Chapter 39: Lady at the Ball (1)

The monthly royal ball had come around again. The main hall of the castle was filled guests dressed in luxurious clothes and sparkling jewels. The autumn night sky was clear and the air was crisp.

While this was the monthly ball the King hosted, there was also an added celebration: the formal announcement of the engagement of King Ernest Berghausen to Lady Amber Reinfeldt.

King Ernest had proposed to Lady Amber before all the guests at the previous ball, so everyone already knew about it. No one voiced any surprise when the engagement was announced by Prime Minister Duke Sirius Schneider. There was joyous clapping and there was a long line of nobles who wanted to congratulate Ernest and his fiancée, Amber.

'We would like to congratulate you on your engagement and impending marriage.' they said

'This is a very auspicious event,' they said.

Although Amber had complicated feelings about the circumstances, as a well-bred Lady, her expression did not betray her tumultuous thoughts.

But, the kingdom seemed to be glad that Ernest had taken a bride, they had all but given up on the King every marrying.

'Would you like to have a girl or a boy? Either way, it will not change the future of the country.'

'If your child is like both of you, they are sure to grow up intelligent and beautiful.'

The throne of Berghausen could be inherited by any child. Because of that, was it so easy to talk about having children? Amber gave their guest a vague smile, even though they were speaking so witlessly and insensitively due to their joy. Ernest's ability as a statesman was great as anyone would attest to; wanting him to pass on the excellence was natural as vassals who thought about the country's future.

Amber had conflicted with her sister Leticia since childhood. She grew up in an environment where her sister wielded a sharp blade while looking rather loveable.

Ernest put his arms around her and smiled at their good wishes. The smile made his handsome face even more so.

A child was a gift, and there was no guarantee they would have one.

He had remembered what she had told him while she was asking him to have a concubine.

Their good wishers stopped as well, they finally realized they may have gotten carried away in their joy. Even though there was a likely to be a child in the future, right now they had to take care of their future Queen. There were murmured words of apology. Amber gave a serene smile.

Amber felt she was the one who needed apologize.

Thanks to Ernest, her chest had changed slightly but it hurt on the inside. (Zuben: Boobies are good but the heart, not so much) At the same time, she was irritated with herself for finding comfort in the arm around her waist since she didn't like being at balls.

'Congratulations, Amber.' a lovely voice said. After listening to the tactless aristocrats, her eardrums were healed by the lovely sound she had grown accustomed to. (Zuben: Drink!)

'Thank you, Rosemary.' she replied turned to the younger girl. As an unmarried princess, she was wearing a baby pink dress with lots of ribbons and frills. But her dress flattered her, her movements made the dress flutter like fairy wings under the chandeliers. Her soft beauty made Amber smile.