Rose was grateful for the interruption. Caius hadn't seemed satisfied with her apology, and she was a little lost on what else to do, but the coachman approaching seemed to distract him for the moment.
At least it ended whatever it was he wanted to say and he no longer argued with Prince Rylen so that was a good thing.
Rose stepped to the side as the mat was laid down and the basket was placed on it. It was a decent-sized basket, covered in a napkin. This was clearly lunch. She was certain the basket held more than it showed.
As soon as the basket was placed on the spread-out mat, the coachman bowed and retreated. Rylen and Thomas did the same, bowing and leaving. Rose nearly collapsed when she realized this was just for her and the crown prince. She didn't want to be stuck alone with him again. The carriage ride was more than enough.
