Chapter 13
Nights tarried on. The sound of gunshots didn’t stop in the woods. Amelia had attempted to sneak out countless times, but the general had planted guards in the house; it was getting harder to rebel.
Her father…she hadn’t heard from him since the holiday ended. Before his departure, he’d been acting secretive. Amelia had wanted to confront him, but the appropriate moment never approached.
And now, it was the day of the ball—
“You will rise up and dress for the ball!” Veronica bellowed. She wasn’t having Amelia's deviant behavior this time. “You act like a little pup, you’re twenty, for crying out loud! You shall be debuting soon!”
Amelia rose abruptly, her symmetrical lips forming a frown. “Exactly, I’m just twenty!” She spat. “Surely I have the right to live my life. I should be exploring, having some fun. I have a whole life to live, mother.”
It was tiring to be conformed and governed by society’s strict moral precepts, legions of guides on how to behave correctly, how to dress appropriately and what to say in various specific situations.
Veronica wasn’t so convinced, “I was betrothed to your father at eighteen!” She withdrew herself, pacing back and forth.
“That was you,” Amelia whispered and stood from the bed, striding to Veronica. “Allow me to live my life, mother.”
Veronica shut her eyes. Amelia had never seen her like that, so withdrawn…vulnerable.
It frightened her. She preferred her strong-headed persistent mother.
“I’m doing this for you…to secure your future,” she finally spoke. “You shall go to the ball, and you shall impress William Hamburg or any of your other suitors!”
With that, she stormed out of the room, not bothering to glance back. It was the night of the prince’s ball, and they’d just ended their usual fight. Flopping back on her bed, Amelia’s mind wondered. it was—
“My lady,” Amelia jerked her head and caught her gaze. Emily was staring down at her with her bright brown eyes. She’d never taken notice of her features, but the lady staring at her was gorgeous. Her defined jawline faced downwards as she opened her mouth to speak.
“I have to get you ready for the ball,” she smiled.
Ever since Amelia had seen her with Troy, she’d barely conversed with her.
She rose from the bed, and Emily raised her brow, she hadn’t expected it to be so easy.
“Dearest Emily,” she intoned. “Are you going for the ball?”
Emily chuckled politely, “none of the suitors shall glance—”
“At your side,” Amelia completed in a bored tone. “Nonsense! I want you to go for that ball. I insist!”
Emily’s jaw literally dropped, she glanced at Amelia, her eyes blinking.
“But the prince—”
“Invited everyone!” she replied and scurried to her side.
“But I do not own a fine dress,” she retorted, gazing at the stubborn lady.
“I’ll lend you mine,” Amelia smiled victoriously. Emily was without an option.
She decided to use her final strike, “if you do not attend, I shall not either,” she slumped on the wooden chair next to her.
Emily sighed in defeat, “There’s no giving up with you. You always have your way. That is why I admire you, my lady,” she said heartily. “Where shall we begin?”
Amelia smiled smugly, rising from the chair and walking to the closet. The act of goodwill was actually for Troy.
She was playing Cupid that night.
It was kind of a payback for the time she planted a toad on his head. The poor thing had been frightened to death, he was still so young, and she’d told him she did it out of pleasure; or that other time she stole his sword and mistakenly hurt herself. Troy had taken the blame for her.
Her eyes fell on the perfect blue dress and shone. “This would look wonderful on you!” She bellowed.
It was going to be an eventful night. Amelia had a mission—a mission drawn out in her mind.
It wasn’t going to be easy, but she decided to go for it.
It was the only way, even if it meant putting her life at risk…