Claimed By The Tyrant King

The conversation naturally shifted as Verity turned her attention to Queen Catarina, who was seated across from her.

"How have you been, Your Majesty?" she asked politely. "It has been quite some time since we last met."

They had met during Rosalind and Rowan’s wedding, before then as well.

So, Verity had become quite familiar with the Queen of Merovia and since she was Rosalind’s closest friend, Catarina had always treated her with kindness, making her feel welcome whenever they met.

"It certainly has," Catarina replied with a warm smile. "Have you been keeping well yourself?"

Verity inclined her head. "I have, thank you."

There was a quiet peace in her expression now, one that hadn’t existed before. After everything she had endured in the past, she had finally returned home and settled back into her own life. Although some memories still lingered, they no longer held the same power over her, and little by little, she had begun moving forward. "Thank you for asking," she said sincerely.

Catarina dismissed the gratitude with a gentle wave of her hand. "Of course I would ask. I care about you as well."

Then a teasing smile appeared on her lips.

"Speaking of which... have you given any more thought to getting married?"

Rosalind’s curiosity was immediately piqued, and she turned toward Verity with a smile. "Has anyone managed to catch your attention this time?" she asked, clearly interested in the answer.

Verity pressed her lips together before letting out a soft laugh. "For now..." she began thoughtfully, "I’m not really looking for love."

She lifted her teacup again before continuing. "I’ve been travelling more, seeing new places, meeting different people, and simply enjoying the freedom to do the things I couldn’t before. Life has been surprisingly peaceful."

She smiled to herself before adding honestly, "There have been a few interesting people along the way, and some pleasant moments too, but nothing that has made me want to settle down. At least not yet."

Her smile widened as she turned to Rosalind, "So for the moment, I’m happy with the life I have. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything."

"I’m glad you’ve found your own happiness too," Rosalind said gently.

"Why, thank you," Verity replied with an amused smile before her gaze naturally drifted to Rosalind’s rounded stomach. "And how is the little baby doing?"

"Very well," Rosalind answered, instinctively resting a hand over her stomach as a smile spread across her face.

The conversation soon shifted to the baby, how many months remained before the birth, and all the little preparations that still had to be made. Catarina gladly shared stories from when she had been expecting her own children, Hannah listened with curiosity while occasionally joining in, and Verity laughed as she imagined Rosalind trying to keep up with a mischievous little child in the future.

While the women were happily chatting together, Rowan arrived at the garden after searching for Rosalind. He had gone to her chambers first only to learn that she was outside, and when he finally found her, he saw her seated beneath the shade with Verity, Catarina, and Hannah. They all seemed deeply engaged in conversation, and Rosalind’s laughter reached him before anyone noticed his presence.

He slowed his steps and stopped where he was.

Seeing Rosalind smiling so freely brought an unconscious smile to his own face.

She looked comfortable surrounded by the people she loved, and although he had come intending to spend some time with her, he found himself reluctant to interrupt.

Rosalind still had her back to him and remained completely unaware that he was there until Catarina happened to glance in his direction.

"There he is," Catarina said with a knowing smile.

Rosalind turned immediately, and the moment she saw Rowan standing a short distance away, her face brightened.

She lifted her hand and waved happily.

Rowan returned the wave with a gentle smile before offering Verity a polite bow of greeting. Verity smiled in return and inclined her head respectfully.

Realizing that they were in the middle of enjoying themselves, Rowan decided not to disturb them any further. After one last glance at Rosalind, he quietly turned and walked away.

By the time night settled over the palace, the lively conversations had long since come to an end.

Rosalind had finished preparing for bed and was standing near the bedside when she felt Rowan step behind her. Without saying a word, he slipped his arms around her waist and gently drew her back against his chest before lowering his head to rest in the crook of her neck.

"Why are you so emotional today?" she asked, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

Rowan quietly shook his head against her shoulder.

"Did something happen at the council?" she asked again, turning her head slightly as concern crept into her voice.

"Everything’s fine, Wife," he answered softly.

He lifted his head just enough to rest his chin lightly against her shoulder. "I just feel as though I haven’t really seen you these past few days."

Rosalind blinked at him.

Every time Rowan had managed to free himself from his duties and come looking for her, someone had already been keeping her company.

Sometimes it had been her parents, Rebecca, or Hannah, and although he was happy that she wasn’t lonely while he worked, he always ended up leaving quietly rather than interrupting them.

A teasing smile slowly appeared on Rosalind’s lips. "That almost sounds like you’re jealous."

Rowan let out a quiet breath before the corners of his lips lifted. "Maybe a little."

Rosalind couldn’t help but laugh. "You can’t seriously be jealous."

"Why not?" He asked.

His answer came so quickly that it made her stifle a laughter.

She reached and gently placed a hand over his where it rested against her stomach.

"Do you know..." she began softly, "...that’s exactly how I used to feel whenever you spent all your time working. I missed you too, but I knew there wasn’t anything I could do because you had so many responsibilities"

The laughter faded from Rowan’s eyes.

He looked at her quietly before guilt settled over his expression. "I’m sorry you felt that way," he murmured.

He genuinely hadn’t realized how lonely she had felt during those days. Looking back now, he remembered how often she had waited for him, and yet he had been too occupied with the kingdom to notice what she had quietly endured.

Rosalind smiled gently before giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "It’s alright. We’re past that now."

She turned fully to face him, and her eyes met his with warmth. "So... can we simply enjoy tonight together without thinking about everything else?"

Rowan looked at her for a moment before the corners of his lips lifted into a small, genuine smile. "I’d like that."

Together they climbed into bed, and Rosalind settled comfortably on her side while Rowan lay close behind her. His arm slipped around her waist once more, their fingers naturally finding one another until they intertwined.

****

When the next morning arrived, Rowan took no chances, and Rosalind was pleasantly surprised to find that they would be having breakfast together alone in their chamber without anyone coming to disturb them.

She secretly liked that he had done this after what they had spoken about the previous night, and the quietness of the room somehow made the morning feel even more peaceful.

Her gaze naturally drifted to him as he carefully cut the meat into smaller pieces before placing them neatly onto her plate. It was something he did so naturally now that she doubted he even realized it anymore.

A faint warmth spread across her cheeks as she watched him, and just as Rowan happened to look at her, "Come to think of it, we haven’t deliberated on the children’s names yet. We should have something decided before the child comes," he said.

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