♔
A blue-silver moon hung in the clear night sky over the castle as Amber alighted from the carriage. The entrance hall was crowded with attendees of the ball, greeting each other.
'Oh, is something wrong Amber?' Leticia turned to ask. She and Matthias were ahead of Amber.
As expected, her elder sister drew the eyes of gentlemen in her evening finery, even more so than usual.
'Nothing, Leticia.'
Amber was dressed in a luxurious baby pink dress that hung off her shoulders. It had lots of ruffles and ribbons. Her hair was decorated with matching small roses.
An unmarried young lady of Berghausen wore pastels to enhance loveliness.
Amber did not think it suited her.
But Amber was here to do what it took, by any means necessary.
'Amber, why don't you go to the salon?'
'I have a little something to do beforehand. Both of you can go ahead.'
'Is that so? Then, we'll see you later.'
Leticia turned back to her husband and gave him an adoring smile.
Matthias turned to Amber while they moved forward,
'Do your best, Amber.' He mouthed to her.
Though he had not spoken, she understood.
She nodded at him and took a deep breath. She turned and walked behind a large pillar in a corner of the hall.
Hidden in a secret pocket of her dress, was a small bottle. The cute clear bottle had pink balls inside it. This was the love potion. (Zuben: or just sweets)
…
'Matthias, is this real?'
She had been worried all night about it. She cornered her brother-in-law when Leticia was away.
'Yes, it is real. It is a powerful love potion that can manipulate the body and mind.'
'No way…' there was no way that such a thing could exist in this world.
Matthias looked at Amber' doubtful face and said seriously,
'I had it made especially by a reliable alchemist. I think the effect is true. And, they have told me there would be no side effects.' (Zuben: Too good to be true ¬.¬)
Despite what Matthias said, manipulating a person's heart is nothing but harm. Even though there is no danger to the recipient's life, it was still against her ethics.
Nonetheless, she asked, 'How long does the effect last?'
'A lifetime. Eternity.'
'Huh…?'
Matthias gave Amber an unreadable smile,
'So, you need to give this to your intended while he looks at you, and the man is forever yours.'
Such a simple bald explanation made by Amber gulp.
She couldn't believe it.
She still thought that there should not be anything like this in the world. But if the love potion was real…
Make him drink it, and be the first person he sees after…
Amber wondered if she had been affected by Leticia's casual words. Could she marry someone and live a peaceful life every day? Temptation, sweet like sugar stole into her brain. Even though logically, she knew it could not be possible, she wanted to try this sweet like love potion.
When no words of refusal were to be heard from Amber who gazed at the bottle,
'Do you feel you are happy as you are, Amber?'Matthias asked
'Eh…?'
'I do not believe you have to get married if you don't want to. You have the inheritance from your parents and your lacework. Even if you didn't have those things, I will still look after you.'
'Matthias…'
It was the first time he had said such a thing to her. Amber had always thought he had the same ideas as Leticia, it was rather unexpected.
Matthias gave Amber a small smile as he continued, 'But Letty is not like that.'
Amber closed her mouth and frowned,
'Letty thinks marriage brings happiness. It is difficult for Letty to understand your happiness.'
Amber remained silent,
'Letty is very determined this time; she wants to find you a husband tonight.'
She glared at him; wasn't that because of Matthias cooperating.
Matthias looked at Amber' reproachful glare and said, 'Even if I did not cooperate, she would still do it.'
Amber groaned.
Leticia felt it was up to her to choose before Amber was left on the shelf.
Amber could not find anything to say.
Matthias put his arm around his sister in law, and hugged her,
'Try and weight up the options.'
'Weigh the options…?'
'Will you continue this impotent dispute with Letty for a long time? Or will you give a man of your choice this love potion? Which do you think is the more peaceful option?' (Zuben: Is giving a person a love potion going to bring one peace? There is a third option: leave the situation entirely)
With a soft smile, Matthias pointed out the cruel choice she had to make. It must be because he was very clear-cut that he had been able to climb to the personal aide of the King despite his youth.
Amber worried for a while and made up her mind.
'I understand. Matthias, would you show me the list of gentlemen you wrote for Leticia?'
'Of course. Shall I also tell you the man I would recommend?' Matthias complied with a cunning smile.
'I shall pray for your success, Amber.' he said.
…
Even with this love potion, the affection obtained would not be real. Amber did not believe this would make her happy. But she wanted a future where she could make her lace without being bothered, without having to field Leticia's hurtful words. Live with a calm heart for the rest of her life.
A peaceful every day where she was not ridiculed, with a husband whose heart has been conveniently been manipulated by a love potion...Amber wanted it.
She thought it was a terrible plan, she was fully aware it was against her ethics. But she was still going to go through with it. She was hurt and exhausted.
'I'm sorry…' she said the words of apology to her intended target and put the bottle back in her pocket.
She squared her shoulders, pulled her back straight, raised her chin and headed towards the ballroom.