Page 2 of Amethyst Queen
Chapter 2
Her heart pounded like a drum against her chest. It was hard to breathe. Hard to speak. Amalee struggled to find the words. How was she supposed to tell him what she’d done all those years ago?
“You know my mother would never approve of our relationship. I was just a girl… I should have told you… I,” Amalee swallowed, her throat burning with the acid from her gut.
“Amalee,” he came around the desk and sat, “Is that what you think this is? That someone will rat you out for a relationship that is no longer happening. Don’t worry. I’ll squash the rumor before it begins.”
Amalee couldn’t move. She couldn’t blink.
Taking the letter back from him, she shoved it in her pocket and stood abruptly. The chair ricocheted off the floor, skidding into the wall behind her.
“You know what, never mind. You’re right. I’m probably overreacting. That’s all. I’ll keep you informed if anything else comes up. I need to go and get looking for the journal. Sorry, I wasted your time tonight.”
Rushing from the tiny office, she pulled his door shut and pressed her back against the door. She couldn’t tell him. It was better left unsaid – even if a part of her heart was forever gone, it was best this way.
“Your Majesty?” Captain Howard approached her in the hall, “Are you ok?”
“Yes,” her answer was fast, making him look her over with concern.
“Is there something you needed with the Constable?”
“No… I was just heading back to my quarters. Do you have any updates on the missing journal?”
“No, ma’am. I’ll notify you if that changes.”
“Thanks… have a good evening,”
Amalee bolted down the hallway, her chest constricting with pain. She’d made it to her room as the tears began to fall. Rushing to her closet, she pulled the shoebox she kept hidden out and sat on the floor.
Taking the top off, she pulled out the photo. It was all she had left of him. Running her finger over the grainy picture, Amalee hugged it to her bosom and cried. How had her life gotten so off track?
∞ ∞ ∞
Captain Howard knocked on the Constable’s door. His worry for the Queen doubled after their encounter in the hallway.
“Enter,” the Constable’s voice echoed from the other side.
Stepping in, he smiled, “Sorry to disturb you, Constable.”
“It’s all right, what’s the matter?”
“Did you see the Queen tonight?”
For a moment, the Captain saw an expression he couldn’t quite explain, but the Constable had schooled his expression quickly.
“Yes… she stopped in for a moment to discuss the missing journal. Why?”
“I may be overstepping here,” the Captain swallowed, “but something seems off with her. Frankly, I’m concerned.”
“I see. Have you discussed this with her or your commander?”
“No… I thought perhaps she told you. I’ve always thought you had a closer relationship with her.”
“What does that mean, Captain?” The Constable’s voice was laced with irritation.
“Nothing intended by that statement other than she’s known you longer than the commander and me.”
He sat calmly behind his desk, although his nerves were raging like an inferno.
“Yes. I guess that makes sense. I’ll talk to her. In the meantime – you need to be searching for that damn book.”
