The sun had set by the time Amelia and Niko boarded the helicopter waiting to return them to the pce. Their two weeks at the mountain estate had passed in a blissful haze of lovemaking, quiet walks through the alpine meadows, and candlelit dinners by the firece. They’d developed afortable routine, sleeping.te, exploring the grounds in the afternoons, and spending their evenings tangled in each other’s arms.

Now, as the helicopter des whirred to life, Amelia settled into her seat, fastening her safety belt while Niko conferred briefly with the pilot. She studied her husband’s profile, noting a subtle change in his demeanor… a new tension in his shoulders, his smile a bit more reserved as he took the seat beside her.

“Ready to return to reality?” she asked, raising her voice slightly over the growing noise of the rotors.

Niko nodded, squeezing her hand. “The mountain air has been good for us, but duty calls.”

As the helicopter lifted off, Amelia gazed down at the estate growing smaller beneath them. The magnificent stone structure, the garden paths they’d walked together, the hot tub where they’d spent several memorable evenings, all receding into the distance.

“I’ll miss it,” she admitted, not just referring to the property but to the easy intimacy they’d shared there, away from the demands of their royal positions.

“We cane back,” Niko offered, though his tonecked the warmth she’d grown ustomed to over their honeymoon. “Perhaps in autumn when the colors change.”

Amelia studied him, trying to discern the subtle shift. “Is something wrong?”

“Not at all.” His response came too quickly. “Just mentally preparing for what awaits us. The English royals arrive tomorrow, and father has requested we attend the wee dinner.”

“Of course.” Amelia nodded, understanding his responsibility but sensing there was more he wasn’t saying. “Back to the business of being royal.”

The helicopter journey continued in rtive silence, the thunderous noise of the rotors making conversation difficult anyway. But even in the quiet, Amelia felt the distance growing between them, as if each mile closer to the pce was resurrecting the formality they’d shed during their time away.

When they’d first arrived at the mountain estate, Niko had been yful, passionate, even a bit reckless, making love to her in the gardens when he was certain they wouldn’t be disturbed,ughing more freely than she’d ever seen. Now, his expression had returned to the careful mask of the Crown Prince,posed and thoughtful.

The pce appeared on the horizon, silhouetted against the night sky. Lights zed from the windows, a stark reminder of the life that awaited them staff, schedules, obligations, and watchful eyes including the press.

As they began their descent toward the helipad, Niko finally spoke again. “Amelia, these past two weeks have been…” He paused, seemingly searching for the right word.

“Perfect,” she supplied, hoping he’d agree.

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His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yes. Perfect”

The helicopter touched down with a gentle bump, and immediately pce staff approached as the rotors slowed. Niko unbuckled his seat belt and reached for hers, a small courtesy that reminded her of his inherent thoughtfulness despite his sudden distance.

“Your Highnesses, wee home, greeted the head of household staff as they disembarked. “The King sends his regards and hopes your journey was pleasant.”

“Thank you,” Niko replied formally. “Please have our luggage brought to our suite.

As they walked toward the pce entrance, Amelia took in the familiar grandeur, the sprawling gardens now illuminated by strategically ced lights, the formal guards standing at attention. After the rtive simplicity of the mountain estate, the opulence felt almost overwhelming.

Inside, more staff lined the corridors, bowing or curtseying as they passed. Amelia maintained herposed smile, the one she’d perfected for public appearances, while inwardly wondering what had changed between them.

“Would you like some tea before bed?” Niko asked as they reached their suite, his tone polite but reserved.

“That would be lovely,” she replied, equally formal. He had learned during their time away that she liked tea before bed.

Once inside their private rooms, with the door closed against the watching world, Amelia expected Niko to rx, to return to the man who’d made love to her so passionately just that morning. Instead, he loosened his tie and moved to the desk, checking the stack of correspondence that had umted during their absence.

“Important matters of state?” she asked, trying to keep her tone light.

“Always,” he replied without looking up. “Father has marked several as urgent.”

Amelia slipped off her shoes, padding across to the bathroom to freshen up. When she returned, Niko had removed his jacket and was seated in an armchair, reading through a thick document.

A knock at the door announced the arrival of their tea service. Once the attendant had departed, Amelia poured for both of them, bringing Niko’s cup to him as he continued reading.

“Thank you,” he said distractedly.

She settled into the chair opposite him, trying to understand the shift. “Niko,” she ventured after several minutes of silence. “What’s bothering you?”

He looked up, seeming genuinely surprised by the question. “Nothing’s bothering me. Why do you ask?”

“Because you’ve barely spoken ten words to me since we boarded the helicopter, and you haven’t really looked at me since we arrived.” She kept her voice gentle, not usatory. “Something’s changed.”

Niko set the document aside, his expression softening slightly. “I’m sorry. It’s just the transition back to our responsibilities. There’s much to catch up on.”

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“Is that all?” Amelia pressed, not entirely convinced.

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He hesitated, a flicker of something… was it doubt? or concern? that crossed his features before he schooled them back into neutrality. “Of course. What else would it be?”

Amelia considered what might be troubling him. Their honeymoon had been intimate in every sense, physically, emotionally, intellectually. They’d talked for hours about their hopes and fears, they’d made love with increasing passion and creativity. But one thing had remained consistent: at Niko’s insistence, they’d always used protection.

“Is it about children?” she asked softly, setting her teacup down. “Are you worried we didn’t try to conceive during our honeymoon?”

Niko’s expression confirmed her suspicion before he could speak. “It’s not something we need to discuss tonight.”

“I think it is,” Amelia countered gently. “If it’s creating this distance between us.”

He sighed, rubbing a hand across his face, a rare gesture of unguarded frustration. “I don’t want to pressure you, Amelia. I know how young you are, and we have time.”

“But you’re concerned,” she stated rather than asked.

“The people of the kingdom expect an heir,” he said simply. “My father hasn’t said anything directly, but I know he’s hoping for news soon.”

Amelia moved to kneel beside his chair, taking his hand in hers. “Niko, we’ve been married less than a month. Surely even the most traditional members of court would give us some time.”

“It’s not just about tradition,” he admitted. “A clear line of session reassures the people, the nobles, our allies.”

“And you thought I was avoiding it deliberately,” she realized. “That’s why you’ve been so distant since we left the mountains.”

Niko’s eyes met hers, genuinely troubled. “I noticed you always made sure we used protection. I wasn’t going to bring it up but… you do want kids don’t you?”

The vulnerability in his voice touched her deeply. This powerful man, this future king, was afraid to ask his own wife about her feelings on something so fundamental to their union.

“Niko,” she said softly, “I used protection because I thought that’s what you wanted. You always reached for the condoms first. I assumed you wanted us to have time to build our rtionship before adding a child to the equation.”

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“No,” she shook her head, smiling gently. “I’ve been prepared for motherhood since I agreed to this marriage. It’s part of my duty, yes, but it’s also something I want. With you.”

The tension visibly drained from his shoulders. “I’ve been a fool.”

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“Not a fool,” she corrected, rising to sit on hisp, her arms circling his neck. “Just a man who needs to practicemunicating with his wife. We’re still learning each other, Niko. Could we allow ourselves a month before we begin trying for a baby?”

He pulled her closer, burying his face against her neck. “I should have simply asked you. Yes, let’s leave it for another month.”

“Yes, you should have,” she agreed, running her fingers through his hair. “Just as I should have asked you why you always reached for protection first.”

Niko lifted his head, his dark eyes meeting hers with renewed warmth. “From now on, we talk openly, even about difficult subjects.”

“I’d like that,” Amelia agreed, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to his lips.

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