"I love it sweetie, it's perfect. Did you help to pick it out?" Amber said."
"I really wanted you to wear all white at first because I thought it would show off how amazing my big sis is, like a beautiful angel! But Granny Mabel said you can't wear all white until you're married, or it'll make your wedding dress look like just another dress. So, we picked blue instead! Blue is my favorite color because it makes me think of the sky, clouds, and flying, and of course, you!"
Amber felt her cheeks flush as she listened to her younger brother ramble on, particularly when he likened her to an angel. However, if her adorable little brother viewed her in that light, she had no intention of correcting him or letting him think otherwise. He truly was a sweetheart.
"Why don't I try on the dress to ensure it fits perfectly? After that, we could go out for some treats to celebrate my beautiful new outfit! I'm so excited about this dress that I really want to mark the occasion. Would you join me?"
"You don't have to take me out, it was a gift," said Ethan."
"Oh? You'd actually be doing me a huge favor. I'm confident that with your presence, we can eliminate those annoying leftovers for good," Amber said
"You got it! I'm really great at finishing off those leftover goodies. Are there going to be some cute little cakes?"
"There will be all sorts of varieties! The celebration simply wouldn't feel complete without your presence," said Amber
"Really? You want me to come," said Ethan while pointing to himself.
"That's right, you're very important," said Amber.
Ethan blinked his eyes a couple of times. "I'm...important."
Amber reached out her hand and ruffled the top of Ethan's hair. "That's right, it wouldn't be that same without you.
Ethan paused while looking up at Amber and then he threw his arms around her waist in a tight hug, "I love you!"
Amber's hand stilled and she took a deep breath. "I love you too," she said quietly.
The moment she slipped into the dress, which clung to her form with an almost divine precision, a fleeting sensation of ethereal grace washed over her. Yet, as she admired her reflection, a nagging thought crept in: her nails and makeup were in dire need of a revamp for the upcoming soirée. The notion of hiring a new maid also surfaced, as the current one was clearly unfit. The shadows of her other subordinates pasts loomed large; she couldn't afford to hire a maid whose history might invite scrutiny from the ever-watchful eyes of high society.
Perhaps it was time to pay a visit to Dr. Denari's household, to gauge their situation. With a series of social events on the horizon, it would be utterly unacceptable to appear without proper attendants. The risk of a foolish man cornering her and fabricating scandalous tales was too great without witnesses to safeguard her reputation. Noble society was a labyrinth of irritating complexities, and Amber felt the weight of it all. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she contemplated the treacherous vipers that had infiltrated her home. Her finger drummed against her leg, a nervous habit that had become all too familiar lately, a manifestation of her growing concern for those she wished to protect. Locking them away in a vault was a tempting fantasy, yet it was a prison for living souls, and she knew that such a life would be unbearable for them, even if it would simplify her quest for their safety.
"No...no, self-restraint. Self-restraint," Amber said to herself.
"Did you say something, dear?" Mabel said from the other side of the door.
"The dress fits me perfectly," said Amber while opening her bedroom door and walking out into the hallway.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Amber massaged her aching back, casting a disdainful glance at the crumbling relic of a carriage that her father's family estate had deemed suitable for her. She had no intention of mending the wretched vehicle they had provided, especially after returning little Mr. Piggy. A smirk crept onto her face as she recalled the 'ghost' incident—what a naïve man he was. It was a pity to part with that horned pig; he had been quite the speedy companion and a source of endless amusement. Yet, the thought of acquiring a new carriage or fixing this one seemed pointless, as she preferred to glide through the air on Fluffy. Nothing could rival the comfort of riding atop a celestial cloud.
Amber stepped inside the charming sweetshop and café, a delightful two-story A-frame that resembled a gingerbread house.
As they entered the cozy space, they were guided up the stairs to a table on the balcony. Settling in with a view of the street, they placed their orders for drinks and desserts. Amber chose a spiced mocha latte topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream, Ethen opted for a large cocoa also adorned with whipped cream, and Mabel selected a refreshing mandarin black tea. Together, they enjoyed their beverages and treats, soaking in the warm atmosphere.
Amber then caught the sound of raised voices coming from downstairs. "That is not my child! I have no idea whose it is, but tests show it has absolutely no magic at all."
"It was Arabella who caused our baby's magic to be taken away; she is to blame for the loss of his incredible Ice Magic!"
"You would, of course, blame the woman I adore. You were well aware that I planned to take her to the Nexum ball as my date, and now you're just trying to ruin it."
Amber leaned over the edge and caught sight of the First Prince and Jenna in a heated debate, passionately discussing the paternity of the baby Jenna was heavily pregnant with.
"I was supposed to be your crown princess!" Jenna screamed.
"I'm not even the crown prince, so what absurdity are you spouting? It's downright treasonous to think you can read the Emperor's mind, and whoever claimed I'd elevate a mere maid to the status of a princess? You might as well have suggested I feast on dirt just because it's there. And who do you think you are, pointing your filthy finger at my beloved? Guards! Seize this insolent peasant for their audacity to insult the royal family."
The guards positioned around the lower level swiftly seized Jenna, dragging her away as she shouted a stream of curses.
Meanwhile, the First Prince ascended the stairs to the second level, flanked by two guards clad in full armor, their faces set in grim determination, swords at the ready.
Amber looked at him and lifted her eyebrow, what did this clown want now?
"You will go with me to the Nexum ball, won't you? I never received a reply from you."
Amber inhaled deeply, reminding herself to remain calm. This was not the moment to inform this insufferable man to take his invitation and burn it. "Don't you think your invitation came a bit too late? The dance and celebrations are just around the corner."
"I get it, but I was an idiot. It was you from the start; you were the one I truly loved."
"What a bizarre way to demonstrate it—by getting my maid pregnant."
"That kid isn't mine; tests showed they lack any magical abilities."
"Great, so her pathetic genes are apparently so robust that you've ended up with an heir who's completely devoid of magic. Congratulations. But, I see no reason why this mess has anything to do with me."
"It certainly does, as I fully expect you to provide me with an heir."
Amber felt a wave of nausea wash over her, struggling to suppress the urge to vomit at the thought of that worm coming into contact with her. "It is dangerous to walk around while sleeping."
"I concur, yet what of the invitation?"
"Regrettably, the exquisite lady you so eloquently described in the invitation has already been claimed for the dance by another suitor," said Amber with an air of superiority.
"How can you even think of going with them? I'm your fiancé! You should just cancel with them and come with me, obviously."
"I assumed you would go with the help and so I would not humiliate myself by waiting around for you. I will not cancel with my date as it could cause an international scene."
"International scene? Then who is your date?"
"I'm going to your birthday party and the Nexum Ball with Prince Elystar."
"What compels you to accompany him?"
"He was practically begging for my attention while you were busy frolicking with the help. It was quite the spectacle—think a hundred roses, elegant swans, a charming boat, and a dazzling display of fireworks. Clearly, I'm a woman of considerable allure. As you can observe, I'm rather occupied at the moment, so don't hesitate to make your exit. Oh, and might I recommend a DNA test instead of just relying on some whimsical magic test? Who knows, that child without a hint of magic might just be your little bundle of joy."
"Though the child may be of my blood, I harbor no desire to name them as my successor."
"While that may hold a semblance of truth, you must first procreate once more before you can even contemplate choosing another."
"You must understand that it would be utterly foolish to keep your date. Instead, you should accompany me, and at my birthday celebration, we shall make the grand announcement of our wedding."
"A most unfortunate international debacle, but alas, I am already spoken for. Pardon my abrupt departure, but I must attend to matters of the powder room, Amber said, rising with an air of undeniable elegance.
"I order you to ditch your date and come with me," the First Prince declared, gripping her arm tightly to keep her from moving.
"Is this your customary method of enchanting the fairer sex?" Amber remarked, her gaze flickering to his constricting grip.
"I've never met a woman as stubborn as you before."
"Ah, how utterly predictable! Your woeful inability to flirt is now laid bare before me. I, of course, am already engaged for the evening and have no intention of rescinding my plans. If you had any inkling of interest in pursuing me, perhaps you should have refrained from parading your dalliance with my servant. Alas, better fortune awaits you in your next endeavor. Now, if you would be so gracious as to relinquish my arm," Amber said.
"She holds no significance in my life, do you understand? Not a shred of importance whatsoever."
"Prove it," said Amber.
She flung her arm free, and he let go. The First Prince? A mere pawn in her grand game, a tool for his own demise. Let him yearn for her like a moth to a flame; she had no time for his foolish affections. With a flick of her hair, she strutted away, slipping into the restroom. She bided her time, listening for the guards to escort the First Prince away, her fingers itching to unleash a deadly concoction. But no, she held back, savoring the sweet anticipation. She would savor every moment of his torment, starting with a taste of desperation—oh, how he would learn to feel that bitter sting!