Capítulo 16: The 3rd Prince

Rosina was currently in her room while fidgeting with the rose brooch she owned. Her mind was thinking about her conversation with Dragon a few hours ago.

"I should sleep," Rosina muttered and lay on the bed, closing her eyes, but her mind was still dancing with thoughts, making her unable to sleep.

"What will happen to Amo?" Rosina muttered and grabbed a pillow and put it over her face. "Stop thinking and go to sleep!"

Dragon had told her they would meet on the third and last day of the masquerade event and talked about his proposal that would benefit both of them.

Rosina left the scene after that, but Dragon stayed behind to take care of Amo's unconscious body. Somehow, she was curious about what Dragon would do to Amo.

"Ugh, I'll think about it tomorrow," Rosina made herself comfy before dripping back into the darkness.

|"Little Rose, do you like some candy? I have some on my hut."|

"AH!" Rosina yelled and clenched her chest, aching. Her heartbeat beat faster, sweat dripping down her forehead as if she had just bathed.

A terrible headache followed when she tried to remember the dreams she just had, but as usual, she couldn't recall anything as if a barrier prevented her from remembering.

Rosina looked at the dripped, heavy curtains preventing the sun from entering the room. She lifted herself and opened the curtains where the sunlight showered on her face, giving a refreshing vibe.

She stared at the sunlight for a long time, before she heard a knock on the door, and Sal entered the room with a cart.

"Lady, your breakfast," Sal stated and pushed the cart toward the table.

"Thank you, Sal," Rosina smiled and sat on the chair when she saw Sal put an envelope beside her plate. "What is this?"

"A male servant had given me this earlier to be sent to you, Lady," Sal replied and took a step back when Rosina opened the envelope to give her space for privacy.

|Dear Rose,

I can't wait to see you later at night for our meeting that will answer all our troubles. Please accept my humble gift for tonight's ball.

Sincerely,

Dragon|

Rosina glanced at the box that Sal placed in front of her. She gestured for the box to be opened and saw a Red mask with ruby crystals forming into a rose.

"This is beautiful, Lady," Sal complimented in awe while staring at the customized mask.

"Yes, it is," Rosina stated with a forced smile and ate her food. Somehow, her chest felt tightened with the thought that she'll be meeting Dragon later privately to discuss.

"Would you like to stroll the garden, Lady?" Sal asked after a few minutes.

"Is there another event?" Rosina asked since she might have missed the schedule.

"No, but several ladies and gentlemen are strolling around to socialize," Sal explained with a soft smile while she poured Rosina a cup of coffee.

"Hmm," Rosina hummed and thought about what Sal had said. She didn't want to leave her room since she was fed up with attracting men that led to unfavored circumstances, but she wanted to enjoy herself rather than imprison herself in the room with nothing to do.

"I'll go out later at lunch," Rosina stated, and she could see the excitement on Sal's face.

"I'll prepare your bath and inform Fina about your decision," Sal stated with a squeal. "May I excuse myself, Lady?"

"You may," Rosina stated and watched Sal's retreating form. She sighed and continued eating while her eyes were stuck on the mask.

It wasn't long before Sal arrived with Fina carrying the altered dress for a lunch stroll.

Rosina nodded, went to take a bath, and let the two servants assist her inside even though she tried to reject their service.

"What if I won't be able to secure a mate this season? Or gaining the attention of the Crown Prince. What will happen to you two?" Rosina asked and looked at Fina and Sal, scrubbing her hands with rose petals.

"Then we'll go back to our normal routine as palace servants, Lady," Fina answered with a sad smile.

"Besides, the 3rd Prince is also participating in this event," Sal muttered and was nudged by Fina.

"Hmm, there's another Prince?" Rosina asked. She thought the Crown Prince was the only royal family to join the mating season event.

"Ah, yes, Lady," Fina muttered softly. "But the 3rd Prince didn't want anyone to know his identity too since it will bring trouble to his freedom."

"I don't understand that statement. Didn't the 3rd Prince like it when women trampled in front of him? He is a lady's man," Sal stated and received the smack from Fina.

"Lady, we apologize for how we acted," Fina bowed down, followed by Sal.

"No, it's fine. I was just a harmless gossip between girls. By the way, does this 3rd Prince also aim for the throne?" Rosina asked with her eyes squinting. She knew that the Princes would compete for the throne even if it meant they'd fight any opposing candidates that would hinder their goal.

"Hmm, the 3rd Prince seems to want more freedom than being locked inside the room full of paper works," Fina stated with a giggle.

"I think he only joined the season's event to grab more ladies to clung to him like a leech," Sal replied, and both servants laughed except Rosina, who was staring at her reflection on the water.

Rosina's mind could only think of one man, Dragon. He was the only one that she knew loved when ladies flocked into his way.

"Have you met the 3rd Prince, Lady?"

Rosina shook her head since she didn't even know who that was. Especially since the event rule was to hide their identity until the 4th day of introduction.

Rosina stood up from the bath and let the water drip into her naked physical form. Fina and Sal helped her dry her skin from water droplets and assisted Rosina in changing into her clothes.