The King's Lover Chapter 528: Baby Steps

The breakfast concluded with a rather subdued atmosphere. Princess Caira was the first to depart from the table. Rose found it quite surprising that Caira had remained until the end of the meal, and even more so that she had made no comment whatsoever regarding Rose's presence.

Caira had arrived alongside the King, who had openly referred to her as his queen and wife, yet she had done nothing.

Rose contemplated how she would react if the roles were reversed, knowing she wouldn't simply sit by and pretend the situation wasn't unfolding directly before her eyes. Even when the Queen attempted to provoke a reaction from Caira, the princess offered no acknowledgment.

Rose tried to observe both Caira and Rylen, who were seated directly opposite each other, but Caira never once directed a glance his way. Rose pondered the princess's thoughts.

Given what Rose understood, it was difficult to accept that Caira was content with the current circumstances, especially after all her efforts to remain married to Caius. To have gone to such lengths and then to show no reaction now seemed inconsistent. It hinted at the possibility of a future scheme.

While Rose felt no concern for Caira or the Queen individually, she harbored a slight worry about them potentially joining forces, a scenario that would present greater challenges. She held onto the hope that this would not come to pass.

With the King's support and the knowledge that Violeta could not directly confront her, Rose felt a degree of increased confidence. She understood that the situation had not concluded, but at least the fear of being kidnapped, as had happened before, had subsided.

Violeta, on the other hand, did not cease her intense staring at Rose, and Rose was well aware that the moment the old Queen found an opportunity, she would attempt some form of retaliation.

Rose had no intention of allowing that to happen.

She not only planned to anticipate and prepare for any action in advance, but Rose was fully prepared to confront the old Queen directly if the need ever arose. That perpetually bitter woman had inflicted enough insult upon her for far too long.

As soon as Caira exited the dining room, leaving slightly before everyone else, Violeta fixed her son with a stern gaze, as if urging him to acknowledge the distress he was causing her.

When this tactic proved ineffective—as Caius continued to disregard her, much as he had throughout most of the meal—Violeta shifted her attention to Rose, her stare sharp and accusatory.

Rose calmly continued with her meal, engaging in brief conversation with Caius and relishing the visible rise of anger within Violeta as her son lavished attention on Rose while ignoring his own mother.

Rylen and his father remained rather quiet, seated together in the same row as Rose. Rose was thankful that Rylen was positioned between his father and herself; otherwise, the breakfast would have been considerably more uncomfortable.

Prince Gayle remained silent for the entire duration of breakfast, yet Rose occasionally felt his gaze upon her. It was difficult to discern whether his stares conveyed malicious intent or were simply born of curiosity.

Caius concluded his meal, and Rose finally had the opportunity to leave the dining room. While not entirely overwhelming, she felt she had experienced enough for the first day and desired some time alone in her chambers.

She refrained from using the word 'hide,' as that was not her intention. It was merely a brief respite, and she was confident that soon she would feel less self-conscious about being seen outside her chambers.

Rose inwardly chuckled at this thought, accepting Caius's offered hand. He assisted her from her seat, allowing her to rest her palm on the crook of his elbow once more.

Without directing a glance at anyone else at the table, Caius proceeded towards the exit.

"Son," Violeta called out just as he passed her seat.

Caius showed a clear inclination to ignore her, and Rose could discern this from the slight delay before his response, which was delivered with considerable impoliteness.

"What do you require, Mother?"

Violeta suppressed her displeasure. She understood that it would be unproductive at this moment. "Might I have a word with you?"

"Very well. Henry will inform you when you may visit my study." He continued walking as he spoke, his back turned to her throughout their exchange.

"Your study?!" Violeta exclaimed in disbelief.

Caius offered no reply as they reached the open doors, and he stepped through without addressing her question. Rose heard a sharp intake of breath and Violeta's loud call for her son before the doors closed.

It was difficult for Rose to suppress a smile as she kept her gaze lowered, ensuring her husband wouldn't notice her slightly excessive enjoyment of his mother's discomfiture. She would have gladly paid a fortune to witness the expression on Violeta's face as Caius once again disregarded her.

"What are your plans for today?" Caius inquired.

Rose's head snapped up, slightly taken aback by his question. She wondered if he had something planned, and as eager as she was for the prospect, Rose decided against pressing the issue today.

"Nothing in particular. I intend to spend the rest of this morning in my room, engaging in reading and writing. We haven't had any lessons for quite some time."

"That can be arranged right now."

"Will Your Majesty not be attending to your mother?"

Caius let out an audible groan. "I can see her at another time."

"Your mother is not the sole reason. I am certain Your Majesty has a busy schedule."

Caius turned to face her, a smirk playing on his lips. "Never too busy for you."

Rose let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "The lords will not be too pleased to hear that, but I do not wish for Your Majesty to take time away from crucial duties for me."

"If you insist," he conceded. "However, you are not confined to your room for your studies. Feel free to utilize any library you wish. Maximus may accompany you, provided you refrain from questioning him."

Rose looked at him with apprehension. "Does Your Majesty truly intend to be my sole tutor?"

She had previously suspected his insistence was a ploy to maintain control. Yet, now that they were married and she had no intention of leaving, his reasoning seemed different.

"Naturally. Why would I entrust someone else with the education of my wife?"

"Your Majesty, employing another tutor would prove more efficient, allowing us more time for other pursuits."

"Hmm, these 'other pursuits.' Pray, elaborate," he murmured, leaning closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

Rose almost reacted impulsively, but she quickly reminded herself of his royal status and their public location. "Your Majesty!"

Caius was amused by her reaction. As they reached his wing and ascended the stairs to her chamber, he paused, reluctant to release her hand.

"You are not accompanying me inside," she stated firmly, attempting to free her hand. She recognized the look in his eyes; if she allowed him entry, he would not depart.

"I shall see you at lunch. Should I be unable to fetch you myself, Maximus will be sent."

"I would appreciate that," she replied, opening the door to her room.

Rose felt a sense of relief as she stepped inside without him entering, though he lingered by her door until she closed it, effectively shutting him out.

Alone in her chamber, Rose let out a deep sigh. The day had unfolded far better than she had anticipated.

Her fears of being stoned, attacked, or worse had not materialized. Instead, she found herself back in her room, unharmed, the crown still securely in place upon her head.

A smile graced Rose's lips as she moved away from the door. Removing the circlet, she gazed at the exquisite jewelry while walking towards her desk. However, she bypassed the desk and proceeded to the dresser.

Rose carefully repositioned the circlet, admiring her reflection. It felt perfectly suited to her, the crimson jewel harmonizing beautifully with her auburn hair.

Her fingers traced the jewel situated on her forehead. The reality of being Queen settled in. Once an overwhelming prospect that filled her with dread, she now felt an eager anticipation to wield her newfound authority.

"Is power transforming me?" she mused aloud, a light laugh escaping her lips. She removed the circlet and placed it on the dresser before returning to her desk.

Rose acknowledged that this sense of fulfillment was intrinsically linked to her husband. She marveled at how effortlessly he made things seem. A small, joyful twirl preceded her taking a seat.

She understood that numerous challenges lay ahead, and this day marked merely the beginning of their struggles. Yet, a profound confidence now resided within her. With Caius by her side, she felt assured that no obstacle was insurmountable.