The King that Got Away

The King's w***e

She'd barely made it through the doors when Dominick was at her side. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the dance floor, a slow dance was in full swing. "Where were you?" he said in a deep, low voice.

"Just outside, getting some air," Amelia smiled.

"With Blaine?" he said coldly.

"He was there, yes."

"You're my date tonight, not his," he said.

"Yes, but he's here and I don't have a problem with him. What's your problem with him?" she asked annoyed.

"You know he has sights on my throne," Dominick sneered.

"I don't know that he does, rumors are just rumors," she replied.

"They usually have truth to them..."

"What about the rumor that I'm trying to manipulate you so I can gain power? Is that true?"

"Of course not!" Dominick growled.

"Not all rumors have any truth. Even if Blaine does have sights on your throne he won't get it. He'd be cut down before he got far. Associating with him isn't going to further his aspirations. Okay?" Amelia placed her hand on his cheek. "I'm yours tonight, lets focus on that."

Dominick kissed her and the dance continued in silence. When the music stopped Dominck lead Amelia to a more secluded corner and grabbed a couple drinks on the way. "You know you're my date, but I feel like I haven't had a moment to really talk to you," he said.

Amelia sipped her drink, "the life of a King I suppose."

"It would be easier if you were more than just a date..." he said quietly.

Amelia's breath caught in her throat. Was he saying what she'd been longing for? She looked up at him, searching his face for clues to his intent. But he just downed his drink and lead her around to a pair of chairs and they sat watching the guests move about the room, some dancing, some very much drunk, some looking like they needed a room. Amelia was content just to be near him, but she hoped he'd take the next step in their relationship soon.

The clock chimed midnight, everyone stopped and fell silent for the duration of the chimes. A moment to remember the lives lost to gain the prosperity they now enjoyed. When it was over a loud noise of applause, laughter, whooping and hawlering filled the room. A moment of silence and reverence followed by the sound of victors.

Amelia remained on Dominick's arm as he thanked everyone for coming and ushered everyone out. Many would stay up in the common areas of the house or enjoy the twinkling lights in the garden. Dominick led Amelia straight to his room and began to draw her inside.

“Wha… what are you doing?” she asked, pulling her hand back.

“It’s been a long night, lots of drink, let’s finish the night off right,” he winked.

“Dominick, no,” she said firmly.

“What do you mean no? Any woman would die to be in this position,” he demanded.

“I won’t give myself to you. Not when you haven’t even made us official, not when you haven’t declared any intention for whatever this relationship is.”

“Oh come on… you know I’m fond of you. You know I’ve mentioned things…” he tried to grab for her hand.

“Dominick, please, don’t push this.”

He let out his breath, “fine… have it your way.” He exited his room and closed the door. “I’ll walk you to your room.”

Amelia tried to hold back tears. Their perfect night was now ruined.

When they reached her room Dominick paused and Aria waited with bated breath. He gently pushed her against the wall and kissed her lightly. “I have to choose a Queen soon…”

“Yes, you do,” Amelia agreed.

“Being a Queen is a big job, not just anyone can do it. You’ve done well in the role lately, though.”

“Thank you,” she smiled.

“Anyway… tomorrow, please meet me to send off our guests,” he kissed her again and left.

Amelia went into her room and let her frustration roll down her cheeks in the form of tears. One moment she felt sure he was going to profess his love and the next it seemed he just wanted her in his bed. Her heart couldn’t bear living in limbo.

In the morning she quickly dressed, choosing something elegant and purple, the color of royals. On her way to meet Dominick she ran into a group of servant women.

“Trying to play the part of a Queen?” one sneered.

“Bridgit!” another exclaimed. These two weren’t usually seen whispering together, so Amelia assumed they weren’t cut from the same cloth. Vindictive, jealous, cloth.

“What? She’s just a noblewoman with dead parents. She’s a washed-up wannabe elite,” Bridgit said.

“You have a very good life here employed by the King. You’re paid well, given opportunities for education and you’re paid better than most workers in the kingdom. So tell me, why do you have to be such a b***h?” Amelia asked. She c****d an eyebrow at her and folded her arms.

Bridgit gasped and the other woman with her stifled a laugh. “You’re just the King’s w***e!” Bridgit screamed and ran away.

“I’m so, so sorry,” the other woman apologized.

“Please, don’t be. You said nothing wrong,” Amelia assured her. “What’s your name?”

“Catrina, ma’am,” she replied.

“No need for ma’am, please call me Amelia. Am I often a topic of discussion among the servants?”

“Well… yes… many of us discuss the King, because he’s… you know, and since you’re more attached to him now you are discussed by extension.”

“I see. Well, if anyone says anything I should know, please tell me,” Amelia said as she began walking away.

“Of course,” Catrina bowed her head and left.

Amelia made her way to the grand entrance to the palace. There were rows of carriages waiting to take the guests home. She stood beside Dominick, assuming the official role he’d asked her to take. This was a role distinctly for the Queen and everyone noticed Amelia. It felt natural to her to dismiss guests of the palace, working perfectly along side her King.

When they'd all been dismissed it was well beyond lunch time so they made their way to the dining hall. It had been set back to the way it usually looked, all traces of the party gone. Bridgit was at the buffet table setting out cutlery. She glared at Amelia when she saw her coming. Amelia ignored it and got her food without so much as looking at Bridgit. She walked passed another group of serving women and distinctly heard "the King's w***e and nothing more". She held her head high and took her seat next to Dominick, where he indicated he wanted her. They ate and talked, laughing and enjoying each other's company.