The King's Lover-Chapter 268: Futherfield

When they got to Futherfield, it was sunset. An orange hue filled the skies, and Rose found herself looking up through the carriage window one too many times. It was a pretty sunset, and while she stared up at it, she didn’t remember her turmoils.

Futherfield was quite the town. It was just as big as Stonegate—possibly bigger. However, it didn’t have strict entry like Stonegate did. There was a huge fence and a main entrance, but it didn’t look like it went all around the town.

Rose could probably guess that the town was too big for that or perhaps there was some other reason she was unaware of. She doubted it was something she could ask anyone about.

Rose could see how they had a bandit problem, but the situation itself was indeed strange. Edenville barely had any guards and only an easy-to-break wooden gate, yet they had never had any issues with bandits. But here was a major town close to the capital having such a problem. It was concerning.

At the same time, it made sense that bandits chose this town, as it was flourishing and they had a higher chance of running into rich nobles and wealthy merchants than they would in Edenville. Regardless of the risk of it being close to the capital, the profits would be enormous.

Rose frowned as she realized the streets weren’t as bustling as Stonegate’s. They had arrived in Stonegate similarly around dusk, but it had seemed no different from noon.

The streets were filled, and more importantly, the marketplace had been open. Here, they didn’t pass through the marketplace, but the path to the Lord’s residence was quite empty.

Children didn’t run after the carriage, nor did they stare. They weren’t given the chance to. Mothers scolded their children to go into the houses, and if they didn’t listen, they would go as far as to drag them inside. After that, they locked their doors shut, and only the light of candles could be seen from outside.

It didn’t take too long for the carriage to go through the town and soon enough, they went through the gates of the Lord’s estate. The carriage hadn’t even reached the gates before they were swung open and allowed inside. Prince Rylen and Thomas had gone ahead and Rose suspected that was the reason they had easy access.

The carriage slowed then came to a full stop in front of the main building. Rose gripped the edge of the window as she stared out. The door was quickly opened, and Caius stepped out first.

He stood right outside and looked into the carriage. Rose knew she couldn’t stay in there much longer—not with the way Caius stared directly inside. She was still wearing his coat and had thought he would request it at some point, but Caius never did.

She scooted closer to the door and stood up. Caius’s hand was outstretched as she poked her head out the door, and she had no choice but to take it.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," she mumbled as her feet touched the ground.

His hand pulled away from hers, and Rose’s hand fell to her side. It was strange that she thought she could feel the warmth of his palm through her gloves.

"Your Highness," a loud, bubbly voice said as the doors of the mansion opened.

Rose lifted her gaze and briefly locked eyes with Lord Leopold, the Duke of Futherfield. The Lord was a middle-aged man; he reminded her of the Marquis of Stonegate, but he looked a little younger. There was a joviality to him that gave him the air of youth, even though he was no less than forty.

However, the Lord didn’t hold her attention for long, because right on his arm was his beautiful wife. That was exactly Rose’s thought as she stared at the Lady of Futherfield.

She had beautiful light brown hair that cascaded over her shoulders. She had slightly slanted eyes, a small nose, and full lips.

She stood by her husband as though resting some of her weight on him. There was a softness to her face and her mannerisms.

All it took was one glance to see that the Lord adored his wife.

"Lord Leopold," Caius called right back.

He took a step forward, and Rose stayed back, unsure of where she fit in all of this. The last time they were at a Lord’s house, she had spent the night in the corridor of the servants’ quarters. She doubted the situation would change just because she was wearing nicer clothes.

"Your Highness," his wife curtsied, letting go of her husband’s hand only briefly.

Rose thought her voice was as soft as she looked. She stood behind the crown prince, trying to keep herself hidden. Thomas stood to the side, where the servants were trying to take the horses away, while Rylen walked closer to the Lord.

"Lady Deana," Caius called as he stood in front of her.

"Thank you for answering our call, Your Highness. I apologize for worrying you with our problem when you’re so busy."

"It’s no problem," Caius replied immediately.

"I see you didn’t come alone," Lord Leopold said, cutting in. He glanced past Caius, his gaze resting on Rose, who immediately curtsied.

"Who is that?" his wife whispered into his ear, but it was still loud enough for Rose to hear.

Rose grabbed the hem of her dress at the question. It felt a little heavier than it needed to be. Hearing the Lady of Futherfield ask who she was was disheartening—she was nothing more than the crown prince’s whore, accompanying him on this journey to make sure he wasn’t bored.

"Rose," Caius said before the Lord could reply to his wife.

"It’s the redhead I told you about," he whispered to her. Then, louder, he said to Caius, "I didn’t think you’d bring her all the way here. Last time, you refused to introduce us."

"Your Highness," Lady Deana cut in, "Please pay my husband no mind. He is quite happy to see you. Let’s go in—dinner will be ready very soon."