Page 7 of Amethyst Queen
Chapter 6
Even after tearing through the castle, Onika and Amalee didn’t turn up the journal. Now, three days later, Amalee sat staring out the window of the extensive study, the sky was grey, much like her spirits.
“Are you going to sit around sulking all day?” Amalee’s mother’s condescending voice shattered her silence.
“I’m not sulking, mother.”
“Humph… you could’ve fooled me.”
“What do you want? I know you aren’t here to spend time with me.”
“Why do you have to be so ungrateful? Anyway, I wanted to discuss the lack of a man in your life. You're the Queen now, and it is expected of you to get married.”
“This again?” Amalee stood, tossing her hands in the air, “I have no desire to find a man, mother. There are more important things, like finding Dimitra.”
“Yes, yes… that is important, but having a union would strengthen you.”
“Mother… I’ve allowed you to dictate my life for too long. NO MORE. DO you hear me? I am done being controlled by your ignorant beliefs. I am the Queen, I will marry who I choose when I choose.”
Her mother's face became ashen, her hand went to her chest, “Why you ungrateful little girl. I gave you everything, and this is how you treat me?”
“Mother… One day you will look back on this moment and regret trying to make me fit into your mold. If you can’t support me as me, there’s the door.”
Amalee watched her mother storm out of the room. For the first time in her life, she felt relieved.
“Did you mean it?”
Amalee gasped and spun, she was shocked to see Dante standing in the doorway.
“Dante… how long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough,” he sauntered into the room, tugging the study door shut, “so, tell me, Amalee – did you mean it?”
“Mean what, Dante? I am not in the mood for games.”
“That you will marry who you choose when you choose?”
“Yes… I’m done letting her control me. I can never be the Queen they want – but I am Queen, they can accept me as I am or never come back.”
Dante closed the space between them, “I’ve missed you, Amalee.” His fingers laced through her blonde locks.
“Dante…”
“Don’t tell me you haven’t missed me. I felt the chemistry the other night.”
Pressing her hand over his, she leaned into his touch and closed her eyes, “I…” she sucked in a breath, “I won’t lie to you. I have missed you, but this is not that easy, Dante.”
“It’s only as hard as you make it. Please, tell me you’ll give me a chance.”
She kept her eyes closed, her heart and mind at war. She wanted him more than her last breath, but she knew he’d never forgive her once the truth came out.
“I need to tell you something first. Then if you still want me,” she started to speak, but the door to the study flew open, causing them to jump apart.
“Commander Gentry.”
“Constable, Your Majesty – I’m sorry, but there has been an explosion.”
“Fuck,” Dante jerked his eyes to Amalee, “we will finish this discussion later.”
“Commander, what happened?” Amalee fidgeted with her hands.
“It’s odd… the explosion was at the edge of our kingdom and Onyx Kingdom.”
“Was anyone hurt?” Dante asked, slipping into his role as Constable.
“That’s the thing,” Commander Gentry rubbed his head, “It was in an unpopulated area. It’s almost like it was a diversion or practice for something bigger.”
“This is getting out of control. Have your men scour the area… I want answers.”
