In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 364

King Theodore approached their table, resplendent in his formal attire. "The first dance will begin shortly," he reminded them.

Niko nodded, rising and offering Amelia his hand. "Father, may I have a moment alone with my wife first?"

The King looked momentarily surprised but nodded. "Of course. Five minutes, in the anteroom. I'll have the staff ensure you're not disturbed."

Amelia followed Niko through a small side door into a private sitting room. Once the door closed behind them, he turned to her, his expression serious.

"I wanted a moment away from all the eyes," he explained. "To ask how you're really feeling, without the need for a careful answer, because people are watching our every move."

The consideration in his gesture touched her. "I'm... overwhelmed," she admitted. "But not unhappy."

He nodded, studying her face. "I know this isn't how most people begin their marriages. But I meant what I said the other day, I believe we can build something meaningful together."

"I hope so," she replied honestly.

Niko took a step closer. "That kiss..." he began, then hesitated.

"What about it?" she prompted, her heart suddenly beating faster.

"I wanted…" he began, his voice dropping slightly. "I wish now I had kissed you longer."

Amelia met his gaze directly. "Yes," she said simply. "I… I wish so too."

Something shifted in his expression, relief, perhaps, or maybe satisfaction. "Good. That's... good."

He reached out, taking her hand in his. His thumb brushed over her new wedding ring. "I want you to know that while this marriage began as an arrangement, you are not merely a duty to me, Amelia. I respect you, and I want to know you, the real you, not just the perfect princess they've groomed you to be. I want you to always be honest with me."

The sincerity in his voice moved her deeply. "I want that too."

A knock at the door signaled their five minutes were up. Niko squeezed her hand once before releasing it. "Ready for our first dance, Princess?"

Amelia nodded, hooking the train of her gown up so she wouldn't fall over it. "Ready, Your Highness."

"I'm glad it's you," he whispered.

Amelia turned to him, surprised by the simple honesty in his voice. "I'm beginning to feel the same way," she admitted.

His smile sent her heart racing.

Later, as they made their way through the reception, greeting guests and accepting congratulations, Amelia caught sight of her grandfather watching her from across the room. He raised his glass in a silent toast, his expression one of satisfaction and genuine happiness for her.

She realized that while her path to this day had not been a normal journey of love, the destination held promise. Not the fairy tale ending she might have dreamed of as a young girl, but something potentially more valuable, a partnership built on mutual respect and growing affection.

As the evening wore on, Niko's hand found hers beneath the table, his fingers intertwining with hers in a gesture that surprised her.

"Not long now," he murmured. "Soon we can escape all this."

The thought of what would come next, their wedding night, sent a flutter of nervous anticipation through her.