As Amalie spoke, she watched her husband wince at her words. She felt guilty, for bringing about his pain. He then sighed heavily, pulling a hand down his face. He looked tired, exhausted, even. Sometimes, Amalie wished they had an easier, simpler life. Of course, she couldn't complain about the riches and privileges being the Queen brought her, and she loved that her children would want for nothing. But her husband always looked so tired and overwrought with the strains of being King. Sometimes, she wished they were a common family, and her husband could afford for his sole focus to lie with her and his family. But, instead, he was forced to make all the difficult decisions. He was expected to devote himself to his country and allow no emotional matters to hinder or sway his mind.
Her husband shook his head, smiling at her sympathetically. His expression caused Amalie's eyes to sting with tears, suddenly and completely unexpectedly, as thought out of her control. She blinked as he spoke. “I am sorry my love, but I see no other way without hurting you more.”
Amalie lay back a little, resting her cheek against his chest. She closed her eyes, suddenly exhausted and defeated. It seemed there was nothing she could do to protect her family. She was going to betray her sister, and then her husband would go to war with her family and kill them all. Their hands were still together, over her midriff. She stroked her stomach lightly with her thumb. If she couldn't even protect her own sister, how was she ever expected to protect her own tiny, defenceless baby? Everything felt so fruitless.
“Sweetheart, if you do this for me, I will swear to you Harriet’s protection when I defeat these rebels. She will have a good life, I will even set her up in a marriage with my own brother, I swear to you she will not become a victim to her husbands crimes,” Ori told Amalie.
Amalie froze, pulling back to face him. Her eyes found his, and she saw some remnants of guilt lying in their green-blue pools. He was trying to blackmail her. Amalie was an intelligent woman, of course she knew manipulation when she saw it. It was not the cruel sort of manipulation. He genuinely did see his Queen's struggle, and he did not want her to see her hurt if they did go to war and Harriet was killed. Amalie did not entirely trust the King's brother, but the marriage would allow her sister to remain safe and maybe achieve happiness again. The arrangement was favourable, and truly, it was the best way things could end. Amalie would have to betray her sister, a thought which instantly repulsed her. She knew she should say no. But the desire to know her sister would be safe was too much. The temptation to quell her fears got the best of her.
"I will speak with Harriet, my love. I will find out whatever I can for you. But you must promise me she will remain safe. She and any children she may bear between now and the time of your victory."