*hey it's lizzyc13 here. The chapter starts off similarly to the previous one I had posted but please read it all. It's actually very different. Happy reading!*

TFL ch. 18

The slip of paper haunted me throughout the night. I shifted in my bed, hoping for sleep to come to me, but questions assailed me constantly. Why did the man have that paper? Where was Jelia Court? Why was the paper written so haphazardly- or was it intentionally vague? Stair 3 Mat? What did that mean? Who was Wesson? The thoughts pestered me without pause or break. When I finally did sleep, it was fitful and almost more exhausting than being awake. All this information to explain the puffiness for which Madame Carlisle is presently berating me.

"Amelia,how in Saint Gracia's name, do you ever expect to attract a suitor with such red eyes? You look worse than drunken dancehall lady in the morning!" At my indignant look, she sputters, "Perhaps not to that extent. But what were you doing?"

I mutter, "I had difficulty sleeping last night." She humphs and spins on her heels, her hips swaying as she walks. Although I expect nothing less from Madame Carlisle, I am fuming at her insolent comparison. A dancehall woman?!

I dash through the solemn corridors of the castle and barge through the doors of the training room. I had artfully hid Castra in the folds of my skirt when Madame Carlisle approached me. I unsheathe it now. Once Castra is in my hand, a spirit of calmness settles on me. Ever since King Eric gave me Castra, I had felt this calm every moment Castra was in my grasp. My impatience subsided, my feelings ebbed. It was as if the spirit of Sir Wilmington, his heroism, bid all my selfish impulses to flee. When touching Castra's handle, I felt spurred to honor his memory, to continue his legacy. At times, I would imagine his masculine voice, urging me to lunge at the right moments, to defend at others. It was that voice that prodded me to always be ready to defend and even now it whispers to me, "Defending the royal family is your duty and your honor. Do not ever take such a task lightly."

Nodding to the sentiment, I begin to practice. Sweat pours down my back as the room fills with men. My dress is much thicker than the tunic I normally wore. I lower Castra and wipe my sweaty brow. I notice Lord Edmund Darby enter the training arena. "Pray, tell me, Miss Amelia, how have you been faring?" Lord Edmund asks.

"Quite well. And you?"

He responds, "Very well. I am wondering, though, at your insistence on practicing. It seems rather odd for a lady of marriageable age and of your position. Should you not be refining yourself for your future spouse? Is that not a part of your being the princess's companion?"

His keen eyes scrutinizes my emotions as I clear my throat. His jaw is set arrogantly and the same pride that is evident in his son exudes from him. Apparently, my tomboyish nature is irritating to him. "Perhaps, my lord, but I am not so inclined toward marriage."

"Oh, you are not? Perhaps that is because you spend so little time acting like a lady. Don't you think it is peculiar to be the only woman in this arena?" His dark eyes flash in aggravation. For whatever reason, he has singled me out to reprove me, which in return has caused my anger to flare.

"I am sorry, my lord, but as that his highness, King Eric has not found fault in my masculine inclinations, I have not considered them to be harmful," is my curt reply.

At my mention of the king, Lord Edmund 's shoulders tighten. "Forgive me if you find me impertinent, Miss Amelia, but I do find it harmful. You will not be able to continue on this course, as a man would be able to, and if you do not take care, men will not wish to marry you because they find you presumptuous."

I clench my teeth. "Well, pardon me for irritating you. My sincerest apologies."
Sheathing Castra, I hustle out of the training area. Rounding the corner-"Oomph!"

"Whoa there." Jack's brown eyes sparkle laughingly as he looks down at me. "What has the imperious Lee in a huff today?"

"Nothing." I respond.

"Mmm hmm." He eyes me, the twinkle growing brighter. "I think this castle has become to much of a bore for the both of us. What would you say to a bit of an adventure?"

A smile erupts on my face unbidden. "Adventure?"

He nods. "An escapade through the streets of Sicota?"

Grabbing his arm, I laugh, "Let's go!" At this point, I am willing for anything. Lord Edmund's words resound in my thoughts, "You spend little time acting like a lady." I shove it out of my thoughts. I would consider that problem out at a latter moment.

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Hey!! Hope you like the story so far! Don't worry most of the minor characters will not appear again. They were put there to make the book feel realistic. Here's the main characters if I've confused you:

Amelia Terrulet
Guinevere Lisle- princess of Aspenvale
Eric Lisle- prince of Aspenvale
Lord Edmund Darby- father of Sir William
Sir William Darby- fiancé of Gwen
Selina Dupree- fiancé of Eric
Jack Middleton- Sir William's squire and Gwen's lover; old friend of Lee
King Eric
*Teddy will appear again but will not be a MC*

Anyways that's just a guide.

Onto the chappie's question. This I angled toward my (more than seventy percent) female readers.

Which type of male hero you find more attractive-
A bad boy,
A goofball sweetheart, or
A smart, serious lover?

For me, I love the smart, serious type. I absolutely melt in those stories. But... Loki is the exception to my rule for that. Hehehe.

Vote And Comment! People who comment answers to my question will get special perks for doing so. Especially first commenter.

Anyways....Have a fantabulous day!!