Chapter 18 18
Amelia's POV:
A storm of thoughts swirled in my mind and my heart felt as if it were being tugged in a dozen directions, as Lady Jasmine’s words echoed sharply in my ears, because I could not believe what she had just said.
Yet… I did not know how to respond.
If I rebuked her, I might offend the Queen, or Denary. And if I remained silent, I would feel as though I was insulting myself. I hesitated, my hands twisting in my lap, lips pressed together.
And then, unexpectedly, Denary’s voice cut through. “Respect yourself, Jasmine. Let us not create a scene here.” He said, eyes fixed on Jasmine.
My eyes widened when I realized that he was defending me here, in the hall, in front of the Queen and his fiancee. Smiling, I watched as Jasmine’s expression soured at his words, her brows knitting together in irritation, while Luna Evelyn’s hand touched her arm.
“Let us go greet the guests.” Evelyn said. “There are many I wish to introduce you to.”
With that, they walked past us, then I turned to Denary, forcing my chin high. “I am returning to my room, I hope you have a wonderful evening with your fiancee.”
Then, I spun on my heel and began walking away, but I had barely taken two steps when I felt Denary's presence behind me.
“Amelia.” He called out and I stopped, then turned around and asked. “What do you want?”
He came closer, his expression unreadable. “Why the hell are you crying?”
I raised my hand to my cheeks and realized, for the first time, that tears had been sliding silently down my face. I pressed my palms against them and said, sharply. “Mind your own business.”
In anger, I turned away and hurried up the stairs, but he followed. By the time I reached my room, I fumbled with the doorknob, desperate to shut him out, but he shoved it open with full force.
“Don’t you ever try to lock me out in my own house.” He warned.
“I hate you!” I spat, brushing past him.
He reached out, catching my wrist lightly. “What have I done?” He asked quietly.
I stopped and turned, voice shaking with frustration. “Do you truly not know what you’ve done wrong?”
“I do not know.” He said. “Why don't you tell me, then.”
I stared at him, surprised. “You truly do not know how much you have neglected me? How rude, distant, cold you have been?”
His lips parted, as if he intended to speak, but I raised my hand, silencing him. “I am not done.”
“Not only did you fail to explain yourself after I found out that you had a fiancee, I had to endure humiliation by her in front of everyone.” I continued. “And don’t even dare tell me you intervened to stop it when you allowed me to feel humiliated for the very first time when your mother informed me of your fiancee instead of you. So tell me, why did you keep me by your side if you already had a woman?”
He remained quiet for a second. Then, finally, he asked. “Can I give you an explanation now?”
“No.” I said, shaking my head. “I do not want it.”
“What do you want, then?” He asked gently. “And… Please stop crying.”
I glared at him, wiping at my cheeks. “Don’t you know anything about comfort? When someone is crying, you do not speak to make yourself right. You simply offer solace.”
He frowned slightly. “I believe explaining would bring you comfort.”
“No.” I said firmly. “That is not what I want.”
He tilted his head, searching my eyes. “Then, what do you want?”
I looked at him for a while, then whispered. “Give me a hug.”
With that, I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around him. While his hands remained suspended at his sides. I held him for a while, feeling the warmth of his chest, until he finally asked softly. “Do you feel better?”
“I am okay now.” I murmured. “But I want to stay… for a little while.”
He hesitated. “A few more minutes, then.”
I nodded, resting my head lightly against his chest. “And… pat my head.” Sighing, he placed a hand on my head and I giggled softly, then pulled back slightly.
“Why are you laughing?” He asked.
“I don’t think you know anything about patting someone’s head.” I teased. “Have you ever done this before?”
“Only to my wolf… or a dog.” He admitted.
I smiled mischievously. “Well, now let me teach you.” I stood on my tiptoes, reached up, and began patting his head gently.
He watched me, mesmerized. But then he grasped my hands in the air, stopping me. I stepped back, flushed.
“I… I did not mean to.” I apologized.
“It is fine.” He said, then remained silent for a few seconds before saying. “Stop overthinking things and stop searching for answers that harm your health.” He paused, eyes locking on mine. “I will not marry Jasmine, Amelia. She is just here for appearances, until I can find a way to cancel the engagement.”
I blinked. “If you don't want to marry her, can't you just simply refuse?”
“It is not as simple as you think.” He murmured. “And it's not something I can explain, yet.”
Sighing, I told myself that I should not push for more answers, because he was opening up in his own way, gradually. So, I just had to trust him and be patient.
“Do I have to return to the ceremony?” I asked softly.
“No, but I must.” He said, turning around.
“I trust you.” I whispered, smiling faintly as he whipped his head around to face me. “I know whatever decision you make is because you care for me, so I will be patient.”
He smiled awkwardly, then turned and left while I stood there smiling sheepishly at the thought that I had just hugged him. But almost immediately, my happy thoughts of Denary were replaced with what Jasmine had done a while ago which made me wonder what it would be like living under the same roof as her.