Princess Amelia

Chapter 3

Philip and I chatted at the terrace outside. There were only a few people here and we can talk privately.

It looks like he is a good person judging by our conversation. He was talking about his studies and his plans to work for the kingdom as a court official. He has many plans that would benefit the people of Xylem .

It was nice talking to him and I was not left out with the subject. My days in the palace were always with Benjamin , my younger brother. He was heir to the throne and tutors are always there to teach him many things.

My stepmother the queen was against me getting the needed education of a princess, saying that I am of low birth and a simple peasant's education will suffice.

What she doesn't know was I always sneak into my brother's courtyard to spend my days with him. When the personal tutors teach Benjamin I was just near him seaming not interested but I was learning in secret.

The grace of a princess but I gained the knowledge of a crowned prince.

Philip and I were deep in conversation when I felt someone was glaring at me with hatred. It sent chills all over my body.

"Is something the matter, princess Amelia?" Philip asked. "Maybe I'm boring with this kind of topic."

"Oh no, not at all. And please call me Amelia." I smiled. "What you just have said was great plans. I am sure that you would become a great official when you inherit the title of duke." I said.

"Really? Then you can call me Phil." Philip said enthusiastically. "Thank you so much Amelia. What you said just gave me additional confidence in myself." He reached for my hand and held it gently. I suddenly blushed with his gesture.

"Of course he will become a great official." A young lady's voice said. This voice was very familiar to me. It belongs to none other than my second eldest sister Chole .

Philip and I both look back to see two young ladies walking towards us. It was my eldest sisters Charlotte and Chole .

My stepsisters inherited the freatures of my stepmother. They both have strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. They were both wearing gorgeous gowns that won't lose to what I am wearing now.

"He is the future grand Duke of Cunningham and will be a great court official in our kingdom." Chole said.

"Your highnesses." Philip bowed down as a greeting towards them.

Chole clenched her fists in irritation but her face wore a fake smile.

"It's good to see you again sir Philip ." Charlotte gave courtesy and Chole followed.

"The last time we met was in your birthday celebration sir Philip ." Chole said.

"Yes it's been a while." Philip replied with a neutral smile.

"Your father the duke is looking for you." Charlotte said.

"Oh is that so?" Philip said. "Amelia I will take my leave. I'll see you later after I talk to my father. Okay?"

"Sure Phil. Go ahead." I said with a smile. Then I can feel the hateful stare again. That moment, I saw where it was coming from, it was coming from Chole . She was staring daggers at me.

"Come sir Philip . I'll take you to him. He is with my father and the other nobles chatting." Chole said and hooked her arm with Philip's.

Philip was taken by surprise. "O-Okay princess Chole ." He said awkwardly.

"Aww how many time will I tell you to call me by my nickname Clo?" Chole said while flirting.

"I'm sorry princess but it's not that easy." Philip was saying when they were out of ear shot.

Charlotte was still standing there looking at the two who just entered the ballroom. Then suddenly she looked at me with fierce eyes. It gave me the creeps.

"Know your place Amelia." Charlotte said. "You're just an illegitimate child. You are no match with a future duke such as Philip . You are not qualified to be his wife."

I was shocked and rooted in place. "Charlotte I never once thought of being Philip 's wife. I was just happy to become friends with him." I explained.

"Liar!" Charlotte shouted. "You are a s**t like your mother. She tempted my father. I won't let you do the same with Liz. I won't let you steal Philip from her."

"But I didn't..." I tried to tell Charlotte she was thinking wrong but she turned her back and walked away.

I can hear the music playing inside. When I looked at the dance floor I saw Philip and Choledancing hand in hand. My heart ached a bit while looking at them.

I know it’s not my place to feel that way but I just can’t help myself. Philip was always so caring, so sweet with me when we first met. He always made sure I was okay, always made time for me.

'Who are you kidding Amelia?' I thought to myself. 'Nothing will change even after this night.' I sighed.

"It looks like you're not in good terms with your stepsisters third princess Amelia." A voice of young man said.

"Who's there?" I looked around searching.