In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 387

Amelia watched Keira slight hesitation at the threshold, that familiar deer-in-headlights expression she recognized all too well from her own early days at the palace. Blonde, petite, with cornflower blue eyes that darted around the room assessing, Keira Warner was nothing like Alexei's usual conquests. This woman had substance. You could tell by just looking at her, there was intelligence in her gaze.

"She's nervous," she whispered to him. "I remember how terrifying this was but trying not to show it."

Niko's mouth twitched in what might have been a smile. "You handled it perfectly, as I recall."

"I was petrified," Amelia admitted under her breath as Alexei and Keira approached.

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

Amelia watched as Keira executed a curtsy. The poor woman was trying so hard to do everything right that Amelia couldn't help but feel an immediate kinship.

"Miss Warner," Niko said, offering his hand with typical royal restraint. "Welcome to Wystovia."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Amelia couldn't bear the formality another second. She stepped forward and pulled Keira into a warm embrace, ignoring protocol entirely. "Oh, forget all that formal nonsense. It's so good to meet you."

The surprise on Keira's face was worth breaking the ice with their first meeting.

"It's lovely to meet you both as well." Keira was clearly surprised by their warm welcome.

Niko smiled, "In privacy we are just Niko and Amelia, please."

Amelia linked her arm through Keira's, guiding her toward the table. "Come, sit next to me. I want to hear everything." She shot Alexei a look that said, You did well with this one.

Once wine was poured, Amelia couldn't resist diving in. "So, Alexei tells us you were his assistant?"

"For about two years, yes."

"That must have been... interesting," Niko said. She knew he was talking about keeping Alexei in line, but she hid her smile.

Keira laughed. "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 hesitation.

Amelia felt her eyebrows rise, delighted by the young woman's boldness. A moment of silence fell, and she could see Keira suddenly realizing she'd contradicted royalty at a formal dinner. But before Amelia could reassure her, Niko laughed, a delighted sound she hadn't heard from him in weeks.

"Oh, I like her already," he said, eyes crinkling. "It's about time someone called you out, brother. Not having a woman fall at your feet."

"She's been calling me out from day one," Alexei admitted with evident pride. "It's become a professional hazard."

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