The King's Lover-Chapter 427: Trinkets

Caira was reading a book in her room when she heard a knock. After the incident, she wanted to stay in her room for the day, only setting out to eat meals—to give the rumors some time to die down.

After she had returned to her room last night, Caira had wiped her tears and hardened her mind. She was a little embarrassed by her behavior, which had drawn more attention than was necessary. At least the rumors were leaning away from her and blaming someone else—not that her husband didn’t want to touch her.

She didn’t feel as awful as last night, and she wondered if Prince Rylen had anything to do with that. He had escorted her to breakfast along with her maid, and Caira didn’t miss that he had spoken about everything except what happened the night before.

She had apologized about his handkerchief and offered to give it back as soon as it was clean, but he told her to keep it. Caira didn’t want to do that, but considering how gross she had made it, it was only normal that he had asked her to keep it.

Mara made her way to the door to open it after her mistress said that she could. They were not expecting any guests at this time, and neither of them had any idea who it would be.

"Mister Henry," Mara was quick to bow as she opened the door.

Henry stood on the other side with a strained expression on his face. "Mara, I have a word for Her Highness."

Mara glanced back, but Caira didn’t lift her head from her book. She was out of view, so the butler couldn’t see what was going on.

"Tell me, and I shall inform her," Mara said politely.

"Of course," he stated. "The crown prince would like to have a private moment with Her Highness. His Highness states that whatever location Her Highness is most comfortable will be used."

Mara did her best to keep her expression neutral. "I will let her know and get back to you, Mister Henry," Mara spoke as politely as she could through the stiff smile that was threatening to break off her face.

"Of course. As soon as you have made a decision, please send word."

Mara nodded and closed the door, proud that she didn’t slam it in the butler’s face. It wasn’t his fault, after all. It was the crown prince’s.

Mara crossed the room and stopped in front of her mistress. She was sure the princess had heard what the butler had said, but she was pretending otherwise, keeping her gaze glued to the book she held.

"My lady," Mara called to get her attention.

"You should have given him an answer, Mara. You didn’t have to come to me."

"I know, my lady, but it would seem rude to do so without actually consulting you."

Caira paused and looked up. "You want the words to actually come from my lips."

Mara nodded multiple times.

"Fine," Caira said and returned her gaze to the book. "Tell the crown prince..."

---

Caius watched Henry walk into his private study with his head bowed. He carefully approached the desk, and Caius couldn’t help but think he seemed cautious.

He frowned, wondering if something had gone wrong. He had done as his mother had requested and planned to make amends. He was going to apologize for sending her off in the manner that he did and give the same excuse he had given his mother.

"Your Highness," he bowed as he stopped in front of the desk.

"What do you have for me, Henry?" Caius asked and leaned back in his seat.

"I have w-word from the princess."

"Go on then, what did she say?"

"Her Highness said t-that..." Henry swallowed.

Caius’s frown deepened, but this only seemed to worsen the butler’s anxiety. Caius couldn’t imagine what it was the princess could have said that would put the butler in this state.

Besides, the worst she could say was no—and that was exactly what he wanted. If she did that, there was a chance to dissolve this marriage. However, if she was willing to take everything he threw at her, they were going to have a problem.

Henry cleared his throat and started again, "Her Highness said that ’Today just won’t do.’"

Caius blinked slowly, then he burst out laughing. The butler was confused and relieved at the same time, but the fact that he wasn’t getting in trouble superseded his confusion.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Henry replied, sounding more confident this time.

"Anything else?"

"No, Your Highness."

"Very well. I have one more task for you. Here," Caius said and took off his ring. "Get into the royal vaults and get as much gold and silver jewelry as you can. Give them to the princess."

"As many?" Henry blurted out.

"As many, Henry. Now get out."

Caius was impressed. He didn’t expect the princess to have this much of a backbone. Not only had she declined, but she had used his very own words.

Caius didn’t look surprised when his butler returned moments later with a dreary look on his face. He stopped in front of the desk and held out the crown prince’s ring with shaky hands.

Caius immediately snatched it and put it on. "Yes?"

"She said she has no need for t-trinkets." The princess had said much more, but Henry wasn’t sure he could survive saying it. It had taken all of his willpower to say "trinkets."

"Trinkets?" Caius laughed again. "Did you inform her that they are from the royal treasury?"

Henry nodded. "She insisted I take them away." The princess had actually said he should turn them into metal so that they would serve a better purpose that way.

Henry could not help but think he was being dragged into a mess that had absolutely nothing to do with him. He had heard the rumors going around the castle but Henry did his best not to concern himself with side talks.

"Is that so?" Caius stroked his stubble as he thought of something.

His goal was to make amends but at the same time, Caius didn’t want things to get better, he just wanted this to pass so he could do as he liked. However, he decided that he might give his actions a rest today and perhaps continue tomorrow.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"You may leave."

"Thank you, Your Highness."