Claimed By The Tyrant King

Rosalind opened the door. "I shall head there now," she said to Rowan, referring to the garden as she had to check something for herself.

He gave a small bow without hesitation.

As she turned away, Rowan straightened and followed behind her at a distance, his eyes fixed on her as they moved. Only then did he notice the collar of her coat sitting slightly uneven.

"My lady," he said.

Rosalind paused and turned to him in confusion.

He lowered his voice slightly as he added, "Your collar is not set properly. You will catch a chill."

She frowned slightly and reached up to adjust it, but it still did not sit right. After a moment, Rowan stepped closer. "Allow me," he said.

She hesitated, watching him for a brief moment before turning fully so he could fix it.

As Rowan stepped closer to adjust her collar, his fingers brushed lightly against her skin as he fixed the fabric. Rosalind froze for a brief moment, her heart giving a small, unexpected skip that she quickly could not explain.

A memory flashed of him looking at her collarbone before, yet now it did not feel wrong or intrusive in any way. Instead, she simply stood still until he was done, she gave a quiet nod. "Thank you," she said softly.

He stepped back immediately, returning to a respectful distance, and she continued on her way.

The garden doors came into view ahead of her, and her heart began to beat faster with each step she took. She forced herself to breathe evenly, reminding herself that she needed to stay alert, so that if something was wrong, she would notice it.

When Rowan opened the door for her, Rosalind stepped into the garden. Cool night air met her skin at once, carrying the scent of flowers and damp earth. Moonlight spilled across the stone path, softening everything it touched, and for a brief moment she walked forward slowly, scanning her surroundings for any sign of movement or hidden guards.

But there was nothing.

It was... quiet.

Rosalind turned slightly and saw Rowan standing by one of the pillars, watching her from a distance without coming closer as he intended to give her space... The air she had asked for.

Yet that only deepened her confusion as questions ran through her mind.

Why had nothing been reported?

Why were there no guards stationed here? Why did it feel as though the palace had simply... stepped back and allowed her in?

It was strange, she thought while

exhaling slowly, continuing along the stone path while remaining cautious.

Behind her, Rowan remained still, his gaze following her every step as she moved through the garden. He should have felt like an outsider watching a duty. Instead, he found himself oddly at ease, as if something about her presence there among the flowers made the silence feel less empty than it should have been.

The next day in Eryndor, an expensive carriage rolled slowly to a stop in front of the royal palace. The coachman stepped down first and opened the door, offering his hand as Lady Evelina Marrow descended carefully onto the ground. She paused for a moment, lifting her gaze to the towering structure before her, before finally moving forward into the palace.

The guards immediately recognized her and bowed as she passed, their respect automatic and practiced, as though her arrival had been expected rather than announced.

Inside the palace, Alaric was in his study, his attention fixed on documents concerning matters of Eryndor when he was informed that Lady Evelina had requested an audience with him. Without lifting his gaze, he gave a simple instruction for her to be allowed in.

"Let her come in," he said.

A short moment later, Lady Evelina Marrow entered the study. She carried herself with authority, her appearance neat and composed, her short hair perfectly arranged and her dress tailored with precision, polished shoes completing her disciplined look.

"Your Majesty," she greeted, bowing her head once she stood before him.

Alaric finally looked up from his papers, leaning back slightly in his chair as a faint smile touched his lips. "Finally... you have arrived. Your students have been eager to see you," he said.

Lady Evelina did not appear convinced, though she offered a polite smile in return. "I doubt that, Your Majesty," she replied calmly.

His eyes narrowed slightly at her response, though his tone remained steady. "And the matter that required your departure... has it been resolved?"

She nodded at once. "Yes, Your Majesty.

Thank you for granting me permission. There were disciplinary matters among the royal students that required my immediate attention. Otherwise, things would have become difficult to manage."

A hint of satisfaction appeared in Alaric’s expression. "Of course. You are the finest governess I have. It is only right that your concerns are handled so you can give your students proper instruction."

She bowed her head again in acknowledgment. "I will go to them now so lessons can begin at once. I am certain they have grown careless in my absence."

"They have," Alaric replied without hesitation.

As she turned to leave, he spoke again. "There is one more you will be required to teach."

She paused, though she did not seem surprised. "Your Majesty has taken on another mistress?" she asked.

Alaric’s lips curved faintly at the mention, his thoughts briefly turning to Rosalind. "This one is not particularly obedient," he said slowly, "and she may prove difficult. But I expect you to treat her with patience. I personally requested her inclusion, so do not make it hard for her."

Lady Evelina’s eyes narrowed slightly. It was unusual for the king to show such direct preference or concern for any mistress, and though curiosity flickered within her, she chose not to question it. Instead, she simply inclined her head.

"As you wish, Your Majesty," she said.

"Then you may go," Alaric replied.

She bowed one final time before turning and leaving the study.

Once she was gone, Alaric smiled faintly to himself as his gaze returned to the documents, fully aware of how his words would be interpreted by anyone listening. To most, it would sound as though he had simply asked the governess to be considerate toward the new mistress, but that was never the intent behind them.

Lady Evelina understood what was required without anything needing to be explained further, and that was exactly why she was the best in all of Eryndor.

What Alaric had truly given was not a request for kindness, but something else.

Poor Rosalind, he thought faintly, amusement settling quietly behind his expression.

She would understand soon enough that kindness was never what he offered.