The King's Lover Chapter 526: Bitter Old Woman

Rose, with her white lace gloves in hand, sat before the dresser the following morning, Chelsy diligently brushing her hair. The wedding band, a new adornment, was visible peeking through the delicate lace.

Chelsy had initially suggested wearing the band atop her gloves, a notion Rose quickly dismissed. Her attire was a simple, pale-colored dress, complemented by a matching necklace and earrings.

Caius had departed her chambers just as her maids arrived, promising to return promptly to escort her to breakfast. Despite Rose's attempt to defer, citing the early hour, Caius insisted, and thus she found herself preparing for the morning meal.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Chelsy inquired.

Rose, pulled from her musings, replied with a soft, "No." She then asked, "Why do you ask?"

"You have been sighing frequently, Your Majesty."

Rose feigned a lack of surprise at Chelsy's use of a title, finding it rather swift how the girls had adopted this new form of address.

They had even offered curtsies immediately upon entering her room. Isla, the most enthusiastic among the sisters, had shown no hesitation in addressing her as "Your Majesty" whenever the opportunity arose. Rose suspected it wouldn't be long before the title became second nature to her.

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Isla added, her smile a touch too eager. "Is there anything you require, Your Majesty?"

"I am quite alright," Rose stated plainly. She couldn't bring herself to admit her nervousness to the maids, deeming it unbefitting of a queen.

"Yes, Your Majesty," they chorused, Chelsy returning to her duties.

"So... Your Majesty," Isla began, drawing nearer. "You are Queen now? Does this make you the second Queen, and are you able to do—"

"Cease, Isla. You must not question the Queen as you normally would," Chelsy interjected firmly.

"But I addressed her correctly," Isla retorted, glaring at her sister for the interruption.

"It matters not. Attend to your duties and cease this idle chatter!"

Isla huffed indignantly but complied, understanding the repercussions of disobedience.

It was evident Isla relished Rose's elevated status. While Rose wasn't certain if the young girl grasped the full implications, she certainly recognized their shift to serving the new Queen, a distinct promotion.

"I sincerely apologize for my sister's behavior," Chelsy offered.

Rose responded with a soft chuckle and a shake of her head, offering no verbal reply. She wasn't concerned about Isla, confident that Chelsy would ensure her sister remained appropriately respectful.

Shortly after Chelsy had dispatched her sister, a knock echoed through the room, sending a jolt of apprehension through Rose. The moment had arrived, yet she felt utterly unprepared.

Isla opened the door to admit Caius, stepping back hastily with a curtsy. Like her elder sister, she harbored a distinct fear of the King.

He walked directly towards Rose, pausing only momentarily for Chelsy to step aside. Chelsy curtsied, her fingers clenching the fabric of her dress.

Caius paid no heed to the maids, his complete focus fixed upon Rose, who sat with a palpable nervousness.

"Shall we?"

Rose, however, did not voice her assent. Instead, she adjusted the circlet upon her head and accepted Caius's offered hand. He assisted her to her feet with gentle care, his eyes never leaving her face, though Rose found herself unable to meet his gaze.

She felt the cool metal of his signet ring as he held her hand, a stark reminder that her own still lay within its box. Adorning both her signet ring and the crown felt like an overwhelming prospect.

The weight of the crown and the presence of her wedding band were sufficient affirmation of her new standing. Rose was so overcome with anxiety that she doubted her ability to reach the dining hall without faltering.

Caius tightened his grip on her palm. "Are you ready?"

Despite the frantic 'no' echoing in her mind, Rose managed a nod.

"Excellent," Caius declared, gently guiding her towards the door.

Just as they were about to exit, Isla's head popped up, her face alight with a wide smile as she waved enthusiastically at Rose. Her sister's unbridled joy momentarily eased Rose's crippling fear.

Stepping into the corridor, they were met by Henry, who bowed silently. Rose wondered if he was aware, who else might know, and what their reactions would be, causing her legs to feel unsteady once more.

"What troubles you?" Caius inquired, subtly shifting so her hand rested against the curve of his arm.

"I am deeply apprehensive," Rose whispered as they proceeded toward the stairs.

"Is there anything I can do to allay your fears?"

"They will not accept us easily," she murmured, leaning into his side, her legs feeling incapable of supporting her.

"That is my concern. For now, I wish for you to join me at breakfast as my wife. Cast aside all other thoughts. I shall remain by your side, and none shall dare to act or speak inappropriately."

Acceptance wasn't something Rose particularly craved, yet the fear of her newfound status holding no weight, or worse, proving to be a detriment as it often had, gnawed at her.

The disrespect shown by the old Queen was a greater concern for Rose than anything else. Still, she refused to let a spiteful old woman dictate her actions and confine her.

With a nod, she lifted her gaze to Caius, attempting a smile that conveyed her resolve to remain strong. He returned her gaze with a nod of approval.

They soon neared the dining hall, the grand double doors of the dining room coming into view. Two guards stood sentinel at the entrance, and as the pair approached, the guards bowed, swinging the doors open.

Taking a steadying breath as they entered, Rose's hand tightened on Caius's arm, a wave of anxiety threatening to overwhelm her.

However, the look on one guest's face made facing her fear worthwhile. To state that the Queen was displeased would be the understatement of the century.