Rowan stood firmly in front of Rosalind's door with his gaze fixed straight ahead. He had been there for a while and he hadn't moved from his position, remaining perfectly still like a statue just as it was expected of him.
His gaze shifted slightly when the door to another room opened and one of the mistresses stepped out. At first, he assumed she was heading elsewhere, but then she walked toward Rosalind's room, and her footsteps halted before him. He gave a slight bow.
"May I have a word with her?" Lady Verity asked. She was the fourth mistress of Alaric.
"Of course, my lady," Rowan replied and she nodded. Then there was a knock on the door.
Rosalind's gaze drifted to the door, and after a moment of hesitation, she said, "Come in." Her eyes narrowed as she expected the footman to enter and speak, but her attention fell on a woman. Rosalind instantly realized it was one of the mistresses.
She straightened up on the bed and regained her composure. She hadn't expected a mistress to come and see her.
She had assumed they were deliberately isolating her, and she didn't mind. She wasn't here to be friends anyway.
Once the door closed, the two women regarded each other for a moment in silence. "Hello," the mistress said suddenly with a small smile on her lips.
Rosalind returned the gesture. She couldn't say why but this felt awkward.
Perhaps it was because when she first arrived, this particular mistress had observed her with a neutral expression.
Rosalind took in the woman's appearance. She had auburn hair, brown eyes, and slightly taller than her. Yet, she was just as striking as the other women.
"We should take a seat," Rosalind offered.
"Right," Lady Verity replied, and Rosalind guided her to the couch. They both settled onto the velvety sofa, and Rosalind placed a pillow across her lap.
She noticed how Verity studied her as well, and the mistress seemed equally awkward.
"My name's Verity. I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself sooner," she began.
Rosalind shook her head. "That's okay," she replied. "Rosalind," she introduced herself.
Verity nodded. She already knew Rosalind's name because ever since the newcomer had arrived, the other mistresses had whispered endlessly about her sun-kissed skin, hazel eyes, and chestnut hair, saying that she was the most beautiful woman they had ever seen in Eryndor.
Now sitting close, Verity could see for herself how warm Rosalind's hazel eyes were under the chandelier light. "Are you okay?" she asked after a pause.
Rosalind was quiet for a moment. "I watched what happened and couldn't help but feel for you. That's why I came to see how you're doing," Verity explained.
She had seen Rosalind struggle against the king and how she had protested and wished to go home, only for him to insist she will remain with him and that was the same thing that happened with verity.
Rosalind forced a small smile. "I'm still trying to process everything," she admitted. "I'll be fine," she added, even though she was far from it.
"All of us here know what it's like to be under the king's control. We only manage by getting along. It would be hard if you were alone," Verity said and then added, "You should come and join us."
"I'm not really sure," Rosalind admitted honestly. Bonding wasn't why she was here, she only wished to leave.
"I understand… Take your time, and we'll welcome you when you're ready," Verity reassured her and Rosalind offered a faint smile in return.
"Thank you for coming," Rosalind said and Verity nodded thoughtfully, then her eyes narrowed as she spoke again. "I would have to warn you to be careful. I know It doesn't end with a single attempt, most of us have tried to defy him, but there's no way to escape the king. At first, he may be intrigued, but if you remain stubborn and refuse to bend, he'll make you suffer," she said while recalling her own experiences.
"Thank you for the advice," Rosalind replied and the two women rose and exchanged bows.
"You can come to me if you need anything. I'm willing to assist you," Verity offered, and Rosalind nodded before seeing her out of the room.
Rosalind hadn't expected the conversation with Verity to go so smoothly, and she realized that beneath the mistress's calm and blank expression was a kindness shaped by her own suffering. Verity had endured much and didn't want anyone else to face the same and Rosalind who had always been observant could recognize it immediately.
Later that evening, Rosalind was prepared for dinner. She had heard that all the mistresses had been summoned to dine with the king and refusal was not permitted.
As a final touch of rose tint graced her lips, the maids were done preparing her. Then they bowed before stepping aside.
When Rosalind stepped out of her room, she noticed Rowan standing quietly by the door with his head lowered. As she began walking, he began to follow her from behind.
The space between them was enough to avoid discomfort yet it made her feel caged.
Rosalind frowned throughout the entire walk. And when they reached the doors of the dining hall, she reached for the handle only for Rowan to move faster and open the door without dropping his composure in the slightest. She rolled her eyes as she stepped inside.
The hall was already filled up. Even the king was present and his eyes lit up the moment he saw Rosalind enter.
Rosalind's gaze met Verity's briefly, and they exchanged a subtle nod ofacknowledgment.
Rosalind went to curtsy before Alaric. "Your majesty," she said while catching the approving smile on his face.
"You look splendid, my sweet rose," Alaric said while gesturing with his finger. Rosalind hesitated briefly then she moved forward to kiss it.
Alaric's attention flicked toward Rowan who stood behind her before returning to Rosalind as if the footman had become invisible. "I haven't seen the sun in a while," he added with a tilt of his head.