The Forgotten Princess Rose-Chapter 271

"Rose, don’t bother yourself with those two. I don’t," said Catherine.

Rose looked away from the entrance of the dining room where she was anticipating seeing Zayne come back in one piece. "It is not only their talk I am worried about. How is the dinner? There isn’t any music."

"It is perfect. We are so used to the extravagant dinners in the palace that this is a nice change. What you have done feels like being at a normal family home with all of us not having too many responsibilities. I don’t know how the others feel but I am pleased," Catherine assured Rose.

For the first attempt, Catherine had to applaud Rose for a job well done.

Catherine continued, "This family would do good with more simplicity. The rest of the kingdom even."

"Thank you. I was most worried about what you would think of the dinner. I am trying hard to impress you to make up for what I lack," Rose confessed.

’Rose," Catherine touched Rose’s hand. "I must say that if I met you a few years ago I would not be all for this marriage but my time away from the throne as queen has changed how I think. I am open to more things especially when they involve my children. I have already accepted you."

"When I offer my help to turn you into a fine lady, it isn’t all because I am judging you. I am worried about how Zayne will be affected but I can tell you have a making of a remarkable young lady. You only need to be taught and who better to guide you than a former queen?" Catherine asked.

Just looking around the dining room, Catherine could see that Rose listened to the advice given to her and put her touch on it. Rose understood that didn’t need to do everything exactly as Catherine told her.

"You seem eager to learn everything which I admire. Many find this sort of thing to be boring and pass it off to the butler or headmaid. Was it fun for you?’" Catherine wondered.

"It was. I like seeing how much is done to go into these dinners. Zayne and I just eat our food and go to bed but now I think of keeping the dining room well decorated. I think it is more stressful than boring since you do not know what decor to go with. You would be pleased to know I threw out the furniture with terrible smells we could not get rid of," Rose revealed.

Catherine smiled. "Wonderful. I’ve been meaning to go through that storage of his. I can join you when you pick out new furniture. Remember what I told you about spending money? No need to think of doing it soon."

"I will call upon you when I am ready. Oh, Zayne has returned and the king," Rose said, searching for bruises. Neither man seemed to be injured which was a good sight.

Still, Rose noticed that Zayne had something on his mind. Had he agreed to leave?

"Lady Cath-" fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

"Call me, Catherine. We are family after all. I do get tired of hearing Lady Hamilton and you are the newest Lady Hamilton so I will save the name for you. Catherine," she wanted to hear from Rose.

"Catherine was there a time when your husband needed to leave the kingdom with you being alone in the palace?" Rose asked, needing advice for what was to come.

"Many times. It wasn’t like Zayne having all these siblings to send someone else. At first, it is lonely even in the palace but then you get used to it by understanding he was going to protect our home. I will always come when you feel alone and if that isn’t enough, what about a pet?" Catherine suggested.

"I tried to get her a pet but she was against it," Zayne revealed as he took his seat beside Rose.

Rose placed her hand on his leg. "Careful as you might face another punishment if you bring it up."

"You’re a little bold under the table," Zayne whispered but it wasn’t as soft as he wanted.

Rose moved her hand before what she did could be misunderstood. "It is not like that and you know it."

Zayne touched her cheek. "Then, why do you look so guilty? I wouldn’t mind if you touched my leg under the table."

"I mind because I am close enough to hear you and I don’t want to hear it," Catherine said, feeling awkward after what she heard. Couldn’t it be saved for when all the guests were gone?

"Then, I politely ask that you move mother. I will not stop teasing her all because you are here," Zayne replied.

Rose covered Zayne’s mouth with her hand. "He isn’t usually like this. I will keep his mouth shut."

"He must be ready to annoy all of his guests from his home. I know his tricks well," Catherine said, refusing to move. "I think that is enough sharing stories for the moment. Don’t you agree, Rose?"

"Yes. I will let the maids come in to serve us," Rose said, getting to her feet to find Krystle.

If any more stories were told then another argument might start amongst the siblings even if it would be playful. Dinner needed to officially start to get them all distracted by good food.

Catherine was suspicious of her sons coming back in a calm state. "You’ve decided to leave."

"He’s just going to keep begging if I don’t. I need to ask a favour of you. Would you stay here with Rose for the week that I will be gone? I have to speak to her first to decide if I go but if I do, I need someone with her here. She’ll get lonely if it is only her so will you come? Alone," Zayne added as he didn’t want Paige near Rose.

"How could I say no when you are asking? I can have a few bags packed as soon as you need me here and stay until the very day you come back. You must stay safe where you are going. Come to us just as you are now and don’t make Rose worry more than she already will. Promise me," Catherine said, needing the promise for herself also.

She just got him back right where she could see that he was safe and already she had to tell him goodbye. It was at times like this that Catherine wished she could enter the palace and offer the court some advice but her time was gone.

Zayne reached for his mother’s hand, having to lean to get there to hold it. "Don’t worry. I’ll be back safe and sound."