CHAPTER 17 ALARIC I knew my action yesterday caused one or two outrage but in my defense, I couldn't leave it in the hands of faith, I thought long and hard about it. But I just couldn't, it was too risky, I knew she had done well and dressed so elegantly well, but I know better than not to know that there was one or two underground politics that is being played in this competition. A lot of parents are desperate to make their daughters win and that means they could go as far as bribing the officials to make that happen at this stage. So when I saw the opportunity to help, make sure that Amelia is among the top twenty, I took it damning all consequences. Here I am right now. In the grand courtroom, I sat surrounded by three of my trusted elders - Elder Noah, Aaron, and Paul. Boaz, my loyal advisor, was by my side. They had called for my audience early this morning, I had planned to meet up with Amelia in the garden but I guess that would have to wait. I had to give them their au
CHAPTER 18 AMELIA I glared at him, still trying to comprehend how he could look at me with a straight face and tell me that he doesn't want to see me anymore. "I didn't say we shouldn't see anymore," he corrected and I sighed, what difference does it make, just when I was getting used to being happy in his arms once again, he drops this sort of bombshell. Was he used to breaking my heart? "Do you take pleasure in hurting me?" I asked and I could see him chuckling and I playfully shoved his hands which were wrapped around my waist and he pulled me into his arms again. "Come on Amelia, why would I ever delight pleasure in hurting you, I am doing this to protect you," he explained, his hands were trailing down my arms and then up to my neck and he pulled me into a deep kiss, his hands laid gently on my back, as his lips and mine touched, his lips was warmth and his breath was a bit heavy, heaving and pulling me in and then I paused and tilted my head forward to accommodate his mou
CHAPTER 19 AMELIA Constance is showing me how to knit and it is a particularly boring and unbearable process, it this what they would use to determine the winner of the contest, I might as well just quit right now, because there is no way I am learning how to knit, not to talk of becoming proficient in it. "I give up," I finally declared, throwing the knitted scarf, or what I would want to be a scarf on the floor. "You cannot give up now, I know it looks hectic but with a little practice you would get it," she tried to encourage me and I sighed. "That is the thing, I don't want to get it, I don't want to be used to sitting on a rocking chair all day knitting," I replied to her and she frowned, I know that at this point she was already getting so frustrated about my wits and bankers. But those were the things that made me, my core essence, I loved to read, to talk and I do not want to always be agreeable. I love to have an opinion of my own, not just concur with what people say be
CHAPTER 20 AMELIA It was the day of the competition and I kept clenching my hands together, I was nervous and I couldn't. Keep my heart from racing, I had the cooking skills of a five-year-old and I wasn't even that good. I knew Alaric couldn't come to my rescue today because he had to keep a low profile and tone down the favoritism. I was on my own. Well technically, I wasn't completely on my own, I had Constance by my side who is meant to assist me but she isn't allowed to give me any direction or intervene. So, yes, I was on my own today. We all walked up to the cooking quarters dressed in our aprons and forced to put on a smile to appear appealing. "You would have to wear your smile on all the time during the cooking contest," Constance had reminded me before we went up to the courtyard, and I frowned almost immediately. "Why," I had asked, I don't know why I had to be forced to do something as remotely boring as cooking and forced to wear a smile the entire time while d
CHAPTER 21 AMELIA My mind was still occupied by what just transpired between Alaric and me, at this point, I knew it wouldn't be long before we went all the way. Somehow I feel I am ready, I love him and he loves me so much too. Although I had not told him yet, I was sure I did. "You spent a whole lot of time in the bathroom, were you that nervous?" Constance asked as I tried to regain my composure. My legs were still shaky, and I squeaked. "Yes, I was adjusting my corset, a string pull," I lied, it wasn't exactly a lie when Alaric had lifted my skirt. "Oh, my lady, you did it all wrong," she snorted, making her way to me to help me fix it, while my eyes trailed as I saw Lucia approach me, she had a feigned smile on her face. Right now she is the last person I want to interact with. I am already so tense as it is. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the lucky one, don't think that sprinkle of luck you had in the fashion show will happen again," she said and I frowned. My heart ski
CHAPTER 22 ALARIC Why don't things come easy to me, how was I going to make this right? There is no way I was going to disqualify Amelia, she is the love of my life and that was something I wasn't going to let go of. A lot of eyes were on me to see what I was going to do, there had already been rumors and talk of me trying to favor Amelia, now I was about to damn all consequences. Why would Amelia make such a costly mistake like this? I stood there, surrounded by a web of confusion and conflicting opinions, my mind was in turmoil. The incident with the bad food had thrown everything into disarray, and now Lady Giselle was apologizing profusely, ordering the food to be discarded immediately. "I am sorry your majesty, we don't know how this slipped past us, we tasted all the food, guards throw away this atrocity right now," she blurted out in understandable confusion, she was partially to blame for this, it was her place to taste all the food before it was brought forward to me
CHAPTER 23 AMELIA I walked briskly through the garden, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. It was a close call, I almost lost everything in a blink of an eye. I was about to give up, on my dreams, on Alaric but no, that couldn't happen, he was too much a part of me for me to just let go of. Spotting Alaric, my breath caught in my throat. As our eyes locked, he pulled me into a bare hug, his arms enveloping me, and a surge of warmth spread through my veins. I knew why he did this, he felt the close call lost, as much as I did. While he was standing there, looking so confused as everyone expected him to disqualify me, I could see the torment he was going through. I wouldn't have even blamed him, if he had done that. He had little to no choice at that point and I knew it. Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, he leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss. The kiss was soft and tender at first. The kiss was a combination of emotions, everything
CHAPTER 24 ALARIC Today was the day I would be spending with the ladies, it would be supervised. The setting was made in such a way that we would have a whole lot of audience watching and listening to us as we went on a date. It would last for an hour for each lady and get to talk to them, know what they fancied. I was looking forward to It, I know I already had a pre-existing bias, because I wanted to be with Amelia but I also just wanted to get to see for myself how I felt for other ladies. I sat across from Lucia, the air brimming with anticipation, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of apprehension. Our conversation started off with the usual pleasantries, but something felt off, scripted almost. I longed for genuine connection, for a glimpse into her true self. I know that people say a lot of things about her but maybe I could find out something about her that made her special. "You look beautiful today," I complimented Lady Lucia and she grinned at me, it was a soft grin, not
CHAPTER 43AMELIAAs the days passed after our wedding, I began to feel something different within me. At first, I brushed it off as the excitement and joy of our new life as husband and wife. But as the feeling persisted, I couldn't ignore the possibility that I might be pregnant.One morning, I decided to take a pregnancy test in one of the dragon healer house, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I waited for the results, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. When the test confirmed my suspicion, tears of joy filled my eyes."Alaric!" I called out, rushing to find him. "I have something to tell you!"He met me with a concerned look, but it quickly turned to curiosity when he saw the tears in my eyes."Amelia, what is it? Are you alright?" he asked, taking my hands in his."I'm more than alright," I said, my voice trembling with excitement. "I'm pregnant, Alaric! We're going to be parents!"His eyes widened in surprise, and a wide smile broke across his face. "
CHAPTER 42AMELIAAs the date for our wedding and my coronation drew near, the excitement in the kingdom was palpable. The preparations for the grand ceremony were in full swing, and the palace was abuzz with activity. Amelia and Constance, my dearest friend and confidante, were by my side, helping me with every detail."Amelia, this is going to be the most spectacular event the kingdom has ever seen," Constance exclaimed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.I smiled, feeling a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. "I can't believe it's finally happening, Constance. I never thought I'd be standing here, about to become queen."Constance gave me a reassuring hug. "You deserve this, Amelia. You've faced so much, and now it's time for you to be celebrated and loved."As we continued with the preparations, the palace was transformed into a breathtaking vision of beauty. Lavish decorations adorned every corner, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. The ballroom was being prepared
CHAPTER 41ALARICAs the dust settled after the scary events that had unfolded, I stood before the people of my kingdom, my heart heavy with the weight of the decisions I had to make. Gregory's betrayal had caused great pain and turmoil, and I knew that justice had to be served."People of the kingdom," I addressed them, my voice firm yet tinged with sadness. "Today, we have faced battle and deception from one of our own. Gregory's actions have caused harm and division among us, and I cannot stand idly by."The crowd murmured, their eyes filled with anticipation as they waited to hear what I would do. They trusted me to lead them, and I had to be strong in my resolve."As punishment for his betrayal, I hereby banish Gregory and his family from the kingdom," I declared. "They will no longer be welcome within these walls."A mix of gasps and whispers spread through the crowd, and I could see the shock and disbelief in their eyes. Banishing a family was no small decision, but I knew it w
CHAPTER 40AMELIAAs I struggled against the restraints that held me captive, my heart sank as I looked into Lucia's cold, menacing eyes. She had transformed into a dragon, her scales gleaming with malice, and I knew I was no match for her strength. Fear gripped me, but I refused to show weakness."Why are you doing this, Lucia?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "We were never friends but I never hated you, I thought even once, when all this was over we could be friends."Lucia laughed, her voice filled with bitterness. "Friends? Ha! You will never my friend, Amelia. You were always the golden child, the one everyone adored. I should have been the queen, not you!"Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to understand her betrayal. "Lucia, I never wanted to take anything from you. I never wanted to be queen. It wasn't my choice."She sneered, her claws inching closer. "Oh, please! Spare me your pathetic excuses. You stole everything I ever wanted, and now it's time for you to
CHAPTER 39AMELIAThe morning of my wedding day arrived, and the excitement mixed with nerves consumed me. I confided in Constance, my loyal friend and bridesmaid, about my jittery feelings."Constance, I can't help but feel like something bad is about to happen," I admitted, fidgeting with the lace on my gown.She smiled reassuringly, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Amelia, it's natural to have a case of nerves before the big day. But don't let fear cloud this moment. You're about to marry the love of your life, Alaric, and it's going to be a beautiful day."I took a deep breath, trying to push away the foreboding sense lingering at the back of my mind. "You're right, Constance. I must focus on the happiness ahead."As the ceremony approached, my heart pounded louder with every passing minute. My father, looking dashing in his formal attire, came to take me to the aisle. "You look stunning, my dear," he said, his eyes shimmering with pride and love."Thank you, Father," I repl
CHAPTER 38AMELIAThe day of the palace celebrations was finally here, and excitement filled the air! The village was adorned with colorful decorations, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats wafted through the streets. Alaric and I had gone back to my hometown and I felt good to be finally home."Amelia, my dear," my mother said with a twinkle in her eyes, "your father and I have something important to discuss with you."I furrowed my brows, wondering what it could be. "What is it, Mother?"My father smiled warmly, putting a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Alaric has asked for your hand in marriage, Amelia."My heart skipped a beat, and my cheeks flushed with a mix of surprise and joy. "Oh! Really?" I stammered, trying to contain my emotions."Yes, my dear," my mother chimed in, her voice gentle. "He came to us with a sincere heart and formally asked for your hand. We couldn't be happier for both of you."Tears of happiness welled up in my eyes, and I hugged my parents tightly.
CHAPTER 37ALARICAs I stood before the entire kingdom, my heart pounded with a mix of nervousness and excitement. This was the moment I had been waiting for—the moment to right the wrongs and reveal the truth about the competition.With a deep breath, I climbed onto the stage, facing the expectant crowd. The anticipation in their eyes was palpable, and I knew I had their full attention. This was my chance to be a leader, to show them the strength of justice and the power of truth."My fellow citizens," I began, my voice carrying across the square, "today, I stand before you to address a matter of great importance—a matter that has affected us all."I could feel their curiosity growing, and I took a moment to gather my thoughts before continuing. "During the recent competition, there was an unfortunate incident that led to confusion and doubt," I explained, my eyes scanning the crowd."But today, I am here to set things right," I declared, my voice strong and resolute. "I have come to
CHAPTER 36AMELIAAlaric and I have found a habit of seeing each other in secret. I didn't like keeping our relationship a secret but right now, that was the only way we could be with each other. He came into my room this night like he has been doing all throughout.I lost every sense of reasoning when I gazed at him and trailed his eyes, he was staring at my breast, I wasn't wearing any bra and my nipple lines were visible from my silky dress."Just call my name," he muttered to me, his voice was hoarse and you can see how he longed for me. I was trying to fight every will in me to say no, no to him pinning me to the wall and having my body press to his. "Alaric," I whispered and that was the tipping point for us, he took my lips into his, kissing me hungrily. He lifted me and placed me on top of the counter, While our lips parted for a split second to breathe, it was just like going underwater and coming up for air. I grabbed his hand and pulled him to me, our lips meeting in a
LUCIA As I sat there, feeling humiliated and angry, I called for my handmaid to distract myself with a pedicure. "Can you believe the audacity of Amelia?" I lamented bitterly.The maid frowned, curious about what had happened. "What did she do, Your Grace?""She thinks she's so superior to everyone else," I said with a hint of venom in my voice. "I hate her so much."The maid hesitated for a moment before asking a daring question, "Why did you agree so easily to the crime they accused you of?"I sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and determination. "I have my plans, my dear. I can't rush the whole process. At that moment, there was nothing I could do. Those two incompetent maids had already confessed, and the evidence against me was overwhelming. It was the only reasonable thing to do."The maid nodded, understanding my predicament. "You're wise, Your Grace. It was a strategic move."I smirked, feeling a sense of pride. "It has nothing to do with wisdom, my dear. It's about kno