The Love Potion 15 - 16

Girl on guy's lap, two fellows in the back ground...kinda sorta fits. 黒裄

Honestly! A lot of you dear readers were certainly a lot smarter than I am and got it in one, I really didnt know if I could say anything and spoil it for the rest who were like me: kinda suspicious but not sure it wasn't real. A lot of you are well versed in the ways of terrible plot lines. I could only laugh at the comments that were super on point.

15 The Marriage Contract:

Salad with colourful tomatoes and mozzarella accompanied by a rich chestnut and pumpkin potage, soft buttery bread and a fluffy omelette, herb seasoned chicken, fresh fruit and yoghurt, teased Iris’ nostrils. (Zuben: If only we could just have said scrumptious food teased Iris’ nostrils and carried on with life)

‘Ernest.’

‘What’s the matter? Is there something you don’t like?’

‘No, not at all, I am very satisfied. But…’

She was sitting on Ernest’s legs on a chaise. He held her against him with one arm and fed her with the other hand.

‘Wouldn’t it be better if I sat by myself? It would be easier for you to eat.’

‘Don’t worry about me; eat.’

‘I can’t do that…’

‘Do you like grapefruit?’ He asked as he held a piece of grapefruit to her mouth.

‘I do, but can you let me go for a moment-’

Iris automatically open her mouth and ate it obediently.

Why would she eat to obediently?

Ernest laughed as he patted her head, embarrassing her.

‘So cute, what are you going to eat next?’ he asked dotingly as looked at the spread before them searching for something with high nutritional value and he patted her belly.

‘You have to gain a little more weight so you can carry my child.’ he said. (Zuben: Ew! Just ew!)

She could not refute that she had no intention of getting pregnant because he had come inside her last night. He kissed her silent red face.

Ernest had dressed her in elegant clothes and done her hair. Even though he was the King, he was accustomed to doing these these things because he has many sisters. So he was able to assist Iris in appearing well in public(Zuben: He’s a prince, now matter how many sisters he has, how does he know how to do hair?)

‘That is correct, as his Majesty says, it would be better for Lady Iris to gain some weight.’ An exceedingly formal gentleman said. This was the young Prime Minister, Duke Siruis Schneider.

‘We have been told that, at home, you enjoy lemon curd for breakfast. We will prepare it for your breakfast tomorrow.’

‘Hm, no it’s fine. Thank you for your thoughtfullness, but I hope to return home later to-nn!’

‘Iris, have this delicious muskmelon.’

Ernest did this deliberately. He was interrupting sentences he didn’t like by feeding her fruit. His arm around her tightened.

‘Your Majesty, not to be rude interrupting your meal, but could you sign the contract?’ Sirius interjected.

‘Oh that is right.’

Sirius was a serious looking gentleman who wore glasses. He walked quietly forward and handed a pen and the contract to Ernest.

The words on the contract were so closely written, they made Iris feel dizzy. She doubted that the contract really had been prepared overnight.

‘You also need to sign, Iris.’ Ernest said handing the pen to her.

‘Huh?’

She had been staring at Ernest signature. Her gaze shot to his in surprise.

What should she do?

A marriage contract; from the moment she had heard that, she had had a bad premonition. And now it had indeed turned into a desperate situation.

She jerkily turned her pale face to the other man in the room,

‘Matthias…?’ (Zuben: So when are they going to tell her it was all a con)

‘Iris.’ Matthias replied with a quiet smile.

Please help! I tried to signal to him. But he only smiled back.

‘I’m sure it would be difficult for even someone clever as yourself to understand this contract right away.’

‘Yes, that is true,’

‘Hence, I will summarise.’

‘Hm?’

Matthias wanted to explain here and now?

Even though, he had the right as her legal guardian to not allow the engagement, should he explain it to her, he would be blocking her escape route. (Zuben: Well, you were well and truly scuppered dear)

Matthias of course could not speak of the love potion, because it could change to a life and death situation. But Matthias seemed have a gleeful countenance as he began,

‘When you sign the contract, you pledge to marry His Majesty the King and become Queen of Berghausen. The marriage will take place in three months, no matter what.’

‘No-no matter what. No matter…’

‘Well, you are the only woman the King has ever favoured.’ Matthias said innocently, as though he knew nothing.

But Matthias could be saying “no matter what” because he knew everything. Even if the effect of the love potion diminished, the marriage will continue. That was what it sounded like,

‘HIs Majesty the King also declares that he would marry no other woman than you.’

‘I do not feel lust for any one except Iris.’

‘Ernest!’

How could he say that where there other people in the room?!

Although, she was embarrassed, her body remembered the indecent acts from the night before and she felt a heat pooling between her legs.

But that was not the matter right now. Matthias who should have been her accomplice has agreed to the marriage as the aide to the King. Iris had no way to escape. (Zuben: He was never your accomplice in the first place, dear)

Iris wondered if she really had failed last night.

It seemed that things had decidedly gone wrong. Her frustration mounted at Matthias who was gleefully smiling from across the table, she had a strong urge to throw a croissant at him. She reached for one.

‘Iris, I’m sure you would like to know that Letty is happy for you.’ (Zuben: No we would not. In fact the less we hear that name the better)

‘Huh?’

‘Of course, she is surprised, but she sends her congratulations. You will finally find the peace you’ve always wanted.’ (Zuben: I find that hard to believe.)

If…

If she refused to marry Ernest, what would Leticia say? What would she do? (Zuben: Move out of the house?)

The situation was too horrible to contemplate, but to marry Ernest because of that?

Matthias gave her a calculative smile and asked, ‘Iris, where do you think the peace you seek is?’ (Zuben: It’s not in allowing one’s self to be manipulated but alright)

‘Matthias.’

Iris understood what he was implying. She knew what was the easy solution. She turned to Ernest, his golden eyes filled with warm affection for her.

‘Ernest, wouldn’t it be prudent to put a clause in the contract allowing you to have a side princess?’

‘What do you mean, Iris?’ Ernest’s voice was low and frosty.

Ah, she had stepped on a mine. Realising this, she replied, ‘As human beings, there is always a possibility that our hearts can change.’

A dark flame of anger burned in his golden eyes. Ernest was probably annoyed that she was doubting his feelings. (Zuben: What about you? Your heart could change as well)

But what else could she do to mitigate the fall out should the love potion’s effect fade. Though, Matthias had said the effect was forever, there was still a chance.

In the unlikely event that the effect expired, Ernest would surely lose his love for her in a moment. At that time, this contract would be like damned fetters to him.

♔

16 The Glass Vial:

Iris was silent, an expression sadder than she was aware on her face.

Ernest took a deep breath and handed the papers and pen to Sirius. With his free hand, he stroked her soft cheek,

‘Iris, my mind, my heart will not change.’

‘But…’

Ernesto silenced her with his gaze, ‘Did you know what I have never liked another woman before you?’

‘You say that now but…’

She was not naive to think that she was as good as other women. Iris did not for a moment believe that without the love potion she would have someone like him.

But Ernest ran the pad of his thumb across her lips, while Iris was mesmerised by his golden gaze,

‘Iris, you are the only one I would ever love, now and in the future. I only want you.’

His sweet words shook her tympanic membrane. (Zuben: I think I will start leaving this in and then we can have a drinking game, everytime trembling, shaking or shivering tympanic membrane is mentioned, we drink)

Really…

The moment she regretted she had failed yesterday, why did she had a slight pain deep in her heart?

But she leaned forward, meeting his golden gaze with her violet one,

‘Even if your heart would not change, there still needs to be a possibility to allow a concubine.’

‘Why?’

‘Because, children are gifts. There is no guarantee that I will conceive and give birth to an heir.’

Deep inside, Iris was happy that he vowed to love only her, even though she knew that it was all induced by the love potion. Despite this, she knew she wasn’t adept at monopolising this false love, she couldn’t necessarily say that they would have a true connection over all these uncertain possibilities.

‘I think that applies to me as well.’

‘What?’

‘The reason we don’t have children could me as well.’

This reaction, to be honest, unexpected.

Ernest smiled lovingly at Iris. Iris mind was filled with a complex mix of reassurance and anxiety.

‘Don’t worry about it; even if we don’t have children, I am not the only royal in existence. We had decided that Rosemary’s future child was next in line. So Iris, calm your heart and agree to become my wife.’

Last night, she had thought him a cunning black bellied king, but his wisdom was unquestionable. (Zuben: Cunning and wisdom are best buddies)

As Iris thought about how she would reply, Sirius spoke up, ‘As His Majesty says, the problem is succession is important but not important as his Majesty being wed.’

He adjusted his glasses as he continued, (Zuben: Imagine flashy megane-glasses adjustment here) ‘As you must have heard, his Majesty does  not relate well to ladies. But there are matters in the running of the country, domestic and diplomatic relations that require a Queen. The presence of a Queen in such matters can make a big difference. Simply put, Lady Iris, it will be meritorious for his Majesty if you agree to marry him.’

‘And’ Matthias said adding more nails to her coffin, ‘doesn’t his Majesty agree that you can continue with your lace work?’

He should be on her side.

‘While I think you will be very busy as Queen, I still want you to live as freely as possible.’

‘See, there are no more issues. Congratulations, Iris.’ Matthias said with a broad smile.

Iris was increasingly frustrated with him.

Maybe, he was acting this way because Iris had failed in capturing the actual target. So Matthias just had to be wholly on board. Because, if he wasn’t, she would be tied to a man Leticia had chosen. That was a more horrible fate.

But Iris still felt pressured  by the three men in the room. She was still at a loss on how to reply, when Ernest said, ‘Last night, I found this in a pocket in your dress,’ as he held up the pretty vial that held the remaining pink love potion pills.

‘Eh?’

‘What is in it?’ he asked tilting the bottle this way and that.

Iris paled. She tried to reach for the bottle, but it slipped through her hands.

‘It just looks like simple sweets.’

‘That-’

‘You look kind of panicked.’ he said, looking at the bottle with an expression she could not figure out.

What should she do? Why did she forget about the vial? Why did she react so nervously?

Still, she had to do something, before it was too late.

What if he examined the contents of the vial and found out it was a love potion? If that happened, Iris and the Marquis of Reinfeldt were done for! Iris frantically thought of how to get out of this,

‘Well…’

‘Well?’

‘I was embarrassed.’

Ernest raised an eyebrow. Was her answer unexpected? (Zuben: What? Did you want her to say it is a love potion?) He looked at her strangely.

‘Embarrassed you have this vial?’

‘Yes, it has been a year since I have attended the royal ball, I was very nervous about it, so to calm my heart I brought along my favourite sweets, but…’

‘I found them.’

‘Yes, well. It looks rather childish, I just didn’t want to seem childish.’

The excuse might seem incongruous to her strong appearance, but she hoped it will be accepted,

‘Iris is telling the truth, your Majesty,’ Matthias said with a smile, ‘I saw her with it yesterday. Would you like an affidavit to this effect?’

Iris thought it would be better if she said something logical, but her voice was stuck at the back of her throat.

Ernest waved his hand dismissively, ‘No, you don’t have to do that. Even if it only is sweets, I was going mad with jealousy that someone else gave it to her.’

‘Awww, it looks like your Majesty is very narrow minded when it comes to the woman he loves.’

‘Is there a man in this world who isn’t? Hold on, I do remember during our boarding school days, you were always in a relationship with one woman or the other…’

‘Your Majesty, can you stop saying extra things before my sister in law?’

Ernest and Matthias were rather casual with each other, she thought watching the exchange. Then she remembered, they were the same age and must have gone to the same school. Matthew was the second son of the Fairfax duchy, who were related to the royal family via a few queens.

‘I will only be satisfied if you let me have it.’ Ernest said unexpectedly.

‘Eh?’ Iris was agape with surprise as Ernest uncorked the vial and dropped a round pink sweet in his hand.

But it wasn’t Iris in Ernest’s gaze as he ate the sweet. It was Matthias.

Oh no! It would end up being troublesome if it ended up this way.

‘Ernest!’ she called out as she jumped closer to him and pressed her lips against his nose, intentionally blocking his view. (Zuben: It might have ended up being a serious thing!)

Zuben: I find it hard to believe those three didn’t collapse into fits of laughter. But when are they going to put her out her misery and tell her?

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