Song recommendation:
https://open.spotify.com/track/4YIW54P4WOI4p6KTUJce9R?si=1c469e997db9471e
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She had participated in one of the martial art trainings where the master taught them how to use certain pressure points to make people faint or feel great pain. Maybe if she used this technique on some of the people surrounding the queen, she could get a chance to pull her out of the crowd.
While the guards pushed away some of the people, Amelia started to use the pressure points and made selected people faint. That changed the focus to those who had fainted, giving the queen some room and a window for Amelia to secure her.
The guards also saw that opportunity and made it safely to one of the side alleys.
"Oh god, that was too much." Patricia was breathing heavily, and it was evident she had been scared. "This never happened before, I don't know why there was an abrupt surge of people around us. Are you alright, dear?"
"Yes, I am fine, my queen. Shall we go back to the carriage?"
"No, you haven't seen much yet, and there is a less crowded area, let's try it before we leave."
She had been right; the less crowded part was easier to pass through, and they were able to speak to some of the merchants. The conversations were extremely interesting since the merchants traveled through the seas and spoke about their adventures. Apparently, there were some sea creatures that made it difficult to pass around the Helveda area.
Amelia had only known about the land creatures but never heard that there were monsters in the depths of the water along the coast of Helveda.
On their way back to the palace, Amelia kept thinking about the merchants and their knowledge. It seemed that the people there had seen so much and maybe some of the secrets from that part of the world could be revealed. She still suspected that the eagle-looking creatures had been possessed and didn't attack Aurora on their own accord.
Back in the palace, Lucia was already waiting in Amelia's room to get her daily report on how Amelia was doing. It had become a habit for them to meet in the evening and speak about current affairs.
"You look exhausted, Amelia; I thought you would have more endurance since you had to train so hard to become a Dame!" Lucia giggled at her comment.
"Yes, who would have thought that the life of a Princess is harder than that of a knight? These tours and meetings take a lot of energy."
"Ah, but I think you will get used to it with time. The market must have been fun, though?"
"I loved the market, so many different goods and people from all over the world. Did you know that the merchants travel through the seas?" Obviously, Lucia was aware of that fact and nodded with a bored expression.
"They must have more information on Helveda and the creatures living there. I must gain their trust by building a relationship with them and doing more research on this topic. – It's probably best if I also disguise myself. Hmm, the only problem is that I need an excuse to go there so often and without guards at that."
"That will be difficult since you are the precious future queen Amelia. I highly doubt that my parents would let you go without protection."
"What if I took my guards instead and made a deal with them? I think that could work."
"It is a risky move, but it could work – IF your guards agree, of course…"
Amelia was still thinking about implementing her plan when Lucia stopped her train of thought with a question. "I saw that you are also invited to Sarah's birthday party. Will you go?"
"Ah yes, I am invited indeed, although honestly, I don't remember who that was. I suppose it would be rude not to accept?"
"It is the blonde girl who kept my brother busy during the ball. She has been infatuated with him since they were children and was extremely disappointed when you came into the picture. And yes, you have to accept but be careful around her. She can be quite evil."
"Thanks for the warning, but I do not intend on becoming her friend anyways. I am only doing my duty as the fake Princess. She doesn't know it yet, but she can have Nathaniel. After all, I am not Aurora, and once the truth comes out, my engagement will be canceled."
Lucia's smile faltered. She hated it when Amelia spoke like that. It had only been a week, but she really liked her and started to see her like a sister. Her brother could be a brute but deserved to have the best partner; in her opinion, that was Amelia. 'Maybe I need to play cupid and help those two fall in love…" Lucia thought to herself.
"What are you thinking about, Lucia? You have that devilish look on your face."
"Nothing. It is a shame that you don't consider making this act a reality. You can't tell me that my brother didn't catch your attention even the slightest bit?" Amelia was just about to answer when Lucia cut her off. "That wasn't really a question. I know about his effect on women; even if you are a brave warrior, you are a woman after all."
"Lucia, weren't you the one who told me you wouldn't let me marry Nathaniel as Aurora? Also, it doesn't matter what I think about Nathaniel. I am lying about who I am, and even if he did like me, it wouldn't be me but Aurora."
"Nonsense, if he falls in love with you, your name wouldn't matter. Yes, I said I don't want you to marry him s, Aurora, and I stand by that. But I am saying that maybe along the way, you can open up to him about your true identity and marry him as Amelia instead."