The King's Lover

Edna placed the tray aside and quickly adjusted Rose on the bed. She pulled the covers over her and picked up the tray again. She placed it on the bed, and Rose could see the contents. It was clear to her now why Edna had taken so long.

On the tray were two different plates with more than enough for her to eat. There was also a kettle and a cup, and Rose knew it held the new herbs she was supposed to take.

"I had to bring our dinner," she said, smiling at Rose. "I can’t believe you heard that and were worrying. Besides, even if the Queen wanted to punish me, it would be no more than extra chores, and she would have given the order already, whether or not I was still in the Crown Prince’s wing."

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Rose nodded, feeling herself calm down a bit.

"There, there, there," Edna said, lightly tapping her back. "You don’t have time to worry about other people. We need you to get better as fast as possible."

"I will," Rose replied. "I saw the physician, and he said I can start moving around. When next I see the Crown Prince, I will ask him to release you from the order. Now that I am better, you can’t keep looking after me."

"What are you talking about? Don’t do things without asking me. Did I say this was a problem? I am doing fewer chores than I ever have since I got to the castle, and you think I am going to just give that up? As much as I want you to get better, I don’t mind if you stay in bed a little longer. All I do is do your laundry and get your food. Who would give this up?" Edna smiled at the end of her sentence.

Rose couldn’t help the smile that crept onto her face. Edna was the only one who would make looking after her seem like a good thing. She was technically no different than a maid, yet Edna didn’t seem to mind looking after her.

"Thank you, Edna," Rose whispered. She didn’t know what else to say in response. She definitely couldn’t beat what Edna just said.

"I should thank you too," she said.