FIRE SPREAD THROUGH ROSE'S VEINS. The familiar feeling took over her body again. It was like the one in her dream, but this time, it was more pain-stacking. White noise filled her eardrums and she trembled.

"Ah! Please, stop!" Rose cried out, tears brimming the corner of her eyes. The hand left her back and she fell to the ground, catching her breath. Slowly, she came back to her senses.

The room was silent, all watching what was unfolding before them. Rose held on to her torn dress, covering what was left of her dignity. She felt exposed. Humiliated. How dare he?
She shook, but not out of fear.

Anger.

It caressed her blood and filled her to the brim. She took staggering breaths and clenched her fist. Rising to her feet, she faced Alex. An emotion flashed through his eyes. Guilt? Regret? Rose didn't care.

"You fucking bastard!" She seethed and slapped him across the face.

Gasps erupted around the room. The Prince stood still, his jaw clenched. His cheek had turned red from the impact. Rose stepped back, realizing what she had done. She just slapped the Prince. In front of his Council. How much more trouble could she get into?

"How dare she lay her hands on the future King?!" One of the men spoke up. "She should be punished!" Voice started to rise from every corner in agreement. Rose cowered back, praying the ground would open and swallow her up. She had really done it this time.

"Enough!" The King's voice boomed, silencing the noisemakers. "Everyone, get out. Except you two." He pointed to Alex and Rose.

"Your Majesty but-" The King cut him off, "Get. Out."

They all stood up and filed out of the room, each of them throwing Rose a look of disgust. "Wench." The man who had suggested punishment murmured next to Rose before he left the room. Rose flipped him off in her mind. Old fart.

"Wait. The drama's over?" Jared asked no one in particular, slouching in his chair in disappointment.

"Barbara, take your son away from here, please." The King sighed as he massaged the side of his forehead with his fingers.

"Yes, your Majesty." Barbara said. "Let's go, Jared." She stood up along with her son and walked towards Rose and Alex. She glared at them and huffed, passing between them. She gave Rose a nudge, making her to stumble back and collide with Jared.

Jared held her waist not letting her go. He leaned close to her ears and whispered, "I like you Princess. Maybe we could hook up later if you're up to it." He nibbled her earlobe.

Rose felt Alex grab her and pull her away from Jared's grasp. "Know your place, Jared." He growled at him.

Jared laughed, not feeling intimidated by Alex's threat. "It seems Brother does not like sharing." He teased, "Don't worry, I won't touch her. Yet." He licked his lip, eyeing her up.

Rose shivered but not in a good way. She leaned towards Alex, who tightened his hold on her. She made a mental note to avoid Jared at all cost. No way she was going to let this pervert lay his filthy hands on her.

"Jared." The King warned.

"Okay, okay, I'm leaving." Jared rose his hands in surrender. "See you later, princess." He winked at her before he left the room.

The door closed and it remained the King, the Queen, Alex and Rose. Rose stared intensely at the ground, refusing to meet their gazes.

"Come closer, Child. You too, Alex." The King called them forward.

Alex looked at Rose. Relax. He mouthed to her like he didn't cause her to panic moments ago. He held on to her hands and tugged her forward as they walked towards the King.

As they reached the front, the King stood up from his throne. He stalked towards her, his eyes assessing her like a hawk. He had the same eyes as Alex. Those blue eyes; piercing and taunting. He stood before her and tilted his head. "So what you're saying," He started, "is she is one of the descendants of the Cursed Servant?" He asked Alex, still looking at her.

"Yes, Father." Alex replied, a little tense.

"Interesting." The King drawled. He looked her up and down. "What's your name?"

"R-Rose." She stammered.
The King hummed. "You have a lot of guts laying your hands on my heir, Rose." He said.

"I-I-" Rose stuttered, her body shaking like a leaf. To say she was scared was an understatement.

The Queen stood up, "Oh, Husband, stop scaring the poor child. She's still recovering from her illness." She laid her hands on his shoulder, bringing his attention to her. "Besides, what Alex did was wrong. He shouldn't treat a lady like that." She glanced at Alex. "I taught you better, son."

Alex grumbled under his breath and looked away. His hand was still wrapped around Rose's. She didn't bother to removed it. It was the only thing stopping her from bolting out of the room.

"You're right." The King said, turning to Rose, "I'm sorry for my son's behavior. I'm sure he regrets it too." He said, staring at Alex.

Alex stared into space, not saying a word. Rose wondered what was on his mind. She knew he felt guilty about what happened, but his stupid pride won't let him admit it.

The King cleared his throat, "So now that's out of the way, let's get down to business." He turned to Rose, "Where is your family?" He questioned.

"I-I don't have one." She responded, her voice quivering. She did speak the truth. Here, she had no one she could call family. She was all alone.

"I see." The King said, "How did you end up in the forest?"

Rose gulped. They wouldn't believe her. "I don't know. I just woke up and I was in a forest. I don't remember anything before that." She lied.

The King gazed at her. She wondered if he knew she was lying. She lowered her head, afraid to give herself away.

"What do you suggest we do, Father?" Alex spoke up for the first time in a while. Rose looked at him. His face was void of any emotions as he focused on his Father, waiting for an answer.

"She becomes your servant for the meantime. At least until we know where she came from." The King suggested, "The coronation is around the corner. We should focus on that before anything."

Alex nodded. "As you wish, Father." He said.

The King waved them off. "I leave her in your hands now." He turned to his wife, "Let's go, Karen. I could really use some massage." He wriggled his eyebrow.

"Why don't you go ask your concubine to do it for you?" She huffed and walked away.

"Oh Karen, you know you're my one and true wife." He went after her, leaving Alex and Rose in the room.

Rose backed him. she couldn't face him after what happened. She sensed movements and felt his presence behind her. Unlike Jared, she didn't scurry away. He pushed her hair from her neck and leaned closer, his hot breath caressing her skin. Her heart beat rapidly; she swore he could hear it from where he stood.

"Let the fun begin, sweetheart." He said and walked away, leaving her feeling confused.

***

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P.s not edited