Chapter 8- Beneath the Moonlight

Amelia's heart raced as she slipped back into her chambers, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and longing. Kael's words echoed in her mind: "I'm fighting for a world where someone like me can stand beside someone like you without fear." The fire in his green eyes haunted her, and she couldn't ignore the truth he'd laid bare.

Her relief at being back in her room was short-lived. Clara rushed in moments later, her face pale and filled with worry.

"My lady," Clara whispered urgently. "The guards are looking for you. They've been asking around and will check your chambers soon."

Amelia froze. "Did anyone see you come in here?"

"No, but it's only a matter of time before they put the pieces together. You need to make it seem like you've been here all night," Clara said, already moving to tidy the room.

With Clara's help, Amelia quickly slipped into her nightgown and climbed into bed, arranging the sheets to look undisturbed. Clara dimmed the lanterns and placed a book on the bedside table as if Amelia had fallen asleep reading.

A sharp knock came at the door, making them both jump.

"Princess Amelia?" a guard called out gruffly.

Clara opened the door just enough to peer through, her expression calm and unwavering. "The princess is asleep. What is the meaning of this disturbance?"

"We received reports of suspicious activity near the palace grounds," the guard replied. "We need to confirm her safety."

Clara's voice hardened. "The princess is in her chambers, as she has been all evening. You may look, but do not wake her."

The guard hesitated before stepping into the room. He cast a quick glance at Amelia, who feigned sleep, her breathing slow and even.

After a tense moment, the guard nodded and retreated. "Apologies for the intrusion."

Once the door closed, Clara locked it and let out a sigh of relief. "That was far too close."

Amelia sat up, her hands shaking. "Thank you, Clara. I don't know what I would do without you."

Clara crossed her arms, her stern expression softening only slightly. "You cannot keep sneaking out, my lady. If they catch you, it will be more than your freedom at stake."

Amelia nodded, guilt twisting in her chest. "I'll be careful," she promised, though she wasn't sure how she could keep it.

The next day, the palace was on edge. King Reginald had doubled the guards, and whispers of rebellion were growing louder. Amelia stayed out of sight, avoiding her father and anyone who might question her movements.

She sought refuge in the royal gardens, where the scent of roses and lavender offered a brief respite from her troubled thoughts. Yet even the beauty of the flowers couldn't distract her from the storm brewing within and outside the palace.

"Amelia," a familiar voice called softly.

She turned to see Prince Edric approaching, his tall frame cutting a striking figure against the sunlit greenery. His expression was one of concern, a rare crack in his usual stoic demeanor.

"Prince Edric," she said, offering a polite smile. "What brings you to the gardens?"

"I was looking for you," he admitted, his blue eyes searching hers. "The tension in the palace is impossible to ignore. I thought perhaps you might need someone to talk to."

Amelia's smile faltered. She didn't know what to make of Edric. On the surface, he was kind, respectful, and everything a prince should be. Yet her heart remained unmoved by his charm, tied instead to someone who could never truly be hers.

"Thank you, but I'm fine," she said, her tone distant.

Edric frowned, stepping closer. "You don't seem fine. Is it the rebellion? Or… us?"

The question caught her off guard. "What do you mean?"

"Our engagement," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "I know it wasn't your choice, and I know I'm not the man you dreamed of marrying. But I hope, in time, you'll come to see me as more than a stranger."

Amelia's throat tightened. She wanted to tell him that her heart belonged elsewhere, that she couldn't imagine a future with him. But she knew the weight of duty too well.

"You're kind, Edric," she said, choosing her words carefully. "And I know you'll make a great king. But right now, I just need time to adjust."

He nodded, though disappointment flickered in his eyes. "I understand. I only hope you'll allow me the chance to prove myself."

As Edric walked away, Amelia's gaze lingered on him. She felt a pang of guilt for not being honest, but the truth would only complicate matters further.

When she returned to her chambers that evening, she found a small note tucked beneath her pillow. Her heart leapt as she unfolded it, recognizing Kael's bold handwriting.

"Meet me at the forge tomorrow night. There's something you need to see."

Amelia's pulse quickened. She knew the risks, but she couldn't resist the pull Kael had on her. The rebellion was growing, and so was the danger, but her heart had already chosen its path—one that would lead her deeper into the storm.