Song recommendation for this chapter: https://open.spotify.com/track/5dUQ00lCQ8IPMs149DIdhf?si=1a6a02a3ded04239
--
Amelia glanced at Nathaniel, standing beside the king and wearing purple as promised. He looked dashing in his full-length velvet tunic with a short cape of the same fabric draped over the shoulders and black trousers. His crown completed his outfit, and Amelia forced herself to look away and focus back on the king.
King Charles smiled and was pleased with Amelia's attitude. He loudly started his announcement looking around the room, showing that he was addressing everyone there. "Welcome our future queen, Princess Aurora of Rodea, who will marry my son Nathaniel. Please enjoy tonight and use this opportunity to meet Aurora."
Once he was finished with his short speech, everyone lifted their glasses and cheered him on. Amelia was surprised because, in Rodea, people would applaud the king after his speech.
She looked around and smiled thankfully for their reaction. It only took a few seconds before a group of girls surrounded her and wanted to know every detail about her life and background. One blonde girl was more persistent with her questions than the others.
Amelia answered all the questions politely but was overwhelmed with the attention and searched with her eyes for Lucia. When she finally found her, she signalled that she needed help.
Lucia came to her rescue immediately and excused them under the pretence that she needed to introduce her to some other people. They then went to a corner to get food and drinks so Amelia could eat peacefully.
Nathaniel stood beside his handsome best friend, Henry, on the other side of the room. They had grown up together since Henry was the son of the first Duke of Lavia and was born in the same year. He was almost as good a swordsman as Nathaniel and just as talented in breaking hearts. His dark brown, short hair, chocolate brown eyes and goofy smile gave off warmth and made him very approachable.
"I must admit, Nate, your future wife is quite the sight." He smirked, knowing his statement would annoy the prince.
Taking a sip from his alcoholic beverage Nathaniel narrowed his eyes at him, but he knew how to dodge this bullet. "Hmm, would you like to marry her in my stead?"
Henry started chuckling, "I know you don't like the fact that you are being forced into this marriage, but does it matter? Honestly, she doesn't seem that bad. If you insist, though, I will gladly take your place. Rumour has it that she beat you in archery which is a great plus." He moved his eyebrows up and down while saying the last bit.
The prince ignored the last remark. "Yes, it does matter because I want to choose who I marry myself. I am not simply a chess piece to be used as pleased. Also, I am sure she doesn't want this either. She will be relieved that she isn't pressured to do something."
"Are you saying that she hasn't affected you at all?" Henry had been sceptical because Aurora was truly a beauty, and the prince had a weakness for that.
Nathaniel looked at Amelia from afar, and while observing her, he answered Henry's question. "I will not lie to you; she is indeed not bad. She is lovely and has this innocent, shy yet strong-headed character and confident demeanour. But all that will only be a distraction. I need someone who is amicable but obedient so that I can rule the way I want. "
Henry patted Nathaniel on the shoulder. "What will you get by ruling blindly the way you want? Wouldn't it be nicer to have a partner in crime who rules beside you? I am not saying she has to be that woman, but you should change your priorities no matter who it is."
"You are talking about love which I don't believe in, and it would only be troublesome to have a woman like her who attracts this much attention."
"Yes, but it would be worth it. We must discuss this topic once you know what I mean: when you are in love." He said, winking at Nathaniel before continuing. "Anyways, if you don't care about her, I can make a move on her then, right?" Henry didn't wait for Nathaniel's answer and moved across the room toward Amelia to introduce himself.
Nathaniel had his mouth half open and was about to answer, but he had to follow suit since he didn't get the chance to speak.
Although they were best friends, Henry loved to tease the prince and knew exactly how to irritate him, which is the case right now.
Henry was aware that Nathaniel did not believe in love, but he thought this woman could change that. He had seen the looks Nathaniel gave her.
The weird thing was that it happened now during her second visit and not the first time around. Nathaniel was also confused by his reactions. The first time Aurora had come to Lavia, he didn't feel this pull toward her.
"Good evening, Princess Aurora and Lucia. Let me introduce myself. I am Henry, the heir to the first dukedom of Lavia." He bowed slightly and held his left hand over his heart to show respect.
"Very nice to meet you, Henry." Amelia smiled at him charmingly.
Nathaniel arrived just seconds after him. "You look very beautiful, Aurora. You kept your promise and chose purple as your colour." He said earnestly and pulled his lips up to one side, giving her a flirty smile.
Amelia's heart started racing faster due to his presence. She didn't think he would be in his flirty mood tonight in front of everyone. "Thank you, you look dapper yourself." She said in her shy tone.
Lucia could only roll her eyes at her brother's actions. What was he doing? It was widely known that he never believed in love and didn't wish to be forced into marriage. Why would he lead Amelia on then? She was about to remark to embarrass her brother when Henry butted in.
"May I have the next dance, Princess Aurora?"