Ruining The King

Chapter 1.2: Escape with me

"Jason," Aqua drawled, her voice like nails on a chalkboard. Jason's handsome face contorted in annoyance before morphing back into a warm smile. Unlike Amelia, everyone else received the brunt of Aqua's entitled behavior. He forced a smile and hugged Aqua, who reveled in the attention.

Ignoring them as best she could, Amelia continued her work until Aqua spoke again.

"Bring Jason and me tea and treats. We'll be in the garden, listening about his human realm travels."

Amelia gritted her teeth as she prepared the tray. Amelia carried the tray, resentment simmering beneath her forced neutrality. Aqua's demands were a constant reminder of her position in the Whitestone household – a servant, not a daughter. As she approached the garden, she saw Jason, a flicker of unease crossing his features. He looked relieved to see her, his gaze softening.

"There you are, Amelia," he said, taking the tray from her outstretched hand. "Would you mind terribly fetching another cup for Aqua? Seems I seem to have misplaced mine."

His request was a subtle plea, a way to get Amelia away from Aqua's watchful eyes. Understanding his intent, Amelia nodded silently and retreated towards the house. Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision. Back in the kitchen, she poured another cup, her hands trembling slightly.

Suddenly, a loud shriek pierced the air, followed by Jason's sharp voice. Fear twisted in Amelia's gut. Rushing back to the garden, she froze at the doorway. Aqua cradled her hand dramatically, a red splotch staining her dress. The tea set lay shattered on the ground.

"The tea is revolting!" Aqua screeched, her face contorted in a theatrical display of hurt. "And Amelia, this clumsy oaf!"

Jason's face hardened with fury. "It was an accident," he growled, his voice dangerously low.

Ignoring him, Aqua turned to Amelia, a cruel glint in her eyes. "You did this on purpose, didn't you? Trying to ruin my dress, you jealous wretch?"

Amelia opened her mouth to retort, but no sound came out. Shame burned in her throat. Just then, Jason stepped forward, his eyes blazing.

"Enough, Aqua!" he roared, his voice laced with a power that surprised even Amelia. "It was clearly an accident. And you," he turned to Amelia, his voice softening, "go tend to your burns. I'll handle things here."

Relief washed over Amelia, battling with the confusion of Jason's sudden anger towards Aqua. Casting a grateful look at him, she fled back to her room, the sting of the burn a dull ache compared to the turmoil in her heart.

Applying a salve Jason had likely left behind, Amelia winced at the sting. Who would have thought a simple cup of tea could cause such chaos? Lost in thought, she didn't hear the approaching footsteps until the door creaked open.

Jason entered, his face etched with worry. He rushed to her side, his touch sending a jolt through her.

"Are you alright, Meli?" he asked, using the childhood nickname that sent a warmth through her.

Tears welled up in Amelia's eyes again. She wanted to answer, to express her gratitude, but the lump in her throat rendered her speechless. Seeing her struggle, Jason squeezed her hand gently.

"Don't worry," he whispered, his voice husky. "I won't let them hurt you anymore."

His words, filled with a fierce protectiveness, hung heavy in the air. A flicker of hope ignited in Amelia's chest, battling the years of doubt and despair. Could Jason truly be her savior? The next morning, Amelia woke with a sliver of hope clinging to her like a spiderweb. Jason's promise echoed in her mind, a melody competing with the dread of her impending fate. She knew her father would announce her marriage proposal at the reception tonight.

As she went about her chores, the whispers intensified. Servants scurried around, polishing silver and prepping hors d'oeuvres, their hushed tones swirling with rumors about the grand ball and the announcement. Amelia tried to focus on dusting the shelves, anything to distract herself from the churning emotions in her stomach.

Suddenly, a frantic knock on the back door startled her. Her heart leaped – it was Jason. He slipped inside, his face etched with urgency.

"Amelia, we need to talk," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He glanced nervously at the door before ushering her towards a secluded corner.

"Jason, what's wrong?" Amelia's voice emerged as a hoarse whisper, a stark contrast to his usual confident demeanor.

He took a deep breath. "I can't let them marry you off to the General," he confessed, his eyes filled with a desperation that mirrored Amelia's own. "There's something...off about him. No one has seen him, and rumors swirl about his dark magic."

A shiver ran down Amelia's spine. The whispers about the demon general had always spooked her.

"But what can you do?" she replied, despair creeping back into her voice. "My father has already made his decision."

Jason reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, intricately carved box. "This," he said, his voice filled with determination, "is the key to changing your fate."

He explained the box contained a rare potion, strong enough to break any magical contract, including a betrothal agreement. It was a risky plan, he admitted, but it was their only chance.

Amelia's heart hammered against her ribs. Hope, fragile yet insistent, bloomed in her chest. This was a chance, a desperate gamble, but it was a chance at freedom, nonetheless.

"We need a plan," she said, her voice stronger than before. The fear was still there, but a spark of defiance had ignited within her.

Together, they huddled in the corner, Amelia's initial apprehension replaced by a fierce determination. They strategized; their whispers laced with a newfound sense of purpose. Tonight, at the grand ball, Amelia would not be a pawn in her father's game. Tonight, she would fight for her own destiny.