In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 303

"That sounds wonderful," she agreed.

As they filed out of the dining room, Alexei caught her hand briefly. "You did well," he murmured against her ear. "Better than well."

"Even with the sparring match?"

"Especially because of it." His eyes gleamed. "Firecracker," he whispered before leaving.

As she and Amelia stepped outside, Maria remained behind in the dining room, clearly not invited to join them. It was a welcome relief after her first dinner with Alexei's family.

"God, I needed that," Amelia breathed, linking her arm through Keira's as they walked down the stone steps toward the garden paths. "Formal dinners with Theodore can be suffocating even on good days."

"Are they always formal?"

Amelia laughed. "No, we don't always dress up to the nines."

Keira was glad. "Does he always interrogate people like he has with me?"

"Only the ones he's considering for permanent residence." Amelia's laugh held no humor. "You did very well, by the way. I could tell Theodore likes you."

They strolled past perfectly manicured hedges and fountain displays, their footsteps crunching softly on the gravel path. The setting sun made the palace gardens look like something from a fairy tale. She felt like she was in a storybook — The Secret Garden.

"Can I ask you something?" Amelia glanced sideways at her. "What did you think of Maria?"

Keira considered her words carefully. "I think she has strong opinions about who belongs in your family. I think her opinion about me is stronger."

"That's diplomatic." Amelia stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "I'll be blunt since we're going to be sisters soon enough. I can't stand her."

Keira was shocked at how direct Amelia was being with her.

"Amelia—"

"I shouldn't be telling you this," she continued. "It's not my place to criticize others, especially to someone who's essentially still a stranger."

"But?"

"But I like you. You stood up for yourself tonight without being cruel about it. You showed Maria exactly what she was doing without stooping to her level." Amelia met her eyes. "That takes class. Something Maria could learn from."

Keira settled beside her on the bench. "Thank you for defending me at dinner. When the King was pushing..."

"Theodore's not malicious, just loyal to his people and the crown. He needs to know you can handle the pressure that comes with this life." Amelia's smile was rueful. "The press, the politics, the people like Maria who'll always be circling. Tonight proved you can."

"And if I couldn't?"

"Then Alexei would have a choice to make." Amelia's voice grew serious. "Between his duty to the crown and his heart. I've seen what that kind of choice does to a person. I'm glad you're strong enough that he won't have to make it."

Keira heard the sadness in Amelia's tone.