The King's Lover-Chapter 455: Another Ploy

Lunch finally ended, and without much ado, Caius made his way to his study. He still had a couple of things to take care of now that he could no longer rely on Rylen.

Caius had absolutely no intention of seeing his father, regardless of what news he heard. He wouldn’t easily forgive the old man for tying him down with this marriage and threatening Rose. His mother and Rylen could say whatever they wanted, but they wouldn’t change his mind.

His study was brightly lit with the sun high up in the sky. Sunlight filled the space as Caius made his way to his desk and got to work. Too bad he couldn’t enjoy Rose’s company right now; she would certainly make him forget all the unnecessary things.

Caius had barely gotten through the document he held when a soft knock interrupted. He frowned, dropping the paper as he leaned back in his seat. He wasn’t expecting anyone, and since the last time Rylen had come to his office, he hadn’t been back.

Caius didn’t expect his cousin to return to convince him, as Rylen knew better, and the strained relationship between them only seemed to make things worse.

Caius didn’t give any order for the person knocking to come in, not until the third knock. Caius’s frown only worsened as his father’s most trusted physician walked through the open door.

"Your Highness," he called with a bow as the door shut behind him.

"Lord Briar."

Briar was a middle-aged man with a receding hairline. He was slightly hunched over and had lost a few inches in height since his prime. He had a refined way about him and a pleasant, professional smile.

However, as he stood in front of the crown prince, his pleasant expression faltered a few times. He shuffled his feet, hesitant to draw closer, but he was here on a mission—one he had to deliver on the King’s orders.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"State your business, Briar," Caius stated, deliberately excluding his title. He knew this was about his father, and it made him angry.

"I apologize for interrupting your day, Your Highness," Briar was quick to say, "but I bring urgent news from His Majesty."

"What is this news?" Caius asked with a yawn as he picked up the document.

Briar stepped forward, feeling a little more confident. "His Majesty would like you to visit his room for a game of chess."

Caius moved the paper away from his face with such force that it made a loud swishing sound. "What did you just say?"

"H-His Majesty would like you to play—"

"I heard you. Why?" he asked, staring hard at Briar.

The physician held his hands behind his back. "I do not know, Your Highness, but this is an order from His Majesty."

Caius laughed. "An order? We haven’t played chess since I turned twelve, when he gave me this mark." He pointed to his chin. "Do you remember?"

The physician nodded; there was no way he didn’t. He was the one who had treated Caius. The poor lad had been bleeding profusely after a spat with his father.

Briar winced as he recalled; it was a dark day in the castle, and even before the crown prince was completely healed, his father sent him away to join the mercenaries. Briar knew all about it.

"Answer me."

Briar jerked out of his memories. "Yes, Your Highness, I remember, but please, Your Highness."

"No," Caius said and returned his attention to the document, annoyed that he had lost his cool.

He knew chess was just another ploy to make him go see his father, but Caius couldn’t help but think how odd his father was to suggest this. There was no way he would agree simply because of a game.

"Please, Your Highness. I am sure you know your father’s condition has worsened."

Caius looked up without raising his head. "Leave, Briar."

The physician jerked and immediately bowed. "Please excuse me, Your Highness."

Caius looked down again. He pushed the thought to the furthest corner of his mind; he didn’t care who came to ask, he would not go to see the king.

---

Caira was seated in the library as she waited. She tried to read, doing her best not to give off the impression that she was impatient, but her feet tapped against the floor and she had to press her hand on her leg to keep it still.

Mara watched her with a smile on her lips. She had heard Caira’s request to Rylen—after all, she was always near—and she knew her mistress was anxiously waiting for him.

The door opened and Rylen walked through, and Caira was on her feet before she realized it. "Prince Rylen," she called with glee. "You came."

Mara tried not to react, keeping her face as blank as she possibly could. It was nice to see the princess forget her etiquette out of excitement. She wondered if Caira was aware of her feelings for him, but it was not her place to say.

"Princess," Rylen said and bowed.

He looked as impeccable as always, but Caira didn’t miss the darkness in his eyes, similar to the Queen’s. Caira wondered if this had something to do with the King. The question was on the tip of her tongue but she kept her mouth sealed, afraid of overstepping.

She had only seen the King once, and that was at the wedding, but Caira was quite aware of how sickly he was. He didn’t stay long, and as soon as the officiating process was over, he left.

She wanted to offer help, but Rylen didn’t even want to speak to her about the problem, and she knew it was because he didn’t want to bother her. She wished he wouldn’t see it that way.

She curtsied back at him before taking her seat. Rylen walked closer and took his beside her. Just as he sat down, Mara stepped forward and curtsied.

"Excuse me, my lady. I will be right back."

Caira nodded; it was the same thing as the day they had kissed. Mara never said why she left, and Caira realized she hadn’t asked. However, she couldn’t think too much about it as Rylen was speaking to her, she turned to look at him, her maid completely forgotten.