Sandonnia Book 1 - The Crowned Prince

CHAPTER 14 - Lady Behrouz

"Ethan, go to the Council meeting," Lady Arabella called back to her son as she walked Amy out of his chambers. "Your father is expecting you, now!"

"Yes, mother," Ethan sighed, still grinning, as he watched his mother and Amy walk out of his room.

Amy's heart was beating fast. She really hoped Lady Arabella did not think of her as unsuitable for her son. She felt so stupid, acting without thinking. What was she thinking? Ethan had told her about his culture and she ignored it all, walking into his room.

"I do not judge you, dear," Lady Arabella said softly, looking at Amy's worried expression, "as long as there is no repeat of this behaviour."

"I'm just - I really hope you do not think I don't respect your culture and values because I do respect them," Amy stammered. "I was worried - really worried about Ethan after seeing the news this morning. And I can't go back home. And um I didn't think -"

"Stop," Lady Arabella reassured. "I am well aware of everything going on. Now more importantly tell me about yourself."

"I'm studying BSc engineering and I'm ECoE's Head of Marketing," Amy blurted. What was wrong with her? Why couldn't she speak properly in front of Lady Arabella? She was so composed, opposite to the mess Amy was.

"So you are of commonfolk. My husband might not be happy about the fact that you're not of noble blood."

"I know. Ethan mentioned," Amy swallowed.

"Tell me more."

"I live in mainland Eukatia and that's where my family has lived for as long as I know. But I met Ethan before that actually. He - um - saved me from a group of serial killers a while back ... He dropped me home and offered me an scholarship the next day."

"That sounds like him," Lady Arabella laughed, "going straight for what he wants. Though I have to warn you, he has a his father's stubbornness and temper, and his relationship past is not exactly clean. I hope you know what you are getting yourself into. Add the amount of responsibility he has on his shoulders, he's not an easy person to be with."

"I figured," Amy breathed.

"Ethan has expressed to me his intentions to marry you," Lady Arabella continued.

"He made it clear to me too," Amy swallowed.

"How do you feel about that?"

"It wasn't exactly an official proposal," Amy said slowly. "It's very early in the relationship to talk about marriage." Amy hoped she didn't sound nervous because she was extremely nervous around the topic.

"Ethan will give you a proper proposal in due time. However now I'm a bit worried that you are not as serious about him as he is for you. You don't sound like you want to marry him ..."

"I do!" Amy exclaimed quickly, much to Lady Arabella's amusement. "As in yes I am serious about him ... I - I am just nervous. The difference in culture which I'm still getting used to and the expectations of me as his wife, it's a lot. I'm scared of messing up."

"Cowards get scared. You don't sound like a coward to me, from what Ethan and Liam tell me about you."

Ethan, Amy understood, but Liam spoke to Lady Arabella about her? That was confusing. Liam didn't know her at all.

"As the future Lady Behrouz," Lady Arabella continued, "actually, Queen of Sandonnia, scared should not be a feeling you feel even the slightest bit of, let alone admit to. Never admit to a weakness. People will take advantage of it."

It then dawned on Amy. If she married Ethan, she would be Queen of Sandonnia. It felt like the air from Amy's lungs got sucked out. All of Ethan's hardwork on building her confidence went out of the window at that second.