Caius was simring with frustration as he made his way back to Rose. The eting had ended with less information than they had at the beginning. There were too many enemies to pinpoint exactly one, and that made things too complicated, especially with the skill of the n used.
"Your Majesty," Prince Gayle called.
Caius had noticed him approaching but had pretended otherwise. Prince Gayle was in his wing; this wasn’t happenstance. Did his uncle seek him out?
"Uncle," Caius called as he turned to face him.
"I heard what happened," Prince Gayle said and stepped forward. "To think sothing like that would happen sowhere so public. What were the guards stationed in the marketplace doing?"
"It is most unfortunate," Caius simply said. He didn’t offer more information. Sothing about Prince Gayle made him cautious.
"Is she okay?"
Caius frowned. It wasn’t like his uncle to ask. Caius wasn’t oblivious; the older man neither supported nor opposed, but here he was directly addressing Rose.
"Uncle," Caius called, ignoring his question as he stepped closer to him. "Do you have any idea who could have orchestrated this attack?"
Prince Gayle had a blank look on his face for a mont, then focused his eyes on his nephew. "If I were to make a list, we would spend all night here. No one is pleased about what you have chosen to do."
Caius narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying you’re against ?"
Prince Gayle shook his head. "Absolutely not," he said with a small smile. "You’re my nephew. I am behind whatever decision you make, as your uncle."
Caius let himself relax a little, but he didn’t completely trust his uncle’s words. For all he knew, he could be lying, and Caius could think of a reason why. All the lords had a problem with the rule his father had made, including his uncle especially since this rule was made because of him.
"Thank you, Uncle," Caius returned the smile. "I am really glad you’re here."
He placed his hand on his uncle’s shoulder, and the latter glanced at the touch before bowing stiffly.
"Is there anything you’d like to discuss?"
"No, I was rely walking towards Rylen’s bedchambers when I ran into Your Majesty. I bid you a goodnight."
Caius nodded and made his way up the stairs. Prince Gayle watched him for a mont before he turned and exited the King’s wing, heading for his bedchambers.
Caius heard laughter as he opened the door to his bedroom. Rose was lying on the bed while her ladies-in-waiting sat on the carpet. They were clearly discussing sothing they found funny.
However, as soon as he opened the door, the laughter died down, and the young won jumped to their feet, bowing dramatically.
"Your Majesty."
Caius waved his hand at them as he approached the bed. They scattered like flies, abruptly told Rose goodnight, and fled the room.
"You could try to be less scary, Your Majesty," Rose said with a chuckle as the door shut.
"Where is the fun in that?" he asked as he walked towards her. He was doing his best to keep the result of the eting out of his expression.
"How did it go?" Rose asked directly.
Caius took off his mantle and tossed it aside as he sat down on the bed. "Why don’t you let worry about that?" He asked and reached to lightly touch her face.
Rose narrowed her eyes, looking at him with an unimpressed expression. "I almost got killed, Your Majesty. It isn’t fair to keep your findings away from ."
Caius’s gaze darkened as he touched her injured cheek. The wound was healing, but the mark greatly displeased him. It was bound to leave a scar.
Rose didn’t like playing this card, but she would prefer not to be kept in the dark, not when it was clear that the people she was against wanted her dead.
"There aren’t any findings," he replied with a sigh. It was embarrassing to state his failure to the one he swore to protect.
Rose’s expression dimd, and she shrank, moving her face from his hand. It wasn’t a deliberate action. It was just the realization that whoever had attacked her was free to do it again, and this ti around, they might target her father.
"Rose," he whispered. "It is not completely hopeless. Maximus intends to return to the marketplace. He is bound to pick up sothing he might have missed while protecting you."
"My father," she simply whispered.
"I could send guards to Lady Delphine’s residence."
Rose shook her head. "Just soone who can keep watch in secret. I don’t want to draw too much attention to him."
However, Rose was certain she had already drawn attention. If they had waited for her at the marketplace, they must have been well aware of her routine. Even if they didn’t know her father was in Lady Delphine’s residence, they must be aware that the manor was important to her. It was the only place she visited.
"As you wish," Caius replied.
"Do you have any idea who may be behind this, Your Majesty?" Rose asked with wide eyes as she looked up at him.
Caius had to hide his smile. It was the sa question he had asked Rylen, Thomas, and Maximus. Did they think alike because they spent so much ti together?
"I can ntion a few nas, but I promise that none will touch you. The castle is safe, and with guards everywhere, no one would dare attack you. It is the sole reason they chose to attack while you were out of the castle."
Rose nodded. She had to agree with him, but at the sa ti, it also ant she couldn’t see her father. It would be too dangerous for her to leave the castle.
"I will send word to Lady Delphine tomorrow. Just to give her a warning and for them to be alert."
"Do you need help?" Caius asked with a smirk.
"Does my husband underestimate ?" Rose asked with a smirk. "Or perhaps you don’t think you’ve done a good enough job?"
Caius laughed. "Now you’re making it my fault." He kissed the top of her head. "I wouldn’t dare underestimate you."
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