Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 340. Rumors, Rumors, Rumors
Rose nodded politely, offering a small smile. "Thank you, Lady Elara. Everything looks wonderful," she said, though her mind was elsewhere.
Rose and Claire moved through the gardens. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses surrounded them, but the murmurs and occasional glances from other guests didn't escape Rose's notice. They passed by a table filled with pastries and fruits, and Rose absentmindedly picked up a small tart, though she had no real appetite.
Claire leaned in slightly as they walked, her voice low and cautious. "It seems the rumors haven't died down, Your Highness."
Rose exhaled softly, her fingers toying with the edge of the pastry. "No, they haven't," she replied. "And it seems they won't, not anytime soon."
She knew all too well how relentless the court could be. Rumors had a way of sticking, lingering long after the truth had been drowned out by speculation and whispers. As long as she and Angel remained silent about what had really happened, the rumors would continue to fester. But they couldn't tell the truth—not the full truth, anyway. If they did, it would be more than a simple scandal; it would be a royal catastrophe.
Rose sighed, glancing at Claire, who had grown unusually quiet. There was something in the way Claire walked beside her, as though she were holding back, waiting for Rose to say more. Rose studied her for a moment, noticing how Claire's eyes darted to the ground before meeting hers again. It was clear she had something on her mind.
"Don't tell me you're also suspicious of me, Claire," Rose said, her tone light but carrying a hint of amusement.
Claire immediately shook her head, though there was a hesitation in her response. "No, Your Highness, not at all. It's just that…" Claire's words trailed off as she struggled to articulate what was really bothering her. She had heard the same rumors everyone else had, but hearing the gossip and seeing Rose in person were two different things. She trusted Rose, but something about the story didn't sit right with her.
Rose could see the doubt flickering in Claire's eyes, even if she didn't want to admit it. She sighed again, her voice softening. "Believe me, I know it sounds strange. But I promise you, the king and I are fine. He didn't hurt me."
Claire looked away, her brows furrowed in thought. She had heard from Cley how Angel had reacted when Sarah confronted him in his study, and the image of the normally composed king blushing and looking flustered had stuck with her. Cley had shared the story with such enthusiasm, recounting how Angel had been embarrassed and panicked—something so out of character for him. It had made Claire laugh at the time, but something about the whole situation just didn't add up.
Still, Claire nodded, choosing to trust Rose's words. "Cley told me about what happened in the king's study," she admitted with a small smile. "He was excited about it, seeing His Majesty act so out of character. I've never seen him so amused."
Rose smiled faintly at that. "Yes, Angel wasn't exactly thrilled to have Sarah ask about… well, about that. He doesn't handle personal matters being aired so publicly, and it embarrassed him. But that's all it was, Claire. The blood on the sheets, the rumors—it's all been blown out of proportion."
Claire glanced at her, still uncertain. "But what actually happened, Your Highness? I mean… I don't mean to pry, but it's hard to believe this all started because of some bedroom mishap."
"Yes, I got hurt, but it wasn't anything malicious or intentional. And Angel… he's been nothing but careful and gentle since. It's just one of those things that happens, Claire. Please don't let the rumors make you think otherwise."
Claire remained silent for a few moments, processing Rose's explanation. She could tell that Rose wasn't lying, but there was still something missing, some piece of the story that hadn't been shared. But Claire also knew that pushing further wouldn't get her anywhere. Rose had given her all the reassurance she could.
"Alright," Claire said finally, offering a small smile of her own. "I believe you, Your Highness. I just… I just worry sometimes. You and the king have a lot on your shoulders, and with everything coming up, the coronation and all, I don't want you to feel overwhelmed."
Rose smiled gratefully, touched by Claire's concern. "Thank you, Claire. I appreciate it, truly. And I promise, I'm fine. We're both fine."
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