Rose true nature

It was preferable for him to remain devoid of love rather than to fall for a peasant who had nothing to contribute to the royal family or the kingdom. However, Melissa could not bring herself to mention Jess to Rose, knowing it would break her heart into a thousand pieces.

Not wanting to kill her enthusiasm, she replied with a forced smile:

What news could bring a smile to my face and soothe my frustration?

She asked.

Rose smiled. She leaned closer to Melissa and whispered into her ear.

He asked me out on a date as a way of apologizing.

Melissa stated, with a wide grin on her face.

What?

Melissa asked, disbelief written all over her face.

When was this?

Melissa quizzed further.

His assistant handed me a letter during the welcome ceremony; I did not have time to read it in the carriage, so I waited till I got home.

Rose explained.

I had the exact reaction as you.

Rose added with excitement.

Can I see the letter?

Melissa asked Rose in a hopeful voice.

Of course, what sort of silly question is that?

Rose said as they began strolling to her room in excitement.
Rose went straight to a golden box on the small shelf beside her bed and retrieved a letter from the drawer on getting to her room.

Here it is.

Rose said as she handed the letter to Melissa.

Rose dropped the bunny on the ground as it began to nip at her hand. So, she motioned for a guard to take it away and release it back into the garden where she had picked it before settling herself on the bed.

Melissa opened the letter and instantly recognized the cursive handwriting of her brother. She quickly joined Rose on the bed as she read the contents aloud.

I sincerely apologize for not being able to welcome and host you in person during your visit. To make up for this, I would like to invite you to a private dinner and a personal tour of the city.

So, he planned a date night where both of you can have the time to yourselves without distractions.

Melissa said thoughtfully after reading the letter for the second time.

Melissa knew her brother well enough to know that he was buying time to delay the marriage, as he had made it clear that he would not marry for political reasons.

Whatever had led his brother to plan this date was irrelevant; what mattered now was how to trap him into having an affair with Rose so that he would take responsibility for her. 

Melissa understood that once the marriage was publicly declared, her brother would have no choice but to fulfil his duties as the crown prince to avoid conflict with the great Iduim Kingdom, which was why he was avoiding it.

He probably wants it to be intimate and fuzzy,” Melissa mumbled with a sly and mischievous smile.

Melissa said with a grin on her face as she thought of a devilish idea.

See, I told you, there’s nothing to worry about.

Rose said with her eyes closed.

Well, I guess I was worried for nothing.
Melissa replied.
She scooted closer to Rose and whispered something in her ear, which made the princess gasp in surprise.

What?

Rose asked, her eyes wide with surprise after hearing the scandalous proposal of Melissa.

A little scandal will go a long way in sealing your relationship.

Melissa implied.

The night is usually cold at this time of the year, and it is harder for a man betrothed to a beautiful woman.

Melissa said with a smudge look.

The maids and guards in the room exchanged glances with each other but kept their mouths shut for fear of being thrown into the dungeon for disrespecting the princesses.

Melissa was the last child of King Mopasa of Zaza and Queen Malti. She is the younger sister of Brock and Daniel, and because she was now the only girl left after the demise of Daniel’s twin sister, she was quite over-pampered.

Seems like there is going to be another downpour. I should retire for the night before I get caught in the storm.

Melissa said and left for her room, followed by her maids and a bodyguard.

As soon as Melissa left, Rose scoffed at how naive she was.

Thanks to Melissa, my charitable façade visit will not be in vain. If things do not go as planned, the blame will fall on Melissa.

Rose glanced at the guard standing by the door, signaling for him to come closer.

How’s the investigation coming along?

Rose asked in a gruff tone.

She’s the first daughter out of two girls. Her father is a poor farmer who is currently drowning in debt. I also found out that he is looking for suitors to marry her off to, to save her from being kidnapped by Edmund, their village chief, in a ritual called the forced bride ceremony.

It appears that her motive for joining the Royal Hospital was not only to help her family repay their loans, as they are on the brink of losing their home. She is also on a quest to find her fiancé, James, who is training to become a royal guard.

Melissa smirked upon hearing the financial difficulty facing the Smiths.

How could Brock taint his eyes on such a pathetic and useless girl, worthy even to shine my shoes? Rose inquired threateningly as she pranced around the room.

Send an anonymous letter to Edmund about the whereabouts of his future mistress; helping him find his love should be our priority.

Rose instructed the guard who had his eyes on the ground.

I want them evicted before the end of this month, and also ensure that they are unable to get another house in this city.

I will not disappoint you, princess.

The guard replied.

I can only imagine the look on their faces when Edmund seizes their farm and home. Witnessing them succumb to the weight of my authority is the only thing that can quell my anger before the announcement of my marriage to Brock.

Rose said as she inhaled a pot of opium to release the tension and disappointment of the day. Although Brock had pacified her with a dinner date, she was still upset that he did not receive her.