Chapter 23: The Marriage Contract (1)

Salad with colorful tomatoes and mozzarella accompanied by a rich chestnut and pumpkin potage, soft buttery bread, and a fluffy omelet, herb-seasoned chicken, fresh fruit and yogurt, teased Amber' nostrils. (Zuben: If only we could just have said scrumptious food teased Amber' nostrils and carried on with life)

'Ernest.'

'What's the matter? Is there something you don't like?'

'No, not at all, I am very satisfied. But…'

She was sitting on Ernest's legs on a chaise. He held her against him with one arm and fed her with the other hand.

'Wouldn't it be better if I sat by myself? It would be easier for you to eat.'

'Don't worry about me; eat.'

'Do you like grapefruit?' He asked as he held a piece of grapefruit to her mouth.

'I do, but can you let me go for a moment-'

Amber automatically open her mouth and ate it obediently.

Why would she eat to obediently?

Ernest laughed as he patted her head, embarrassing her.

'So cute, what are you going to eat next?' he asked dotingly as looked at the spread before them searching for something with high nutritional value and he patted her belly.

'You have to gain a little more weight so you can carry my child.' he said. (Zuben: Ew! Just ew!)

She could not refute that she had no intention of getting pregnant because he had come inside her last night. He kissed her silent red face.

Ernest had dressed her in elegant clothes and done her hair. Even though he was the King, he was accustomed to doing these things because he has many sisters. So he was able to assist Amber in appearing well in public(Zuben: He's a prince, no matter how many sisters he has, how does he know how to do hair?)

'That is correct, as his Majesty says, it would be better for Lady Amber to gain some weight.' An exceedingly formal gentleman said. This was the young Prime Minister, Duke Sirius Schneider.

'We have been told that, at home, you enjoy lemon curd for breakfast. We will prepare it for your breakfast tomorrow.'

'Hm, no it's fine. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, but I hope to return home later to-nn!'

'Amber, have this delicious muskmelon.'

Ernest did this deliberately. He was interrupting sentences he didn't like by feeding her fruit. His arm around her tightened.

'Your Majesty, not to be rude interrupting your meal, but could you sign the contract?' Sirius interjected.

'Oh, that is right.'

Sirius was a serious-looking gentleman who wore glasses. He walked quietly forward and handed a pen and the contract to Ernest.