Ruining The King

Chapter 1: The proposal

A hollow ache settled in Amelia's chest. If something happened to me today, would anyone care? Would anyone cry?

Whispers drifted through the hallway as Amelia walked past, the servants' hushed voices a stark contrast to the emptiness within her. The Whitestones, despite lacking royal blood, held an air of forced nobility.

"Did you hear?" one servant murmured.

"One of the young ladies is being offered to the young master of House Ashford," the other replied, a gasp escaping her lips. Amelia's heart clenched. Please, not me.

"The Ashfords? The most powerful and wealthy family? And the young master, he's already the Grand Duke!"

Amelia recognized the voice – her friend, describing Jason's achievements with a touch of awe. Jason, who had already taken on the mantle of Grand Duke of Emberfall House: Ashenheart.

"And the other daughter?"

The servant's voice dipped lower. "They say she'll be married to the demon general. The one shrouded in mystery."

Amelia continued walking, the tray in her hand feeling heavy. She knew exactly who they were talking about. Knocking softly on her father's study door, she waited for a response.

"Come in!" boomed his voice, devoid of warmth.

Taking a deep breath, Amelia braced herself. Entering the room, she kept her head down, already sensing her stepmother and stepsister's presence. Placing the tea and biscuits on the desk, she turned to leave.

"You will be bathed and dressed appropriately tomorrow," her father stated coldly.

Amelia frowned. He'd banished her from the main bathroom, deeming her unworthy. Where was she supposed to bathe? And "appropriately"? She had nothing truly fine, thanks to his frugality. But Amelia simply bowed her head in agreement.

As she reached for the doorknob, a sneer emerged from behind her. "Why do we even bother with her? She's useless. Didn't inherit the Whitestone name, a mute omega on top of it," Aqua spat.

Amelia's heart sank. Aqua was right. Omegas were society's bottom rung, burdens to be protected.

A gentle touch on her shoulder startled Amelia from her chores. Her dull eyes widened in surprise, then flooded with joy.

"Jason!" she cried, her voice thick with emotion, as she threw her arms around him. He enveloped her in a hug tighter than usual, as if afraid to let go.

Reluctantly pulling away, he presented a velvet box. "Look what I got you." Jason was the only one who knew Amelia could still talk. Everyone else thought she was mute.

Opening the box, Amelia gasped. Inside lay a stunning necklace with a teardrop-shaped white diamond. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.

"I got it from the human realm," Jason explained. "It reminded me of you." He carefully took out the necklace and placed it on a handkerchief before wrapping it and putting it in her hand. Though rough from work, her touch sent a warmth through him.

"Humans believe the diamond is formed under immense pressure," he said, taking her hand and placing it over her temple. "The strongest mineral, yet capable of such beauty in the right hands. Just like you, Amelia. In the right hands, your shine would outmatch all others."

A small, genuine smile touched Amelia's lips. Jason, her childhood friend, had unknowingly captured her heart. He always brought her gifts from the human realm, like the chocolates she once shared with him and the servants, a testament to her selfless nature.

Pulling her into another hug, Jason whispered, "I'll save you, I promise." He kissed her forehead, his words a sweet murmur lost on Amelia. But his eyes held a fierce love and protectiveness.

Just as Amelia opened her mouth to thank him, Jason vanished the box with a flick of his wrist. Aqua's approach prompted the action. Picking up her broom, Amelia was about to resume cleaning when her sister's voice grated on her nerves.