Dark Moon Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 80. The Noblewomen and The King VII (Patreon)

Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 80. The Noblewomen and The King VII

A humming sound escaped Claire's mouth as her brain searched through her memories.
"His Majesty did attend her birthday parties or talk to her... " She was silent for a moment before she continued again.
"On second thought, His Majesty talked to her a lot. At least, compared to other women. Also, she has the privilege since her father is the duke. She even had the opportunity to accompany His Majesty at the last new year party. So you can guess why she feels special.”

Then a proud smile appeared on Claire's lips.
"But of course, no one is closer to him than the four generals, me and Cley."

Rose giggled.
"Is that the reason why so many nobles are nice to you and your brother?" she guessed.

"I think," Claire shrugged.
"We already consider His Majesty as our own brother. Sometimes he is strict, but he has a soft spot and raised us well. He taught us many things. To live, for our future, for this kingdom." A smile began to appear on her lips and her memories of their first meeting replayed in her head. Her mind drifted on Pearl Gate City.
"I can remember how we used to live in hiding. How our parents lived in fear. But His Majesty... He gave us a future. If only--- If only Pearl Gate City hadn't been destroyed, maybe I could show you where we met him and saw him fight for the first time…”

"Forgive me..." Rose said regretfully. She knew the Pearl Gate City incident wasn't her fault, but she couldn't shake off the guilt.

"You don't need to apologize. His Majesty has already told us everything. It wasn't your fault," Claire comforted her.

Even with Claire's good intentions, Rose's guilt grew bigger. Moreover, she knew Angel had built the city for a long time. Her guilt triggered her urge to help Angel.
"I was thinking of helping His Majesty these days. Do you know how?"

Another humming sound came out of Claire's mouth. She knew Angel needed someone who could help with his work, yet Rose couldn't help him before she became a queen. So she decided to tell Rose her thoughts.
"Be nice to him. Don't let him down. This is the first time I've seen His Majesty open his heart to someone. Please don't disappoint him."

"That's all? I mean, is there anything I can do for him?" she asked. Treating Angel well was her obligation. So even without Claire's request, she would do it.

"Then... You can be a good wife and love him for the rest of his life," Claire grinned over her blunt request.

It surprised Rose.

Rose's silence made her ask again.
"You love His Majesty right?" Claire made sure.

Rose bit her lower lip. Something in her heart swirled just because of Claire's words.
"I do. I love him. I can't deny it. But I'm afraid of him... No one knows what's on his mind. I don't know if I can believe him or not," she admitted.

"Trust is something that cannot be built in one day. Then again, building trust is His Majesty's speciality so you don't have to worry about it."

"His speciality?" Rose asked.

"Yes. When he dedicates himself to something, he takes it seriously. That's him," Claire explained. She could still remember how Angel worked hard to rebuild Euphorion after he took over the throne. All this time, he had dedicated himself to building and protecting this kingdom. That was the reason why the nobles and the people believed in him even though he was not from Euphorion and had dark powers.

The knocking sound from the door interrupted their conversation. Since no one was there except the two of them, Claire stood up from her chair and opened it.
"Lady Claire, His Majesty asked you to accompany Lady Belle in the meeting room," said the guard.

Claire frowned.
"Accompany her? That's odd. What happened?"

The guard glanced at Rose who was watching them from a distance before he brought his face closer to Claire.
"I think His Majesty just broke Lady Belle's heart," he said in a low voice before pulling his head again.

"Are you serious?" said Claire in disbelief. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"I think. I didn't see it clearly, but I heard her sobs," he whispered.

Claire immediately noticed Angel's intentions. The castle was still filled with noblewomen who had not returned to their residences so this would turn into a big scandal. She turned to Rose.
"Your Highness, His Majesty is calling for me. I must go now."

"Did something happen?" she asked. Although she didn't hear what they were talking about, she noticed the change in Claire's face.

"Yes. It is just a trivial matter so you don't have to worry. I will call the maids to accompany you. The royal tailor should be coming to bring your dresses in an hour."

"Very well."

"I will excuse myself." Then Claire went in a hurry.