Amelia of Cleves Bedchamber

I smiled to her softly. ''You have plenty time for it...And you will make our parents proud I am sure of it.'' I said softly.

Inge reached Amelia's room and stopped in front of it. She recognized Sybille voice inside room. She took a breath and knocked softly

"Amelia...that's me, Inge. Can I come in?"

I was pleased to hear Inge at my door "Inge, what a surprise! please do come in!" I said happily.

Inge entered in the room and smiled at Amelia. She noticed that Sybille was there too and curtsied

"Amelia...Sybille, I'm glad finding you both here. I heard that Anne has been sent in the country because of her health. Is that true?"

She asked, looking curiously at them

I lowered my eyes, "Yes, our dear Anne has become ill" I said and took her hand and sat with her on the sofa. "Please keep her in your prayers." I looked at Inge and called for some tea. "Well l don't wish to speak of such matters. How have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you in ages"

Inge sat on the sofa and smiled back at Amelia. She always made her feel comfortable in her family, not a servant

"I am fine, Amelia. I missed you. I just fear of getting bored at Palace, now that Anne is gone. But I'll be glad being at your service, if you wish. Until Anne comes back..."

She suggested with a warm, friendly smile

I smiled widely "Oh Inge that would be great. I'm helping the princess Elizabeth plan her wedding to William." I said excitedly "Isn't it great we'll be getting another sister among the palace...would you like to help?"

Inge smiled happily and nodded

"Does Princess Elizabeth is here at Palace? I didn't know that. Of course, I'd love to help. Weddings are such exciting events.."

She giggled

"Yes, the Princess has already arrived. Although she is not allowed to see William till the wedding day. I suppose it gives more mystery to the marriage." I said knowing she wanted to see him and meet him before.

Inge looked surprised at her and smiled jokingly

"Are you serious, Amelia? God...I could never marry a man never seen before. Maybe it's normal among royals. But I find it a bit...weird..."

She giggled

I took her hand and giggled along with her "Oh it would be challenge but her father picked our William out of many suitors for her. Our family is very privileged." I said hoping papa wouldn't do the same to me.

Inge smiled and nodded gently

"Oh I'm sure your brother will choose the best for you, Amelia. As he did with Sybille. Do you have some suitor?"

She asked smiling, looking at her with a curious glance

I looked down, "No, papa wants to choose him for me but that's not what I want. I wish things were different" I sighed. "How about you, have you had any suitors?" I asked questionably.

Inge smiled and blushed a bit after her question. She took a breath and nodded

"I don't know if I can call him...suitor. But I met a man, yes. He is a prince. So I don't think he has serious intentions, Amelia..."

She answered, looking at her

I smiled and got giddy. I took her hands and sat with her on the sofa furthest from the door so no one could hear us. "A prince! Oh Inge you must tell....who is he, from what country? How did you meet?" I was so excited for her I only wanted the best for my good friend.

Inge sat next to her and glanced quickly around, to make sure that anyone could hear them. She turned towards Amelia

"I met him at Queen Eleanor's Coronation. He is the Prince Martin de Navarra. Few days after, he came here at Palace to see me. And...I committed a mistake, I think..."

She sighed deeply, before adding

"I slept with him, Amelia..."

She said whispering, even if the door was locked

I listened to her although I envied her at that moment. "You gave your maiden head to prince? How was it, did it hurt?" I asked wanting to know what I'd be in for.

Inge looked at Amelia with a teasing smile and bit her lips

"Just a bit...at the beginning. But later the pain becomes pleasure. I never thought I could please a Prince..."

She answered, giggling a bit

I was very intrigued with all she had to say. Oh Inge I will not have you speak down about yourself. Im sure you put a big smile on his face I giggled. Did you bleed the sheets? I asked wondering if I should worry about what to expect.

Inge took a breath and nodded

"Yes...I did. When I saw blood on the sheets, I just realized he made me a woman. But I'm just 17 years old. I think he wants to see me again. What should I do?"

She asked, hoping in some good suggestion

I squeezed her hand "My dear friend, I always think we accept the love we think we deserve. I love you and care for you. I would not you to get your heart broken." I looked at her honestly "However, you should do what your heart tells you to do."

Inge nodded while smiling

"I will, Amelia. I don't think it's wise to see him and let him take me again. A Prince would never marry a lady in waiting. But...what about you, Amelia? Are you worried about wedding night?"

She asked with a teasing smile

I was always one for love and wearing your heart on your sleeve.
"Oh Inge, I wouldn't say a prince couldn't fall for a lady of a lower status. If he wants you and felt something he will seek you out again. I believe when love is involved, there is no barrier."

I said and smiled hoping I gave her some kind of encouragement.
When she asked me about my wedding night I gulped "In truth, I am quite nervous but at the same time exited to become a woman."

Inge nodded in agreement and smiled

"Yes, I can imagine. I wish you to be very happy. Now, it's better I go. You must be so busy with your matters. Don't hesitate to call me, if you need something..."

She said standing up