Chapter 22

"Why can't I visit the castle when my dear uncle has requested my presence? Do not forget that I am also a royal, Amelia. I heard you had a run-in with the king of the north yesterday. How was he?" Asked Fraser.

"Like a king who goes out and fights his own battles. Excuse me but I was taking a stroll before you arrived. If there's nothing else you have to say, goodbye," she continued walking. Amelia had no idea where she was going but anywhere away from Fraser was a good start.

"You didn't answer my question about the northern king."

"I thought I did when I said he fights his own battles. Pardon me for not asking him more about himself when I was scared for my life. Next time I run into him I will sit him down and write a book about his life for you. Are we done?" Amelia stared up at Fraser who towered over her.

She had never been a fan of her cousin since he tried to pick on her when they were younger. It was only when she learned how the world worked did she realized he had been jealous that she got to live in the castle while he didn't. Fraser eyed the throne from a young age and walked around like he was king. Amelia saw him be the king's fool instead.

"We have grown now, Amelia. There is no need for you to be so hostile around me. I am merely concerned for your well-being. When I heard the news I was worried you were hurt."

"And yet not once that entire day had you at least sent a letter to show your care. Save your fake care for someone else who will fall for it. I wouldn't be surprised if you prayed I didn't return. One less person to be in your way for the throne," she said.

"Oh cousin," Fraser chuckled. "I never thought of you as competition. I saw the list of gentlemen your father is considering marrying you off to. Your marriage will be one to benefit the people of this kingdom. Now Annabelle's child is the real competition. I would love to stay and chat but I am busy."

'You're the one keeping me here,' she rolled her eyes.

Fraser belonged on the list of people she wanted to see choke.

"And Amelia-"

"Didn't you say you were busy Fraser? I won't keep you waiting," Amelia picked up her pace to leave the area followed by Cyrus and Gina. The two had to remain silent in the presence of Fraser.

"She's still a pain in the ass. What is he looking at?" Fraser muttered when Cyrus looked back at him like he heard what was said. "I can't wait to torture that man," he said before hurrying off to find the king.

"Your father has been meeting with Fraser a lot these days, Amelia. Aren't you worried the throne might be given to Fraser?" Gina asked now that they were alone again. She was concerned about someone like Fraser being chosen as the next ruler since the king had no son. Annabelle's unborn child will determine if the announcement for the next rule must be delayed or rushed.

"When it comes to my father and the throne, I am never worried nor surprised. I wouldn't be surprised if their secret meetings are about Fraser being king. It's one idiot after the next on the throne but I won't let Fraser take what belongs to me. There is a reason why I live in the castle and he doesn't. The same goes for Annabelle's child," said Amelia.

"Speak of the devil and she shall appear," Amelia said when Annabelle showed up in the distance. "Why is everyone in this corner of the castle when I am taking my stroll? They are like ants chasing after sugar."

"Amelia, it's nice to see that you are alright. I heard what happened yesterday and I didn't agree with your father scaring you like that. You could have died yesterday. Leave us for a moment," Annabelle ordered her two maids and Amelia's little group.

"How many times must I tell you, you cannot order my people around? Why was the head maid trying to send Gina to serve you? I know you were the one to request it. Your obsession with me is becoming quite alarming Annabelle. Remember that you are here for the king and not me," said Amelia.

"I simply wanted to put the girl to good use when you were away. You should teach her some manners. She almost burned my hand yesterday and was lucky I was kind enough to not punish her. People like her will embarrass you if you don't thoroughly punish them." Truthfully, Annabelle wanted to use Amelia's absence in the castle to bribe her personal maid but the maid was utterly useless.

"What is it with everyone not listening to the words coming out of my mouth carefully? She was never to be anywhere near you in the first place. Be grateful you're meddling didn't cost your pretty little hand. I don't understand why you must always try to gain attention from me. Are you seeking some type of validation from me, Annabelle?"

"I could potentially be the mother of the next king. I am not someone to be labeled as a mere guest. My rank has risen." Annabelle could not let go of Amelia referring to her as a guest yesterday when the king wanted to have a family breakfast.

"Why are you claiming the title before you know the gender of your child? To my understanding, your rank is still being the king's mistress. Do not embarrass yourself claiming to be more than that," Amelia replied.

"The king's wife has been dead for two years!" Annabelle exclaimed, frustrated with still having the title of the king's mistress.

"They never got a divorce and until my father marries again she will still be referred to as the king's wife. And even when he marries my mother will still be referred to as the king's beloved first wife by all the kingdom. If you were meant to be his next wife he would have made it happen already," Amelia burst Annabelle's bubble.

"Once again, I am amazed by the woman my mother was. Even in her death, you aren't able to compete with her."