In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 355

"It was never a possibility," he assured her. "Maria is... not what Wystovia needs in a future queen or what I want for a wife."

They stood in silence for a moment, the implications of his words settling between them. He hadn't said he didn't want Maria; he'd said she wasn't right for Wystovia. It was a telling distinction.

"And what does Wystovia need?" Amelia asked softly.

Niko then turned to face her fully, his dark eyes searching hers. "Someone intelligent enough to navigate our politics but warm enough to connect with our people. Someone who respects our traditions without being blinded by them. Someone who understands that duty and personal fulfillment need not be mutually exclusive. Someone who doesn't want to lord it over others."

His words hung in the air between them, laden with meaning. Was he describing what he thought she could be? Or what he hoped she might become?

Before she could formulate a response, King Theodore's voice called from inside: "Niko, Amelia! Come join us. I want to learn more about Amelia."

The moment was broken, and Niko offered his arm once more. "Shall we?"

As they returned to the sitting room, Amelia caught Maria watching them, her eyes narrowed as they entered together. When she saw Amelia noticing her scrutiny, she quickly schooled her features into a pleasant smile.

"There you are," she said brightly. "Alexei was just telling me about the wedding preparations. It sounds absolutely grand."

"Indeed," Alexei agreed, stepping slightly away from Maria as they approached. "Though I'm sure it's all rather overwhelming, Amelia."

"A bit," Amelia admitted. "But exciting as well." What else could she say… she couldn't say she had thought about doing a runner to Paris.

As the conversation continued, Amelia noticed how Alexei kept creating distance between himself and Maria, who persistently found reasons to touch his arm or stand close to him. Eventually, Alexei moved to join his father and Amelia's grandfather, leaving Maria looking briefly frustrated before she composed herself.

When Maria passed Amelia on her way to refresh her drink, she paused, leaning in slightly. "Enjoying your first taste of royal life? It can be quite... consuming, you know. Some find it suffocating after a while."

"I imagine any life can become suffocating with the wrong companions," Amelia replied pleasantly.

Maria's smile tightened. "Indeed. How fortunate that you and Niko have been so... carefully selected for each other. But you have been here, what, three months, and this is the first time you have met? Doesn't sound very promising, does it?"

Before Amelia could respond, Maria continued on her way, leaving the barb to sink in. She hated to admit it, but it hurt because it was true.

The evening concluded shortly thereafter, with warm farewells and promises to meet again at the rehearsal dinner in two days' time. As they prepared to leave, King Theodore took Amelia's hand in both of his.

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