Chapter 84: Royal Intrigue Unfolding

Melissa barged into the room to the chagrin of the guards and courtiers who had attempted to block her path, insisting that the princess needed solitude to recover from the journey.

The room lay shrouded in darkness with only the flickering light of a single candle to illuminate the essential areas. A lone candle flickered, illuminating key areas.

As Melissa stepped into the dimly lit room, she squinted to help her eyes adjust to the low light. She carefully navigated her way toward the inner chamber, suspecting that Rose might be hiding there.

Once inside, Melissa heard the faint sound of sobbing. Guided by the noise, she discovered Rose curled up in the corner of the large bed, her head tucked between her knees.

Tracy, I told you I want to be alone.

Rose declared, not bothering to look up.

Rose,

Melissa called as she moved to Rose’s side.

When Melissa's voice reached Rose's ears, it prompted her to lift her head. The concern evident on Melissa's face caused Rose to quickly wipe away her tears with the back of her hand, trying to hide the fact that she had been crying.

Oh! Melissa, I did not realize it was you.

Rose exclaimed in a shocked tone.

Tracy has been bugging me about a task my father gave me, and it is driving me insane that I had to ban her and the other courtiers from disturbing my rest.

Rose made up an excuse.

Though it was a deception, it was the nearest to the truth that Rose ever conveyed to Melissa. Her mission was clear: to marry Brock and ascend as the future queen.

What happened that made you sprint to your room like someone being chased by a ghost? Melissa quizzed, clearly unconvinced by Rose’s excuse.

Nothing, tomorrow is a big day, and I wanted to get a good night's sleep.

Rose quickly lit candles around the room, avoiding Melissa's questions by keeping busy with small tasks. Melissa noticed this but chose to wait patiently for Rose to finish.

Did Brock say anything that bothered you?

Melissa asked, focusing intently on Rose, who meticulously dusted the flower vase on the shelf.

Rose came to a stop, her hands fidgeting anxiously, fingers twisting and untwisting in a restless dance.

No!

Rose whispered, deliberately avoiding Melissa’s gaze.

I believed that tonight would ignite a flame of passion between you and my brother; I certainly did not expect you to return this evening. I even directed the courtiers to deliver your attire for tomorrow's event to my brother's chambers, as I assumed you would both spend the night there.

Melissa admitted, and a wave of disappointment washed over her at the unforeseen twist of events.

Melissa was sure her brother couldn't resist Rose, especially after she secretly added a powder from the royal physician to his meal, known to awaken a man’s inner beast.

She had convinced him that sharing a bite of her food along with a glass of wine would soothe her heart and provide reassurance that her brother had forgiven her for her hasty decision to blame Frank and endanger him. To placate Melissa and free himself from her grasp, he complied with her request. He took a bite and sipped the wine before departing.

Do soldiers possess immunity to such influences, or do they exert greater control over their hormonal urges?

The question plagued Melissa’s mind as she struggled to accept that her brother did not indulge in any sexual relations with Rose. This would have compelled him to take responsibility for her, to uphold both her honor and that of the royal family.

What happened? Melissa asked curiously.

The entire estate is filled with whispers. People are saying you developed feelings for someone. However, it seems your affections were turned down. There's talk that he reprimanded you, which led you to leave his chambers in tears.

Who could have spread such rumors? Melissa asked.

She contemplated how swiftly gossip spread throughout the hospital grounds. This revelation could certainly challenge Brock’s reputation once it became widely known that the culprit is the crown prince.

I blame myself entirely for disregarding caution and dashing across the estate like a deer evading a hunter. My emotions were in turmoil. Meanwhile, I failed to notice the furtive glances and murmurs from the physicians and dignitaries arriving at the estate.

Rose responded by casting her eyes downward to evoke sympathy from Melissa.

Melissa reprimanded herself for mentioning the rumors, fully aware that it would distress Rose. However, she overlooked the sly smile that crept onto Rose's lips.

It is not your fault, Rose, Melissa stated.

Yes, it is, Melissa.

I concede; Jess Smith holds a unique place in your brother's heart. He even had his guards relocate her belongings to his quarters so she could recover.

With tears in her eyes, Rose deliberately revealed the secret that Jess was staying in the director's private wing.

Is Jess Smith in the director's quarters?

Melissa asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

Observing how the news impacted Melissa, Rose deliberately disclosed that the crown prince planned to abdicate his title to live a simpler life as a commoner in a remote mountain area, distancing himself from royal life and court politics.

Melissa, kindly convince your parents to accept the peasant girl if it means preventing Brock from stepping down as the crown prince.

Rose pleaded.

My thoughts and well-being are irrelevant as long as Brock is happy; his happiness is my happiness. I cannot imagine a more capable leader to protect the kingdom and address the existential threats posed by the six kingdoms.

She continued while absentmindedly picking at her fingers.

In a fit of rage, Melissa called for three of her guards and two maids, instructing them to fetch Christine and Jess Smith to her chambers immediately.

A smile spread across Rose’s face. She had ignited the spark, and now it was time for it to engulf the unsuspecting peasant girl, who was oblivious of what lay ahead.