Chapter 25: The Glass Vial (1)

♔

Amber was silent, an expression sadder than she was aware of her face.

Ernest took a deep breath and handed the papers and pen to Sirius. With his free hand, he stroked her soft cheek,

'Amber, my mind, my heart will not change.'

'But…'

Ernesto silenced her with his gaze, 'Did you know what I have never liked another woman before you?'

'You say that now but…'

She was not naive to think that she was as good as other women. Amber did not for a moment believe that without the love potion she would have someone like him.

But Ernest ran the pad of his thumb across her lips, while Amber was mesmerized by his golden gaze,

'Amber, you are the only one I would ever love, now and in the future. I only want you.'

His sweet words shook her tympanic membrane. (Zuben: I think I will start leaving this in and then we can have a drinking game, every time trembling, shaking or shivering tympanic membrane is mentioned, we drink)

The moment she regretted she had failed yesterday, why did she have a slight pain deep in her heart?

But she leaned forward, meeting his golden gaze with her violet one,

'Even if your heart would not change, there still needs to be a possibility to allow a concubine.'

'Why?'

'Because children are gifts. There is no guarantee that I will conceive and give birth to an heir.'

Deep inside, Amber was happy that he vowed to love only her, even though she knew that it was all induced by the love potion. Despite this, she knew she wasn't adept at monopolizing this false love, she couldn't necessarily say that they would have a true connection over all these uncertain possibilities.

'I think that applies to me as well.'

'What?'

'The reason we don't have children could be as well.'

This reaction, to be honest, unexpected.

Ernest smiled lovingly at Amber. Amber mind was filled with a complex mix of reassurance and anxiety.

'Don't worry about it; even if we don't have children, I am not the only royal in existence. We had decided that Rosemary's future child was next in line. So Amber, calm your heart and agree to become my wife.'

Last night, she had thought him a cunning black-bellied king, but his wisdom was unquestionable. (Zuben: Cunning and wisdom are best buddies)

As Amber thought about how she would reply, Sirius spoke up, 'As His Majesty says, the problem is succession is important but not important as his Majesty being wed.'

He adjusted his glasses as he continued, (Zuben: Imagine flashy Megane-glasses adjustment here) 'As you must have heard, his Majesty does not relate well to ladies. But there are matters in the running of the country, domestic and diplomatic relations that require a Queen.

The presence of a Queen in such matters can make a big difference. Simply put, Lady Amber, it will be meritorious for his Majesty if you agree to marry him.'

'And' Matthias said adding more nails to her coffin, 'doesn't his Majesty agree that you can continue with your lacework?'

He should be on her side.

'While I think you will be very busy as Queen, I still want you to live as freely as possible.'

'See, there are no more issues. Congratulations, Amber.' Matthias said with a broad smile.

Amber was increasingly frustrated with him.