In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 354

Before she could respond, they entered the dining room. Amelia found herself between King Theodore and Prince Alexei, with Niko directly across from her. Her grandfather sat at the other end of the table, and her parents were seated next to Niko, leaving Lady Maria beside Alexei.

The dinner began with light conversation, with safe topics such as the beauty of Wystovia in spring, the upcoming celebration schedule, and political topics. Amelia participated when addressed, her etiquette training carrying her through.

"Amelia speaks five languages, I understand," King Theodore remarked, turning to her with genuine interest.

"Yes, Your Majesty," she confirmed. "German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and of course, Italian."

"Impressive," he nodded.

Across the table, Niko studied her with that same unreadable intensity. "Perhaps you could demonstrate," he suggested. "Say something in Italian."

All eyes turned to her expectantly. Amelia took a steadying breath, then spoke in Italian, carefully. "I'm honored by your family's welcome and hope to serve Wystovia with dignity and grace." Feeling like a show pony.

King Theodore nodded at her. "Well said, my dear! Your pronunciation is indeed excellent."

Niko inclined his head slightly, a gesture that felt like approval. "Your instructors taught you well. We can communicate in all the languages you listed."

"Perhaps she's simply naturally gifted," Maria interjected, her smile tight. "Americans are known for their... adaptability."

"A valuable trait in a future queen," Alexei replied smoothly, shooting his cousin a pointed look before turning back to Amelia. "You'll find Wystovians are quite easygoing, I promise. Not everyone is stuck in the dark ages."

Maria's smile tightened further. She placed her hand on Alexei's arm, leaning closer to him. "Speaking of traditions, cousin, I've been meaning to ask you about the summer festival. Will you be participating in the boat race again this year?"

Alexei shifted subtly away from her touch. "I haven't decided. I may have commitments elsewhere."

Amelia noticed the flash of disappointment or was it irritation? that crossed Maria's face before she recovered her composure.

"What a shame," Maria said. "You've always represented the family so well." She turned to Amelia with a brittle smile. "Alexei has won the Royal Regatta three years running. He's quite the athlete."

"Unlike his more scholarly brother," King Theodore added with a fond glance toward Niko. "Niko can speak seven languages fluently."

"Eight, actually," Niko corrected quietly. "I've been studying Mandarin."

"Always the overachiever," Alexei teased good-naturedly. "You do know that English is an international language, right?"

Amelia found herself curious about the dynamic between the brothers. They seemed close despite their different personalities, with none of the rivalry one might expect.

As the dinner progressed through multiple courses, Amelia's gaze kept returning to Niko, studying him when she thought he wasn't looking. He was more difficult to read than his brother or father, his expressions controlled, his comments measured. Yet occasionally she caught glimpses of something else, a quick wit in his replies, a surprising gentleness when addressing the serving staff. Was he being so formal because this was their first dinner together, or was it always going to be like this?

"Amelia," Maria said suddenly, during a lull in conversation, "I understand this is an arranged marriage. How... progressive of you to agree to such an old-fashioned concept. Most American women I've met are quite insistent on marrying for love."

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