Chapter 227
"Oh, Zayne!" Madeline touched her chest, trying to calm herself after being startled. "For such a tall man you are light on your feet. Rose is taking a look through the garden at the flowers. This was once a place I found comfort in."
Zayne stood beside Madeline watching as Rose explored the garden.
The blood from the day he took control was cleaned up so the palace went back to looking pretty.
"I told Rose that I must hurry to get what she needs. Can you give me an idea of how long I have? Madeline asked.
"We need to leave in three days. The men from my brother’s court will take my place from tonight so my soldiers will start gathering supplies for our trip back. I would love to keep her here with you a little longer but I must get my soldiers back to their families," Zayne replied.
"I know. I can’t pretend I wouldn’t love her here a little longer since I only just had her back but she found what makes her happy after years of being unhappy. I am grateful you are not a terrible man as this would be harder. Please take great care of her in my absence," Madeline said, her eyes following Rose’s movement.
"She is growing but Rose still has a long way to go. She hasn’t completed her tutoring yet and she is still curious about little things. Rose will be judged by anyone who comes to know she cannot read or write as well as her peers. She has to finish learning lady etiquette and how to dance. I am worried," Madeline confessed.
Rose’s story wouldn’t be enough to end anyone judging her. Madeline knew from experience how women could be cruel when they wanted something to gossip about.
Rose was returning with a man Madeline knew had to be well sought after given that he was not only a general but a prince. Women who wanted to marry him would look for what they could nitpick about Rose to make her feel small.