Robellia's visits to the pond became frequent as the days went on. Charles was the heir to Duke Witmore, so he would only come by to visit every once in a while. Maximus and Robellia grew quite close during their lunch breaks together by the pond, they were practically best friends.
Weeks soon turned to months. One fine afternoon Robellia got to the pond earlier and decided to hide so as to scare Maximus. She hid behind a tree, awaiting Maximus. She sighed after a while of waiting. Well Maximus was unfashionably late.
"Who are we hiding from?" She heard a deep voice by her ear. Robellia jumped."Goodness Max!" She turned to him as she held her chest and leaned her back against the tree. Maximus grinned as he placed his hand above her head,"Don't Tell me you were trying to surprise me." Robellia sighed,"You are no fun. I almost....."
Robellia went silent as she noticed Maximus' grin drop and was replaced by a hard glare."Who did this to you?" Robellia subconsciously touched her bruised cheek. "It was just a misunderstanding." "I asked who not why." Robellia tried to hide it away,"I said I am fine." "I don't ask twice little bunny. So either you tell me or I drag you with me to find the culprit."
"It was Cleo, but hones....." "That was all. I brought you, your favorite snacks. Let's go sit down, so I could look at wound. Did you apply any ice?" Maximus' cold demure instantly changed to one of concern and worry. "Max, don't do anything stupid." Maximus just smiled.
The following day Robellia came storming down to the pond,"What did you do?". She confronted Maximus who was seated under a tree enjoying his apple. He looked at her as he asked innocently,"What are you talking about little bunny?" Robellia sighed with frustration,"What did you do to Cleo? She was fine yesterday but today she came with a huge bandage across her face. Did you hit her?"
Maximus shrugged,"Do I look like someone who would dirty their hands by slapping such filth?" Robellia felt apologetic for doubting him," Am sorry. That was rude of me." Maximus grinned," though I do remember ordering my guards to teach someone a lesson." Robellia sighed,"And you think that is okay?"
"And it was okay for her to mistreat you? I've heard what she's been doing to you. You should have told me." Maximus looked serious. Robellia sat next to him,"Max, not everything is as simple as you think." "You don't trust me enough to tell me your problems, is that it?" Maximus retorted. " That's not it Max. Firstly am sure Cleo is going to make it an announcement to the world that the crown prince favours a slave girl, that I seduced you or something like that and secondly I don't want to miss use my friendship with you. People wouldn't like seeing you around me and you know that's true."
"The girl is smart enough to shut her mouth and who cares about what they say. I am the crowned prince, noone would say a thing that you can trust me on." Robellia passed him his handkerchief and Maximus passed her another handkerchief with snacks. " Max well I care about what people have to say and mother is a bit overprotective so it's best she has nothing to worry about." Maximus looked at her. He seemed to be contemplating on something, " As long as you are happy."
Robellia smiled," Well I heard you sent a lot of flowers to your mother. They filled the entire wing. You must love your mother." Maximus grinned," it's quite the opposite you see. Those flowers have quite the powerful scent, enough to cause migraines. It's the perfect way to annoy Emilia." Robellia looked confused,"you call your mother by her name and why would you send flowers to give her migraines?" "Don't feel sorry for her she's not actually my mother. Apart from the fact that she birthed me, we have no other relations what so ever."
Robellia felt sorry for him. She had heard of the rumors about the queen. She was a terrible mother, she spent most of her time looks out for her position and status. She never really cared for her children. Robellia changed the topic as she tried not to bring up the queen.
2 years later the queen was announced dead. Robellia wanted to console Maximus but he seemed unbothered by the fact his mother died. Infact everything went back to normal in the palace after the mourning days were over.