The King's Lover-Chapter 414: Underhanded

"They are just good at hiding their tracks. We all know they are behind it."

Caius jerked his head toward Charles, not even bothering to hide his glare. "Starting a war on uncertainties is not the approach I prefer. Besides, I am healed, am I not? And the bandit in question is dead and six feet under. There have also been no bandit incidents since. I’d say this situation has been solved. Or, Lord Furtherfield, do you still have any issues?"

Caius turned to Lord Leopold and the entire room did the same. Leopold had the most say about the matter in this room and the rest of the lords knew this.

"No, Your Highness. None whatsoever. I’d say Your Highness is most helpful, and it is most unfortunate that you were attacked in the process, right in my town. I am happy Your Highness is safe and sound."

Caius tried not to show any expression, but he couldn’t get too angry at the lord. After all, he was the only one not shouting for war, even though most of the damage had happened in his town—and Caius recognized the significance of that. If Lord Leopold wasn’t demanding retribution, the rest of them, who had nothing to do with it, couldn’t demand it either.

"I am glad we were able to bring an end to it," he turned to Lord Charles. "There is no reason to start a war over an issue that has already been resolved."

"This would just give them more reason to attack us. We can’t fold our hands and let them do as they like." Charles was unrelenting and looked around at the other lords for support and got enough nods to boost him.

"No one is doing as they like. I understand the appeal of starting a war, but I refuse to do so on a few lords’ pride. Sending men to die simply because you feel it is the right thing to do is cowardly—especially when you would be in your house drinking tea. Now, if you have anything else to discuss, I am all ears."

The hall immediately went cold as the lords looked from one person to another. They all knew what the Crown Prince was saying: if they were indeed to start a war, not one of them at the table would join in. They would send their relatives or sons. However, the Crown Prince himself would participate.

The rest of the meeting was dreary, with a few reports made. Caius zoned out at this point and just let Rylen handle it.

When it finally ended, he was the first one out the door. Caius wanted to avoid any personal discussion or questions about his new bride. He was surprised that talks about Lystern weren’t brought up, but he knew just how tough this time was for the kingdom; they would most likely need support from them instead.

"Your Grace. Your Grace."

Rylen was calling him. He could hear, but it felt like a chore to answer, especially since he knew his cousin was about to tell him something he would rather not hear.

"Your Grace," Rylen finally caught up with him.

"Is something the matter?" he asked without slowing his stride.

"Her Majesty wants to see you."

Caius almost stumbled, wondering if Caira had tattled—but he doubted that. His mother most likely wanted to confirm that last night was a success.

"Not now," Caius said. "I’ve only just finished the meeting. Dealing with the lords was tiresome, and I still have tons of work to do—no thanks to you."

Rylen’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t say anything; he simply bowed. "Yes, Your Grace."

He slowed down while Caius walked onward. Things between them were even more awkward now. However, Caius realized he wasn’t as angry anymore about Rylen’s involvement, especially since he’d discovered the King could have just threatened him with Rose at any point to get him to play along.

Caius was surprised his father had realized, it did make him a little angry that the king had figured it out first. He scratched at his beard, it was hard not to think about her and when he would see her again. Which was thankfully just after dinner. She shouldn’t have any problems with the tasks; he had prepared them that way. He wondered what she would ask for.

He made his way to his private study. He had letters and reports to go through. They weren’t a necessity, and he could probably put them off for another week—but he needed the excuse.

"Get me, Thomas," he said to the guard standing in front of his study.

The guard bowed and held the door open. Caius walked in, and the door closed behind him. He went to the table and sat down, picking up the top report from the stack. His cousin was always meticulous.

Halfway through the first document, a soft knock echoed in the space. Caius didn’t even raise his head as the door opened moments later and Thomas walked in.

"Your Highness," Thomas said with a bow.

"Thomas," he called without looking up. "I need you to do something for me. Head to Rose’s room; she should give you some items that belong to me. Keep them in my room."

"Yes, Highness. Is that all?"

"No," Caius said and slowly raised his head.

He wanted Rose to be comfortable, and doing the things she liked was the way to go about it. Right now, she didn’t want any evidence of their affair left in her room, and he would keep it that way.

Caius tried not to chuckle at the idea of calling this an affair. He knew this was not a long-term solution, but for now, it would have to do. He wondered what she would ask for. He wondered if it might relate to her father. She was bothered about him, and Caius hadn’t forgotten his promise to fix that problem.

"What else, Your Highness?"

"Take a chessboard with you."

Thomas frowned but simply said, "As Your Highness wishes." He then bowed and exited the room.

Caius leaned back in his seat as he watched the door close. His major concern was Rose. It was pretty clear that all she thought about was leaving him, but Caius was determined to make that impossible. He wanted her to lean on him, but Rose was stubborn—and perhaps that was the reason he could not help but try his hardest, even using underhanded methods.