Brandon looked at her in disbelief "Who gives promises like that."

Amelia let out a soft, embarrassed sigh, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

"It was like... some years ago," she muttered quietly. "I was seventeen. Still very much a child in many ways."

"I was extremely attached to Aunt Freya. She has always been more like a second mother to me than an aunt. After my mother passed away, she was the one who stayed by my side the most."

"She played with me, comforted me and taught me how to use a bow, and sneaked me out of the castle on nights when Father was being too strict. She was... my everything back then."

Amelia’s gaze remained fixed on the floor, "One day, I overheard the court ladies talking about how, when I eventually got married, I would have to leave the castle and live with my husband’s family. The thought terrified me. I didn’t want to leave Aunt Freya behind. So I... threw a huge tantrum."

A tiny, self-conscious smile tugged at her lips as she recalled the memory.

"I cried for hours. I locked myself in my room and refused to eat until Aunt Freya came to talk to me."

"When she finally sat beside me, I clung to her and sobbed that if I ever got married, she had to come with me. I told her I didn’t care about any stupid royal traditions... I wouldn’t leave without her."

Amelia’s voice grew even softer, "And then I said... ’I don’t even mind sharing my husband with Aunt Freya if it means she comes with me.’ Something like that. I was just a crying, desperate little girl who didn’t want to lose the person she loved most."

She finally glanced up at Brandon, "Aunt Freya laughed at the time and told me I was being silly... but she still made the promise with me."

"I never thought she would actually act on it. I’m really sorry, Sir Kael. She can be very bold and playful, but she means well. She just... wants to be part of my happiness, I think."

Brandon stared at her for a long moment, completely speechless "I see."

Amelia looked at him anxiously, worried he was upset.

"Are you... angry?"

Brandon turned to her and chuckled "Angry? No. I am just surprised. I guess I might have to deal with two Bleaufort women now."

Amelia let out a soft, embarrassed laugh and nodded.

"Probably."

He reached out and carefully took her hand, "Come here..."

Amelia’s breath hitched as he gently pulled her forward.

She didn’t resist, but her steps were a little hesitant.

With one smooth motion, Brandon guided her onto his lap, settling her sideways so she was cradled against his chest.

"Sir Kael, no-" she started, trying to stand up immediately. "I got a fever from yesterday’s rain. If I sit with you like this, you might catch it too..."

Brandon wrapped his one arm securely around her waist while his other hand rested lightly on her back.

"It’s fine," he murmured as he pulled her closer until her head rested against his shoulder.

Amelia squirmed for a second, but then she eventually gave in with a soft sigh and relaxed against him.

"You’re really stubborn..." she whispered, looking up at him with shy affection.

Brandon chuckled softly and adjusted his arms around her, "You’re burning up,"

Smiling, she replied "It’s not that bad... just a light fever. I’ll be fine after some rest."

For a while, they simply sat like that in comfortable silence.

"You feel really warm..." she murmured against his neck. "Much better than any blanket."

Brandon let out a quiet laugh and tightened his arms around her.

After a few minutes, she spoke again, "...About the promise with Aunt Freya. I know it sounds ridiculous. You don’t have to take it seriously. It was just the words of a scared little girl."

Brandon was quiet for a moment, "I’m not taking it lightly."

"But I also won’t let an old promise decide everything. What happens between us... that’s for us to decide. A single promise shouldn’t define relationships like that."

Amelia lifted her head slightly to look at him "I am surprised... I thought you would give in to her seduction and actually agree to take her as your concubine."

"I mean, she has a nice figure and big breasts."

Brandon blinked and tilted his head to look at her more directly, "You’re really saying that while sitting on my lap?"

Amelia’s blush deepened instantly. She tried to look away, but his gentle hold on her waist kept her facing him.

"It’s true, though... Aunt Freya is very beautiful. Many noblemen have tried to court her over the years, but she always turned them down. She’s confident, playful, and... very mature. I thought most men would jump at the chance if someone like her offered herself so openly."

Upon hearing this, Brandon sighed inwardly.

He leaned in slightly, "Yes, your aunt is beautiful. And yes, she’s very... persuasive. But I don’t make decisions about something like this just because someone has a nice figure or offers temptation."

"Besides... I like spending time with you. I like seeing you smile when we sneak out together. I like how you get all flustered when I tease you. That matters more to me than any ’promise’ or any amount of seduction."

Amelia’s heart fluttered visibly, and she bit her lower lip, trying to suppress the shy smile threatening to break across her face.

Brandon noticed it and chuckled in his heart ’She is so cute.’

---

The afternoon sun hung high over the Eurasania Empire’s royal castle, casting long golden rays across the courtyard.

Servants moved about quietly, tending to flower beds and polishing the marble fountains.

Brandon walked across the wide courtyard and looked at the black carriage waiting for him at the end of the courtyard.

Freya was standing beside it with her arms loosely crossed across her chest.

She looked stunning.

Her golden-blonde hair was styled in loose, elegant waves that cascaded over one shoulder.

She wore a deep crimson dress that hugged her mature, voluptuous figure perfectly and a light cloak draped over her shoulders.

Freya’s lips curved into a slow smile as Brandon approached.

"My, my... right on time. I was starting to wonder if you’d run away after this morning’s little surprise."

Brandon walked to her with a wry smile.

She reached out and lightly adjusted the collar of his shirt, her fingers brushing against his neck in a deliberately intimate gesture.

"You cleaned up nicely. Though I must admit... I preferred the version of you with your face buried between my breasts this morning."

She looked up at him through her lashes, "So... shall we go? I know a lovely secluded lake outside the capital. Perfect for two adults who want to... talk, obviously."

Brandon held her gaze for a moment, then let out a low chuckle and opened the carriage door for her.

"After you."

Freya’s smile widened with satisfaction. She stepped into the carriage with graceful elegance, making sure to give him a full view of her figure as she did so.

Brandon followed after her, closing the door behind them.