8 Chapter 8: Crisis (2)

'Let's think of it this way; I am training for the time when my child is growing in your belly, and it is my role to carry you like this for all eternity.'

Ernest's body certainly felt more robust than he appeared. His chest against her cheek felt firm, the arms around her back and knees felt strong.

But it sounded as though he was deliberately misunderstanding her,

'But that's not what I am talking about-'

'If that is the case, I can listen when we get to my bedroom.' he replied.

Amber' blushing cheeks paled.

'No! No! I would prefer it if you listen to me right now.'

'I see, as soon as we get to the bedroom, I will put you down on the bed as you wish.' Ernest said with a devious smirk.

It wasn't it though, Amber thought nervously,

'Or would you prefer to be on your knees than the bed?' (Zuben: Dude, that's a little much for a first-timer.)

How far did this love potion manipulate a person's heart?! Just because she wanted him to put her down; he was asking whether on the bed or her knees. She knew from standing near him earlier, he was considerably taller than her, so she could not jump off and run away.

As a result, Amber became paler, and when she imagined what would happen in the bedroom, she blushed.

They came to large doors where two guards and a lady-in-waiting stood in attention. The lady opened the doors somewhat gladly and went ahead to them to open the bedroom doors. Once they were inside, she curtsied and quietly closed the doors.

'We're here.' he said

Amber cast a nervous look around. She had to comment that it looked as expected; exquisitely crafted furniture arranged in a tasteful masculine style. The canopied bed dominated the room and looked large enough for six adults to sleep comfortably.

Ernest approached the bed and placed Amber in the gently down in the middle.

Oh right! The situation was getting dire.

'Please wait, Ernest-eek!'

Her shoes were taken off before she knew it, and Ernest was lying over her. She gave him a panic-stricken look,

'What's wrong?' he asked.

'You said you would listen to what I had to say…'

Why was he trying to undo the ribbons that held the bodice of her dress? Was it alright to bat his hands away even though he was the King? (Zuben: yes.) Amber tried to stave off his roaming hands.

'Oh-yes. If you have something to tell me, do so now.' He announced.

But it did not look like he was paying any attention. Despite his words, he did not stop trying to undress her. On the contrary, he began to undo the buttons of her dress until it was opened to her abdomen. Amber let out an exclamation of disbelief and grabbed the unruly man's hands,

'Amber?'

'Your Majesty, you are rumored not to like women. I am also one of that class of human, so what is happening here…?'

She wanted him to remember that he did not like women and supplant the effects of the love potion.

But he began to kiss Amber' soft cheeks and blew away the whisper of hope in her heart.

'That is correct, I don't like women, but I do like you,'

'But that's…' because of the love potion.

What should I do?

Why did she fail?

She knew she could not tell Ernest the truth, 'I'm sorry, Ernest, I really cannot marry you.'

(Zuben: The truth will set you free...sometimes)