The King's Lover Chapter 531: Quieter

Violeta, the elder woman, was absent from the evening meal, and so was the princess. Prince Gayle’s absence as well meant that only three individuals were seated at the dinner table.

Conversation was sparse, and Rylen appeared far too despondent to engage. He consumed barely any of his food and departed as soon as the meal concluded. Caius made no move to detain him, nor did the King show any inclination to ascertain the cause of his distress.

Rose found the emptiness of the dining room quite agreeable, as she could finally eat without the disquieting presence of the eccentric old woman.

Not long after Rylen’s departure, Caius guided her from the dining hall, her hand clasped securely in his as they traversed the castle’s dimly illuminated corridors.

Night had long since descended, and the only illumination within the castle emanated from the wall-mounted torches and the brilliant moonlight piercing through the open windows.

Rose leaned against Caius as servants retreated, offering bows to both of them, their heads lowered sufficiently to reveal the backs of their necks.

She closed her eyes, sensing the gentle breeze that wafted through the castle, paying little heed to their path, for she trusted Caius implicitly to lead her safely to her chambers.

And he did.

Rose gently withdrew her hand from his as they reached her door. Caius seemed hesitant to release her grasp initially, but his reluctance lasted only a fleeting moment.

She offered him a smile, anticipating his prompt return, before closing the door.

"Your Majesty!"

Rose started, the smile faltering on her lips before she recognized the voices as those of her maids. "Chelsy, Isla! Where have you two been the entire day?"

She inquired with a smile, her tone not of anger, but of concern. Now that she saw they were unharmed, she felt nothing but relief at their return.

Isla stepped forward, prepared to speak, but her sister swiftly pulled her back, stifling her words. "We beg your pardon, Your Majesty, but we lost track of time, and I presumed you would not require us until dusk, as we were not to bring your meals."

"You are not incorrect," Rose conceded, "however, I do need to freshen up before each meal, and I would prefer it if you both attended me as you normally do."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Chelsy admonished her sister by digging her fingers into her hand, urging her to remain silent.

Isla shot her sister a resentful look but kept her lips sealed. Following Chelsy’s somewhat evasive explanation, they assisted Rose in preparing for the night and departed before the King’s return.

Rose did perceive that the maids seemed more subdued than usual, Isla particularly so. She chose not to pry; it was evident they wished to conceal something from her.

Yet, Rose harbored no intention of remaining a passive observer, and should the occasion arise where intervention became necessary, she would act.

Upon Caius’s arrival in her chambers, she was seated at her writing desk, a book laid open before her, the candle positioned as closely as possible without allowing wax to drip onto the pages.

She raised her head, observing him standing by the open doorway as he entered. He didn’t bother to knock. She shook her head at him; she had intentionally left the door unlatched, knowing he would come, yet he had confidently turned the handle without prior knowledge.

"I see you left the door unsecured for me," he remarked with a smirk as he shut the door and re-engaged the lock.

"You didn’t even knock," she stated.

"Knock?" Caius echoed, feigning offense. "To see my wife? Now, why would I possibly do that?"

As he spoke, he approached her seated form at the desk, her gaze fixed upon him, a broad smile gracing her features. He exuded an air of knowing amusement as he drew nearer.

"What if the door had been locked?" she inquired, annoyed by her inability to suppress her grin at his display of utter self-satisfaction.

"You would not lock out your husband," he responded with a confidence that might have irked her under different circumstances.

He leaned down and bestowed a kiss upon the crown of her head. "You smell exquisite." His face remained near the top of her hair as he inhaled deeply.

Rose felt a blush creep up her neck, uncertain how to react to his compliment, so she simply smiled and said, "Thank you. But do not be sidetracked; you have duties to attend to as my sole tutor."

"A responsibility I embrace with pride," he affirmed and took a seat beside her. "Shall we commence?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty?" he repeated, a note of mock surprise in his voice.

Rose lifted her eyes to meet his, shaking her head with a smile. "My husband. Content now?" she inquired with a light chuckle.

"Utterly delighted." He drew her chair closer and leaned forward.

Rose quickly retrieved the book she was reading and placed it between their lips. "You promised not to become distracted."

Caius narrowed his eyes, pushed the book aside, and then kissed her. He pulled back, a smug expression gracing his features. "A kiss hardly constitutes a distraction."

Rose glanced downward, and his assertion was immediately proven false. However, she wisely chose not to voice this realization, instead turning her attention back to the table and picking up her quill.

After dedicating some time to their lessons, Caius proposed a game of chess. Despite her fatigue, she agreed, wanting to humor him.

She wasn't the least bit surprised when he emerged victorious. Midway through their first match, uncontrollable yawns began to overtake her, and by the game's conclusion, he found himself carrying her to bed.

As she rested in his embrace, Rose let out another yawn. It felt entirely natural, and she experienced no trace of embarrassment. He gently placed her in bed, drawing her close and pulling the covers over them both.

Rose stifled a yawn, rubbing her tired eyes. Sleep tugged at her, yet she couldn't succumb just yet; a few questions lingered in her mind.

"May I ask you a question?" she inquired, stifling yet another yawn.

"There's no need to ask for permission. You can ask me anything your heart desires."

A smile graced Rose's lips. It was a comforting sensation. Even in her drowsy state, she could perceive the warmth radiating from him.

"Thank you," she murmured, pressing her face against his chest.

Caius's hand caressed her back in gentle circles. "What is it you wish to ask?"

"Did you speak with your mother?"

Rose didn't need to lift her head to gauge Caius's reaction, but her inquiry wasn't driven by genuine concern. Instead, she aimed to cultivate an illusion of such, so that when she voiced her small request, it would capitalize on her state of extreme exhaustion.

"No."

Rose sighed, feigning disappointment. "She is your mother," she simply stated.

"And she has shown you disrespect!"

"I am certain she will eventually come around." Rose contorted her face, fortunate that the King could not witness her expression as the words escaped her lips.

"Until that day arrives, she deserves no special consideration," he declared, running his fingers through her hair.

Rose felt as though her heart would overflow. How did he consistently utter the very sentiments she yearned to hear? She nodded against his chest.

"I have a request this time. May I visit my father tomorrow?"