The King’s Lover

Rose was unsure what she was looking at as she stood outside her house in her thick, warm fur coat. She wrapped it around herself as she stared down at Madame Oliver, who was a little red. It might be from the cold or how angry she looked, Rose was unsure.

However, not just her presence was unexpected, but the accusation and glare in her eyes. Rose was at a loss for words at the woman on her front step, who looked like she might strike her.

It was some time before sunset—the sun already showing signs that any moment now it would be gone from view, leaving only cloudy skies and a crescent moon to guide the night.

Rose had just finished making dinner from the grains the baron had been generous enough to add. There was a bag of rye and a smaller bag of wheat.

Rose couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the bag of wheat. Rye was commonplace, hardier than wheat, and mostly eaten by commoners. Wheat wasn't just expensive—it could be used to make fine white bread, and the baron had given some to them.

Even if it was a small amount, the fact that it was added was unbelievable. If they were to sell it at the marketplace, it would be more than enough to pay for the wood they would need for the rest of winter. But Rose knew better than to do that.

Firstly, she couldn't sell a gift from the baron. Secondly, everyone would know who it came from and would likely either refuse to buy it or report to the baron and get her in trouble. Thirdly—and probably most important—Rose didn't want to give them confirmation.

She was certain news was already flying around. If Madame Oliver was loudly calling her a harlot, who knew what the rest of the town was saying? Besides, though Thomas was helping her, he only made the rumors worse. Rose didn't mind—she'd endure a few rumors if her parents could eat well.

Since it was a special occasion, Rose had wasted no time in preparing some gruel. She had just finished cooking and was serving her parents a plate when she heard the knock.

"Madame Oliver," Rose said as politely as she could. Her eyes quickly scanned around and, of course, a few people's eyes darted toward her direction as they pretended to go about their business. "To what do I owe—"

"'Arlot! 'Ow dare ye? First, ye shamelessly return after spreadin' ye legs all over tha capital, and now ye 'ave decided to do tha same in Edenville. Jealous tha mi son is married to a proper lady, ye resort to tis disgustin' ways!" Madame Oliver barked at Rose, pointing her fingers at her.

Rose's mouth nearly dropped to the floor at Madame Oliver's outburst. She had anticipated a lot of things, but none came close to what she was hearing. She was glad she had closed the door as soon as she stepped out, else her parents would have been privy to such vile words when all they wanted to do was enjoy dinner.

If her parents were spared, the rest of the neighborhood wasn't, as Madame Oliver wasn't the least bit quiet. It was as if she intended to draw as much attention as possible to herself.

Rose tightened the fur coat around herself. At least the good thing was she didn't have to deal with this while freezing her fingers off.

"Madame Oliver, I am sure there must be a misunderstanding. I don't understand what it is you're angry at, and I have no intention of coming between Emma and Ander. I have given them my bless—"

"O, silence! Speakin' to me in tha condescending manner. Ye must 'ave lost ye mind! Tis is yer doin', isn't it? Ye 'ave spread ye legs for just anyone—for trinkets!" She pointed angrily at the coat Rose wore.

Rose frowned. She wasn't surprised that word had gotten to Madame Oliver, but she didn't think it was reason enough to be this angry and accuse her so harshly.

"I am still very confused, Madame—"

"Say mi name one more time, ye 'arlot! I 'ope ye are 'appy now. But ye know mi son will never want ye, and there are many jobs in Edenville. Mi son will just find anot'er one."

Rose's brows furrowed as she tried to understand. Was Ander dismissed from working the stables at the baron's mansion? He had been working there for quite some time and was practically in charge of all the horses. The baron wouldn't suddenly let him go.

Her brows suddenly lifted as she went from less confusion to more understanding. The only reason she could think of for Ander being dismissed was Thomas recognizing him and asking the baron to let him go. But Thomas wouldn't do that—he had no reason to bother himself with such a petty matter.

However, Madame Oliver was glaring at Rose with fire in her eyes, completely convinced she was the reason her son lost his job. Rose realized she didn't feel the slightest pity. It also didn't help that his mother was accusing her of sleeping with the baron just so Ander would be dismissed.

It was ridiculous but Madame Oliver certainly believed so and had come all the way here to scold Rose for it. It hurt. A few months ago, she was going to be married to her son but now, she was nothing more than a harlot who would lie with anyone.

Before this, Madame Oliver had never been mean to her, she could be a little much sometimes as she was particularly close to her son but Rose didn't see it the wrong way as she was equally close with her parents.

"Don't t'ink ye 'ave won! 'Ave ye no shame? Ye left wit'out a word, leaving my poor Ander to wallow in pain, and now ye do tis after taintin' yerself all over tha capital!"

Rose's eyes blazed and how dismissive Madame Oliver was about her father almost being executed. "You say it as if I left on purpose!"

Madame Oliver scoffed. "Someone like ye wouldn't say no to tha crown prince. I 'eard ye stole a 'orse and ran after 'im to the capital. 'Arlot! Tha crown prince is sick of ye and returned yer to Edenville. Now ye want to sink ye claws into tha men 'ere! Leave mi son alone. 'E is married and doesn't want no 'arlot for 'is wife! Tryin' to ruin 'is life and marriage would only bring ye years of bad luck! But ye 'ave already done tha yerself."

Rose couldn't believe what Madame Oliver was spewing about her, but for some reason she was rooted to the spot. She didn't say anything to defend herself, just stared.

Besides, what could she possibly say that would change Madame Oliver's opinion of her especially after hearing the woman completely dismiss her attempt to save her father's life?

There was no way Madame Oliver didn't know what had happened. There was no way she didn't know Rose's father's life was on the line. It was her son who came to tell Rose that her father was about to be executed.