Page 139 of The Throne Seeker

“It is,” Gretta agreed, flitting back and forth to the closet and hanging the dresses neatly. “Though, I will say that I’ve missed Roman and his siblings terribly. With no children of my own, I suppose they are the closest thing I’ve got.” Gretta’s eyes dimmed.

“You were close, then?” Rose wanted to know more.

Gretta nodded, a small shine returning to her eyes. “Oh, yes. It was a dream when they’d come during the summers—and even in the winter. I could tell you their favorite spots to swim, their favorite foods, and their fears. They talked about you often, especially the boys.”

Rose gave her a sheepish smile, resting her arm and chin on the edge of the smooth tub. “I’d be so sad when they’d leavethose weeks to come here. It was terribly boring at court without them.”

“The feeling was mutual, believe me,” Gretta assured her with an exasperated look. “Even Xavier, who didn’t seem to care about much of anything, would perk up at the mere sound of your name. He’d try to hide it, but I knew better. Tristan spoke of literally nothing else. Then, of course, Roman always adored you, too.”

Rose stared down into the heap of bubbles she’d cupped in her hands. “I suppose some things do change.”

“What do you mean, child?”

Rose hesitated, wondering how much she should disclose. “Everything has changed since I left last year, Gretta… As soon as I came back into their lives, I’ve done nothing but ruin things for all of them. Even now, I think Roman still questions me. I feel as though he looks at me like I’m the snake hiding in the garden… Perhaps I am.”

Gretta paused, draping a folded dress over her arm as she studied her. “You don’t look like a snake to me. Plus, I know that boy better than almost anyone. And he mostcertainlywouldn’t let a snake sleep in his bed.”

Rose was thankful for the heat of the tub to mask her flushed cheeks. She changed the subject. “Thank you for the dresses,” she said, grateful for the extended wardrobe.

“Of course!” Gretta hung the last set. “Right, well, I’ll let you finish washing up, and I’ll see you at dinner. The dining hall is just down the main stairwell. Once you’ve done that, take a right, and then it’s the third door on the left.”

With another thank you from Rose, Gretta shuffled out of the room, leaving her to get dressed.

CHAPTER 58

Rose faced the brass floor-length mirror, examining her reflection. Her olive skin glowed from the moisturizing body oil she’d put on. She could finally let her long, thick hair flow freely now they were away from court, its soft, natural waves reaching down to her chest, resting against the dark-purple dress she had selected from Harriet’s closet. It was almost a perfect fit, except a tad short, the hem sitting a few inches off the floor. Although her mother would disapprove, it didn’t bother Rose.

Despite the darkness that blanketed the manor, wall sconces and candelabras lit her path perfectly while she admired the paintings hung along the walls. The antique furniture was neatly arranged on the soft rugs alongside the crafted moldings. Fresh flowers filled the clear vase resting on one of the side tables, making her wonder whether Gretta had just arranged them for their arrival or if she regularly kept them filled regardless of having guests.

She’d just reached the hall leading to the dining room when voices began to carry. She recognized them as Roman and Gretta.

As she was about to step inside, she heard her name.

She halted at the crack of the double door, leaning her ear closer.

“I still can’t believe I’ve finally met her after all this time. I used to wonder what all the fuss was about. But now I’ve met her, I think I’m beginning to understand…” Gretta’s voice faded. “Why’d you bring her here?”

“The past few weeks have been hard for her… and a lot of it has been my fault,” Roman said.

“She does seem to have a weight on her shoulders,” Gretta said. “And for good reason, poor thing. I can only imagine how she must be feeling after all she went through… But she seems like a sweet lass. And my goodness—she is a pretty thing, isn’t she?”

Rose unconsciously leaned her ear closer to the door.

“She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Roman said, unintentionally making her heart soar. “I knew it from the first time I saw her when we were children.” He paused, his voice growing more tender. “She’s also kind and gentle, yet unexpectedly strong, and her mind is just as intricate… Her quick wit and love of books is the only reason I’m alive.”

Her heart exploded with pride as she peered down at her feet.

“Well, that fact alone puts her inmygood books,” Gretta said. “If she loves reading, you must show her the library! It’s quite an impressive collection, even compared to the castle’s.”

“I plan to,” Roman replied.

Footsteps echoed behind her down the hall.

She quickly smoothed her hair before entering the dining room, opening the door loudly to make her presence known.

She stepped into a cozy, rectangular room with a dark-beamed wooden ceiling that hung lower than the main hall, with an iron chandelier dangling above the center of the wooden table. Four large windows lined the far wall with torches hung between them, providing a clear view of the lake. At the headof the table sat a grand stone fireplace that was already roaring, adding warmth to the chilly mountain air. She immediately took a liking to it.

“Hello,” she greeted, pretending not to have heard a word. “Sorry to interrupt.”