In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 220

Chapter 220

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Being on time, Amelia discovered, was apparently a royal virtue. At precisely 11 a.m., a sleek black car with tinted windows pulled up to her grandfather’s estate. She watched from her bedroom window as Prince Niko emerged, accompanied 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 slacks 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.”

“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 normal?” she 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 becomes a relative 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

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relatively private despite being a public space. Security 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 familiar landscapes 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 delay our meeting until so close to the wedding. I had intended to come 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 placed 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 uncomfortable this time. Amelia studied his profile as he gazed out the window.

“May I ask you something?” she ventured.

He turned to her. “Of course.”

“Are you…comfortable 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 accept 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 claim 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, welcome,” 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 placed 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 spectacular with winding paths through colorful displays 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 glanced down at her.

They reached a secluded pavilion overlooking a lake. 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 place. “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 cheese, thinly sliced smoked meats, and fresh spring vegetables prepared with unfamiliar spices.

“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.

“Is that surprising?”

“No, but there’s a difference between dutiful patriotism and genuine affection. You speak about your country like it’s something precious.”

His expression softened. “It is. We may be small, but we’re resilient.”

“I’m still learning about it,” Amelia admitted.” I would love to visit more of the country.”

Niko looked thoughtful. “Perhaps that’s something we can do together.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, Amelia felt a flutter of something that might have been hope.

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

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

“Were those your choices?”

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

“And if you’d been free to choose?”

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 as?”

“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 palace. 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 glanced at her, a crack of a grin briefly transforming his serious features. “Maybe they’re there for my protection.”

The unexpected joke startled a genuine laugh from her. “Are you implying I’m dangerous, Your Highness?”

“Perhaps.” His voice lowered slightly. “You’re certainly not what I expected.”

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“Is that good or bad?”

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