The King's Lover Chapter 552: Ruckus

The dining room was packed with lords who didn’t stay in the capital or close enough and had to make the journey to the castle the day before.

Lord Edric Harrington, the Marquis of Stonegate, Lord Leopold, the Duke of Furtherfield, and even the Baron of Edenville were at the table. Their wives were absent, but Rose wasn’t surprised, given the short notice.

They stood up as she walked in with her husband. Their stares were less glaring than the day before. Rose wondered if they had gotten used to the pregnancy and the crown on her head. She doubted this.

Still, none of them dared voice their displeasure, but they didn’t shy away from showing it on their faces.

"Your Majesty," they said in unison, standing to their feet.

Rylen and his father were also at the table, and they equally paid their respects before sitting down after the King. The only person who didn’t move an inch was Violeta.

"Caius," she loudly called as if wanting to assert her importance as the King’s mother. "This is an important period. Shouldn’t you have tried to convince your wife to at least join us for breakfast?"

Caius froze, his brown eyes turning darker. He turned to look at his mother with a stare that could melt glaciers, but just as he opened his mouth to reply to her, Rylen spoke.

"Apologies, Your Majesty, but Princess Caira would rather not. Most of the meals at the table aren’t conducive to her, and she risks making everyone else uncomfortable."

Violeta narrowed her eyes. Though Rylen was speaking to her, she didn’t tear her gaze from Caius’s direction. Pretending she was looking at her son, but her entire being concentrated on Rose.

Rose, on the other hand, didn’t show any reaction to her question. It wasn’t even on purpose; it was just a little hard to be bothered by the old Queen, who only had the same tactic.

She paid attention to her plate. She was starving. These days she needed to eat between meals, and she had a feeling her unquenchable hunger was bound to only get worse as the baby grew.

"Prince Rylen, you are not the King’s spokesman about his wife. He should be able to explain that himself and make a way for her to be able to join us. Not have some—"

"Mother," Caius cut in. "If Caira’s absence bothers you so much, you may join her for breakfast."

Gayle cleared his throat while the rest of the lords shared awkward glances between themselves.

"I am just saying," she mumbled and picked up her cutlery. "This is your wife we are talking about."

Caius opened his mouth, but Rose gently placed a hand on his thigh. He glanced at her, but she didn’t return his gaze; she just kept eating.

She knew exactly what the Queen wanted, and she had no intention of giving it to her. Typical of her to start such a ruckus when there were guests at the table.

Besides, Caius had other things to worry about. The last thing she wanted was for the evil woman to bother him. Violeta was hers to deal with.

After breakfast, Caius followed her back to her bedroom even though he didn’t need to. She appreciated the company, considering she might not see him for the rest of the day.

"If you need me," he said, holding her face in his palms as they stood in the middle of her bedroom, "don’t hesitate to interrupt."

"Your Majesty! I will be fine, I promise. Now go, you don’t want to keep them waiting."

"That’s exactly what I intend to do."

He pulled his hands from her face and placed one on her stomach. His shoulders relaxed, and a smile spread across his face.

"I really can’t wait to meet our baby. I bet the child will be as beautiful as you and will have your hair too."

Rose shook her head slightly, a smile tugging on her lips. "We still have a while to wait."

"I know. What would you like?" he suddenly asked.

"Like? What do you mean?"

"Well, giving birth is no small feat. You should be making demands. Half my kingdom? Done."

"Your Majesty," she chuckled. "I haven’t even given birth yet. How about you surprise me?"

Rose didn’t really have anything she could think of. Life was already much better than she could have foreseen. There were still a few blemishes, but nothing that couldn’t be wiped away.

"Very well," he said and moved his hand to her chin. He planted a kiss on her lips.

He reluctantly pulled away when a knock echoed in the room. He groaned as he broke the kiss. Heavy-lidded eyes met her hazel eyes.

"You should go, Your Majesty."

"Unfortunately," he mumbled and stepped away from her. "Don’t work too hard."

"Don’t take the words out of my mouth."

She grabbed his arm and walked him to the door even though it was only a few feet away. He kissed the top of her head before he opened the door.

Edith looked faint as the King appeared. She bowed low, her entire being shaking. Caius didn’t even notice her as he walked towards the stairway.

"Edith," Rose called. "You can come in now. We have a lot to discuss."

"Yes," she said and slowly raised her head, checking that the King was gone.

She walked into the room after Rose, looking unusually mellow. Rose was a little surprised at how much effect he had on the older woman, but considering how Chelsy and Isla still acted around him, she wasn’t too surprised.

Rose took her seat on her couch, a hand on her stomach. "Delan tells me you found the culprits, yes?"

"Yes. I did."

"Now tell me, Edith, the exact words you told Delan."

She jerked a little. "I apologize, Your Majesty. At the time, I did not realize the extent of their thievery. I thought it was petty stealing. Something that could go unnoticed."

"I did notice it, and I told you two weeks ago."

"I did make the announcement, but no one stepped forward."

Rose almost laughed at the idiocy of her statement. Did she really believe the thieves would have given themselves up that easily?

"How did you find out now?"

"I set a trap and caught one of them. She gave up the rest."

"What do you suggest I do, Edith? Also, remember that because you missed this for so long while it was happening under your nose, you are equally to be punished."

Her eyes widened slightly, and she dropped to her knees. "Please be lenient, Your Majesty."

Rose could hardly hide her surprise. Edith wasn’t exactly stubborn; she did as she was asked but usually not without citing justifications or excuses, and Rose could always see the defiance in her eyes.

However, for some reason she had a change of heart now, and Rose had a feeling seeing the King might be the reason.

"You are awfully obedient."

"I do not want to lose my job, Your Majesty."

"I believe your job is the least of your concern. Surely you know the punishment for stealing, and with the records you will be found guilty at trial."

"Trial?!" Edith yelled in horror. Fear made her seem smaller.