Aurora stopped abruptly, looking back at Amelia over her shoulder, telling her with her eyes to stop talking. She knew in her heart what Amelia would say, and once said there was no way back. She didn't want to put her in such a situation, so she let her stay in Rodea.
"Amelia, you have been a great companion over the years. I appreciate everything you have done for me, but our journey together seems to end the minute I leave tomorrow morning."
Aurora's eyes were filling up with tears as she said the following words "I love you like a sister, and I want you to stay safe and strong. You will have to protect my brother instead of me in the future." a tear was falling down Aurora's cheek. Hence, she turned to look away from Amelia so she wouldn't see her state.
Amelia didn't know how to feel. She had already suspected this could be the result since the king had reasons to order her to stay back. Yet her heart still grew heavy, and she was getting tears in her eyes. Looking at Aurora's back, she got flashbacks from their time together.
She was an orphan left by the castle courtyard as a baby, and the royal family was kind enough to take her in and raise her as their own. Although she did not have the right to a title, she had the love and care of a family, was fed, clothed, and had never to worry about anything, so she had never any motivation to look for her biological parents. Probably she was left by a handmaid who had an affair with a lover who didn't take their relationship seriously.
Amelia had a solid drive to make a name and create her identity. She was blessed to get the same teachers as the royal children and soaked everything like a sponge. This was one of many reasons why she was so close to Aurora. They had grown up together almost as sisters as they also were at the same age.
Even if she started training when she was ten and spent less time with the princess, they always had time for each other when it counted and shared all their secrets. At 16, Amelia became a knight of the 2nd class and Aurora's guard. At only 19, she became a knight of the 1st class giving her the title of Dame, just before the late king and queen died one year ago. Hence, they had spent all their days side by side.
She didn't know how to live without knowing when she would see Aurora again. All her emotions started flowing out as she silently cried behind the princess, who also let her tears flow without making a sound. This meant goodbye, and they both knew it.
Many words stayed unsaid, and after standing there for a couple more minutes, both managed to bottle up their feelings, and Aurora started walking back to her chambers to cry herself to sleep. Amelia escorted the princess to her quarters and positioned herself outside the chamber's doors. This would be the last night she would stand guard for Aurora.
Her thoughts stayed in the past until her shift ended, and another guard released her from her post. If she weren't going to be able to protect Aurora on her journey through Helveda, she would make at least sure all the preparations for her security were done meticulously.
Most important was the carriage, a large and noble wagon with beautiful wooden decorations around it, silk curtains inside to provide the passengers some privacy, and comfortable cushions on the seats.
It was a special carriage with diamond particles in the windows, which were the most robust material in the world and would not shatter easily. The back and the front had weapons installed that would release arrows and a selection of weapons hidden within the benches.
One would think the princess was going to war. Not many knew about the creatures which lingered in Helveda, but the precautions were very much needed.
After inspecting the carriage and being satisfied, Amelia went to bed. She could only sleep for a short while, but the short period was enough for her to be haunted by nightmares.
--
The castle staff, the highest nobles, and the royal family were in the courtyard, ready to say their goodbyes to their princess. Everything was packed. The 20 guards were ready to mount their horses as soon as the princess entered her carriage.
Aurora was feeling uneasy as she made her way to the exit. A feeling of nostalgia hit her, and all the beautiful memories she had collected in the castle halls were playing before her eyes. Despite preparing for this day, she felt vulnerable and unsure of everything. She would keep her tears for later when she was alone with her lady waiting in the carriage.
As she exited the castle and descended the stairs towards the courtyard, she saw everyone lined up on the left-hand side. In the very front were the king and queen. Cassandra had a smile on her face, which was confusing to Aurora, but she decided to ignore it. She said farewell to everyone and hugged Amelia and her brother before he helped her enter the carriage.
As she stepped on the carriage steps, holding her brother`s hand, he whispered to her, "Sister, please do not forget that I love you dearly and wish you only the best. Take care of your health and stay strong no matter what happens." He had felt wrong about how their conversation ended last night, but he could not change the order. There were good reasons for it, which he could not share with his sister just yet.
Aurora did not say anything but looked back at him and gave him a loving smile to show her gratitude for his dear words. This was it. Aurora thought to herself as she sat down. Looking outside the window when the carriage started moving, she waved to everyone one last time and watched the castle become smaller as they journeyed to Lavia.
As soon as the castle was out of sight, Aurora started going down memory lane, thinking of her last conversations with Amelia and Philipp. `Ah, Amelia didn't look like she had a lot of sleep last night. She must have had another vision or nightmare, as she would call it. I hope she will be alright and quickly adapt to the new situation.
Aurora's tears didn't stop while she thought about her dear friend. They never had to use many words to express their feelings and thoughts. This time it was no different. After Aurora had told Amelia last night that she would not press further for her to come along with her, they had not spoken again. There was nothing more to say as they both knew they couldn't change the situation.