Claimed By The Tyrant King

As the carriage rolled once more over the cobblestones, they made their way back to the palace, marking the end of their trip to the noble district.

While the others spoke softly among themselves in the background, Rosalind was quiet as her thoughts drifted elsewhere entirely. She began to replay everything she had seen, from the exits, the narrow alleys, the positions of the guards and she knew she would have to put it all down once she returned to her chamber so she wouldn’t forget.

After that, she would begin mapping the palace as well, carefully and without drawing attention, especially not from Alaric.

"You all performed well today, although I must say some of you were not at your best," Lady Evelina said, her voice cutting through the low murmur.

"The lesson you learned today, from how you carry yourselves in public, to how you address others, even down to the smallest actions like purchasing items should not end here. These are expectations that must remain with you for life, as that is what it means to be a proper lady."

"Yes, Lady Evelina," they responded in unison.

The governess seemed satisfied. Not only had they learned, but they had also returned with items to remind them of the day... gloves, handkerchiefs, and other pieces that reflected their status.

"Rosalind." Her name cut through her thoughts, and she turned her head toward Lady Evelina.

"Would you care to share what is on your mind?" Evelina asked as she had noticed Rosalind looking lost in her thoughts.

Rosalind’s eyes narrowed slightly. What occupied her thoughts had nothing to do with the lesson but plans of her escape. Still, she knew better than to say that.

"I was just thinking..." she began, choosing her words carefully, knowing they would not be well received. "If we are expected to be so proper all our lives... when do we actually get to live for ourselves?"

And the carriage fell into complete silence.

For the first time, even Sabine did not immediately scoff. Claire glanced at Lady Evelina thoughtfully, while Verity remained still, though her attention had sharpened.

Rosalind’s question lingered in the air and Lady Evelina’s jaw tightened. "There is no such thing as ’fun’ for ladies," she said at once.

"Why?" Rosalind asked before she could stop herself.

Evelina’s gaze sharpened instantly. "Are you questioning me?"

"I thought we were speaking as teacher and student," Rosalind replied in a calm and thoughtful voice as if she were truly seeking an answer rather than confrontation. "Men are allowed to enjoy themselves. They hunt, they drink, they do as they please... yet we are not afforded the same."

Lady Evelina’s brows drew together, but Rosalind continued. "Do you not think it is unfair that we are taught restraint, while they are allowed freedom?"

"Enough," Evelina said, closing her eyes briefly as her patience was wearing thin.

"Have you never wished to experience that freedom, even once?" Rosalind inquired.

Every head inside the carriage turned toward her, their eyes wide at the level of her audacity today.

Lady Evelina’s composure snapped at once. "Enough!" she snapped sharply, a vein standing out faintly at her temple.

Rosalind fell silent while watching her. "You cannot have such freedoms because you are not a man," Evelina continued, her voice tight with restrained anger. "They are allowed to explore. We are to remain where we are placed."

Rosalind’s brows furrowed at the absurdity of it. "But..."

"If I hear one more word from you, Rosalind, just one more... I will have you removed from this carriage, and you may make the rest of the journey on foot," Evelina warned coldly.

Rosalind was rendered speechless and around her, the other ladies exchanged uneasy glances as they had never seen Lady Evelina this visibly angered before.

Rosalind now turned her gaze toward the window, a faint frown settling on her face, and said nothing further and for once, her silence seemed to be the better choice.

****

By the time the carriage wheels slowed, no one was speaking anymore. Lady Evelina was still wearing a displeased expression as she led the group inside. Rosalind followed behind with a tight look of her own, but as her gaze drifted to the side, she caught sight of Alaric standing with a court official, engaged in a discussion.

A quiet curse slipped under her breath as she quickened her steps.

But it was pointless as Alaric had already seen her.

He broke away from his conversation and began walking toward them.

Rosalind slowed, then stopped entirely as the others bowed. She followed suit just as he approached.

"Lady Evelina," he greeted, his eyes settling on the governess. "Was it a pleasant trip?"

"Indeed it was, Your Majesty," Lady Evelina replied, her tone composed and proper.

Alaric studied her for a moment. "You seem displeased. Did something occur?"

His gaze flicked briefly toward Rosalind, knowing she would have a hand in this.

"It is nothing that cannot be managed, Your Majesty," Lady Evelina answered.

The corner of Alaric’s lips lifted slightly.

"Then I suppose the lesson has concluded," he said. "As I will be borrowing one of your students."

Lady Evelina hesitated for the briefest moment before bowing her head. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

"Rosalind." At the mention of her name, Rosalind closed her eyes for a second before stepping forward from behind the others.

She came to stand before him, her head slightly lowered. "Yes, your majesty"

"I have missed you, little one" Alaric said, pleased to see her and he smoothly took her hand. "Come with me. I was just about to have lunch."

He did not wait for a response as he simply began to lead her away, and Rosalind had no choice but to follow, quickening her steps to keep up with his pace.

Behind them, Sabine lifted her head, her eyes trailing after Alaric as he walked away with Rosalind and her expression hardened.

Alaric’s gaze now shifted downward as they walked, settling on Rosalind’s hands. "You’ve gotten new gloves," he observed before looking back at her face. "They suit you."

"Thank you for your kind words" Rosalind replied with a slight bow of her head, even though her mind was elsewhere entirely. She would have preferred to be in her chamber, writing down everything she had memorized before it slipped away.

It felt as if fate was pulling strings, allowing her to be pulled away now of all times. "Though you will not be needing them at the moment," She heard Alaric continue with a smirk forming on his lips.

A/N:

Hiiii

Author here! *Wave*...

Thank you for supporting and engaging thus far... for the golden tickets, votes and collections... *Blows kisses* I do hope you can add this book to your library and continue to support so that it can reach many others and they can enjoy reading as well. <3