In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 304

Keira glanced at Amelia, noting that she was hiding secrets, ones not immediately visible to everyone. But because Keira was new here and after her run in with Maria, she was looking for hidden meanings or motives.

"If you don't mind me asking, how does an American woman end up marrying the future king of Wystovia — long live the current king or whatever?"

Amelia was quiet for a long moment, staring out at the fountain. When she finally spoke, her voice was distant. "My family has roots here. My mother was a lady of Wystovia until she met my father from America and fell in love. My grandfather was one of the King's most trusted advisors."

She picked at the broken rose in her hands. "I'd known for years I was intended to marry Niko, and he knew about me. But we actually met only four days before our wedding."

"Alexei told me you only met four days before, and wow… " Keira's eyes widened. "That's..."

"Terrifying? Archaic? All of the above?" Amelia's laugh was hollow. "We didn't love each other, but we learned to like each other well enough. Duty first, feelings second. That's how most royal marriages work. Unfortunately."

But Keira could see something in Amelia's carefully controlled expression, the way her voice softened when she mentioned Niko's name. How she would look at him during dinner. Despite her claims about duty marriages, there was love there. Deep and genuine love that Amelia seemed almost afraid to acknowledge.

"You love him," Keira said gently. It wasn't a question.

Amelia's composure cracked slightly. "What I feel doesn't matter. What matters is that I can't give him what he needs."

The pain in her voice was so raw that Keira felt her heart clench. "Amelia..."

"Three years of marriage, Keira. Three years of trying and hoping." Amelia's hands fisted in her skirt. "Nothing. And every month that passes, every failed attempt, the pressure grows. From Theodore, from parliament, from the entire bloody country watching and waiting. I can't…"

Keira felt for the other woman. "It's only been three years why the rush? Surely you still have time."

Amelia shook her head. "The doctors say there's nothing wrong with Niko," Amelia continued, her voice a whisper. "Which means the problem lies with me. I'm considering stepping aside, letting him divorce me so he can marry someone who can actually give him an heir. I know they are hopeful that Alexei will fill the void. But after meeting you how can I put that pressure on you. I was born into this life and knowing I would one day marry the future King but you… It just wouldn't be right."

"No." The word came out sharper than Keira intended. "Amelia, you can't—"

Amelia pressed the palm of her hands to her face. "I don't know if stress is the only thing. But you're right about the pressure. It's… suffocating. Niko wanted to get away for a few days. I… I was about to tell him I wanted a divorce. I just don't know what to do."

Keira took a deep breath; she could hear the complete devastation in Amelia’s voice. Doing what she thought was right for this country and not once thinking of herself or Niko. "Has Niko told you he feels that way? That you've failed him?"

"He doesn't have to say it." Amelia said. "I see it in his eyes every month when... when nothing happens. The disappointment…"

"Or maybe what you're seeing is his own frustration with the situation, not disappointment in you." Keira said. "Don't do this without talking to Niko… tell him."

Amelia shook her head. "I need to give Niko time to find someone else. Parliament has been making subtle inquiries about succession. Theodore tries to be supportive and protective, but I know he's worried. It's why he is pressuring Alexei to marry and by extension you."

"So take a break from trying," Keira said simply. "Take that trip Niko suggested. Get away from all this pressure and just be a couple again…. Amelia I could never understand what you have been through, but you can't make any rushed choices without at least telling Niko that you love him first." Talk about calling the kettle black… She was the last one to talk. She had never told Alexei she loved him.