With so many soldiers around the princess, no one from the street got a look at the lovely maiden being escorted to the palace. The citizens gave the cavalcade a wide berth so as not to be trampled by their noble steeds.
By the time they reached the palace, word had already spread that a large company was incoming. Led by Borit, the group made their way through the outer gates. After dismissing his own men, he led the rest into the royal stables.
The commander dismounted and quickly went to lower the princess from her mount. His stealthy action made it impossible to refuse without drawing attention.
His hands wrapped around her tiny waist and pulled her towards him. Rose tensed. Her skin crawled.
The relief on her face when her feet touched the ground and Borit released her was immeasurable.
The commander looked slightly hurt. "I wouldn't want anyone to have an inappropriate view of you dismounting, My Lady. I hope you do not mind me using my body to be your shield."
Maybe Borit's intentions this time had been honorable. Maybe. Either way, he was far too close to her for her comfort.
"Thank you, commander," Rose managed. To put some distance between them, she stepped back and dipped a small curtsy of appreciation.
Borit opened his mouth to continue the conversation when a new figure hurriedly entered the stables.
"You are safe! We've all been so worried!" Rabert knelt and kissed the lady's hands. His effusive welcome caused the princess to blush. She urged him back onto his feet and held her hand to her cheek.
"I would have sent word sooner if I could." Rose felt incredibly guilty. How would she ever be able to tell him about the horrible things that happened?
He did not seem surprised to see her with so many soldiers. Did that mean he already knew?
His next next words confirmed her suspicions. "When we got word of the attack, we sent many men to try and find you, but it seemed that you had already left the area."
"It didn't seem wise to stay there." Rose wasn't sure what else to say. She smiled softly, and looked toward Gilbert and the others. "But these brave men took good care of me, and made sure I made it here safely."
Rabert nodded his appreciation to the soldiers "You will be rewarded for your service to the crown."
"As I told Lady Alexis, there is no need. Escorting her has been a pleasure. We are the ones who should be thankful." Gilbert's words were met by nods from the others.
Rabert was unfazed by Rose's sudden name change. He smiled warmly. "She is very special, I agree."
"If it is agreeable to you, Commander, I will find the steward to make a place for these men in the palace barracks. The lady's room is already prepared." Rabert placed his hand on his chest. "His Majesty is expecting you and Lady Alexis presently."
"Very good." Borit was happy to be rid of the King's personal guard.
"May I impose upon you to go on without me to the king, Commander Borit? I will only be a moment to say goodbye to my companions." Rose knew the self-important man would say no, so she gave him no time to answer. Instead she took his hand in her own, fighting the crawling sensation it made her feel. "Oh thank you! I am most obliged for your kindness!"
Surprised by the gesture, Borit flashed a charming smile. Even Rose could not deny his looks were appealing when grinned in such a way.
"A middle ground, I propose. I will wait a moment outside the stable and then we shall go up together. I would hate for you to lose your way."
The solution was agreeable to the princess. With a click of his heels and a short bow, Borit reluctantly left the princess to the small company of soldiers.
"Thank you all. I would be honored to have any of you on my personal staff. If there is anything I can do for you, I will do my best to see it come to pass." Rose wanted to say more, but she knew that she would likely not see any of these men after they left tomorrow. And Lady Alexis would never be heard from again.
The men bowed. It had been their honor to serve. Rabert approved of their respect for the lady. They had no idea she was the princess yet it was clear they would do anything to protect her.
Realizing he was eavesdropping on a somewhat private moment, Rabert backed away slowly.
Rose caught him before he had finished exiting. She held up a finger for Gilbert to wait and followed after the Captain with a relaxed gait. "Captain Rabert? I do believe you may have forgotten about…" her voice trailed off when she believed that they were out of the other's earshot.
"My Lady?" Rabert gave an ironic smile.
Rose's face, on the other hand, was quite serious. "It's just…I am so sorry, Captain Rabert. I cannot let you go without telling you how aggrieved I am. Phillip and Cole…what happened to them was completely the fault of my own selfishness. They should never have been put in that position."
"Your Highness..." Rabert said softly, but Rose was not finished.
"And I betrayed your trust. It was wrong of me. I could have cost you your job or worse. Yet you looked so happy to see me. I do not deserve any of it." Rose fought back her tears.
"There will be time to discuss all this later. And we will discuss it, that is, if it pleases you. But I forgive you." Rabert solemnly dipped his head.
How could he dismiss it all so easily? Was he just that relieved that she was home? The princess was at a loss.
"Forgive me, but you probably should not keep His Majesty waiting any longer, especially not to talk to the likes of me." Rabert clearly had more to say, but not here and not now.
Rose understood. "I hope that makes sense," she said loudly. "I appreciate your consideration." A tacit understanding passed between them as Rose moved back into the stables.
Rabert slipped out the side entrance to find the steward as he had been assigned. He placed his hand on his heart as he passed the threshold. "Thank the Maker, she is home," he whispered quietly. The wind seemed to echo his cry.
Back inside Rose caught Gilbert's eye. She tilted her head, indicating it was time to go. As he came alongside her, she whispered so that only he could hear.
"I will get you to the king to deliver your message, but I need you to do me one favor. Whatever happens, do not leave me alone with the commander." Rose's blue eyes pleaded her cause.
Gilbert saluted. "You can count on me."
Together, they exited the barn and joined the man clad in ornate armor. Borit's face pinched. "I thought you were saying goodbyes."
"This man has a message for the king." Rose explained.
"You can place yourself on a list for an audience with His Majesty this evening. Until then, I bid you good day." Borit offered his arm, and when Rose did not immediately take it, he placed his hand gently behind her back to usher her away.
"Don't be silly. He can come with us now." Rose motioned for the young soldier to follow despite Borit's words. The three entered the castle through a side entrance and turned down and empty hall.
When he was sure they were alone, Borit leaned in towards the woman beside him.
"We have much to discuss, My Lady," he whispered into the princess's ear. "I know your secret. Send the boy away…now."
Rose swallowed, her breath catching in her chest.
What should she do?