Chapter 276: Keep It That Way
Caius could feel her presence behind him. Her footsteps hit the ground softly, but he didn’t need to hear them to be aware of her. Rose didn’t even have to speak. As long as they were in the same space, he was constantly aware of her.
He was annoyed and irritated. Lady Deana had looked absolutely relieved when her husband returned, but Rose didn’t even look in his direction. Rather, he had caught her looking at Thomas as though it was him she was worried about.
Things between them felt heavy. Caius usually wouldn’t care about things like that and would completely ignore it, but it was hard to do so when it felt like he couldn’t breathe when she was close.
Rose seemed completely unbothered by this, and she looked as if she would prefer never to see him again. He hated that part, and he hated how clearer it was each day—but it didn’t matter. Right now, she was with him and he intended to keep it that way.
He stopped in front of the open dining room abruptly, and she bumped into his back. Caius had done this on purpose. He turned just his neck and top half to look at her, and Rose quickly stepped back.
"I am sorry, Your Majesty," she said and curtsied.
Caius narrowed his eyes and turned away. She didn’t have to jump that far away. He turned his attention back to the open doors and continued walking.
"Your Highness," Lord Leopold called.
The Lord started to get on his feet as he spoke, and the rest of the people at the table did the same as they paid their respects. Caius took his seat, and Rose came up beside him, curtsying before she sat down.
"Rose," Lady Deana said with a smile as Rose sat down.