Queen's Words

Amelia POV

Cassidy and I finished our late dinner and lingered a little longer in the kitchen, her chatter filling the warm space. She was kind, and despite the weight of everything happening around me, it was easy to relax in her company.

After a while, she offered to show me more of the castle, which I gladly accepted. I needed to get familiar with this place, or I’d probably end up lost again.

As we strolled through the castle halls, Cassidy pointed out rooms, making casual conversation. The enormity of the place still stunned me. It was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Back home, everything was smaller, simpler. This castle was like a maze—elegant and grand, every floor more impressive than the last. We made our way outside into the garden, and the view took my breath away.

The garden stretched on forever, with manicured hedges, fountains, and bursts of colorful flowers. The air smelled sweet, and I found myself lost in it for a moment. But then… I saw her. Queen Larissa.

She was walking toward us, and every step she took seemed to carry the weight of authority and judgment. My body tensed up immediately, and Snow growled in my head.

“She’s trouble,” Snow warned, her voice sharp.

Before I could turn away, the Queen’s eyes locked onto mine. Her lips curled into a smile, but it wasn’t warm—it was the kind of smile that made my skin prickle.

“Well, if it isn’t Lucas’s little guest,” Queen Larissa said, her voice cold but deceptively polite. “Enjoying your stay, I assume?”

I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself. “Yes, Your Majesty. The castle is… beautiful.”

Her eyes flicked over me, dismissing. “It is. Quite different from what you’re used to, I’m sure. But don’t get too comfortable.” She stepped closer, her gaze hardening. “Lucas may entertain you for now, but don't forget… one day, he will find his true mate. And you’ll be nothing more than a passing memory.”

Her words cut deep, and for a moment, I couldn’t speak. She was striking where she knew it would hurt, and it worked.

“Don’t let her get to you,” Snow growled. “You’re here for a reason, Amelia. Lucas chose you, and you’re not weak.” She reminds me.

Cassidy, who had been standing quietly beside me, shifted uncomfortably. She hadn’t known who I really was, but now it was becoming painfully clear.I guess the cat was out of the bag. Her face reflected a mix of surprise and unease.

Queen Larissa straightened, looking at me one last time before turning on her heel and walking away, leaving a trail of tension in her wake.

I could feel Cassidy’s eyes on me, but I couldn’t bring myself to meet her gaze. My heart was still pounding, the weight of the Queen’s words pressing down on me. She was right.

“True mate,” I thought bitterly. Was this what I had signed up for? To be cast aside the moment Lucas found someone else?

“Stop that,” Snow said firmly. “You can’t back down now. You knew this wasn’t going to be easy. Besides, you’re not here just to be his lover. You have a purpose.”

I nodded, though my confidence had taken a hit. Cassidy cleared her throat softly, breaking the silence.

“I—um, I should probably get going,” she said, her tone awkward. “It was nice meeting you, Amelia. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” Her voice was kind, but I could tell she was still processing everything.

“Thank you, Cassidy,” I said, managing a small smile. I can sense her unease and I don’t blame her for wanting to get away. Truth be told I would want to do the same.

She left quickly, and I made my way back to my chambers. The conversation with Queen Larissa replayed over and over in my mind, each word cutting deeper. I can’t help thinking how right she is. Lucas will find his true mate eventually and I’ll have to leave. For some reason that thought made me feel somewhat empty inside, a bit sadden.

I shake my head

I was still distracted when I reached my door, and that’s when I nearly walked straight into Lucas.

“Amelia,” he greeted me, his voice softer than usual. His eyes, however, were intent, focused on me. It sent a shiver down my spine.

“Lucas,” I responded, trying to steady my breath. The tension between us still lingered from the ealier before.

His expression shifted slightly, as though something weighed on his mind. Then, after a pause, he spoke.

“I wanted to let you know… the wedding is happening tomorrow afternoon.”

My heart skipped a beat, surprise flooding my senses. “Tomorrow?”

“Yes.” His gaze didn’t waver. “It’s sooner than we planned, but it’s necessary.”

I blinked, trying to process the sudden shift. Tomorrow? I hadn’t even fully wrapped my head around everything, and now the wedding was happening? A wave of emotions rushed over me—nerves, fear, and something else I couldn’t quite name.

“I… see,” I managed to say, though my voice sounded small.

“Well, that escalated quickly,” Snow said dryly.

Lucas didn’t seem to notice my hesitation. “I’ll have everything arranged. Don’t worry about a thing.”

But as he walked away, I couldn’t help but wonder if I should be worrying about everything.

 “Aren’t… aren’t going to sleep in the room tonight?” I asks.

He paused, turning around to face me, a smirk playing on his lips. In two stride he is in front of me, my back against our bedroom door, He leaned his lips inches from my ears. “Don’t tell me you want me to spend the night.” He says his voice low. I could feel the heat of his breath on my ears.

“I... I, that’s not what I meant,.” I manage to stammer out. I could feel the heat in my cheeks. He was too close.

Snow snorted in my head and I mentally glare at her. Nice of her to find this amusing.

Lucas steps back chuckling and I glare at him. “Sorry I won’t be able to spend the night with you. I have work to do so I’ll be in my office.” He turns and walk away. Leaving me standing there confuse.

What the fuck just happen?