Amelia of Cleves Bedchamber

I came to my sister's chambers and knocked gently.

''Amelia it is me Sybille...May I come in?''

I was arranging some gowns in my wardrobe when I heard a knock. My sister voice came from behind the door. "Yes, of course Sybille, you may enter." I said as I hesitated over my gowns.

I enter in the room and smiled to my sister. ''I do hope that I am not disturbing you,my dear'' I said looking at her.

I smiled as I saw my sister looking elegant as always. "No, of course not." I said and closed the doors of my wardrobe. "I always love a visit from you." I ordered some tea and sat on the sofa. "How are you this evening?" I asked as the tea was being poured.

I smiled to her and sat down next to her on the sofa,putting my hands on my lap. ''I never felt better.It is good to be back home'' I said and took my cup of tea. ''And how are you my dear?'' I asked kindly and took a sip of my tea.

I took a small sip of my tea and smiled. "I'm well, sister. I'm so happy you've come home. Well you and your husband." I said as I sat up straight and tried to look proper. "I hope when i'm your age, I can be half the woman you are." I looked up to Sybille, I always enjoyed our time we spent together, just us.

I smiled softly to her,nodding slowly. ''And we are very happy to be here.To be honest I didn't know that my husband will come here,but I am glad that he did'' I took a little sip of my tea. ''You will be my dear,I am sure.And you already look like true lady'' I said with a smile,feeling very proud that she want to be like me.

I got goosebumps and smiled when she said I was already resembling a lady. I always strive to make her and all my family proud. "Thank you very much sister." I said taking another sip. I looked down for a moment then back at her. "Do you think you and John will have children?" I asked bluntly and off subject.

I looked at her in surprise. ''Probably we will one day,or at least I hope so.'' I said with a small smile.

I sensed anguish in her voice. I got up and sat by her. "Forgive me sister, did I say something wrong?" I asked not knowing what and if there was something wrong.

I shook my head slowly.,smiling a little. ''Oh no,my dear! I just...don't know if I can have children.We are married for very long time and I am still not with child'' I said looking down sadly

I looked at her with little expression on my face, "I think children come when the lord knows you are ready." I said and placed my hand on hers. "When the time comes I know you'll be a great mother." I smiled.

I looked up at her when she placed her hands on mine. ''Yes you are right,maybe Lord doesn't think that I am ready.Do you really mean it?'' I asked in disbelief.

I looked at her, my heart saddened by her situation. "Of course, you have always taken care of Anne and I. There is no doubt in my mind that you would be a great mother." I said again and gave her a hug. "There is still plenty of time for you to have children. I would enjoy being an auntie. Not being the youngest for once."

I hugged her back ,feeling comforted by her embrace. '' Yes I have...And now when I see both of you so grown up I see that I did good job.'' I said proudly. ''I suppose I have plenty time for children. Oh you will be great aunt one day!''

I smiled at her, "Yes having a child around would be nice for everyone." I said acting like I was grown up. I took another sip of my tea "Sister, may I ask you another question?" I asked boldly.

I smiled,nodding. ''Yes children would bring happiness in our lifes'' I took a littele sip of my tean,and then put cup on table next to me. ''You may ask me anything you want,sister.'' I looked at her curiously waiting to hear her question.

I gave a faint smile and placed my tea cup on the saucer. "Do you think it's better to marry for love or riches?" I asked wondering what she thought.

I looked at her in surprise when I heard her question. ''It is better if you marry for love.Love is more importent than any fortune in this hole world'' I replied honestly.

I looked at her not even knowing what love really was. "Well if I marry for love, and he poor, but a good man...do you think father would approve?" I asked only wanting her opinion.

I sighed deeply and shook my head. ''I am sorry but I think that papa will never approve,and he would never let you to choose a husband for yourself.'' I said honestly. ''Why do you ask?''

I sighed and looked down, "I just thought papa would be different. He and mama have such a forced marriage that I would never think to have upon myself." I said in a sad voice.

I squeezed her hand gently. ''Oh my dear sister! Do not fear you will not have such marriage I am sure.'' I said softly trying to sound reassuring.

As she squeezed my hand reassuringly I smiled "I just worry about these things because I soon it shall be my turn to marry and I just want to make mama and papa proud." I said with a sigh.