Chapter 277
"I can offer you advice you may not get from Zayne about hosting a lunch for ladies. I have hosted many parties in my time and they went well. They used to be what ladies looked forward to most and now that has been passed to Yvonne. If the queen were to host a party outside of the palace, would you go?" Catherine asked.
"I will if Zayne thinks it is safe. I know it might seem that I am listening to all that he says but he is the one who understands the dangers here. I don’t have any idea what I am up against so I will follow what he says. I don’t want to upset Yvonne if I ever turn down an invitation," Rose said, worried about how Yvonne would take it.
"Oh, we are all so used to Zayne staying out of the palace unless he is needed to speak to Gage so it will not be surprising to not see you there. I didn’t see it at first but he made a fine choice to keep you out of the palace. There is a pressure that gets to you. I managed to overcome it but everyone is not the same," said Catherine.
"Do you still live in the palace? I have been meaning to ask where you travel from," Rose said, curious about Catherine’s life. What did Catherine do now she was no longer queen?
"The palace will always be my home and most of my things are there but I have a home right in the middle of the path to the palace and to Zayne’s estate. I stay in the palace when Zayne is away but stay at the other home when he is back. I want to be close to all my children. Forgive me if I show up too much," Catherine said as she knew she would become a bother.
"I do not mind your visits but I cannot say the same for Zayne. When you come around, I feel like my mother is near. If there is ever a time when you are bored or tired of the palace, you should come to us. We can find something fun to do. With Paige as well," Rose said, not wanting the princess to feel excluded.
"That is kind of you. Paige might be a tad bit busy since her search for a husband has increased. She must wed soon. She has waited a bit too long and now there are questions arising about it. Many are waiting for news of the next royal baby. Don’t worry, they are too afraid of Zayne to speak of him having a child," Catherine said to comfort Rose.
Rose looked out the carriage window at the people walking by. "Are children that important? Is everyone ready to bring a child into this world?"
"We’re hardly ever ready and we seek to have a child because it is what we have been told is right. Our husbands need their heirs. I have long gotten tired of hearing it. I am just a woman whose children are too old to be around her at all times so I am ready for grands," Catherine replied.
Catherine noticed Rose had more to ask. "It is perfectly fine if you want to wait. I was confused at first but knowing what I know now, I think it is fine for you to wait. Don’t have a baby to please others but I must warn you to be careful of the act of making a baby if you are not ready. Do you have something to drink to stop it?"
"I do not and I don’t think I will ever take something. This is embarrassing to speak about with you,’ Rose said, trying not to meet Catherine’s eyes. "I am not trying for a child but if it happens then I believe it is meant to be. I don’t want to hurt anyone."