• Chapter Four •

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It was midday. Roman was getting hungry. The last few days he had barely gotten any food. His dinner had been completely eliminated.

"The prince's food," a voice said outside the door.

"Of course, my lady."

The door opened and Roman's mother stepped in. She carried a wooden tray. On it stood a small clump of bread and cheese. There was no water; there hadn't been since breakfast.

"Thank you," Roman said. His voice was hoarse. He had barely half a glass of water in the morning. He was only given a glass a day, the other glass being given right before the sun set. "But why is it you and not a servant giving me my food?"

"I just want to see my son," the queen said. Her voice was genuine, but her eyes darted to the tray. It was enough to make Roman look, and he caught the flash of a yellowed paper flash beneath the tray.

"Alright," Roman said. He smirked slightly.

His mother set the tray down on Roman's bedside table. She pulled Roman into a tight hug.

"I'm am so sorry for everything that has happened," she whispered. "I never meant for any of this to happen."

"Mom, you couldn't have done anything," Roman said. "At least father does not know of Remus and Jan-"

He cut off, taking a step back and slapping a hand over his mouth.

"Sorry, that was nothing. Just... forget I said that."

The queen laughed.

"It it okay, Roman," she said. "I won't say anything. Besides, I already know."

"What?"

"How could I not?" Roman's mother said. "Those two are closer than friends, even if your father refuses to see them in that way. At least he didn't find them in a... an intimate position... shall I say."

Roman forced himself not to laugh, but it did not work.

"Ew."

"Yes, it was not fun for me either," Queen Rhea said.

"It's for the better father does not know ," Roman said. "I wouldn't want Remus to go through this."

The queen looked at her son, he eyes sparkling with tears. She put a hand to his shoulder.

"You are noble, Roman," she said. "Now, eat. You will need your strength."

"Thank you, mom."

With that, Queen Rhea left, the door closing behind her with a loud bang.

Roman sat down on his bed, reluctantly shoving the food into his mouth. The bread was dry and stale. The cheese tasted old. Roman longed for a drink. Even the tiniest bit of water would do.

He looked to the door. It was not even close to sunset. He should be safe.

Roman picked up the tray, pulling the yellowed paper out.

There's a small ledge I found when I was young. Look out your window and to the left. Up. It is just big enough for someone to walk on. It leads to the garden. Go at midnight. Tonight.
- Mom

For once, Roman had something to look forward to. For once, he had hope.

Royal Red Roses - Prinxiety Where stories live. Discover now