Chapter 27

"The world is so backward they'll focus on her marrying his brother out of spite rather than the fact he had a pregnant mistress. The world loves turning a blind eye to those types of men when they have money and influence. Take my father for example," said Amelia.

She didn't hate all men. Just the ones who were low down dirty and abused their power.

"People will always ignore the terrible things done by the people they like. Even with evidence. There have been many times innocent people's names were dragged through the dirt because they went up against someone the general public likes. It can't be helped."

Margaret saw how delusional some people were when it came to the people they liked so she no longer wasted her time and energy telling them to look at all the facts before they make their final judgment of who is right or wrong. She wasn't getting any younger to deal with such people.

"I would love to meet with the woman but people will talk if I do." Amelia had to watch out for who she aligned herself with when she was on the path of trying to become queen. There were many objects already blocking her path. A hit on her reputation wouldn't help.

"It's good to think about who you surround yourself with although you missed the mark by making Cyrus your bodyguard but let me remind you of one thing, child. You cannot please everyone no matter what you do so there are many moments when you should do as your heart desires. Maybe you will be the one to turn the public favor on her side." Margaret was certain Amelia could do it.

"For us ladies, controlling the social world is needed. Do you know how to tell you have completely taken over it? When you can say the sky is green and no one dares questions it. Everyone follows trends but you must be different. Do things your own way and find allies in mysterious places."

Amelia picked up on her grandmother trying to tell her to become friends with the woman. There had to be something Margaret knew about this woman that could benefit Amelia but Margaret wanted her to find out what it was on her own.

"I will have a chat with her when I see her. Can I stop by the places my mother used to visit while we are at the festival? I don't want anyone to think I've forgotten about them."

When Anne was still alive, she made it a routine of taking Amelia around the kingdom to help those who weren't as fortunate as royalty. Amelia did less traveling after the war between the Blackwell Kingdom and the north started again but she thought it would be fine with going to Margaret's home and the surrounding area.

"We have to keep up with the news of King Killian's whereabouts. I hope our warriors can chase him out of our kingdom quickly. That man scares the life out of me," Amelia shuddered remembering the way he gazed at her.

"Now that reminds me. What was the king of the north like? Was he as handsome as the rumors say?"

"Grandmother! He is our enemy," Amelia looked at Margaret appalled by the question.

"So? He is our enemy but that does not mean we have to be liars when speaking about his appearance. I have nothing against the people of the north as they are only retaliating against what your father started. I warned him not to mess with Killian Bune. The rumors of that man on the battlefield are proving to be true."

Amelia thought about the rumors about Killian. Though she came face to face with him, she had not witnessed him killing anyone. She only heard a guard groaning as he spoke to Cyrus.

"It's a shame the north and our kingdom cannot join together as one. The war would be put to rest and the people wouldn't be so wary of each other. What do you think?" Asked Margaret.

"I think you are trying to insinuate that I should get with Killian. Did you miss the fact that he scares me? With the number of people already dead I don't think Killian is desperate enough or has any interest in marrying the daughter of his enemy when he can just kill my father." If Amelia was in Killian's position she would have killed her enemy.

"That is true but I am curious as to why he released you instead of capturing his enemy's only child. Maybe there is a spark there you can grow to end this war. You would be-"

"I would be sent to live as his queen in the north among people who would hate my very existence. I am not going to consider marrying a man like Killian Bune. Why would I have to consider that when my father could call for a truce?" Amelia wanted the war to be over but marrying Killian and living in the north was not how she wanted it to happen.

She hated the thought of being used in exchange to correct the actions of men. Her father started the war therefore he should be the one to fix it himself.

"I understand what you are feeling about the sacrifice you would have to make but that is the cost of being born a woman in the castle. We have no choice but to marry men we would never consider. Your father has too much of an ego to call for a truce but your marriage is the only way I could see the war coming to an end."

Margaret felt guilty for proposing such an idea but she was only thinking of the people who were losing countless family members. "Please forget I said anything. I do not want you to hate me."

"I know you were just looking out for what is best for the kingdom. I could never hate you, grandmother. I just never wish to leave this kingdom," said Amelia.