Chapter 24: The Marriage Contract (2)

The words on the contract were so closely written, they made Amber feel dizzy. She doubted that the contract had been prepared overnight.

'You also need to sign, Amber.' Ernest said handing the pen to her.

'Huh?'

She had been staring at Ernest signature. Her gaze shot to his in surprise.

What should she do?

A marriage contract; from the moment she had heard that she had had a bad premonition. And now it had indeed turned into a desperate situation.

She jerkily turned her pale face to the other man in the room,

'Matthias…?' (Zuben: So when are they going to tell her it was all a con)

'Amber.' Matthias replied with a quiet smile.

Please help! I tried to signal to him. But he only smiled back.

'I'm sure it would be difficult for even someone clever as yourself to understand this contract right away.'

'Yes, that is true,'

'Hence, I will summarise.'

'Hm?'

Matthias wanted to explain here and now?

Even though, he had the right as her legal guardian to not allow the engagement, should he explain it to her, he would be blocking her escape route. (Zuben: Well, you were well and truly scuppered dear)

Matthias, of course, could not speak of the love potion, because it could change to a life and death situation. But Matthias seemed to have a gleeful countenance as he began,

'When you sign the contract, you pledge to marry His Majesty the King and become Queen of Berghausen. The marriage will take place in three months, no matter what.'

'No-no matter what. No matter…'

'Well, you are the only woman the King has ever favored.' Matthias said innocently, as though he knew nothing.

But Matthias could be saying "no matter what" because he knew everything. Even if the effect of the love potion diminished, the marriage will continue. That was what it sounded like,

'His Majesty the King also declares that he would marry no other woman than you.'

'I do not feel lust for anyone except Amber.'

'Ernest!'

How could he say that where there other people in the room?!

Although she was embarrassed, her body remembered the indecent acts from the night before and she felt a heat pooling between her legs.

But that was not the matter right now. Matthias who should have been her accomplice has agreed to the marriage as the aide to the King. Amber had no way to escape. (Zuben: He was never your accomplice in the first place, dear)

Amber wondered if she had failed last night.

It seemed that things had decidedly gone wrong. Her frustration mounted at Matthias who was gleefully smiling from across the table, she had a strong urge to throw a croissant at him. She reached for one.

'Amber, I'm sure you would like to know that Letty is happy for you.' (Zuben: No we would not. In fact the less we hear that name the better)

'Huh?'

'Of course, she is surprised, but she sends her congratulations. You will finally find the peace you've always wanted.' (Zuben: I find that hard to believe.)

If…

If she refused to marry Ernest, what would Leticia say? What would she do? (Zuben: Move out of the house?)

The situation was too horrible to contemplate, but to marry Ernest because of that?

Matthias gave her a calculative smile and asked, 'Amber, where do you think the peace you seek is?' (Zuben: It's not in allowing one's self to be manipulated but alright)

'Matthias.'

Amber understood what he was implying. She knew what was an easy solution. She turned to Ernest, his golden eyes filled with warm affection for her.

'Ernest, wouldn't it be prudent to put a clause in the contract allowing you to have a side princess?'

'What do you mean, Amber?' Ernest's voice was low and frosty.

Ah, she had stepped on a mine. Realizing this, she replied, 'As human beings, there is always a possibility that our hearts can change.'

A dark flame of anger burned in his golden eyes. Ernest was probably annoyed that she was doubting his feelings. (Zuben: What about you? Your heart could change as well)

But what else could she do to mitigate the fall out should the love potion's effect fade? Though Matthias had said the effect was forever, there was still a chance.

In the unlikely event that the effect expired, Ernest would surely lose his love for her in a moment. At that time, this contract would be like damned fetters to him.