Chapter 9: The Decision

Two months had passed since the days of quiet contemplation. Amaria had spent those weeks in turmoil, torn between her heart and her duties. Every night, her thoughts were filled with the image of Prince Alexander—his big, sad eyes that seemed to be waiting for her, longing for her presence. She had tried to push away the weight of it, to silence the voice in her heart that urged her to act, but it had only grown louder with each passing day.

Her family had offered her their unwavering support, but even they could sense her inner conflict. They knew she was no longer the girl who could simply let things be. She had always been a caretaker, a protector, but now the call to be something more—something greater—had reached her.

And so, after much soul-searching, Amaria made her decision. She could not ignore the pull any longer. She could not leave Alexander in his time of need, not when she had the power to give him the love he so desperately sought. She had to go to the palace, to face the king, and give her answer.

With a heavy heart but a clear mind, Amaria dressed in her finest attire, the fabric soft against her skin as she made her way to the royal palace. The journey felt longer than it should have, each step carrying the weight of her decision. She knew what she was about to do would change the course of her life forever, but she also knew that it was the right choice.

Upon arriving at the gates of the palace, she was escorted to the king's chambers, her heart pounding in her chest. She had seen the king from a distance many times, but now she would be standing before him, ready to speak the words that had been so difficult to voice.

King Knox was seated at his desk, the faint light from the setting sun casting long shadows across the room. He looked up as Amaria entered, his eyes meeting hers with the same intensity that had been present during their first meeting. But now, there was something different in his gaze—something softer, almost vulnerable.

"Amaria," he said, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of curiosity. "You requested this meeting. What is it that you wish to discuss?"

Amaria took a deep breath, steadying herself before she spoke. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice quiet but firm, "I have come to give you my answer."

The king remained silent, his piercing gaze fixed on her, as if waiting for her to continue.

"I have thought long and hard about your offer," she said, her heart racing. "And I have come to realize that I cannot turn away from it. I cannot turn away from Alexander. He needs someone to care for him, to love him as a mother should, and I... I am willing to be that person."

She paused, allowing her words to settle in the air between them.

"I will marry you, King Knox," she continued, her voice unwavering. "Not because of duty, but because I believe I can make a difference in Alexander's life. And in doing so, I believe I can be the mother he needs."

The silence that followed felt like an eternity. Amaria could feel the weight of her words, could feel the uncertainty lingering in the room. She had made her decision, but now it was up to the king to respond.

King Knox leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. For a long moment, he simply stared at her, his mind working, processing what she had just said. And then, slowly, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"You have made a decision, Amaria," he said, his voice softer than before. "And I respect that."

His eyes softened further as he stood from his chair, walking toward her with a deliberate step.

"I will be honest with you," he continued, his voice low, "I did not know what to expect when I made my offer. But hearing your words now, I know that this is the right choice. For you, for Alexander, and for our kingdom."

Amaria felt a sense of relief wash over her, but it was quickly replaced with a quiet sense of anticipation. She had made her decision, but now, there was no turning back. She would have to face a future that was unknown, filled with both joy and challenge.

"I accept your proposal, King Knox," she said, her voice steady as she met his gaze.

The king nodded, his expression firm but filled with a quiet warmth. "Then it is settled," he said, his tone resolute. "Welcome to our family, Amaria. You will be a mother to Alexander, and you will be a queen."

As the words hung in the air, Amaria felt a sense of finality settle within her. She had made her choice, and now the path ahead was clear. The road would not be easy, but she was ready to walk it. For Alexander, for the kingdom, and for herself.

King Knox stepped closer, his gaze softening even further as he looked down at her with a hint of admiration. "You are brave, Amaria. And I believe that, together, we will give Alexander the love and care he deserves."

Amaria nodded, her heart pounding in her chest, but this time, it was a feeling of hope, not fear.

The journey ahead would be long, and there would be obstacles to overcome, but she was ready. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of purpose, and she knew that her decision would shape the future of their family—and their kingdom.

After a long, silent moment, King Knox's gaze softened further, and his voice took on a gentler tone.

"Amaria," he began, his eyes never leaving hers, "I can see the weight of your decision, and I respect it deeply. But there is one more thing I must ask of you."

Amaria's heart fluttered nervously. She hadn't anticipated more demands, but she nodded, ready to listen. "What is it, Your Majesty?"

"The past few weeks, Alexander has been... quite sad," Knox confessed, his voice tinged with something akin to sorrow. "He misses you, Amaria. He hasn't been himself since you stopped coming to the palace. He asks for you every day. I think... I think it would do him good if you went to see him now."

Amaria's heart ached at the thought of the little boy's sadness. She had known that her absence had affected him, but hearing it from the King, seeing the concern in his eyes, made it all the more real.

"Of course," she said softly, nodding. "I will go to him."

The King's gaze lingered on her, a silent appreciation passing between them before he turned toward the door. "He's in his chambers. I believe he will be overjoyed to see you."

Amaria's steps were quick as she left the King's presence, her heart beating faster with each step. She had made her decision, but now she had to face Alexander—who, in many ways, had already accepted her as someone important in his life. Her heart twisted with the thought of his sadness, and she could only hope her presence would bring the joy back to his little face.

The palace halls were eerily quiet as she made her way to Alexander's chambers. She passed by servants who glanced at her with respectful nods, but her mind was focused on one thing—seeing the young prince, holding him, comforting him.

When she reached his door, she hesitated for only a moment before knocking gently.

A soft voice from within responded, muffled but unmistakably Alexander's. "Come in!"

Amaria opened the door, her heart immediately softening as she saw the little boy sitting by the window, staring out at the palace grounds with a sad look on his face. His once bright blue eyes were now shadowed, his usual energetic spirit nowhere to be found. He was still in his pajamas, his small legs curled beneath him as he watched the world outside.

"Alexander?" Amaria's voice was quiet, but her warmth filled the room.

The young prince turned at the sound of her voice, his eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, it seemed as though he wasn't sure if he was dreaming. But then, a slow smile crept onto his face, and he scrambled to his feet, his little hands reaching for her.

"Amaria!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with hope and joy. "You're here!"

Without a second thought, Amaria knelt down, her arms open wide. The moment he reached her, she gathered him into her embrace, holding him close as if to make up for the weeks of absence. His small arms wrapped around her neck, clinging to her as if she were his lifeline.

"I'm here, Alexander," she whispered, brushing his hair from his forehead as she rocked him gently. "I'm here now."

The prince buried his face in her shoulder, his little body trembling with emotion. "I missed you, Amaria," he said, his voice muffled by her dress. "I don't want you to leave again."

Amaria's heart broke as she held him tighter. She had seen the pain in his eyes before, but never like this. He had been so young when his mother left, and now, in his quiet desperation, he was calling out for the comfort he had been denied for so long. He needed her, and she would never turn her back on him again.

"I won't leave, Alexander," she promised softly, her voice filled with the certainty of her decision. "I'm here to stay. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

As she rocked him in her arms, the boy's breathing slowed, and his small body relaxed against hers. Amaria could feel the weight of the sadness lifting from him, replaced by the comfort of knowing that he was no longer alone. Slowly, as the warmth of her presence wrapped around him, he drifted off to sleep in her arms, his little face peaceful at last.

Amaria remained still for a moment, allowing him to sleep soundly, knowing that this moment was as much for her as it was for him. She had made a commitment, not only to King Knox but to the child who had come to rely on her. And now, she understood more deeply than ever that this was where she belonged.

After a while, she carefully laid Alexander back on his bed, tucking him in with a gentle kiss to his forehead. The sight of the little prince, finally at peace, filled her heart with a deep sense of fulfillment. She was doing the right thing. She was doing it for him.

With one last look at the peaceful child, Amaria stood and quietly left the room, her heart brimming with new resolve. She had come to the palace for a purpose, and that purpose was unfolding right before her eyes.

The king had asked her to see his son, and she had done just that. But more than that, she had found herself in the process. And as she walked down the hallway, she realized that she wasn't just stepping into a new chapter of her life—she was stepping into a new family.