Sofia the protected

chapter 4

Amber's perspective.

I tear open the seal and scan for the name I'm looking for. If he's not on here I'll just about die. About halfway down the page, my eyes find the blessed sight that is Desmond's name.

I can feel and not so much hear the sigh that escapes my lips, the tension and stress leaving my body. My shoulders relax and I lean back in my chair.

My adrenaline slowly dissipating, I look around for a pen to circle Desmond's name. I was surprised to find one in my lap. Then I realized it was probably rolled up in the scroll. I was too hopped up on adrenaline to notice when it fell. I decide to make use of its presence and lift it to tell the world who I want to spend the rest of my life with. That's a tad dramatic. All I'm doing is circling a name on a sheet of paper.

"Amber, are you sure? That was kind of fast. You are going to spend the rest of your life with this person. I want you to be happy. You're going to be Queen so you also have to think of the Kingdom."Daddy's voice was concerned and filled with surprise. Fingers intertwined elbows on the table as he was leaned towards me.

"Oh, I'm certain, Daddy. This person will make me happy and be a good King." The confidence I spoke with, well, you would have thought I was already a queen.

King Roland turned to address the group." Remember you're only betrothed if they choose you also."

"Not a problem." Hildegard rolled up her scroll and handed it to her mother. But she was smiling at Zandar. He got lost in her eyes for a moment before realizing she wanted him to do the same. He happily complied and with a huge smile on his face past the scroll to his father.

" I would advise each of you to pick at least three people you would be okay marrying. The person you want may not choose you back. You also need good allies for your kingdoms.."King Roland said.

"What about your one true love? What about loyalty?"Prince Hugo sounded appalled.

"Hugo, love is a choice even more than it is a feeling. True love exists. And you could probably be happy with a number of people. Look at me, I loved James and Amber's mother but when she died I was able to fall in love again. But I agree that there is one person that you would be the happiest with. If they're the one, they'll choose you. When I asked Miranda to marry me, I had chosen her in my heart. And I was very happy when she said yes and chose me too."

"It's just that I can't imagine marrying anyone but..."Hugo stop talking, realizing his mistake.

King Roland stood. "Shall we go into the Parlor for some cocktail and dessert cheese? Oh, and children, you will be staying the night. Have fun and don't stay up too late."

"How about we play a game of Dazzle ball in the garden? Then, we'll split up into groups. The boys can sleep in James's room and the girls will sleep in mine. I will ask the maids to bring some extra mattresses."I rolled up my scroll and stuffed it in my pocket.

"Sounds good to me. James muttered frowning at his scroll.

"Ugh, all this betrothal stuff is really going to put a damper on our fun. It's going to be in the backs of our minds all night."Hugo placed his face in his hands. He was way bummed out.

"I'm sure we can still manage to have a little fun," Sophia put her hand on Hugo's forearm.

Sorry, this chapter was so short. 

chapter 5 isn't necessary to the plot, so you can skip over it if you'd like.