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Dark Moon Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 345. Deep Work
🕑 Added 2024-11-04 09:24:16 +0000 UTCThird Arc (Fallen Heart) - 345. Deep Work
“You’re stronger than most people I know,” Claire said quietly, her tone sincere. “Most people would have chosen the easy path, to live without all this pressure.”
Rose smiled, a touch of sadness in her eyes. “Sometimes, I envy them. The ones who can make their own choices without a kingdom watching. But I can’t change who I am, and I can’t change the responsibilities I’ve been given. All I can do is make the best of it.”
They neared the castle gates. The carriage came to a halt, and the door was opened by one of the attendants. Rose stepped out, followed closely by Claire. They walked together through the castle corridors.
Before parting ways, Claire placed a gentle hand on Rose’s shoulder. “Whatever happens, Your Highness, know that you have people here who believe in you. Myself included.”
Rose met Claire’s gaze, a warm, lingering gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you, Claire. Good night.”
“Good night, Your Highness,” Claire replied, offering a gentle smile before heading down the hallway to her room.
They each went their separate ways, Claire’s footsteps fading softly down the stone corridor. Rose turned and continued on.
But as she neared her chamber, something caught her attention—a small cluster of servants gathered near the door of the study room down the hall. They stood uncertainty, exchanging nervous glances, and beside them was a food trolley laden with dinner dishes. They seemed hesitant, shifting their weight as if they were unsure of what to do next. The sight made Rose frown. By this hour, Angel should have already had his dinner and retired to his own chamber for rest. He’d been working tirelessly for weeks, and yet here he was, apparently still in his study.
Rose’s footsteps quickened as she approached the group, curiosity and concern mingling in her chest. One of the servants noticed her and quickly straightened, offering a small bow. The others followed suit, their eyes showing a mixture of relief and apprehension.
“What’s going on here?” Rose asked, keeping her tone gentle but firm. Her gaze drifted to the food trolley, and then to the closed door of the study. “Why are you all standing outside? Has His Majesty not had dinner?”
The head servant, a young man who looked equally respectful and anxious, cleared his throat, glancing back at the door before speaking. “Your Highness… His Majesty requested dinner to be brought to his study, but when we arrived, he seemed… preoccupied. We didn’t want to disturb him, but we’re also unsure whether to leave the food here or try again later.”
Rose’s frown deepened as she absorbed his words. Angel, deep in his work again, had likely lost track of time. She could picture him, hunched over documents, his mind focused on every detail, every decision weighing heavily on his shoulders. Even with the coronation approaching, he was tireless, always putting his duties first. It was admirable, but Rose knew it came at a cost.
She glanced at the servants and offered a reassuring nod. “I’ll take it from here. You may go.” The servants exchanged relieved glances, bowing gratefully before departing down the hallway, leaving Rose alone with the food trolley and the closed door of the study.
For a moment, Rose hesitated. Part of her wanted to leave him be, to let him work in peace, but another part of her—a stronger part—knew he needed the reminder to rest. She sighed softly, gathering her resolve, and gave a gentle knock before pushing open the door.
Inside, the study was dimly lit. Angel sat at his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration, a quill in hand as he scribbled on a parchment. Documents were scattered across the desk, evidence of hours of work, and he seemed completely absorbed.
“Angel?” Rose’s voice was soft, but it broke through the quiet, drawing his attention.
Angel looked up, blinking as if pulled from a trance. His eyes met hers, a flicker of surprise passing over his face. “Rose? What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” she replied, wheeling the food trolley closer. “It’s late. You should be resting, not still working.”
He sighed, setting down his quill and leaning back in his chair. “There’s so much to do, especially with the coronation coming up. I can’t afford to leave things undone.”
