6

Kalilah had ordered that Princess Amaris was to be locked within her chambers until it was time for her to depart to the Speirs Kingdom. The announcement of Amaris engagement to the world had caused a great stir. Not only to the neighboring kingdoms but also within King Cyrus's harem as well. His other two wives demanded to know what exactly was going on and when such an arrangement was made. Due to this fact alone, Kalilah tried hard to keep Amaris out of the grasp of Leta, King Cyrus's second wife, and Mireia, his third wife, so they could not trap her into a corner and question her. So there were only a select few that were permitted to enter Amaris's chamber, Vasya, who was Amaris brother by blood, Kalilah, and certain servants Kalilah knew were loyal to her.

Cyrus was beyond upset about this engagement. He knew he shouldn't have been. Cyrus should be happy since no one really paid much mind to his eldest daughter after the birth of his many children. He wanted her to be happy and content with life to marry her off when he saw fit. When it would benefit their Kingdom and not Kalilah's will.   

He feared that his daughter would die on her wedding night to the cruel King of Speirs who was rumored to have killed his mistress soon after intimacies. That she would never find what she truly desired and to live to a ripe, old age. He even voiced those concerns to his wife, Kalilah, but it fell onto deaf ears. There was no going back now. That the engagement contract was absolute. 

He didn't know how real her words were until he read the contract. As he read each sentence, his stomach felt like lead as he began to fill with dread. 

Engagement Contract 

... 

"If Amaris Lyon of Timpeall fails to conceive an heir within five years of marriage to Rhys De Vere of Speir'. She shall then be considered barren, and she shall resign as Queen of Speirs or forfeit her life..." 

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Today was one of those days in which Vasya had paid a visit to Amaris chamber. The last day of her stay within the Timpeall Kingdom. Vasya had made himself at home like usual when visiting his sister. He was dreading this day already but put on a merry face to not upset his older sister. "How do you feel about all of this?" inquired Vasya.

"How am I supposed to feel? I am leaving the home I grew up in. Leaving behind everything I have ever known…" Amaris trailed off. Tears prickling the back of her eyes. Vasya couldn't help but feel bad for her. He placed his hand over hers and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Listen, you're leaving this place. You know it wasn't always good memories here. Aren't you glad to get out of here?" He asked. Curiosity peeking its head.

"I am but at the same time I'll be leaving you to the wolves," Amaris explained. Causing Vasya to laugh at her words. He knew exactly what she meant. He was next in line for the throne and everyone wanted to get on his good side. To use him for their personal gain.

"I can handle myself, you know. I'm not a little kid anymore Ri. At least now you can find happiness," he chimed in a sing-song manner. This had caused Amaris to roll her eyes at his antics but she knew that she would miss him dearly. They continued talking,time seemed to go slow but before they knew it… it was already late noon and time for her to leave. With a heavy heart, Vasya escorted his sister to the front of the castle. Once there, servants and royals waited to say their goodbyes to Amaris. What had shocked her was that their father was there to say goodbye as well.

Cyrus went up to his daughter and gave her a hug. Whispering in her ear, "Read this when you are completely alone and let no one find it." And handed her a sealed envelope with a copy of the marriage contract inside. She nodded at him and pulled away from everyone. King Rhys came to her side and helped her within the carriage.

"Are you ready?" King Rhys asked.

Amaris nodded and whispered shyly. "Yes…"

With that he closed her carriage door and went to get onto his stallion. He let everyone know they were ready and Amaris felt the carriage being pulled. Looking out of the window. Her heart wrenching at the sight of the castle becoming smaller and smaller as they moved away. Everything she grew up with… was being left behind for something new.