Chapter 7: The King's Decision

It had taken King Knox three long weeks to come to a decision. Three weeks of careful thought, sleepless nights, and countless consultations with his advisors. His thoughts had drifted from one possibility to the next, his heart torn between what was best for his son and the complex emotions that Amaria had stirred within him. But now, standing at the helm of his royal responsibilities, he could no longer avoid the inevitable.

Knox had finally come to the conclusion that, for the sake of his son, Alexander needed more than what the palace could offer. He needed the love and care of a mother. And Amaria, despite their complicated relationship, was the one who had already shown the tenderness and compassion that his son so desperately craved.

With a sense of finality, Knox summoned Amaria and her family to the palace.

The great halls of the royal palace were silent as the moment drew near. His advisors had already given him their thoughts, but this was a personal matter now. It was not a decision he could make for the sake of appearances or duty. No, this was about his son, and it was time to face the music.

Amaria, her father, and her younger brother were escorted into the king's private chambers. The air was thick with anticipation, but the king remained composed, his regal demeanor unwavering. He stood by the large window that overlooked the royal gardens, his back straight, his thoughts focused.

Amaria entered the room first, her family trailing behind her. She looked around nervously, sensing the formality of the meeting, the gravity of the situation. Knox didn't immediately greet them or offer any pleasantries. He simply turned his cold, calculating gaze toward them, his eyes betraying nothing of his thoughts.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice," he said, his voice calm and controlled, every word chosen carefully. "Please, have a seat."

They complied, sitting down in front of him as he turned to face them. His posture remained erect, his expression a study of royal detachment.

"I trust you are all aware of the circumstances surrounding my son, Prince Alexander," Knox began, his tone measured. "It has come to my attention that there is a particular individual whom my son holds in high regard—a person who has already shown him the warmth and affection he has been lacking."

He paused, allowing the words to sink in. The room was heavy with silence, only broken by the sound of the clock ticking on the wall. Amaria's family exchanged cautious glances, unsure of where this conversation was headed.

Knox continued, his gaze shifting to Amaria. "Amaria, you have been a great comfort to my son. Your kindness and care have not gone unnoticed. But now, I must speak plainly. My son needs a mother. And I believe that you, more than anyone else, can provide him with the love and stability he requires."

Amaria's heart skipped a beat. Her throat tightened, and for a moment, she felt the weight of the king's words pressing down on her. She had not expected this—had not expected to be thrust into such a responsibility. Her eyes flickered briefly to her father, seeking reassurance, but her father only nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation.

King Knox's eyes were steady as he met Amaria's gaze. "This is not an offer made lightly," he said, his tone cold, yet somehow filled with an undercurrent of respect. "I am not asking for anything unreasonable. I am asking you to take on a role that requires more than mere affection. It requires commitment, loyalty, and the ability to carry the weight of the crown alongside the duties of motherhood."

Amaria's heart raced as she processed his words. She had always admired the king from afar, but never had she imagined being brought so close to him in this way. The idea of becoming a mother figure for Prince Alexander was both a privilege and a heavy burden.

"Your loyalty to the crown, to my son, is of utmost importance," Knox continued, his gaze unwavering. "If you accept this responsibility, you must understand that it will affect more than just your life—it will affect the lives of those around you, the future of this kingdom. The choice is yours, Amaria, but understand that it will shape the course of your future, and my son's."

His words hung in the air like a decree. There was no warmth in his tone, no hint of personal sentiment—just the cold, calculated logic of a king making a decision for his son's future.

Amaria sat in stunned silence, her heart racing in her chest. This was more than she had ever expected. She had come here thinking that perhaps the king simply wished to express his gratitude for her kindness to Alexander, but this... this was something far more profound. Could she really step into the role of a mother to a young prince? Could she handle the responsibility that came with it?

"Please, take your time," Knox said, sensing her hesitation. "There is no need for an immediate answer. I simply wanted to make my intentions clear."

The words were spoken with finality. The king had said what he needed to say. It was now up to Amaria to decide whether she would accept this unprecedented offer, this responsibility that had been thrust upon her.

For a long moment, the room was silent. Amaria looked at her father, searching for any hint of support, but her father remained stoic, watching the king with a level gaze.

After what felt like an eternity, Amaria slowly stood up from her seat, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath before addressing the king.

"Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady, though her hands trembled slightly. "I am honored that you trust me with such an important responsibility. But this is not a decision I can make lightly. I will need time to think about it, to consider the implications of what it means for my life, and for my family."

King Knox nodded once, his expression unchanging. "I expected as much. Take the time you need, Amaria. But understand that my offer remains."

With that, the king stood, signaling the end of the meeting. He didn't offer a final word of encouragement or sympathy—only a cool, respectful nod. His duty was done. Now, it was up to her.

As Amaria and her family left the room, the weight of the decision hung in the air. And for King Knox, as he stood in his chambers alone, he couldn't shake the feeling that his world—and his son's—was about to change in ways he hadn't fully anticipated.