CHAPTER 18

**AMELIA**
As the hours pass, I realize it’s time to return to the castle. A guard approaches me and informs me that the king has ordered my presence. I sigh, resign, and begin walking through the castle corridors toward the royal meeting room. Upon opening the imposing doors of the room, I find Aaron seated at the head of the table, surrounded by some council members. They are discussing something seriously, and the atmosphere in the room is charged with tension.
As soon as I enter, everyone rises in reverence, and I nod in acknowledgment before continuing to walk toward the king. He gestures to a place beside him at the table, and I sit, feeling completely confused about why I was summoned. Aaron stands, the crown gleaming on his head, and points to the table. Following his gesture, my eyes fixed on a realistic project of the map of the entire kingdom. My surprise is evident as I see the detailed depiction of the castle and surrounding villages, all represented meticulously.
“Do you like it, Amelia?”, Aaron asks, his voice laden with anticipation. I am momentarily stunned, processing the information before me. The magnitude of the project and the attention to detail leave me impressed. Never before have I seen such a precise and comprehensive representation of our kingdom.
“It’s incredible. How… how was this done?”, I respond, my voice filled with admiration. Aaron smiles, satisfied with my reaction, and begins to explain how the project was conceived and developed over months of hard work by the kingdom’s best cartographers.
While he speaks, my gaze wanders over the map, absorbing every detail. It’s as if I am seeing our kingdom from a new perspective, better understanding its expanse and complexity. I continue to look at the map before me, focusing on the vast stretches of forest that the drawing represents. An expression of perplexity settles on my face as I examine the region, my eyebrows furrowing as I touch the forest area on the map.
At that moment, Aaron smiles at me, his voice soft and reassuring as he shares his plans for developing that area. He explains his intention to build more houses and establishments where people can receive medical care, especially healers who are available to meet the needs of the people. His words completely surprise me. I had always known that the people in the village required more care and resources, but I never imagined Aaron was planning something so significant to help them.
I look at the map, absorbing Aaron’s outlined plans, and respond enthusiasticall:
“This is great.”, However, observing the men in front of me, I notice they are serious, their expressions denoting some reservation about Aaron’s plans. I wonder why they seem disapproving of the idea of helping the kingdom’s people.
One of the men decides to voice his concerns, raising issues about the economic impact of these initiatives, especially after the recent vampire attack. He argues that it might not be prudent to invest significant resources at this moment, fearing possible consequences for the kingdom’s finances. I listen attentively to his words, pondering the implications of his concerns. I understand the importance of maintaining a stable economy, especially in times of uncertainty and external threats. However, I also cannot ignore the urgent need to care for the kingdom’s people and ensure their well-being.
I continue watching the councilman express his concerns about the excessive investment in Aaron’s proposed projects. His voice resonates in the meeting room, arguing that it could result in a significant waste of the kingdom’s precious resources. My expression becomes serious as I listen, my mind working to process his opinions.
Before Aaron has a chance to respond, I decide to intervene. My voice comes out firm and determined as I question the man:
“Have you ever been to a village before?”, He seems surprised by my direct question, responding cautiously:
“I don’t understand your question, Majesty.”, I don’t back down, maintaining my firm stance.
“I want to know if you or anyone in this room has ever been to the villages and seen the conditions in which humans live. I grew up there and had a very difficult life.”, I respond, letting my experience and emotions show.
As my words echo in the room, a palpable tension sets in. The councilman looks uncomfortable with the direct confrontation, his expression revealing displeasure and disdain. He is not used to being challenged, especially by someone he considers outside his social reach.
“No, I have never been to a village, Majesty. But I understand how everything works in this kingdom, and my job is to advise the king on his decisions.”
I continue staring at him with a reproachful expression, determined to make him recognize the importance of understanding the reality of the kingdom’s common people. My personal experiences in the villages empower me in a way the council members may not fully comprehend. I feel a mix of frustration and indignation at the lack of understanding and empathy he has shown.
“I’m sorry, Majesty.”, the man begins, directing his gaze to Aaron.
“But the kingdom is still facing a significant economic crisis to waste money on the kingdom’s people. I mean no offense, but the opinions of women could jeopardize everything.”, His words hit me like a blow, and my expression hardened at the implicit provocation in his statement. I feel underestimated and undervalued, but before I can articulate a response, Aaron intervenes with surprising authority.
“Amelia is now my wife and your queen. I suggest you treat her with respect. As queen of this kingdom, she has every right to express her ideas to improve the lives of the people.”, Aaron responds, his voice firm and unwavering. Aaron’s tone is clear and direct, making it clear he will not tolerate disrespect towards his wife. I feel Aaron’s hand holding mine, a gesture of support and solidarity that comforts me amid the tension of the situation. I resist the urge to smile, knowing that now, more than ever, we must remain united and firm in the face of adversity.
As the councilman backs down before Aaron’s authority, I feel a renewed sense of determination. I lived my entire life in that village, and I know perfectly well how life is there, the hunger, and everything humans are forced to endure. I sigh, looking at our joined hands, while the man who was confronting me falls silent as Aaron continues to speak to everyone about his plans. I listen attentively, appreciating that he wants to help those in need. I realize that all the while I have been looking at him, smiling, and I return to thinking about the curse that could kill us all. I am their only chance—the only chance to keep everyone in this kingdom alive before it’s too late.