CHAPTER 7：AN UNEXPECTED INVITATION
963 Words
Morning sunlight poured through the tall windows of Amelia's bedroom, bathing the room in a warm golden glow.
The cheerful songs of birds drifted in from the royal gardens, gently waking her from a peaceful sleep.
Amelia slowly opened her eyes.
For a moment, she simply lay there, staring at the elegant ceiling above her.
"...Another day."
A small smile appeared on her lips.
Unlike when she first arrived in this world, waking up no longer filled her with confusion or fear.
She had accepted this world as her new reality.
A gentle knock came from the door.
"My Lady," Lily called softly. "May we come in?"
"Come in."
The doors opened, and Lily entered with two other maids carrying fresh water, neatly folded clothes, and a delicious breakfast.
"Good morning, My Lady," they greeted together.
"Good morning."
As they helped Amelia get ready, Lily couldn't help but smile.
"My Lady seems much happier these days."
Amelia laughed softly.
"Do I?"
"Yes."
"The palace feels brighter whenever you smile."
Amelia blinked before letting out another quiet laugh.
"Thank you, Lily."
Not long after breakfast, another knock echoed through the room.
A royal knight stood outside.
He bowed respectfully.
"Lady Amelia Hart."
"His Majesty requests your presence in the royal garden."
Amelia raised an eyebrow.
"The King?"
"Yes, My Lady."
"I'll be there shortly."
---
The royal garden was breathtaking.
Crystal fountains sparkled beneath the morning sun while colorful flowers bloomed in every direction.
Butterflies danced among the roses, and a cool breeze carried the sweet scent of jasmine through the air.
Near a marble pavilion sat the King and Queen, enjoying tea together.
The moment Amelia approached, she bowed gracefully.
"Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty."
The King smiled warmly.
"Come."
"Sit with us."
Amelia obeyed.
For a while, the three simply enjoyed the peaceful morning.
The Queen poured Amelia a cup of tea herself.
"You've changed, Amelia."
The words were gentle.
Not accusing.
Simply curious.
Amelia's fingers paused around her teacup.
"I have?"
The Queen smiled kindly.
"You seem more confident."
"The sadness in your eyes has disappeared."
The King nodded.
"And that is a good thing."
"You remind me of your mother when she was young."
Amelia lowered her eyes with a shy smile.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The King looked at her thoughtfully.
"The banquet reminded me of something."
"You carry yourself like someone who has received excellent training."
"Have you been studying in secret?"
Amelia's heart skipped a beat.
She couldn't tell them the truth.
"I simply realized there are many things I still need to learn."
The King chuckled.
"A wise answer."
"I hope you continue to grow."
As they continued talking, none of them noticed a familiar figure watching from a nearby path.
Crown Prince Lucien.
His golden eyes rested quietly on Amelia.
She laughed softly at something the Queen said.
It was a genuine smile.
Not one meant to gain anyone's attention.
Lucien frowned slightly.
"She's... different."
For the first time...
He found himself wanting to know the real Amelia Hart.
And without realizing it...
He took a step toward her.
The story that once revolved around obsession was slowly becoming something neither of them expected.
Lucien's footsteps came to a stop just a few meters from the pavilion.
The King noticed him first.
"Lucien."
The Crown Prince bowed respectfully.
"Father. Mother."
The Queen smiled warmly.
"You've arrived just in time. Come and join us."
Lucien nodded and took the empty seat beside the King. His golden eyes briefly met Amelia's bright blue ones.
"Lady Amelia."
She offered him a graceful nod.
"Your Highness."
Unlike before, she neither blushed nor eagerly tried to start a conversation.
She simply returned her attention to the cup of tea in her hands.
Lucien found the silence... unexpected.
The Amelia he remembered would have spoken endlessly, searching for even a moment of his attention.
Now...
She treated him as nothing more than the Crown Prince.
Nothing more.
The King cleared his throat.
"Lucien, your swordsmanship instructor praised you again this morning."
Lucien answered calmly.
"I still have much to improve."
The King smiled in approval before turning to Amelia.
"And what about you? Have you found anything that interests you lately?"
Amelia's eyes lit up.
"I've been spending time in the royal library, Your Majesty."
"Oh?"
"There are many fascinating books there. History... magic... and the customs of neighboring kingdoms."
The Queen looked pleasantly surprised.
"I didn't know you enjoyed reading so much."
"I've only recently discovered how much there is to learn."
The King laughed heartily.
"Knowledge is a treasure no one can steal."
"I like that."
Lucien quietly listened.
History...
Magic...
Politics...
These were not subjects the old Amelia had ever cared about.
He glanced at her again.
"What happened to you?" he wondered.
Just then, a white butterfly fluttered through the garden and landed gently on Amelia's fingertip.
She smiled, admiring its delicate wings before carefully letting it fly away.
The Queen chuckled softly.
"It seems even the butterflies are drawn to you."
Amelia laughed.
"Perhaps it simply mistook me for a flower."
The group shared a quiet laugh.
Even Lucien found the corner of his lips lifting ever so slightly.
It was so subtle that no one noticed.
No one except the King.
The King watched his son with quiet amusement but chose not to say a word.
Instead, he looked at Amelia with thoughtful eyes.
"Perhaps..." he thought.
"Fate is changing after all."
The warm morning continued with light conversation, filling the royal garden with laughter that had not been heard there in a long time.
Above them, the clear blue sky stretched endlessly.
For a little while...
The kingdom felt at peace.
But beyond the mountains, where darkness quietly gathered, that peace would not last forever.
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