Chapter Two Hundred-Twenty-Eight
King Theodore was already seated when they arrived at the private dining room, a stack of papers opened beside his coffee cup. He looked up as they entered, his face breaking into a warm smile.
"Ah, there you are!" he exclaimed, rising to his feet. "I was beginning to think you might not appear at all."
Amelia felt heat rise to her cheeks, wondering if her father-in-law could somehow read on her face exactly what had delayed them. But Niko squeezed her hand reassuringly as he guided her to a chair.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Father," he said smoothly. "We were finalizing some details for our trip."
"Of course, of course," Theodore replied, resuming his seat. "The mountain estate is all prepared for your arrival. I've instructed the staff to give you complete privacy… no unnecessary interruptions."
"Thank you," Amelia said sincerely. "That's very thoughtful."
Servants appeared with plates of pastries, fruit, and eggs, filling their cups with steaming coffee and tea. As they ate, King Theodore kept the conversation light, discussing the weather in the mountains, the successful wedding reception, and the positive coverage in the morning papers.
"The people are quite enchanted with you, my dear," he told Amelia, his expression genuinely pleased. "Don't worry about the press, they will come around."
"I was terrified I would fall on my face in front of everyone," she admitted with a small laugh. "I'm not worried about the press, and I have to say it could have been a lot worse." She glanced at Niko, who was watching her with unmistakable pride.
"You were born for this role," Theodore said confidently. "I knew it the moment Edward first suggested the match."
Amelia froze slightly at the reminder of how her marriage had begun not as a love match but as an arrangement between powerful men. For a moment, the warmth of the morning dimmed.
Niko, sensing her discomfort, smoothly redirected the conversation. "Father, will you be traveling to Venice next week for the economic summit?"
As the men discussed diplomatic matters, Amelia sipped her tea, her thoughts drifting. This morning with Niko had felt so natural, so right, it was easy to forget the unusual circumstances that had brought them together. She realized that while her path to this day had not been a normal journey of love, the destination held promise. Perhaps it didn't matter how they'd begun, only how they chose to continue.
"Don't you agree, Amelia?" The King's voice broke into her thoughts.
She blinked, realizing she'd missed part of the conversation. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. My mind was elsewhere."
Theodore laughed. "Perfectly understandable, my dear. A bride is entitled to some distraction the morning after her wedding." His eyes twinkled knowingly, and Amelia felt herself blush again. "Theodore please, I was asking if you might consider joining the Royal Foundation's education initiative when you return from your honeymoon. The board would benefit greatly from your perspective, especially given your linguistics background."
"I'd be honored," she replied sincerely. The prospect of having meaningful work rather than merely ornamental royal duties appealed to her deeply.
"Excellent! We'll arrange a meeting with the directors upon your return." Theodore folded his papers, setting them aside. "Now, I won't keep you any longer. I'm sure you're eager to depart for the mountains."
They rose, exchanging formal farewells that nonetheless felt warmer than any interaction Amelia had previously had with her new father-in-law. As they turned to leave, Theodore called after them.
"Niko, a word in private before you go?"
Niko nodded, squeezing Amelia's hand. "I'll meet you in our suite in a few minutes."
Amelia left them, curiosity nagging at her as she made her way back through the palace corridors. What private matter did the King need to discuss with his son on the morning after his wedding?
In their suite, she found two maids packing the last of her things for the trip. They curtseyed as she entered, their expressions carefully neutral despite what they must have heard from the bathroom earlier.
"Your Highness is there anything specific you'd like included?" the older one asked, gesturing to the open suitcases.
"No, thank you. You've done a wonderful job." Amelia moved to the window, looking out over the palace gardens while the maids finished their task.
Ten minutes later, the door opened, and Niko entered, his expression thoughtful.
"Everything alright?" Amelia asked as the maids discreetly withdrew.
"Yes," he replied, crossing to join her at the window. "My father wanted to give me something." He reached into his pocket, withdrawing a small velvet box. "A wedding gift, of sorts."
Curious, Amelia watched as he opened the box, revealing a delicate gold key on a fine chain.
"It's beautiful," she said. "But what does it open?"
Niko's expression softened. "The royal jewel vault. Traditionally, the Crown Princess receives the key on her wedding day, granting her access to the family heirlooms." He lifted the necklace from its velvet bed. "My father apologized for not presenting it formally yesterday. He felt it would be more meaningful if I gave it to you privately."
Amelia turned, lifting her hair so Niko could fasten the chain around her neck. The small key rested just below her collarbone, gleaming in the morning light.
"The key is just jewelry, but it shows the guards you have the right to enter," Niko continued, his hands lingering on her shoulders. "It represents my father's complete acceptance of you as part of our family, as the future Queen of Wystovia."
The weight of those words… future Queen settled over Amelia, daunting and scary. She touched the key lightly with her fingertips.
"Thank you," she said softly. "I'll treasure it."
Niko's hand covered hers, pressing the key gently against her skin. "There's something else," he said, his voice lower. "Something my father said that I want you to know."
"What is it?"
"He told me he's very happy with our union and believes our marriage will bring strength to Wystovia." Niko's dark eyes held hers steadily. "He's right about the first part."
The simple admission sent warmth spreading through Amelia's chest. "I am happy too," she whispered. "I am happy."
"Also, our car is waiting," he said. "Ready for our honeymoon."
Amelia rose on her tiptoes to press a soft kiss to his lips. "Lead the way, Your Highness."