7

This was Amaris' first time within a carriage. It was an odd experience at first but she was growing accustomed to it as time passed. She also grew bored being alone inside the carriage. She grabbed the sealed envelope that her father handed her and opened it. Slowly she read the contents of the papers and shock filled her body.

_________________•••________________

THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT BETWEEN AMARIS LYON OF TIMPEALL AND RHYS DE VERE OF SPEIR'S

THIS AGREEMENT: has been made 26th day of November XXXX, by the Kingdom of Timpeall and the Kingdom of Speir's.

In consideration of the marriage to be solemnized between both parties. And of the mutual promises and undertakings set forth below, the parties agree as follows:

Disclosure. Each party acknowledges that they have made full disclosure of all or substantially all of their means and resources. They further acknowledge that they are voluntarily entering into this agreement and with full knowledge of all of the facts and circumstances relevant to it...

Divorce or Separation.

...

Suppose Amaris Lyon of Timpeall fails to conceive an heir for Rhys De Vere of Speirs within five years of marriage. In that case, she shall be considered barren, and she shall resign as Queen of Speirs or forfeit her life...

Entire Agreement. This agreement contains the full understanding of the parties. There are no representations, warranties, or promises other than those expressly outlined in it.

IN WITNESS: The parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed as the date first above written.

Witness

Queen Kalilah Lyon, First Wife of Cyrus Lyon

Witness

Queen Layla De Vere of the Speirs Kingdom

COUNTY OF BOTH TIMPEALL AND SPEIR'S

_________________•••________________

Amaris covers her mouth to stifle a gasp as tears begin to run down her cheeks. The shock consumed her while reading the contract her father had "gifted" her. The part where her life could so easily be forfeited should she not conceive a child for King Rhys or lose her right to be queen. She placed the documents back into the envelope.

She no longer could withhold her soft cries and began to weep.

Weep for a dream that would never come true.

Amaris felt hollow. An empty shell. She thought she could trust the man she was to marry but she was wrong and her marriage contract proved just how wrong she was. Her life was forfeited the moment her mother signed that contract. There were times where she wanted to confront him. To confront her mother and ask what she was thinking. Demand answers from King Rhys... demand them from her mother but she froze. She didn't know how he'd react to her accusations.

Instead, she stayed silent within the carriage. Her mood was completely ruined for the long trip ahead of them.