𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞|𝟏𝟖+

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭#𝟐

The sun filtered through the delicate lace curtains, casting a warm, golden light across the room where Amara and her friends sat, nestled among plush cushions in their elegant princess attire. The soft clink of teacups and the murmur of laughter filled the air as the women indulged in a rare moment of relaxation, their conversation flowing as easily as the tea.

Sydney, her belly round with the promise of new life, sighed dramatically, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Can you believe it?" she said, her voice laced with amusement and exasperation. "My dear husband is still the same brute he's always been, even with a child on the way. He's as rude as ever, and don't get me started on his mistress. He's had a few, and I'm sure he still does. But what can I do? It's just the way men are."

Vanessa and Ruth exchanged knowing glances, nodding in agreement. "They're all like that," Ruth added, her tone resigned. "Men will be men. They cheat, they lie, and we're just expected to accept it. It's the way of the world."

Vanessa sipped her tea, a bitter smile on her face. "And there's nothing we can do about it. We're wives, nothing more. They'll always have their mistresses, and we'll always be left behind."

Amara listened in silence, her heart heavy with the weight of their words. But as the conversation continued, she found herself shaking her head. "Not all men are like that," she said softly, but firmly. "Some are different. Some are loyal, and they truly care for their wives."

Penelope raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on Amara with a hint of curiosity masked by casual indifference. "You speak of loyalty with such conviction, Amara. It's admirable, really. But, one wonders," she paused, stirring her tea slowly as if considering her next words carefully, "can even a king resist the... expectations that come with his title?"

Amara felt the room grow quieter, the other women leaning in slightly, their attention now fully on her. Penelope's words were veiled, but the meaning was clear enough. "What do you mean?" She asked, her voice calm, though a slight tremor betrayed her unease.

Penelope offered a small, almost sympathetic smile. "It's just that, history tends to repeat itself, doesn't it? King's have always had mistresses." 

Vanessa nodded thoughtfully, her tone contemplative. "Yeah, it's a matter of time before he finds someone else to satisfy his needs." 

Sydney watched as her eyes showed vulnerability. "I mean he's the king, what can you do?" 

Amara's heart tightened as their words sank in. The insinuation hung in the air, cloaked in polite conversation yet sharp enough to cut. She knew what they were implying, even if they didn't say it outright: Lucian, like so many kings before him, might not be immune to the temptations of his position.

She knew, deep in her heart, that Lucian would never betray her, but the doubts Penelope's words planted in her mind gnawed at her, relentless and cruel.

Amara's thoughts spiralled as the women's laughter and chatter faded into the background. She recalled the years she and Lucian spent in secret, their love growing stronger with each stolen moment. 

Lucian had wanted to reveal their relationship, but Amara insisted on secrecy to protect him from scandal. He had understood, waiting patiently until he became king when they could finally be together openly. Though their marriage was only a month old, their love had already endured so much. Surely, that meant he would never betray her.

As the afternoon wore on, the other women began to take their leave, one by one, until Amara was left alone with her thoughts. She sat in the royal gardens, still deep in the turmoil while waiting for the royal carriage to pick her up. 

The royal carriage moved smoothly along the cobblestone streets, but inside, Amara was anything but calm. She sat in silence, her thoughts swirling in a chaotic storm. The voices of the other women still echoed in her mind, their casual words casting shadows over her heart. She knew Lucian loved her, knew he would never betray her, yet the doubt, however irrational, clung to her.