated in the room. "When did you get back?" she asked, settling beside him on the bench with a wide grin.
"Just now. Your mother is asleep," her father stated, nodding towards the straw bed where soft snores could be heard. "Where did you go?"
"I went to fetch some water. We’re out."
"What about Emma’s well?" "Too muddy," Rose replied, shaking her head. He responded with an "Aye, aye," then his tone shifted to one of concern. "Did yer mother cough excessively today?" He wearily rubbed his face. Rose once again shook her head, answering, "Nay. She took the herbs—that must be why mother is resting." "That's good," he affirmed, reaching beneath the bench. He produced a large rabbit, its neck cleanly severed, blood marring its fur. Rose's eyes widened with joy, though she stifled a delighted squeal, mindful of her mother's slumber. "It's enormous." "I managed to catch five rabbits, and the baron graciously allowed me to keep one," her father declared with evident pride. "Wow! I shall prepare rabbit stew. Mother would truly savor that." "Yah," he agreed, offering her a strained smile.