The Forgotten Princess Rose
Chapter 181

Chapter 181: Chapter 181

The next day, Madeline stood by the front door where she watched Victor leave in his carriage again.

During Victor’s busy time preparing them should Zayne’s plans go wrong, he had to speak to the town guards who had to know where Rose came from. After hearing Rose’s story of how the town guards were not of any help, Madeline didn’t want the guards to see Rose yet to disappoint her once more so she sent Victor to tell Rose’s story.

"The manor is suddenly so busy. We must do something to help the girls not worry. What do you suggest?" Madeline asked Emmett.

"The lady is interested in the fields behind the manor. The wood gates are up and the lord has placed guards there. Perhaps it is time you allowed her to venture. A good day is upon us for a picnic," Emmett suggested.

Madeline looked to the sky and agreed it was a good day. "I was not keeping her there only for her to not recall something bad. I was doing it so I don’t have to relive that day. Eight years isn’t enough to make me forget how I let her slip from my fingers. I cannot keep her from going there."

Madeline turned to Emmett, saying, "Rosaline is still as curious as ever. She has not lost the side of her that wants to explore. Arrange for a picnic in the fields. We are due a good day before something happens to shake our lives. I shouldn’t have said that to mess up our luck."

"You still believe in the power of the tongue," Emmett smiled, entertained by her regret. "I will have the picnic prepared right away."

"Thank you," said Madeline.

Madeline turned to her right to start going inside, but Alexander walking from the front garden caught her attention. "Have you lost your way?"

"No," Alexander shook his head. "I went for a walk. I am used to training early in the morning so I went for a walk to make up for not training. People are gathering around your land."

"They are from the papers and others just looking for gossip. Rose’s return is spreading so many will come here to get a glimpse of her. No one is allowed through the gates without my husband’s permission or mine," Madeline reassured Alexander.

It might not be intentional but to Madeline, there were moments when she felt like Alexander criticised how well they protected Rose. It was as though he knew a danger lurking and he was trying to secretly be prepared without telling them.

Madeline put off going inside now that she had a moment alone with Alexander. "I know about the princess’s interest in you and if she is anything like her mother, I know that it is not good. I know the things she would do to have you. I do not want my daughter caught in the middle of it. Will the princes have someone follow you here?"

"I left without telling her-"

"That is not what I asked you," Madeline spoke over Alexander. "I don’t mean to be rude but I have to be protective of my daughter. To have her thrown into a romance which has nothing to do with her is not something I want for Rose. So tell me honestly, is the princess so crazy in love with you to send someone searching for you?"

"Yes," Alexander answered, knowing Kiara must have done it already. "I did my best to cover my tracks. I did not come here to put Rose in harm’s way."

"I believe that but I also believe the longer you are here it increases the chance of the princess setting her sights here. Then her mother and then the king," Madeline said, her anger growing with each word. "I am only going to ask that you make smart decisions. In this matter, it is you who will not be harmed. Do not go so close to the gates to be seen."

Madeline narrowly escaped a fight with Lilian over James and at the time, Madeline didn’t love James but Lilian wanted to get rid of her competition. If the princess was as Rose said then it wouldn’t matter that Rose didn’t love Alexander.

"For men, you find the battle among women to be childish. You may not think it to be serious because the threat is not toward you. We may not be able to fight with swords but there are other ways women use to get rid of their enemies. We must go low and use dirty measures so I am hoping that if you suspect danger, you tell us," Madeline requested.

Alexander knowing the princess was crazy wasn’t enough for Madeline. Since he was bringing trouble to Rose by coming here, what would he do if the princess were to unleash her anger on Rose?

Madeline looked up at the sky once more. "It is a wonderful day and on this wonderful day, I wish to let all know that anyone who tries to harm my daughter or brings harm to her will face the cruel ways I can think of to kill them. I have lost her once and I will not do it again."

"Now, come inside. Your sweat is starting to drip," said Madeline.

Madeline was the first one to return inside. She might have questioned Alexander too much but she had to know he was aware of what his presence here could bring.

It might also be the frustration from a note Karen sent her late in the night. Valerie might not stop until she tells the wrong person the truth about Rose’s birth and the brothel then claims it to be an accident.

If only James wouldn’t have any interest in Rose then Madeline could have shared the secret before Valerie so this wouldn’t be held over their heads. It was times like this when Madeline disliked how much Victor had to put up with because of her past union with James.

Madeline took a seat on a chair to take a moment to clear her head. Rose was already worried about Zayne and Anna was worried about Rose. With Victor away from home, she had to be the one kept together to calm her girls.

Madeline’s moment to clear her mind turned to her falling asleep near the front door with the butler ordering the maids to be silent to let her rest until the picnic was ready.

Emmett knew she needed a break and since the girls were busying themselves with each other, Madeline could rest for now.

It was a little over an hour when Madeline woke and realised her mistake.

Emmett was still near since he couldn’t leave her unattended.

"Emmett, why didn’t you wake me?" Madeline asked as she stood up. "The picnic."

"Is about to be ready. It wasn’t that long ago I sent two maids out to put down the blankets. The young ladies are busy showing Alexander around. You fell asleep right away into sitting down. You must rest more," Emmett told Madeline, concerned for her health.

" I went to bed late last night and woke early this morning. That might be the reason or maybe I am getting old to be finding a chair comfortable to doze off on," Madeline joked.

"That is preposterous. You are young, Lady Madeline. If you are not then I am quite old," Emmett replied.

Madeline smiled at his response and it grew when she saw a large bouquet of orchids placed in a vase. "Did someone send flowers? Did a suitor for one of the girls come by?"

"No. It is a gift from Lord Ambrose to you. The flower boy came when you were asleep."

Madeline touched the petals of the flowers she adored. "He certainly knows how to make me think of him when he is not around. Is there another one of his attempts at a romantic poem?" She asked, searching for the love note Victor always left her.

Poems weren’t Victor’s strongest talent but it didn’t stop him from writing. Madeline found them to be sweet and other times to be funny since she knew he struggled to find the right words.

"How odd. He didn’t place one," Madeline said, disappointed that there wasn’t a note.

"Allow me," Emmett offered, searching the flowers for note. It wasn’t like Victor to not leave one since he knew Madeline would laugh at his attempt. "It might have dropped on the way inside. Pardon me for a moment."