The Rose Princess

Three: Unwanted Desires

Over the next few weeks, Remi took his time to memorize the list and everything Ceriva loved. He gave Ceriva her distance but continued to shower her with the gifts she loved. Every week before dawn, Lilia would go to the rose garden and find the best roses for Ceriva. Instead of Remi, she opted to do this because she loved the roses as much as Ceriva did. The scent reminded her of home and gave her a sense of calm and peace. It was the perfect way to start the morning at Luxia. Even when she didn't have to pluck roses, she wandered the garden, tending to the new roses that bloomed.

After getting the flowers, she rushed to the kitchen to help Elise with breakfast. Remi had a crate of fruit delivered from Luxia so Ceriva's favorite breakfast could be made. Moorcrest had the best fruit Lilia had in her life, but Ceriva always said there was nothing better than Luxia's strawberries. 

As Lilia entered the bustling kitchen, she was met with freshly baked bread's warm buttery aroma. Elise stood at the center of the chaos, her hands deftly kneading dough while barking orders in rapid French. Her dark hair was pulled into a messy bun, and her cheeks were flushed from the heat of the ovens. When she looked at Lilia, her eyes lit up.

"Bonjour, Lilia. Would you like a tart? The strawberries from Luxia are delicieuse."

"Good morning Elise." Lilia tried the tart. Her eyes widened in delight. The tart crust was perfectly crisp and buttery, giving way to the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of the strawberries. The fruit's natural juice mingled with a hint of sugar, creating a burst of freshness that danced on her tongue. The creamy filling underneath added a smooth, rich contrast that balanced the tartness of the strawberries pleasantly.

"It's delicious," Lilia murmured, savoring the flavors.

Elise beamed with pride. "Finally, something that will brighten the queen's mood. Now, will you finally tell me les commérages or will you help me?"

Lilia thought for a second. Ceriva always had a temper and that had surely created rumors and gossip but over the years she began to rely on her. She's one of very few who gained her trust and she would do whatever she could to keep that. "I will help." She begins putting together the queen's breakfast tray."

Elise eyes sparkled with mischief, "Matilda told me of Lady Helena's failed attempt to seduce the king. She spoke of the absent intimacy between the royal family." 

Lilia stayed silent. Elise tried again. "You are closer to them than anyone, Lilia. You must know what's happening with the king. Is he searching for a mistress?"

"He has not," Lilia says calmly, preparing the queen's tea. 

"But they have not been intimate since their wedding night. It's been three months. When mon mari goes three nights without intimacy he becomes insufferable. Surely the king has found a mistress by now."

"Well, he has not," Lilia said with a firm tone. She wished to end the conversation of such gossip. She didn't want anything else to spread.

"Perhaps he is not telling you."

Lilia smiled softly. King Remi had begun to confide in her. If he had a mistress she would surely know about it.

The bell rang in the kitchen, the queen calling up for her breakfast. Lilia quickly grabbed her tray. Elise ran over to place some sliced strawberries and oranges. "I will hear gossip from you Elise, or I'll have you bake an entire morning of bread."

Lilia smiled and hurried to her majesty.

When she entered the room Ceriva stood at her window. She looked down at the king, who walked Ezra alongside the rose garden. A letter was crumpled tightly in her hand. Lilia approached her cautiously, placing down the breakfast tray as she watched the fury on the queen's face.