Page 9 of Amethyst Queen
Chapter 8
The sky held an eerie glow, sending an almost foreboding message. Amalee sat on a bench, nestled between several bushes. She’d always loved nature, so she constructed a garden escape similar to Emersyn’s when she became Queen.
Flexing her fingers, she allowed her magic to flow. Her skin vibrated with the power as the tingle trickled across her palm. She watched at the tiny bolts of electricity danced from finger to finger. After learning her ability held more than controlling lightning, she sat alone to practice – much like now, to harness her power better. Instead of expelling the unused energy, she could move it around, giving her energy or strength.
“Are you all right?”
Amalee’s magic dissipated as she startled, glancing up she found Officer Chris Stephens watching her. He was the same age as her and had been upfront about his crush on her. Although flattered, she turned him down. He didn’t know it was because she was seeing the Constable.
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“May I,” he pointed to the space beside her.
“Sure,” Amalee scooted over, motioning for him to sit.
“Your Majesty,” he spoke.
“You can call me Amalee, Chris. We used to be friends, remember?”
Smiling, “I remember. Look, I will be frank. You’ve looked sad for some time, and I don’t think it’s because of Dimitra.”
Taking a deep breath and blowing it out, “You’re observant. I can see why you became one of the castle guards.”
“Come on now,” he took her hand, “you can pretend that’s the reason, but you know why I wanted to be here.”
“Look, Chris,” she tugged her hand from his and stood, “I’m flattered you still hold a candle for me, but as I told you all those years ago – I am in love with someone else.”
“Then where is he, Amalee? I don’t mean to be a dick, but you and I could be good together.”
“It’s complicated, Chris.”
“Then, uncomplicate it and go on a date with me.”
Amalee hesitated, her mind and heart at war again. Her head told her to give in and go, but her heart was still held by another.
“Thank you, but no. Even if he and I never get back together, he will always hold my heart. That wouldn’t be fair to another man – to you, Chris. You deserve someone who can give you all of their heart.”
Chris stood, “Understood, Your Majesty.”
“Come on, don’t be like that. I thought we were friends.”
“I think it’s best if we just keep this what it is. You are my Queen, nothing more.”
Chris turned and walked away, leaving Amalee feeling even more dejected.
“Seems you're breaking hearts everywhere.”
His voice sent tingles through her entire being. Her body craved his sound, his touch.
“Dante,” she sighed, “What is it about you and sneaking up on my private conversations?”
“It’s not sneaking when you are out in the open, Amalee.”
“And to answer your question… Officer Stephens and I have only ever been friends.”
“Seems to me, he thought maybe there could be more.”
“Well, that’s on him.”
Dante wrapped his fingers around her wrist, holding her in place. His thumb traced a circle on the sensitive flesh above her pulse.
“What are you doing, Dante?” She whispered into the atmosphere.
“Give me a chance, please.”
