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Amelia squeezed his arm, to show him how grateful she was for his support. “I’m okay, I promise.”

The walk down the aisle seemed both endless and over far too fast. When they reached the altar, her father ced her hand in Niko’s with solemn formality before stepping back to join her mother in the front row.

“You look beautiful,” Niko murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

“Thank you,” she whispered back.

The Archbishop stepped forward, his voice ringing out through the cathedral as he began the ancient ceremony. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses, to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony…”

Amelia let the familiar words wash over her, acutely aware of Niko’s hand holding hers, warm and reassuringly solid. Unlike other less formal weddings, there was no opportunity for personal vows, as royal tradition demanded the traditional service, unchanged for centuries. Even if they could say their own vows, what could they say to one another? They had only known each other for a few short days.

“Prince Niki Theodore Alexander, will you take this woman to be yourwfully wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love her,fort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both shall live?”

Niko’s voice was clear and strong. “I will.”

“Amelia Grace Wilson, will you take this man to be yourwfully wedded husband, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love him,fort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, so long as you both shall live?”

Amelia looked up into Niko’s dark eyes. “I will.”

The Archbishop guided them through the exchange of rings. Alexei stepped forward, presenting a velvet pillow bearing two bands, Niko’s, a simple tinum band, and Amelia’s, a delicate diamond–encrusted ring that matched her engagement ring, which was also ced on her finger at the same time. They hadn’t even had time to do that before. She would make sure to ask Niko questions about the setter.

Niko’s fingers were sure as he slid the ring onto her finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

Amelia took his ring, noting how warm it felt in her palm. She ced it on his finger, repeating the words. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

The Archbishop pronounced them husband and wife. And then came the moment Amelia had both anticipated and dreaded.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Niko turned to her, one hand gently lifting her chin. His eyes searched hers as he lifted the veil, before he leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that was formal and proper, exactly what was expected… but a little disappointing.

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But just as he began to pull away, something unexpected happened. A spark… subtle but unmistakable, passed between them. For a fleeting second, his lips softened against hers, and Amelia felt her heart skip a beat.

Then it was over, and they were turning to face the congregation as the Archbishop proimed: “I present to you His Royal Highness Prince Niki and Her Royal Highness Princess Amelia of Wystovia!”

The cathedral erupted in apuse. Niko tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, and they began the long walk back down the aisle as husband and wife. Amelia didn’t even pay attention to the faces as they passed them.

Husband and wife. The words echoed in Amelia’s mind as they stepped out into the sunshine. A roar went up from the waiting crowds as they appeared at the cathedral entrance. Niko looked down at her, a slight smile ying at the corners of his mouth.

“Ready for your first royal wave, Princess Amelia?”

She returned his smile, surprised by the rush of emotion that swept through her. “I think I can manage.”

Together, they raised their hands to the crowd.

The reception was held in the pce ballroom, a magnificent space with soaring ceilings and walls lined with beautiful paintings. A twelve–piece orchestra yed as guests mingled, sampling delicacies from around the world while staff circted with champagne.

Amelia sat beside Niko at the head table, acutely aware of her new husband’s proximity. They’d barely had ia /imoment alone since the ceremony, whisked from one formal obligation to another, from receiving lines to official photographs to toasts.

“How are you holding up?” Niko asked quietly during a brief lull in the proceedings.

“Better than I expected,” she admitted. “Though I’ve forgotten half the names I’ve been told today. I really hope I’m not expected to remember them because I failed.”

“That’s what advisors are for,” he replied with a smile. “I don’t remember everyone if I don’t see them often enough.”

The confession, small as it was, endeared him to her. It was oddlyforting to know that even he, groomed for this role his entire life, struggled with the same things.

King Theodore approached their table, resplendent in his formal attire. “The first dance will begin shortly,” he reminded them.

Niko nodded, rising and offering Amelia his hand. “Father, may I have a moment alone with my wife first?”

The King looked momentarily surprised but nodded. “Of course. Five minutes, in the anteroom. I’ll have the staff ensure you’re not disturbed.”

Amelia followed Niko through a small side door into a private sitting room. Once the door closed behind them, he turned to her, his expression serious.

“I wanted a moment away from all the eyes,” he exined. “To ask how you’re really feeling, without the need

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The consideration in his gesture touched her. “I’m… overwhelmed,” she admitted. “But not unhappy.”

He nodded, studying her face. “I know this isn’t how most people begin their marriages. But I meant what I said the other day, I believe we can build something meaningful together.”

“I hope so,” she replied honestly.

Niko took a step closer. “That kiss…” he began, then hesitated.

“What about it?” she prompted, her heart suddenly beating faster.

“I wanted…” he began, his voice dropping slightly. “I wish now I had kissed you longer.”

Amelia met his gaze directly. “Yes,” she said simply. “I… I wish so too.”

Something shifted in his expression, relief, perhaps, or maybe satisfaction. “Good. That’s… good.”

He reached out, taking her hand in his. His thumb brushed over her new wedding ring. “I want you to know that while this marriage began as an arrangement, you are not merely a duty to me, Amelia. I respect you, and I want to know you, the real you, not just the perfect princess they’ve groomed you to be. I want you to always be honest with me.”

The sincerity in his voice moved her deeply. “I want that too.”

A knock at the door signaled their five minutes were up. Niko squeezed her hand once before releasing it. “Ready for our first dance, Princess?”

Amelia nodded, hooking the train of her gown up so she wouldn’t fall over it. “Ready, Your Highness.”

When they returned to the ballroom, the orchestra struck up a traditional waltz. Niko led her to the center of the floor, one hand at her waist, the other sping hers. As hundreds of eyes watched, he guided her through the steps with practiced ease.

“Everyone’s watching,” she murmured. She felt like an idiot even saying that. Of course, they were watching. But she felt under a microscope and very self–conscious.

“Let them,” he replied, his hand warm and steady at her waist.

As they moved across the floor, Amelia felt something unexpected, almost a sense of rightness, of belonging. Perhaps it was the culmination of years of preparation, or perhaps it was something more personal, something growing between her and the man who now held her in his arms. No, she didn’t love him yet, but…. she felt maybe she could in time.

Niko’s eyes hadn’t left her face, his expression warmer than she’d ever seen it. “You’re a natural,” he said softly.

“I had years of dance lessons,” she replied with a small smile.

“I didn’t just mean the dancing.”

The simple statement, and the depth of meaning behind it, made her breath catch.

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As the music swelled around them, Niko pulled her slightly closer, their bodies moving in perfect sync. She loved the smell of him and knew that part of the attraction to another person was their smell, and she could live with his.

The waltz ended, and Niko bowed formally before leading her back to their table. As other couples took to the dance floor, he leaned close to her ear.

“I’m d it’s you,” he whispered.

Amelia turned to him, surprised by the simple honesty in his voice. “I’m beginning to feel the same way,” she admitted.

His smile sent her heart racing.

Later, as they made their way through the reception, greeting guests and epting congrattions, Amelia caught sight of her grandfather watching her from across the room. He raised his ss in a silent toast, his expression one of satisfaction and genuine happiness for her.

She realized that while her path to this day had not been a normal journey of love, the destination held promise. Not the fairy tale ending she might have dreamed of as a young girl, but something potentially more valuable, a partnership built on mutual respect and growing affection.

As the evening wore on, Niko’s hand found hers beneath the table, his fingers intertwining with hers in a gesture that surprised her.

“Not long now,” he murmured. “Soon we can escape all this.”

The thought of what woulde next, their wedding night, sent a flutter of nervous anticipation through her.

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