An unexpected proposal. Part I

In the beginning, the day seemed to be like any other. As usual, Amelie was in the music room playing the piano. Since she was little, she had always liked artistic things, and she could do about anything. She loved playing instruments, painting, embroidering, and composing music. She enjoyed reading as well, and the music room was in some way also the library, so it was definitely her favorite room in her detached 'palace.'

She tried to hush the voices inside her head that told her she just liked those activities because they were the only ones she could do properly.

"Your Highness," she heard someone say behind her and turned around without stopping her fingers. The voice belonged to Mary, the woman who had basically raised her, and beside her was Alice, her personal maid. Those two were her only friends and the only people she could truly communicate with, as only they had learned sign language for her sake.

Once Amelie's attention was on them, Mary continued speaking, "The king is calling for you..." she said slowly, hesitation clear in her voice.

Amelie's fingers stopped immediately as a frown appeared on her forehead.

The King? Why would His Majesty want to speak to her? If it weren't for the expression on her friends' faces, she would believe she had misheard.

To be honest, she couldn't even remember the last time she "spoke" to the king. Moreover, this was the first time he had asked to meet her formally. Usually, since he didn't want the Queen to find out that he kept in touch with her, he would go to her palace directly if he needed to tell her something or simply scold her. So, why would he call for her now?

"His Majesty is waiting for you in his office," Alice added, confusing Amelie even more.

She hadn't been in his office since she was a kid... Seriously, what on Earth had happened? She tried not to overthink too much but she couldn't control her nervousness. Had she done something terribly wrong? What could be so important as to call for her in broad daylight when everyone could see them?

She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her quivering heart, and rose from her seat. She tried to look elegant and royal as she walked, and she hoped her long dress was enough to hide her trembling legs.

Amelie's place was separated from the main castle. People called it 'palace' but, actually, it didn't live up to the word. It had only 3 bedrooms and 5 people living in it. The music room was located on the first room, along with the kitchen and her guards' shared bedroom. On the second floor, there was only Amelie's room ⸻which was considerably big⸻ and Alice and Mary's bedroom. That's it.

Amelie was not sad or angry about it, though. For her, it was more than enough. They had delicious food, a big garden and, more importantly, privacy. In fact, it seems that the First Princess, Elise, had felt envious when she found out that Amelie had her own palace and asked the King for one even better.

As she exited the palace, her guards ⸻Eric and Arthur⸻ bowed respectfully. Amelie was not very close or friendly with them, but they treated her gently and she trusted them deeply. In fact, Eric was Alice's older brother.

People's eyes felt heavy on Amelie's back. She could hear the maids whispering among themselves, she could hear them judging her. Mary always told her to ignore them, but it was easier said than done.

Some made fun of her skin, saying she looked like a savage or that "she was left in the oven for too long". Some made fun of her frizzy and fluffy hair, and some others spoke ill of her condition. For example, some said she was stupid and that's why she couldn't talk. Others said it was a curse, a punishment because she was the result of sin. And some others that she was a witch and only spoke secretly to cast spells. She was sure they said more than that, but she didn't want to know what exactly.

However, although life in the castle was difficult, she was glad to be safe. Despite everything, inside the castle walls she was a princess and was, therefore, untouchable. Words hurt but, usually, she didn't leave her home so it was bearable.

After walking for a while ⸻her palace was very far away from the main castle, you can easily guess why⸻, she finally got to the King's office. She didn't even need to knock, as the guards standing by the door opened it for her immediately.

She felt the Queen's fiery gaze on her as soon as she put a foot into the room. Amelie wondered why she bore so much hatred towards her when the real 'sinner' was the one sitting next to her.

The Queen's red hair looked like fire because of the sun coming through the window, and Amelie couldn't help but think that she was the one who looked like a witch.

Even so, she didn't really blame the Queen for disliking her. She was sure she had felt humiliated when she found out about the King's infidelity, especially because she was considered the most beautiful woman on the continent. Surely, it must have been a blow to her ego to learn that she had been cheated on with a foreign commoner. This was actually the first time Amelie saw her in years. Normally, the Queen avoided even being in the same room because, according to her, it caused her indigestion.

She tried to keep a straight face as she curtseyed deeply to greet them.

"Amelie"

Feeling faint, she looked at the King when he called her name. To her surprise, he looked rather pleased to see her. His blue eyes seemed to be full of life as he continued speaking, "I would like you to meet Sir Lionel, your betrothed."

It took Amelie's brain a moment to process his words.

Her what?!