Chapter 4
"Amelia," Richard warned her for her rudeness. His daughter pushed the limits many times but today was not a day where he was in the mood to tolerate her. "Annabelle is currently the only mother figure you have in your life. A little more respect would be nice."
"I was raised by my biological mother and many of the maids here in the castle. I am not in desperate need of another mother figure and respect is earned. However, in the words of my grandmother, it would be nice of you to tell your mistress not to interject into conversations between royals," Amelia replied.
"I am the king’s woman and have a seat at this table just like you. I don’t see why you must have this hatred towards me. You and I can have a good relationship if only you would give me a chance."
Amelia wanted to roll her eyes because of Annabelle’s performance. When her mother was alive, she remembered the things this woman had to say all because she had the king’s attention.
If Annabelle had any common sense, she would have run away from the king when she saw how he treated his wife. Nothing about Annabelle was special for her to not share the same fate. Her father wanted an obedient woman and he found one, for now.
"Our relationship as you call it is good as it is." In a dull tone, Amelia asked her father, "Why have you called for us to be here? I know it isn’t to have a chat."
They rarely ate breakfast together unless there were guests at the castle and her father wanted to act as if they were a happy family. What he failed to see was that if you kept pretending, sooner or later everyone around would find flaws in the acting.
"You have the finest teacher at your disposal and yet none of them have been able to teach you manners. Ha, I have yet to see the respectable princess many have spoken about. Annabelle is a part of this family and she is helping us to expand it. Before the entire kingdom knows about it, I thought to at least inform you that you will be having a sibling in the next few months," Richard smiled, proud that the opportunity presented itself to have the heir he always wanted.
Anne had failed to bear him a son when she was alive and he was left with just Amelia. Every king needed an heir so he had women visit his room to carry out the act of trying to bear him a son.
Unfortunately, he didn’t tolerate some of the women long enough for them to give him what he wanted. The ones he did like were either unable to get pregnant or give him more daughters he did not need. He had the girls killed since he was already stuck with a princess he could not get rid of. Luckily, he met Annabelle.
Intertwining one hand with Richards, Annabelle placed her hand on her stomach. "I am hoping to bless the king with a prince. After many struggles of not having an heir to the throne that might change soon. Wouldn’t you like to have a younger brother Amelia?"