Chapter 275: Distance Between Them
Caius and his men didn’t return to the castle until sunset. Rose was seated with Lady Deana, watching the snow fall as she played the flute. Lady Deana had taken a liking to it as she had done the swallows. Rose had her spend a significant portion of the day together.
A servant rushed to the side of the mansion where they sat in the loggia. The loggia overlooked the frosted gardens, its arched openings framing the gentle snowfall, creating a scene Rose couldn’t stop looking at.
"My Lady," the servant said with a bow as they approached. "His Highness and the Lord have arrived."
Lady Deana was on her feet immediately. She glanced at Rose, and it was the first time Rose glimpsed how worried the lady was. Lady Deana had completely avoided the subject while they conversed, but it was clear it wasn’t because of a lack of interest—rather, she had wanted to distract herself from her worries.
Rose stood, clutching the flute to her side. She smiled at Lady Deana and nodded, trying to tell her she understood wordlessly.
"I apologize, but we’ll have to cut this short. Hopefully, you’ll play some more for me tomorrow. I absolutely enjoyed watching and listening to you play. I don’t think I’ve heard anything that good in such a long time."
Rose couldn’t help the smile that appeared on her face. She couldn’t remember the last time she was praised so much, and all she did was play an old tune.
"Thank you for your kind words, my lady, but I’m not as good as you say. I’m honored that you quite like it."
"Quite?" Lady Deana exclaimed. "I love it." She started walking, and Rose was quick to follow after her. "I would listen to you play all day if I could."
"Just let me know," Rose said truthfully. "I’ll play whenever you like." She winced at the irony of her words but she did mean it.
Lady Deana nodded and slightly increased her pace as she followed the servant who was leading them out of the loggia and toward the main part of the mansion.
"I’d like that," she replied to Rose and didn’t speak further on the matter, but Rose noticed the way her palms opened and closed as they walked.