Being on time, Amelia discovered, was apparently a royal virtue. At precisely 11 a.m., a sleek ck bcar /bwith tinted windows pulled up to her grandfather’s estate. She watched from her bedroom window as Prince Niko emerged, apanied by a security detail that took positions around the driveway perimeter.

Amelia smoothed down her knee–length pale blue sundress and took a steadying breath. Last night’s dinner had been a formal affair with family present. Today would be their first real opportunity to speak privately.

“You look lovely,” her mother said from the doorway.

Amelia turned, forcing a smile. “I’m really nervous, if I’m being honest.”

Gloria crossed the room and took her daughter’s hands. “That’s natural, sweetheart. But remember, he asked to see you again. That’s a good sign. He could have just waited until the wedding.”

A knock at the door interrupted them. Her father poked his head in. “Amelia, your prince is here.”

“He’s not my prince yet,” she murmured, but followed her father downstairs.

In the foyer, Prince Niko stood talking with her grandfather. He was dressed in tan cks and a white shirt. When he turned to see her descending the stairs, something in his expression shifted.

“Amelia,” he greeted, bowing slightly. “Right on time.”!--

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“Your Royal Highness,” she replied with a small curtsy. “I wouldn’t want to keep you waiting.”

Her grandfather beamed. “I’ve been assured by Prince Niko that you’ll be well taken care of.”

“Of course,” Niko nodded. “We’ll return by early evening.”

Amelia kissed her parents and grandfather goodbye, noting her mother’s excited smile and her father’s slightly anxious expression. As they walked toward the car, she was surprised to see four royal guards take positions around them.

“Is this level of security normalb?/bb” /bshe asked.

Niko held the car door for her. “For a future king and queen, yes. You’ll need to get used to it, I’m afraid.”

“Great, no privacy, then.” The words slipped out before she could filter them.

Instead of being offended, Niko’s lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile. “Privacy bes a rtive concept in royal life. Once inside our suite you will have privacy.”

As they settled in the back of the luxurious vehicle, a privacy partition rose between them and the driver. The guards followed in a separate car behind them.

“Where are we going?” Amelia asked, smoothing her dress over her knees.

“I thought we might visit the Royal Botanical Gardens,” Niko replied. “It’s beautiful this time of year, and

b18:39 /bbMon/bb, /bbSep /bb22 /bbT /b

rtively private despite being a public bspace/bb. /bSecurity can keep a respectful distance.”

“That sounds lovely.”

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A slightly awkward silence fell between them. Amelia gazed out the window, watching the familiarndscapes give way to the more urban streets of the capital city.

“I wanted to apologize,” Niko said suddenly.

Amelia turned to him, surprised. “For what?”

“For not arranging to meet you sooner.” His dark eyes met hers directly. “I’ve been in America dealing with business matters with my brother. It wasn’t my intention to dy our meeting until so close to the wedding. I had intended toe home sooner, but some deals we were setting up took longer than expected.”

“Oh.” Amelia wasn’t sure how to respond. “That’s ok.”

“No, it wasn’t. It was just poor timing,” he said. He hesitated. “I’ve ced you in an awkward position, and for that, I am sorry. Someone like Maria thinks she can make snide remarks and that’s not fair to you.”

The formal apology felt genuine, which caught her off guard. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

Another silence, less ufortable this time. Amelia studied his profile as he gazed out the window.

“May I ask you somethingb?/bb” /bshe ventured.

He turned to her. “Of course.”

“Are youfortable with this arrangement?” She gestured vaguely between them. “With marrying someone you’ve just met?”

Niko considered her question carefully. “Comfortable isn’t the word I would choose. I ept it as necessary. As Crown Prince, my marriage carries political implications that can’t be ignored. I needed to get married, and you have a long family line embedded in our country.”

“That’s not exactly reassuring,” Amelia said before she could stop herself.

To her surprise, Niko chuckled… a warm, genuine sound that transformed his face. “No, I suppose it isn’t. Would you prefer I lie and im I’ve been dreaming of this moment all my life? That you are everything I have ever wished for? That I love you at first sight?”

The unexpected humor caught her off guard, and she found herself smiling. “No. I appreciate the honesty.”

“Good. I value honesty as well.” He shifted slightly to face her more directly. “I may not have chosen this path if I were a private citizen, but I’m not. Neither of us is marrying under ideal circumstances, but I believe we can build something worthwhile from this beginning.”

Something worthwhile. Not romantic, exactly, but far better than the cold, dutiful arrangement she’d feared.

“I hope so,” she said.

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The car pulled up to the entrance of the Botanical Gardens, where their security team was already taking positions. A staff member waited to greet them at a private entrance.

“Your Royal Highness, Miss Wilson, wee,” he said with a deep bow. We’ve prepared the eastern pavilion for your luncheon, as requested.”

“Thank you, Henry, Niko replied, offering his arm to Amelia.

She ced her hand on his arm, acutely aware of their physical contact. His arm was solid beneath her fingers, warm through the fabric of his suit

The gardens were spectacr with winding paths through colorful disys of spring blooms. As they walked, Amelia noticed how people stopped to bow or curtsy as they passed, keeping a respectful distance but clearly thrilled to catch a glimpse of their Crown Prince and his bride–to–be.

“Is it always like this?” she asked quietly.

“Yes,” Niko admitted. “You’ll learn to deal with it in time.”

“That sounds… well exhausting.”

“It can be.” He nced down at her.

They reached a secluded pavilion overlooking ake. A table had been set for two, with a selection of covered dishes waiting. Their security took positions at a distance close enough to respond if needed but far enough to give an illusion of privacy.

Niko held her chair, waiting until she was seated before taking his own ce. “I took the liberty of selecting a menu that showcases some of Wystovia’s local farmers. I hope you’ll find something to your liking.”

The servers appeared, uncovering dishes of delicate pastries filled with herbs and cheeseb, /bthinly sliced smoked meats, and fresh spring vegetables prepared with unfamiliar spicesb. /b

“It looks delicious,” Amelia said, genuinely impressed.

As they ate, conversation flowed more easily than she had expected.

“You really love Wystovia, don’t you?” she observed.

b“/bbIs /bthat surprising?”

“No, but there’s a difference between dutiful patriotism and genuine affection. You bspeak /babout byour /bbcountry /blike it’s something preciousb.” /b

His expression softened. “It is. We may bbe /bsmall, but we’re resilient.”

“I’m still learning about itb,/b” bAmelia /badmitted.” I would love bto /bbvisit /bmore of the country.”

Niko looked thoughtful. “Perhaps that’s something bwe /bcan do btogether/bb.” /b

Their beyes /bmetb, /band for a moment, Amelia felt ba /bflutter bof /bsomething bthat /bmight have bbeen /bhope.

“I’m curious,” Niko said, changing the subject slightly. “What did you study at university?”

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“International rtions and linguistics, with a minor in art history.” She smiled wryly. “Very princess- appropriate subjects or so I’m told.”

“Were those your choices?b” /b

Amelia hesitated. “Not entirely. My grandfather had certain expectations.”

“And if you’d been free to chooseb?/bb” /b

The question surprised her. No one had asked her that in years. “I’m not sure. Perhaps literature. I’ve always loved getting lost in stories.”

Niko nodded, considering this. “Alexei could have chosen anything but chose business to improve our country’s wealth. I studied political science and economics. Practical subjects for a future king.”

“Do you resent that? Having your path so clearly defined?”

“Sometimes,” he admitted, surprising her with his candor. “But I’ve found ways to pursue my own interests within those boundaries.”

“Such asb?/bb” /b

“I collect rare books.” A genuine smile touched his lips. “First editions. I have a private library that’s something of a sanctuary.”

Amelia leaned forward, intrigued by this glimpse of the man behind the crown. “What’s your favorite?”

“I could not give you just one.” His eyes lit up as he spoke. “There are so many.”

“That’s impressive.”

“I’d be happy to show you the collection after we’re married. It’s one of the few truly private spaces I have in the pce. It’s in a room off our suite.”

After we’re married. The words hung between them, a reminder of their imminent future.

“I’d like that,” she said softly.

As they finished their meal, Niko suggested a walk through the gardens. They strolled along the paths, their security detail maintaining a discreet distance. Four guards, two in front, two behind.

“I’m not fifteen,” Amelia murmured. “Why do I need a chaperone everywhere?”

Niko nced at her, ba /bcrack of a grin briefly transforming his serious features. “Maybe they’re there for my protection.”

The unexpected joke startled a genuineugh from her. “Are you implying I’m dangerous, Your Highnessb?/bb” /b

“Perhaps.” His voice lowered slightly. “You’re certainly not what bI /bexpected.”

b18:40 /bMon, bSep /bb22 /bbT /b

“Is that good or bad?”

He stopped walking, turning to face her. “Good. Definitely good.”

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For a moment, they stood there, gazing at each otherb, /bsomething unspoken passing between them. Then one of the guards cleared his throat, and the spell was broken.

They continued their walk, conversation turning to more urgent matters the wedding ceremony, their immediate schedule after the honeymoon.

“We’ll spend two weeks at the royal retreat in the mountains,” Niko exined. “It’s private, peaceful. A chance for us to…” He hesitated.

“Get to know each other better?” Amelia suggested.

He nodded. “Yes. Exactly that.”

Amelia could read between the lines. They would be expected to consummate their marriage, to begin working on producing an heir. The thought sent a nervous flutter through Amelia’s stomach.

Niko turned to her again. “May I ask you something personal?”

“Of course.”

“Are you concerned? About our wedding night?” His voice was gentle, his expression serious but kind.

Amelia felt her cheeks warm. “I… yes. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t.”

Niko nodded, seemingly unsurprised by her admission. “I want to assure you that I understand the… unusual nature of our situation. I won’t pressure you. We can take whatever time you need.”

Relief washed over her. “Thank you. That means a lot.” She had hoped for more passion, but she would settle for friendship.

“We’re entering a partnership,” he said quietly. “I want it to be built on mutual respect, even if we’re still learning about each other.”

Amelia studied his faceb, /bsearching for any sign of insincerity, but found none. “I want that too.”

As the afternoon progressed, they toured more of the gardens, their conversation growing easier, more natural. Niko, she discovered, had a dry wit that emerged when he rxed slightly.

By the time they returned to the car, Amelia felt somewhat optimistic about their future.

“I’ve enjoyed today,” Niko said as they drove back toward her grandfather’s estate.

“So have bI/b,” she replied, surprised to find she meant it.

“Perhaps we could do this again tomorrow? There’s a private gallery exhibition I think you might appreciate.”

“I’d like that.”

18:40 Mon, Sep b22 /bbT /b

…

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As they pulled up to the house, Niko escorted her to the door. Her family was nowhere in sight–giving them a moment of privacy, she realized.

“Until tomorrow,” Niko said, taking her hand. He hesitated, then raised it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. The gesture was formal, traditional, yet something in the way his eyes held hers made it feel more intimate than it should have.

“Until tomorrow,” she echoed.

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