Free Web NovelChapter 128: Chapter 128 Court Manners
Amber’s POV
I lift an eyebrow at the overly painted woman sitting there in all her entitled righteousness.
"Thank you for the compliment, Lady Gloria, although I find it rather simple in the light of your otherwise known, colorful and well educated vocabulary. Do remind me, if I am mistaken, but your family’s reputation and status were restored AFTER the King started his reign, having all titles taken away because of treason five generations ago? Curious how fate plays its game, don’t you think, my lady?" Gloria’s polite and smiling mask falters, and her eyes harden.
"How dare you, you filthy outsider!" It’s not Gloria, but her even more painted and entitled daughter, who answers me. I turn my gaze upon her, ignoring the feeling of heartache when Chase puts his hand on her in consolation.
"Easy, Gia. I am sure, Queen Amber, didn’t mean anything harmful by it." He says smoothly, while the girl smirks in my direction while intertwining their fingers. Chase’s eyes show a momentarily irritation by her action, but it’s so quick I could be mistaken. What happened to the loving mate I met at my pack?
"I meant no harm, Miss Gia. I was only pondering the plays of fate - nothing more and nothing less. Is that was all? King Callus, your highness." I bow my head, a little, and walk to the crowd of nobles.
If they think I will crumble, cry and beg for Chase to take me back, then they are both sorely mistaken.
"I have an announcement to make!" King Callus booms out into the room. "As our fellow Kings and Queens are now traveling to our side of the Kingdoms, my son has agreed to marry one of our own. One who will be a great Queen to you all! One who knows our ways and who will rule with elegance and poise. Miss Gia Salvator, daughter of Gloria and Heath Salvator." The room erupts in polite applause, while I hear a lot of mumbling as to why this sudden change of plans.
"My King, if I may?" An elderly man asks, as he steps forward.
"Lord Lorcas, please." The King gestures with a smile. The Lord steps in front of the King and Prince, while looking them directly in the eyes.
"I must say this is a surprise, your Majesty. But it is something my family and I cannot support." The King’s face falls, and his eyes become angry.
"Lord Lorcas, I assure you this young woman is going to be a wonderful Queen. And while I am at it - Lady Gloria has agreed to do me the honor of being my wife, and your new reigning Queen, until the young are ready to take over." King Callus continues, the smile again plastered to his face. I feel like vomiting. The elderly man shoulders square as the King makes the second announcement.
"I must say, my King, this is also a surprise. I’m sure you will agree that it is rather sudden?" The Lord asks in his deep voice, and the King nods. "My family and I feel the young hybrid Queen should be given the chance of the month we agreed upon, at her arrival, before making any changes to plans. If the young Amber fails, then we will support this union. But until then, we support her and her claim." He concludes, and turns to smile at me. I bow my head in respect, as another Lord steps forward.
After a couple of hours of Lords and Lady’s who have shown me an enormous amount of support in my so-called claim to the throne, we’re all going to the dining area. Blaze, Glaciel, Ezra, and Merida are all around me and making sure I’m alright. Especially Blaze is concerned and keeps me close at all times - always with small touches or comforting mind links. We’re sitting at a table, just us, as Chase appears beside me. I hadn’t noticed him since our mate bond is still closed off, and I’m feeling like I’m missing a piece of myself.
"Amber, can we talk? In private, please?" Chase asks, and I look at him with dull eyes. This is taking a toll on me, no matter how much I don’t want to admit it. I nod silently, while standing up.
"I’m coming with you." Blaze starts, but I put a hand on his shoulder.
"It’s okay, aquaboy. I’ll mind-link you if necessary." I say, and follow Chase out the dining hall and down to an empty room.
"Amber." I put a hand up before he can get any further with this.
"Spare it, Chase. If you don’t want me, fine, then just reject me. But flaunting that overpainted doll in my face like this? That is a no go!" I say dismissively.
"Would you let me explain?" He hisses, and I cross my arms.
"Fine!"
"Have you thought of how it feels that you have another you are flaunting in my face? I saw you two together the other night, and I felt my heart break into pieces. You keep looking at him like he’s the only one that matters, and I have had enough. You can still make this, her, go away! You just have to..." The slap to his face takes him by surprise.
"How dare you! Blaze is my mate, as much as you are! He is PART of me, and you dare to compare Blaze and the floozy?! Right now, on one but you are ruining this between us, and I will not accept your blackmail! Figure out what you want, your highness and reject me if you want her. But do not ever question my love or loyalty to the both of you!"
I turn on my heel, tears stinging in my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. He is not worth my tears right now, and I will not lose composure in front of him or before I am back in my own private room. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
As I throw open the door, I run into the last person I want to see; Gia. She’s looking at me like I’m the lowest of slime and then looking past me into the room.
"Chase, baby! I was looking for you. Mother and the King wanted our opinion on some arrangement for the dinner tonight." She says in a sickly sweet voice, and then she looks at me with an evil glint in her eyes. "And of course we expect your Majesty and your friends to attend as well. That would really be a pleasure." She says, and I can’t refuse a direct invitation. I straighten up, narrowing my eyes at the girl.
"That would be my absolute pleasure, Miss Gia. Then maybe I will be able to talk to your delightful mother about the fascinating history of your family, and how she knew the late Queen as well. I’ve heard they were close, before she sadly died in childbirth of the Prince. I am sure it will be very informative." I answer, as the girl’s face darkens. Then I give her my sweetest smile, as I bow my head at Chase who has come to stand beside me.
"Amber!"
"Enjoy the preparations, your highness, I am sure it will be a lovely engagement dinner," I say before walking away with my head held high.
