In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 301

Prince Niko was unmistakably Alexei's brother, tall and dark-haired with the same sharp jawline. But where Alexei carried himself with casual confidence, Niko had a more formal bearing, the weight of future kingship visible in his posture.

Beside him stood a woman with auburn hair and intelligent green eyes, beautiful in an understated way. She smiled as they approached, and Keira felt some of her tension ease.

"Niko, Amelia," Alexei said formally, "may I present Keira Warner. Keira, my brother Prince Niko and his wife Princess Amelia."

Keira had rehearsed this moment with Elena. She executed a brief curtsy, not too deep, and waited for them to extend their hands first.

"Miss Warner," Niko said, his handshake firm. "Welcome to Wystovia."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Amelia stepped forward, ignoring protocol entirely and pulling Keira into a warm hug. "Oh, forget all that formal nonsense. It's so good to meet you."

Keira blinked in surprise at the casual warmth. "It's lovely to meet you both as well."

Niko said with fond exasperation, "In privacy we are just Niko and Amelia please."

Amelia linked her arm through Keira's. "Come, sit next to me. I want to hear everything."

As they settled at the table, Keira caught Alexei's eye. He was smiling, clearly pleased with how the introduction had gone.

"So," Amelia said once wine had been poured, "Alexei tells us you were his assistant?"

"For about two years, yes."

"That must have been... interesting," Niko said diplomatically.

Keira couldn't help but laugh. "That's one word for it. Your brother can be quite… demanding."

"Hey," Alexei protested. "I prefer focused."

"You prefer getting your way… always" Keira shot back without thinking.

Silence fell for a moment, and she realized she'd just contradicted a prince in front of the future king and queen. Heat flooded her cheeks.

"Traditions," Keira repeated flatly, taking a sip of her wine.

Before Maria could elaborate, the dining room doors opened again. Everyone rose immediately, and Keira followed suit, recognizing the formal entrance of the King. He strode in with the same presence she'd experienced earlier, though his expression seemed marginally less severe than during their private meeting.

"Father," both Alexei and Niko said in unison, bowing their heads slightly.

"Your Majesty," Amelia added with a practiced curtsy. Keira didn't look to see how Maria reacted to the king, only following Amelia's lead.

Keira executed what she hoped was an appropriate curtsy of her own, grateful for Elena's quick tutorial. "Your Majesty."

The King's gaze swept the assembled group before settling on her. "Miss Warner. I trust you've found the palace accommodations satisfactory?"

"Very much so, Sir. Thank you."

"Excellent." He moved to take his seat at the head of the table, and everyone else followed suit. "I apologize for the delay. Affairs of state, you understand."

As the staff began serving the first course, Keira found herself seated between Alexei and Amelia, with Maria directly across from her. The positioning felt strategic, and she wondered if it was intentional. Niko was across from his wife and next to Maria.