Amelia stared at the blonde girl clinging tightly to Aldric. She was tall, maybe sixteen or seventh and full of bright, infectious energy.
Before Amelia could process anything, the girl's eyes landed on her.
"Mummy!" Irelia squealed and ran straight toward her.
Amelia froze.
Was she… calling her mummy?
Irelia threw her arms around her in a tight hug. Amelia stiffened, blinking rapidly, her mind struggling to catch up.
She opened her mouth to correct her, I'm not your mother but then her gaze met Aldric's.
No glare. No words.
Just a silent warning that told her to say nothing.
Amelia swallowed her protest.
Irelia pulled back with a wide smile. "Mummy, I'm Irelia! What's your name?"
"A–Amelia" she managed.
Irelia gasped dramatically. "Mom! We have the same hair and eyes!"
Amelia blinked, taking a closer look.
The same shade of hair.
The same eyes.
She turned to Aldric for answers, but he was already looking elsewhere, his expression unreadable.
Guards passed by carrying luggage, but Irelia was far too excited to notice. She grabbed Amelia's hand and tugged her toward the couch.
"Mom, can I hug you again?"
Amelia hesitated, then nodded.
Irelia hugged her even tighter than before. "You're the first woman Daddy has ever brought here," she said softly. "That means you're very important to him."
Amelia's lips parted to deny, to explain, to correct but when she saw the girl's hopeful face, the words disappeared.
She didn't want to crush that joy.
Irelia rested her head on Amelia's shoulder, sighing in contentment.
The moment was cut short when a woman stepped out of the kitchen. "Miss" she called gently.
Irelia shot upright and tugged Amelia along. "Come on! Guard, please call Daddy!"
Amelia blinked.Aldric was gone. When did he leave?
She followed Irelia to the long dining table filled with beautifully arranged dishes, a small feast.
Ameila sat carefully, staring at the food.
Irelia noticed her expression and leaned forward. "Daddy told me you were coming, so I asked the chef to make all your favorites. Do you… not like them?"
Ameila opened her mouth to reassure her, but…
"She likes it" Aldric's calm voice came from behind.
They both turned.
Irelia grinned. "Daddy, come eat!"
Aldric walked over and began to sit opposite them, but Irelia frowned.
"No, Daddy! Sit here!" She grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the seat right beside Amelia.
Amelia immediately stiffened as he settled next to her. Irelia clapped happily and returned to her own chair.
Amelia glanced at the girl, then sighed inwardly.
There was no escaping this.
Lowering her gaze, she quietly began to eat, even as every muscle in her body stayed tense from sitting so close to Aldric.
After dinner, Irelia happily grabbed Amelia's hand and tugged her toward the stairs.
"Mom, come! I prepared something for you!"
Amelia followed, a mix of nerves and curiosity twisting in her stomach. Irelia pushed open a door on the second floor and pulled her inside.
"This is your room!" she announced proudly.
Amelia blinked.
The room was enormous, soft, warm lighting, pastel curtains, a bed big enough for three people, and fresh flowers arranged by the window. Her luggage had already been placed neatly in the corner.
Irelia turned to her with bright, hopeful eyes. "I arranged everything myself. Mom, if you want to change anything, anything at all just tell me, okay?"
Amelia's chest tightened with unexpected warmth.
"Okay" she said softly.
Irelia lit up. "Great! Rest well, mom!" She hugged her once more before skipping out and closing the door behind her.
Silence settled instantly.
Amelia sat on the edge of the bed and exhaled. "This room is way too big…" she muttered, scanning the space.
After a moment, she stood and began undressing for a shower. Halfway through, she paused with a sigh, running a hand through her hair.
"Where did Irelia put the towels again…?"
She turned toward the drawer where she assumed they were stored…. the door swung open.
Amelia froze.
Her eyes widened.
She was still half-naked.
And someone was standing in the doorway.