In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223

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The morning of her wedding day dawned clear and bright, sunlight streaming through the windows of Amelia’s suite at her grandfather’s estate. For a moment, she lay still in her bed, savoring the last few moments of being simply Amelia Wilson. By sunset, she would be Princess Amelia of Wystovia, wife to Crown Prince Niko.

The thought sent butterflies racing through her stomach–not entirely from nerves, but something more. In just a few short days, Niko had evolved from a stranger into… well, not quite a friend yet, but something with potential. Their lunch in the botanical gardens and their short conversations at the rehearsal dinner were tiny seeds of connection that might, with care and patience, grow into something more.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

“Come in,” she called, sitting up against the pillows.

Her mother entered. “Good morning, darling. How did you sleep?”

“Surprisingly well,” Amelia admitted.

Gloria smiled, perching on the edge of the bed. “The hairstylist and makeup team will arrive in an hour. Tessa is already up and having breakfast. Your father is pacing the garden, looking terribly emotional, and I think he is a little on edge.”

“He’s not the only one,” Amelia said softly.

Her mother took her hand. “Cold feet?”

“No,” Amelia shook her head. “Just… taking it all in. Everything’s happening so fast. I… I mean, I know I’ve known for years that I would marry Niko but… I have only known him a few days.”

“Marriage is a journey that you explore together. You will have a lifetime ahead of you,” Gloria said, squeezing her hand. “Your father and I barely knew each other when we married, you know.”

Amelia blinked in surprise. “But I thought you two were college sweethearts?”

“We’d dated for just three months when he proposed. Everyone said we were rushing things. Said we were too young.” Gloria’s smile turned nostalgic. “But sometimes, when it’s right, you know.”

“Did you? Know it was right?” Her mother had always been a little childlike in her outlook. Ted was her rock.

“I felt… like he was going to be it for me… the one,” her mother replied carefully. “The rest came with time.”

Amelia nodded slowly. She hoped more would grow between them in time.

“Well,” Gloria stood, “let’s get this royal wedding underway, shall we?”

The next few hours passed so quickly. Amelia was bathed, moisturized, primped, and polished until she barely recognized herself. Her dark hair was swept into an elegant updo, adorned with fresh flowers and a beautiful tiara… a gift from King Theodore, delivered that morning with a warm note welcoming her to the family.

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Chapter 223

Tessa flitted around the room, keeping everyone’s spirits up with her steady stream of jokes and

encouragement.

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“You’re saving me from a complete meltdown,” Amelia whispered when they had a moment alone. “Thank you for being here for me.”

“That’s what friends are for,” Tessa replied, straightening the veil laid out on the bed. “Besides, how many people can say they’ve been part of an actual royal wedding? My Instagram would be blowing up if they hadn’t confiscated my phone this morning.” Amelia knew her friend was joking; she would never do anything to hurt their friendship.

Amelia laughed. “Palace security protocols. Sorry about that.”

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The car pulled up to the cathedral steps, where a red carpet had been laid out. Palace guards stood at attention, resplendent in formal uniforms. A small group of official greeters waited to escort them inside.

“This is it,” her mother whispered, reaching across to squeeze her hand.

The car door opened, and a hush fell over the waiting crowd as Amelia emerged. Her wedding gown, a beautiful masterpiece of silk and lace with a six–foot train, flowed behind her as her father helped her up the cathedral steps.

Inside the cathedral vestibule, her mother fussed with her veil one last time while Tessa adjusted the train. Amelia caught a glimpse of herself in the glass of a door. She could see how pale she was and hoped no one else noticed.

“Your Royal Highness.” The palace chamberlain bowed deeply. “Everything is ready. The guests are seated, and His Royal Highness Prince Niko awaits at the altar.”

Amelia nodded, her throat suddenly dry. This was really happening. They were already calling her by her new title, and she hadn’t even married Niko yet. But to them it was a done deal. No one would run out of a royal wedding this late.

“Ready, sweetheart?” her father asked, offering his arm.

She placed her hand on his sleeve, drawing strength from him. “I’m ready, Dad.”

The massive cathedral doors swung open. The organist began the processional, and hundreds of faces turned toward her. The cathedral was a sea of color and formality, diplomats in medals and sashes, nobility in traditional dress, royalty from neighboring countries. Among them, Amelia spotted several familiar faces, Isabella gave her a bright smile as she passed, Lady Maria looking elegant but tight–lipped in the second row.

And then, at the end of the impossibly long aisle, stood Niko, and standing beside him was Alexei.

Niko was dressed in his formal military uniform, medals gleaming on his chest, a ceremonial sword at his hip. His dark eyes locked onto hers immediately, and something in his expression, a softening around his mouth, a warmth in his gaze helped steady her racing heart.

“Say the word and I’ll get you out of here,” her father whispered, patting her hand.