In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 356

Being on time, Amelia discovered, was apparently a royal virtue. At precisely 11 a.m., a sleek black car with tinted windows pulled up to her grandfather's estate. She watched from her bedroom window as Prince Niko emerged, accompanied by a security detail that took positions around the driveway perimeter.

Amelia smoothed down her knee-length pale blue sundress and took a steadying breath. Last night's dinner had been a formal affair with family present. Today would be their first real opportunity to speak privately.

"You look lovely," her mother said from the doorway.

Amelia turned, forcing a smile. "I'm really nervous, if I'm being honest."

Gloria crossed the room and took her daughter's hands. "That's natural, sweetheart. But remember, he asked to see you again. That's a good sign. He could have just waited until the wedding."

A knock at the door interrupted them. Her father poked his head in. "Amelia, your prince is here."

"He's not my prince yet," she murmured, but followed her father downstairs.

In the foyer, Prince Niko stood talking with her grandfather. He was dressed in tan slacks and a white shirt. When he turned to see her descending the stairs, something in his expression shifted.

"Amelia," he greeted, bowing slightly. "Right on time."

"Your Royal Highness," she replied with a small curtsy. "I wouldn't want to keep you waiting."

Her grandfather beamed. "I've been assured by Prince Niko that you'll be well taken care of."

"Of course," Niko nodded. "We'll return by early evening."

Amelia kissed her parents and grandfather goodbye, noting her mother's excited smile and her father's slightly anxious expression. As they walked toward the car, she was surprised to see four royal guards take positions around them.

"Is this level of security normal?" she asked.

Niko held the car door for her. "For a future king and queen, yes. You'll need to get used to it, I'm afraid."

"Great, no privacy, then." The words slipped out before she could filter them.

"Oh." Amelia wasn't sure how to respond. "That's ok."

"No, it wasn’t. It was just poor timing," he said. He hesitated. "I've placed you in an awkward position, and for that, I am sorry. Someone like Maria thinks she can make snide remarks and that's not fair to you."

The formal apology felt genuine, which caught her off guard. "Thank you. I appreciate that."

Another silence, less uncomfortable this time. Amelia studied his profile as he gazed out the window.

"May I ask you something?" she ventured.

He turned to her. "Of course."

"Are you...comfortable with this arrangement?" She gestured vaguely between them. "With marrying someone you've just met?"

Niko considered her question carefully. "Comfortable isn't the word I would choose. I accept it as necessary. As Crown Prince, my marriage carries political implications that can't be ignored. I needed to get married, and you have a long family line embedded in our country."