The King's Lover-Chapter 279: Uncultured Swine

Rose didn’t know how long they stayed awake frolicking in the sheets, but when the servants came the next morning, all she wanted to do was sleep for half the day. However, she couldn’t afford to be lax—she didn’t have time to waste. She only had the morning to get ready.

Caius was surprisingly calmer, and there was a smile on his face every time he turned in her direction. It was annoying that they shared a room; at least if they didn’t, she could run to her own space after they were done.

The crown prince stood in front of her after they had dressed for breakfast. He wore linens, and the collar of his shirt was loosened. His breeches were tucked neatly into his boots, but the armor had yet to be strapped on. After breakfast, he would don armor and set out from the estate.

She lifted her eyes from his chest, and Caius had a hint of a smile on his lips. Rose hated his cheeky face, but at the same time, she didn’t really hate it. It was nice to see him in a good mood—it didn’t happen often.

He was only an inch away from her—any closer and they were bound to touch. He moved his hand to her face, his touch softer than she had expected. His gloved hand felt cold against her skin, a stark contrast to the night before.

Caius smirked, as though he had picked up on her thoughts, and Rose entertained the thought of smacking him.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked her with that knowing look on his face.

"Yes," Rose replied without hesitation, holding his gaze. She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction.

"Hmm," he said, tilting his head slightly, his hand still on her face. "That’s too bad. I had hoped you wouldn’t be able to use your legs for the rest of the day."

The servants! Rose internally screamed. For a royal, she couldn’t help but think the crown prince acted like an uncultured swine.

Rose smiled tightly at him. What else could she say? Besides, it wasn’t like the people didn’t know exactly what she was here for.

"This shouldn’t take much longer," he said, still caressing her cheek. His hand moved lower to the corner of her lips. "My business in Futherfield will be over before you know it."

Caius held Rose’s gaze. He could still see the bliss from the night before, even though she wanted to act otherwise. It was funny how he couldn’t suddenly remember what he was so angry about—and he knew nothing could ruin his good mood.

His hand lightly grazed her lip, and he was moving his head closer before he even thought about it. He saw her eyes widen, but Caius didn’t really care. He wanted to kiss her, and that was exactly what he planned to do.

Rose closed her eyes as their lips met. She should have seen it coming, but surprisingly, the kiss wasn’t bad. It was almost like he was telling her he would be back.

He pulled away, and once again had that annoying smirk on his face. Rose was convinced she had lost her mind to think something like that.

"We should go," he said, as though she were the one keeping them there.

Rose hid her lips and nodded. Caius glanced at her, then reluctantly turned around, walking toward the doors. Rose didn’t miss how the servants didn’t look her in the face.

She did her best to ignore them. She was already used to the crown prince’s public antics; the servants were the least among the list of people he endlessly displayed in front of. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Caius walked at a steady pace in front of her as they made their way to the dining room. Rose curtsied before taking a seat just as Lady Deana called to her.

"Rose, good morning," she said with glee.

Rose smiled, returning the greeting. She could tell that the crown prince had his attention on her, but his stare wasn’t as grating as before—there was a gentleness to it.

"Did you get enough sleep?" Lady Deana asked, while her husband choked on his water. She turned to him with a worried glance, and he nodded to show he was fine.

"Yes, thank you," Rose replied.

"Thank you for last night," Lady Deana was quick to say, and Rose nodded.

It wasn’t like she had much choice in the matter, but to be honest, she didn’t completely hate it. She glanced at Prince Rylen, and he seemed quiet. It wasn’t that he was loud, but Prince Rylen was polite and usually joined in conversations. Today, he seemed to be avoiding them.

The conversation shifted, and soon enough, Caius was discussing plans with Lord Leopold. Rylen joined in only to agree or disagree—he didn’t offer much.

Not long after, breakfast ended, and Rose walked side by side with Lady Deana, accompanying the men to the entrance. Lady Deana wanted to wave them goodbye, and it didn’t seem like Rose could decline, so she agreed.

Caius turned to look at her with an odd expression as they got to the exit. Rose closed her palms, worried that he might try to kiss her again in such a public place.

The doors were wide open, and men in armor sat on horses. The front yard was filled with them. Rose could see Thomas through the open door.

"May you all return safely," Lady Deana said.

Rose was relieved when Caius looked at Lady Deana as she spoke. "Thank you," he said, and accepted his sword from a servant.

"I will rid Futherfield of this problem soon enough," he said, and turned around, walking out the doors.

Lady Deana waved at them as she stepped forward, and Rose found herself doing the same.

Caius mounted his horse and glanced at her before turning the horse around and heading for the gates. Rose stood there with Lady Deana until all they could see was the dust the men left behind.