The Dark Rose 🌹 {18+}

༺22༻

Sorry for the delay. Enjoy!

Unedited.

ೋღ🌹ღೋ

The last few days I've been avoiding Aldéric the best I can and sadly, I can tell from the way he acts around me that he's noticed what I'm doing. I feel awful for giving him mixed signals after what happened between us, especially with the way he opened up to me. But after he admitted he wanted to be with me or 'mark me' as he put it, I've found it hard to think straight. I need some time to think this over without his influence, I need a clear head and some space to understand what it is I'm really feeling.

Put aside what I wanted or felt, there was still the matter of him being engaged to Adeline. Surely she would be furious learning that her fiancé wishes to be with another and when that fury is finally released, I will be the target. Jealous woman can be more cruel than any man, that's a fact.

Then there was his father and Ornella. They both didn't like me that was for sure. It would be illogical of me to want to remain under the same roof as so many people who despise me and let's be honest, Aldéric won't be there to protect me all the time.

As depressing as it is, I think the negatives outweigh the positives, leaving me in a difficult position.

I would have to decline the offer.

I know it won't be easy but I never imagined there would be this ache in my chest at just the thought of letting him down. It's like my head and heart are at war, but as much as it pains me, my head is winning.

"Rose!"

I can hear my name being called from the other side of the dining room, pulling me out of my thoughts. My eyes drift up from my untouched and cold breakfast to meet with forest green as Lara sets her breakfast down on the table and sits across from me.

I give her a half hearted smile, placing my fork down beside my plate. I might as well give up on eating this morning, my appetite doesn't seem to be making an appearance anytime soon. She takes it upon herself to engage me in some sort of gossip. "Have you heard?" She's asks, her tone and expression both serious, putting me on edge.

I keep my expression calm, though it doesn't stop my heart rate from spiking, "Heard what?"

She can't be referring to Aldéric wanting to be with me because she would know that I know about that.

Lara holds my gaze, it's clear she thought I would already know what she's about to say and makes it clear she didn't want to be the first to tell me, "Adeline is on her way."

"What?!" I blurt out, causing surrounding people to turn their attention on me. I glare at them, quietly warning them to mind their own business before I turn to Lara again, "How did you find this out?"

"King Aurélien had me prepare a room for her, King Matthias and her father." She explains, watching my reaction, her eyes withholding pity as I let out a shaky breath. She waits a moment to continue, "They'll be here by tomorrow night. I'm sorry, I assumed you knew from you untouched plate and you appeared worried about something."

"No, that's something else entirely, but I'm glad you told me."

Lara can feel the tension that rises within me, offering me a sad smile. I didn't expect this to be happening so soon, to have Adeline turn up just when Aldéric has asked me to think about being with him. This was all too much for me, my hands becoming clammy and my heart racing as I think about the many punishments I could receive from Adeline alone.