CHAPTER 21 AMELIA My mind was still occupied by what just transpired between Alaric and me, at this point, I knew it wouldn't be long before we went all the way. Somehow I feel I am ready, I love him and he loves me so much too. Although I had not told him yet, I was sure I did. "You spent a whole lot of time in the bathroom, were you that nervous?" Constance asked as I tried to regain my composure. My legs were still shaky, and I squeaked. "Yes, I was adjusting my corset, a string pull," I lied, it wasn't exactly a lie when Alaric had lifted my skirt. "Oh, my lady, you did it all wrong," she snorted, making her way to me to help me fix it, while my eyes trailed as I saw Lucia approach me, she had a feigned smile on her face. Right now she is the last person I want to interact with. I am already so tense as it is. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the lucky one, don't think that sprinkle of luck you had in the fashion show will happen again," she said and I frowned. My heart ski

CHAPTER 23 AMELIA I walked briskly through the garden, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. It was a close call, I almost lost everything in a blink of an eye. I was about to give up, on my dreams, on Alaric but no, that couldn't happen, he was too much a part of me for me to just let go of. Spotting Alaric, my breath caught in my throat. As our eyes locked, he pulled me into a bare hug, his arms enveloping me, and a surge of warmth spread through my veins. I knew why he did this, he felt the close call lost, as much as I did. While he was standing there, looking so confused as everyone expected him to disqualify me, I could see the torment he was going through. I wouldn't have even blamed him, if he had done that. He had little to no choice at that point and I knew it. Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, he leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss. The kiss was soft and tender at first. The kiss was a combination of emotions, everything

CHAPTER 25AMELIAIt was almost my turn to have my date with Alaric, I had sat down to listen to his date with other ladies, I can't lie, at one point I was jealous because I felt he was giving them so much chance to actually talk and prove themselves. I didn't know what exactly to do, but just to sit down and watch things unfold. But it was Bianca's date with him that caught my attention and a lot of other people's attention, they now believe I didn't want to win, some said it was a lie and that I had just played Bianca, that wasn't far fetched because I wasn't really completely honest with Bianca, I knew I needed to come clean before it was too late, but for now I needed to concentrate on making an impression. Constance and I stood in the grand hall, engaged in a rather unconventional practice session. She was determined to teach me the ways of ladylike demeanor, and I, well, I was doing my best to keep up. The struggle was evident on both our faces. "I watched the other ladies a

ALARIC I entered my chambers, a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirled within me. The five names echoed in my mind—Amelia, Charlotte, Jane, Bianca, and Lucia—the contenders I had chosen to accompany me. This time it was solely my choice, as I was the one on a date with them.Each one had captivated me in their own way, but it was Amelia who held a special place in my heart. She was the one that prove herself to not be scripted and reading straight out of a lady's handbook, I hope everyone had saw what I saw in her and no one would question when my final decision to make he my queen is made.Just as I began to settle into my thoughts, Boaz, my trusted advisor, entered the room. His face was filled with concern, and I knew something weighed heavily on his mind."Alaric, there's been talk circulating about your connection with Amelia," Boaz began, his voice laced with caution. "People are speculating that she may be the one to win your heart."A smile tugged at the corners of my

AMELIA"I am losing my mind and I can't help it," I murmured. I prepared for the competition, Lucia, a rival contestant, couldn't resist the opportunity to taunt me. She approached with a smug smirk, her voice dripping with arrogance."Well, well, Amelia. I see you've managed to stumble your way into this competition once again. Just a stroke of luck, I suppose," Lucia sneered, her tone condescending.I straightened my posture, refusing to let her words dampen my spirits. With a playful smile, I retorted, "Ah, Lucia, always so charming with your compliments. But you know, luck can only take you so far. Perhaps today, it will be my skills that shine."Lucia's eyes narrowed, clearly taken aback by my confident response. She scoffed, attempting to regain her composure. "Skills? Please, Amelia. Everyone knows you're just a mediocre Lady, riding on the coattails of fortune. Today will prove that."I chuckled lightly, a twinkle of mischief in my eyes. "Ah, Lucia, you underestimate me. Whil