Chapter 18

As Amelia walked quietly through the garden of Maria Flyer's house, her heart couldn't help but thump at the realization of her action. If her mother was to find out, she'd be grounded forever. She cocked her head as some group of women passed by her, chatting, whispering and glancing at her.

Of course, she was still the lady with the favor of the prince. The prince's favorite, and some…well, some people had even called her the future Luna.

The last time she'd gotten attention was when she accidentally shaved her eyebrows. Most of the neighbors in where they used to reside had jeered at her.

She gazed forward; the event was outdoor, with hordes of female guests all dressed in colorful gowns. The place was filled with lights, decorations that’d been covered with snow, and some posters with quotes about women printed on them. There was a pleasing rhythm playing in the background, and some of the women had formed a circle, chatting and chuckling. Despite those circles, one could tell there was no segregation among them; there was unity and transparency amongst them. The perfect place she'd love to be.

Her eyes wandering through the hordes of guests, her eyes widened, blinking continuously as she tried to make clear of who she'd seen. The lady connected her gaze, and an amused look spreading across her face.

The two limped towards each other, eyes narrowing and lips moving.

"Well, well…if it isn't the delinquent," Beth jeered. "I should have guessed I'd see you here…but I do not see your mother, where's your mother?" She peered dramatically, and Amelia grimaced.

"And you?" She said, "what are you doing here?"

Beth paused for a moment, nervously darting her gaze, "you shouldn't be here, delinquent." She finally whispered.

"What do you mean? Every woman was invited—"

"Ladies," a very soothing voice sang, sending chills down Amelia's spines, she darted her gaze across the woman that was approaching; she looked expensive, with dark wavy hair—a very curvy figure, and red lips.

"Mrs.…I mean Miss…Miss Flyer," Beth stuttered, and Amelia pursed her lips.

It was indeed the famous Maria Flyer, who despite her curmudgeon allegations seemed like an impeccable woman—one with class and style.

No wonder her mother had been intimidated. Maria was drop dead gorgeous.

"Elizabeth," Maria soothed, her eyes flickering to Amelia, "and—"

"Amelia Flower," she curtsied, "glad to make your acquaintance."

Maria raised a brow, "goodness, you're the one everyone's been talking about."

Amelia chuckled, she knew she'd become famous, but not that famous. Mrs. Flyer didn't seem like one to care much for society’s gossip.

“I presume so,” she scratched the back of her head.

Maria glanced at her closely, "are you alright though?” She inquired, “You seem rather gloomy.”

Amelia heaved a heavy sigh, her lips parting before she could control it, “to be frank with you, I am not. The gossip does not sit well with me. What if I was only talking business with the prince? Everyone just assumes he's courting me. Why do women always have to be stereotyped for marital affairs and—"

She paused, lowering her gaze. She knew she’d gone overboard…again, but—

"You remind me of my youthful self…” Amelia cocked her head as Maria trailed. "So passionate, vocal, and a little bit…talkative." She smiled.

"I'll have you know, the country is going to witness a new revolution. Change will come,” she affirmed enthusiastically, “change that you’d be very interested in.”

Beth widened her eyes. "You…you can't possibly—"

She paused after receiving an icy glare from Maria.

Amelia couldn’t help but wonder as different thoughts whispered at her. What was she on about? Whatever it was, it seemed to be in the favor of women.

“What do you say, Amelia?” Maria muttered, snapping her out of her reverie, “come with me so you can meet the others.” She flashed a smile and gestured.

It was amazing to have found someone with the same mandate as hers, but she needed to see Harry that night.

“Actually, I have to leave now. I have an appointment,” she declined politely, “I appreciate your kindness, Miss Flyer. Maybe next time.”

Maria smiled. “We shall meet again, Amelia.” She gave a curt nod, and Amelia curtsied, plodding out of the land as the heated gazes of Beth and Maria burned her back.

***

Amelia replaced her scowl with a smile as she spotted prince Harry from afar; he was speaking to an old man, but she couldn’t make a clear view of his face. The man's voice was sharp and imperious, and from the looks of it, it was evident they were having an altercation. Only an important wolf could speak so sternly with the prince. She’d just arrived at the palace, and her coach man held her hand as she disembarked from the carriage.

The old man had left Harry’s presence; he was beginning to limp towards her direction. Discreetly, Amelia glanced at him sideways, his face was long and hard.

“Lady, Amelia!” She cocked her head, Harry was waving, obviously conscious of her presence now. He began to stride in her direction with a guard next to him.

“I’m delighted to see you again,” he smiled, and she bowed her head slightly.

“Leave us.” He ordered the guard, before narrowing his eyes back at her.

“It’s so cold out here,” he said. Not that it was a problem; Lycans could adapt to any weather.

“It is,” she muttered, her eyes meeting with his gaze. “Who was with you earlier?” She couldn’t help but ask.

Harry reached for her hand before turning, they began to saunter towards the entrance as they conversed, “my uncle, the Duke.”

She pursued her lips, “that was quite a heated argument. Is everything alright?”

“He wants me to be king,” he said distastefully, “he wants me to ascend the throne.”

Amelia paused her stride, and Harry halted to glance at her. “And what’s wrong with that? You must prepare for the inevitable…for the worst. Your people need you.”

“I’m not ready for such responsibility, and my father still breathes,” he retorted.

“Sooner or later, everyone’s going to find out about his condition,” she couldn’t help but point out.

For a moment, there was silence. “He’s going to be alright,” Harry affirmed intently.

She heaved a sigh, “And what about you?” She studied his face that seemed to have gotten thinner, “are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” he replied curtly.

The Harry she had come to know would have teased her about how the question had proved she cared for him; but it was different that night. Despite his calm words, despite his facade, she could see right through him. She reached for his hand, squeezing it, and gazing warmly at him, with her soothing voice ringing in his head.

“It’ll all be okay,” she assured him.

Harry held her hand firmly, and a mischievous smile crept upon his face, one that confirmed he was yet back to his teasing business. “I know I am exceedingly attractive to look upon, but you’ve been doing a lot of it tonight.” He smiled, and Amelia shook her head.

“You’re not that handsome,” she said enthusiastically, her face straight, and her eyes not blinking.

“The last lady that said that to me was crazy about me,” his jaw clenched.

“You royal flirt!” she exclaimed archly, striding ahead, “but I’m not just any lady.” She swayed her hips, whispering loud enough for him to hear. And when he caught up to her, she stretched her hand; there perched a tiny container on her palm. Harry glanced at her confusedly till she revealed.

“I found the cure to your father’s ailment.”