The two women paused for a beat then broke out in a smile. (Zuben: *snore)
Katrina has been her maid since Amber was a young girl. For Amber who lost her mother due to illness, Katrina had become kind of a substitute mother.
'But is it alright?'
'What, Lady?'
'Your husband, is he alright with you being away?'
Katri's husband was the Reinfeldt chef. Katri had been living with him in the servants' quarters. Her husband is the proud chef who made Amber' favorite lemon curd. But now, for Amber, Katri lived in the royal palace. Although the Reinfeldt house isn't far from the Royal Palace, Amber was not comfortable separating the two of them even though they were not that far away from each other.
Katri smiled brightly at Amber' worry, 'You don't need to worry, Lady Amber. I am happy to be by the side of the young lady I have brought up. Naturally, my husband encouraged me to be with you enthusiastically.' Katri said cheerfully (Zuben: bigger pay - better retirement)
At her warm reassuring words, Amber smiled, relieved.
'Then I am happy too. Katri is like a mother to me.'
'Oh my! You're so good at making my cry, Lady Amber.' Katri said as she reached for her handkerchief and dabbed her eyes with it.
Ernest had arranged for Katri to be her maid in the palace. Being able to reunite with her beloved maid to support her in her new life as Queen, Amber' days were more peaceful than before.
This was probably evidence that the effect of the love potion was continuous.
Matthias had said it was eternal, but in truth, no one knew. Ernest thought it was simple sweets and kept eating it while looking at other people. There was a possibility that a new love will occur.
(Zuben: He's trying to tell you something but you're too dense to understand) The feeling of guilt built within Amber whenever she thought of how she got Ernest to love her. But lately, that guilt was transforming to anxiety. She hoped the love potion will last. It had been a month since that fateful night, and Amber heart had begun to hold helpless anxiety.
'Lady Amber, I am so happy you're getting married.'
'Katr...i'
'I think you have finally met a wonderful man. A wedding in February would be really fun; I can't help but be excited.' Katri said with a happy smile.
Katri did not know about the love potion, so she just saw pure pleasure and love in the marriage between Amber and Ernest.
And in a short time, she had arrived, Katri had even been consulted by Rosemary on how to capture Sirius' heart.
And Ernes, who was under the effects of the love potion, listens to Katri's voice calling Amber' name with love and respect. (Zuben: Shrug)
Why was there always a pain in her chest? She should know why but it seemed that Amber wanted to escape from the answer. Amber sighed unconsciously (Zuben: Does this girl do anything consciously?)
'Lady Amber, are you alright?'
Amber nodded gently to appease Katri.
'Really?'
'It's nothing.' Amber reiterated with a vague smile. Katri gave her a warm look as she said,
'You're more expressive than you used to be.'
'Hm? Is that so?'
'Yes, I think so. I have been with you for many years, and I have certainly noticed a change in these last few weeks.' (Zuben: Must be all that eye-widening)
Really? She wondered, Amber had been unaware.
Katri nodded,
'While you were at home, you may have smiled but not truly.'
'Well...that may have been the case…' Her very keen maid may be right. While she was at home, she tried to keep her emotions under wraps as much as she could. For she feared, should Leticia be aware of any fragility she harbored, Leticia would somehow use it against her. She never wanted to show any weakness even though inside she was in turmoil.
Although this was the first time Katri had pointed it out. Katri had been by her side for many years and would notice Amber' wry smiles.
'I wonder if it was truly alright. You would not try to be honest with Countess Leticia, saying that her heart was kind. When in truth, it is you who is too sweet to the enemy…'
'I'm sorry to disappoint you.' Amber replied with a bitter smile.
It was Katri who had been waiting for her in the carriage that night. Amber had confessed all that happened at the royal ball to Katri. Katri was still angry, after all this time, with Leticia who had taken her sister's love without even knowing. (Zuben: What is worse; doing it knowingly or unknowingly?)
However, even if she wanted to fight with her elder sister who was maliciously non-malicious, Amber felt that she would be the one in pain as a result. It would all be in vain. Because Katri knew she hadn't ever thought of any sort of revenge, Katri believes that Amber had a kind heart. But would a truly kind person decide so easily to use a love potion to manipulate a person in a quest for peace of mind?
Amber gave a bitter smile; she could not tell the truth of her self-indulgence.
'But these changes in you are surely due to His Majesty.' Katri said with a soft smile.