Wars of the Heart
Amelia Luna-dynn is a young damsel of unassuming character. However, there is a deadly secret she harbors: that she is the daughter of a forbidden race, a tribe despised by the royals of the Kingdom. She is the sole survivor, discreetly living an unseen life as a commoner. But there are scars on her back that betray her origin, requiring her to cleanse herself in order to stay alive and unrecognised. With such reins attached to her race, it is impossible to find someone who would love her despite the dangers of her origin. But one night, when at the verge of being eaten by beasts, she is saved by a mysterious man from the grasp of death. Curiosity drives the damsel to chase love. Despite being downtrodden, she stumbles upon the opportunity meeting with high society by joining a Book Club run by the beautiful daughter of the Duke, Charlene Walterus. Amelia makes friendships with nobles and soon comes close to a romance with a man she suspects to be her secret rescuer, but is hopeless that his heart is far gone in the arms of the duke’s daughter. Will she win a wedding with the man of her dreams? But most importantly, will her fantasies of a perfect marriage come true? Or will she suffer a strained marital relationship, with unrequited feelings, far from the heart of the one she loves? Excerpt: That night, he was exhilarated to have married the woman of his desires. But Charlene had told him a bothersome fact about the origin of his newly wedded wife that he could not shake off his mind, for he knew she would have told him, had it been true. The tall man stepped into Amelia’s chamber and found her seated at the rim of the bed, blushing. The very sight of her innocent disposition had always brought him the insane urge to sweep her up in his arms and protect her. But before they would make love, there was an important question blaring at the edge of his mind. “Y-you’re here”, her soft voice was almost breathless. She rose to her feet, but rested against the wall, shy and nervous. “Amelia”, he tasted her name, drawing close to her. Tenderly placing a finger under her chin and lifting her face to meet his, he gazed into her eyes and asked, “Is it true that you are of the Celeste Clan?” There was silence in response and fear in her eyes. She did not deny it. A strong feeling of hurt enveloped his chest, when he realised that she was no different. Charlene’s words about her were not simply contemptuous lies of jealousy planted to his attention, but the raw truth. ~ Amelia gasped when he rammed his fist against the wall in the absolute pangs of frustration. It was like it burnt his senses to think that she would deliberately hold something as significant as her origin from him, regardless of all things of his secrets that he had shared with her, while they were yet secret lovers. She knew the fault was hers, but she had been too scared to relay, for she had loved him far too much to lose him. “Why did you hide this from me?” he breathed, voice cold and low and deadly, colored by his unpronounced rage. His face was dangerously close to hers, such that she could hear his very breath, seething. Tears began to pierce her eyes, threatening to fall. She had never meant to deceive him. But in that moment, she was afraid. Heart throbbing loud enough to be heard, her lips were quivering and she shivered. When his gaze swept down at her frightened disposition, there was a flicker of tenderness in his eyes. But it lasted not even as long as a moment’s worth. He was cold. He did not confront her for the secrets she was keeping, but silently withdrew himself. There were many things she wished to say in apology, but she could not find her voice. And by the time she could speak, he had left her chambers. Tears flurried down her face. She could not believe that her fears had ruined the very first day of her marriage. It was the day she had wished to divulge her secret to him, but it seemed like it had already been out.
24. Threat and Confrontation
Threat and Confrontation
~
The Estate of Duke Walterus,
The Town of Crimsonton,
Kingdom of Velicia,
Fair morning,
The Eighth Day of the Month of November,
Thirty Third Year of the Reign of King Jesse Crestings
Duke Walterus eyed the Prince's calm composure and smiled, saying, "Sire, the Head Knight is here at the manor as well. Would you like to meet him now?"
"Yes, I expect to confront him, thank you", the regal young man replied.
Although the host of the manor knew that the Prince was the most charming prospect his daughter could win in the kingdom and his very presence at the estate was a good sign, he was unsure of how interested the young man was, personally, for he admitted no indication of intentions. He was of royal bred, which showed in the way he disposed his manners.
The door opened to admit a young lad, Daren, serving delicacies and sweet tea. "Inform the Head Knight, Erion, that we wish to summon him here. And once Miss Charlene has duly received the gifts, she is expected to be in attendance at the Prince's presence", the Duke said, earning a dutiful nod before the waiter scurried away with the burden of delivering the message.
The Prince seemed to be eyeing the glassy tea that was served, arms crossed against his chest, waiting for the people he needed to meet.
The Duke's mind, regardless of the work at hand, was flooded. He knew that since the Prince's arrival at his manor had filled the streets with throngs of curious people, it was inevitable that gossip of a match between the royal and his daughter would spark a wild fire of feverish news among the commoners.
His gaze subconsciously travelled towards the large window wherefrom he could see the front yard of his manor and the avenue ahead. And that was when he noticed the young damsel, Amelia Luna-dynn, playing with the grass in his courtyard.
It had been a secret, specific request from his part to have her deliver the dress of Lady Hildeth's boutique so he could take note of how far she knew regarding the vigilantism. His personal wishes craved, even, to end her.
But of course, such was no easy matter, though the information with her was grave. He decided it would be appropriate to make mention thereof, instead, to the prince himself.
"I believe there could be a threat to the secrecy of the news we wish to withhold from the audience in our townspeople", the Duke unfolded the matter.
"Is that so?", the Prince looked up from his tea, green eyes cloudy from the touch of the hot vapours ascending from the beverage. "What happens to be the case?" he asked, setting his cup down,
"I heard from my men that a certain young lady had witnessed the vigilantism with her own eyes. How shall I deal with her?" the Duke asked.
"You had your men spy the work as well?" a brow rose in question.
"N-no, your Majesty, of course not!" the man hosting the meeting panicked, hoping not to falter in the grace of the royal heir. "It was simply that I heard she strayed into the woods around that hour of the night."
"Who was the dame?" the Prince asked, unfastening the cuffs of his sleeve and pushing it up his forearm, like he was settling comfortably for business.
"A certain peasant girl by the name Amelia", the Duke answered.
There was a slow nod. "Do you know any more details of her whereabouts?" the silver haired man asked further.
"Not much, Sire", the lord of the Walterus household replied. "But I could relay to you what information I do hold", he offered.
The Prince's eyes followed his gaze towards the window and landed on the damsel that was the subject of the conversation.
"That is the maiden", the duke said.
The young man nodded in response. "I see."
"Must we shut her from spreading the news?" the elder asked.
"No, no, she seems far too innocent to be any threat to our keeping of the secret. But in any case, should worse come to worst, I will deal this matter without the public's knowledge", the Prince said, before a cunning smile lifted the side of his lips. "You needn't bother yourself with the matter, Sir"
The duke nodded, "Of course"
Just then, the door opened and Head Knight Erion of the Western wing stepped in. His airs were calm, like there was no fault that could be weighed against his name. A pleasant, yet respectful smile found its place upon his face, and he bowed.
"Greetings, Sire", he wished, before rising to his full height.
"Yes, greetings", the Prince returned in response, showing no appreciation for the disposition. "I heard grievous news that your men failed to be in attendance at the edge of Drift-combe village during last night's bestial attack. What do you wish to state in your defence?"
There was hardly a falter in the nonchalance of the Knight's expression when faced with the question. "The fault is entirely mine, Your Grace. I seek your forgiveness regarding this slip up. I will confront my men with demotions and consequences for their slackness. None do seem to attend to duty when it is the fortnightly rampage of the wolves; I believe the men are terrified."
"But is that not precisely why they must be there? To protect the people?" the silver haired man was cold.
Just then, there was a soft knock at the door, before the knob turned and opened to allow the entry of a lovely young lady.
~