In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 224

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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 placed 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 Nikolai Theodore Alexander, will you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love her, comfort 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 your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love him, comfort 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 platinum band, and Amelia’s, a delicate diamond–encrusted ring that matched her engagement ring, which was also placed 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 set later.

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 placed 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.

17:59 Wed, Sep 24

Chapter 224

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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 proclaimed: “I present to you His Royal Highness Prince Nikolai and Her Royal Highness Princess Amelia of Wystovia!”

The cathedral erupted in applause. 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 playing 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 palace ballroom, a magnificent space with soaring ceilings and walls lined with beautiful paintings. A twelve–piece orchestra played as guests mingled, sampling delicacies from around the world while staff circulated with champagne.

Amelia sat beside Niko at the head table, acutely aware of her new husband’s proximity. They’d barely had a moment 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 oddly comforting 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 explained. “To ask how you’re really feeling, without the need

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