The King's Lover-Chapter 276: Keep It That Way

Caius could feel her presence behind him. Her footsteps hit the ground softly, but he didn’t need to hear them to be aware of her. Rose didn’t even have to speak. As long as they were in the same space, he was constantly aware of her.

He was annoyed and irritated. Lady Deana had looked absolutely relieved when her husband returned, but Rose didn’t even look in his direction. Rather, he had caught her looking at Thomas as though it was him she was worried about.

Things between them felt heavy. Caius usually wouldn’t care about things like that and would completely ignore it, but it was hard to do so when it felt like he couldn’t breathe when she was close.

Rose seemed completely unbothered by this, and she looked as if she would prefer never to see him again. He hated that part, and he hated how clearer it was each day—but it didn’t matter. Right now, she was with him and he intended to keep it that way.

He stopped in front of the open dining room abruptly, and she bumped into his back. Caius had done this on purpose. He turned just his neck and top half to look at her, and Rose quickly stepped back.

"I am sorry, Your Majesty," she said and curtsied.

Caius narrowed his eyes and turned away. She didn’t have to jump that far away. He turned his attention back to the open doors and continued walking.

"Your Highness," Lord Leopold called.

The Lord started to get on his feet as he spoke, and the rest of the people at the table did the same as they paid their respects. Caius took his seat, and Rose came up beside him, curtsying before she sat down.

"Rose," Lady Deana said with a smile as Rose sat down.

"My lady," Rose replied with a friendly smile.

Caius remembered seeing them together when he returned. He was not surprised they had become friendly. Lady Deana wouldn’t care if Rose were a commoner or not.

Prince Rylen was mostly quiet during the meal, and Caius could guess why. They had not been successful during the day. It was like the bandits had vanished, or perhaps they had gotten news beforehand that the crown prince was coming and had made themselves scarce.

They found a few hideouts, but they were empty except for a few worthless stolen items. That was the only indication that they had come to the right place. They had arrived too late.

The rest of his men had also turned up empty, but they had no plans to give up. Caius planned to broaden their search tomorrow. He was certain the bandits were still in Futherfield. He was worried that with the weather getting worse in the coming days, they would be harder to find, which meant they had to move faster.

Rylen was quiet because he was angry. He seemed to believe Caius following the main road had tipped the bandits off. Caius didn’t think so. There was no indication that his carriage was the royal carriage.

Besides, unless they had been tipped off that he was coming, there was no reason for the bandits to be cautious. Caius didn’t even see any sign of them, let alone them running off at the sight of his carriage.

Lord Leopold also mentioned that their activities in the last few days had dwindled, which wasn’t good. Perhaps he should have come sooner.

"Your Highness," Lady Deana said with glee halfway through the meal, pulling Caius out of his deep thoughts. "You didn’t mention that Rose could play so well."

Rose raised her head, and Caius didn’t miss the look on her face. She was clearly not happy that Lady Deana was talking about this. Caius, however, wanted to know everything.

"Play?" he asked with feigned ignorance. He knew exactly what Rose could play. He had also seen the flute in the drawer along with the letter.

"Yes," Lady Deana said with a nod. "You didn’t know?" she asked, looking from Rose to Caius.

Rose smiled tightly as Lady Deana glanced at her, and even though she could feel Caius’ gaze on her, she refused to look in his direction.

"Know what, Lady Deana? Pray tell me what it is Rose can play," he said.

"The flute. She is so good. And guess what? She taught herself to play the flute. Isn’t that impressive?"

"Indeed it is," Caius said with a slight nod of his head. "If only I could have heard it. I am sure it is as good as you say."

"Have you never heard her play before, Your Highness? I promise it is the most marvelous thing."

Caius shook his head. "I am afraid not," he said without hesitation. "I haven’t had the pleasure of listening. I didn’t even know she could play."

Rose couldn’t take it anymore. She turned her head in his direction and couldn’t even be surprised when he was looking at her. He raised a brow, as though daring her to counter what he just said.

"Really, Rose?" Lady Deana said with disbelief.

Rose slightly nodded her head. She couldn’t exactly say the crown prince was lying. She didn’t know what he was getting at or if this was one of his many ploys to mess with her as always.

"If only I could have heard it," Caius said with a voice that made Rose want to claw her ears out.

Lady Deana’s eyes widened, and she looked from her husband to Caius, then Rylen, and finally Rose. There was a sheepish look on her face as she stared at Rose, and even before she opened her mouth to speak, Rose already knew what she was about to ask.

"Rose," she said softly. "Would it be too much to ask that you play the flute after dinner?"

Rose closed her eyes briefly. She could feel Caius’ gaze on her. This was exactly what he wanted, and Lady Deana was playing right into it. She smiled and nodded.

"Wonderful," Lady Deana squealed. She turned to her husband. "Wait till you hear her play. It will be the best thing you ever heard."