Chapter 35

"That is how I wish to appear to others in the castle. Act like I am already defeated while I gather my own things. I have to plan carefully before revealing the cards that I hold. I want to buy up as many properties in my name as possible and gather my own people from them. The money you gave to me was useful last year," said Amelia.

Margaret became curious about the amount of land Amelia owned so far. The excitement started to build up within her as her curiosity grew. "What did you use that money for? Did you buy other lands?"

"I bought land close to the border. If my father ever wishes to march his men through that land to go fight the northerners, he will have to converse with me. Most likely my answer would be no as we do not need any more war. It's not clear yet but I have a feeling that we are losing."

Amelia only knew about what happened when Killian killed all the men surrounding her carriage. She was using gossip from the guards in the castle to keep up with what was happening elsewhere.

There were rumors of Killian winning each fight he faced while others said the Blackwells were winning. She could only try to piece together the stories to find the truth. Though her father captured some of Killian's men, she couldn't dismiss the way Killian's men killed her guards easily. Killian did not even take part in it.

"We are most definitely losing," Margaret had no shame in admitting that. She had been in the court long enough to see the way the court minister thought their bright ideas would work. "Those men in court don't like listening to others' suggestions. The court needs to have more men who will go against your father's orders."

"All the court ministers are coming from the same families over and over again. Commoners who show good promise are being turned away. Honestly, before this war becomes even worse, someone should talk to Killian to form a truce. Most likely it would have to be me."

Amelia considered the fact that a second meeting with Killian wouldn't have her leaving as freely as she did the first time. However, as a royal, it was her duty to try whatever she could to prevent war and save lives.

"How would you seek him out? That man could be anywhere in our kingdom. I don't see how they were able to lose a man with groups of men entering our soil. You would have to find a way to lure him out."

"Or perhaps, he will find me first," Amelia mumbled.

"I believe that you will work everything out just fine. It's terrible you have to clean up what the king is doing and even so, he looks to others as his heir. Everyone wants a son but I'll be the first to tell them that son's are not that great," Margaret shook her head. "I wish I had a girl."

"Do not forget my aunt," Amelia reminded her grandmother. Though her aunt did not come from Margaret, she was still the king's sister. "Her mother died young and you were the only mother figure she had."

Margaret sighed. She always stated she only had one child, thankfully. "She is not my daughter just like I don't do not plan to call Annabelle's child my grandchild. I won't treat them unfairly but I won't show fake love."

Amelia understood that but in her aunt's case, everyone raised her to believe Margaret was her biological mother up until she became of age to marry and learned the truth. She couldn't imagine the emotions one would feel learning the only person they ever knew to be their mother had been a lie.

Amelia didn't harbor any bad feelings toward Margaret for doing such a thing. How was she or anyone else to judge when they were not in the position of having to look at a child their husband made with another woman? Her aunt grew accustomed to Margaret ignoring her and seemed content with just being close to Margaret.

"Listen here, Amelia. Whoever it is you get married to, never allow them to bring another child into your home. Had your grandfather's illegitimate child been a boy, I would've gotten rid of it. It is harsh but as mothers, you must make the world easier for your child. Do you understand me?" Asked Margaret.

Amelia nodded her head since it was something she already knew she had to do. The world was cutthroat and if a mistress were to bear a son, that would be a threat to the wife's child. Should anything happen to the wife's child the husband would place all his hopes on the mistress's child.

"I'm in that position with Annabelle's child whose father wants to make king if it shall be a boy. I am not one to hurt a baby but do you think I should get rid of it? The baby and its mother," Amelia spoke softly so that no one would hear her beside Margaret even though they were the only two people in the carriage and no one was on the road as they reached Margaret's land.

"Had I been in your position, she wouldn't have lived long enough to get pregnant," Margaret spoke honestly. This was why she believed she would be going down under when she died. "I have killed many who threatened my position or life in the castle. Be it my husband's mistress or the court ministers trying to get rid of me."

She continued to say, "The battle in the castle is a vicious one in which you cannot outrun Amelia. You will end up with blood on your hands and it might belong to the person you least expect. Be careful not to get caught. I will not be able to save you so easily."

"Someone, I least expect?" Amelia started to wonder who that person might be.