Chapter 221
Amelia’s phone buzzed just as she was finalizing her outfit for her outing with Niko the next day. She glanced at the screen, surprised to see his name. He had exchanged phone numbers only yesterday.
“Hello?”
“Amelia.” His voice sounded strained. “I’m afraid I need to cancel our plans today.”
Her heart sank. “Oh. Is everything alright?”
“Something urgent has come up. I’m needed in meetings for the rest of the day.” He paused. “I’m sorry. I was looking forward to seeing you.”
“I understand,” she said, trying to mask her disappointment. “Duty first.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow at the rehearsal. The car will pick you up at four.”
“Tomorrow, then.”
After they hung up, Amelia sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe him… royal duties were demanding, but after yesterday’s connection, the cancellation felt like a step backward. She knew this was how her life was going to be, when they would often be doing things apart and not seeing each other for days.
“Everything okay?” her mother asked, appearing in the doorway.
“Fine. Niko had to cancel lunch. Something has come up.”
Gloria frowned. “That’s disappointing, but I suppose it’s good practice. Royal duties will always take precedence.”
“I know, Mother.” Amelia stood, smoothing down her dress. “I think I’ll take a walk in the garden.”
“Don’t forget, your friend Tessa arrives this afternoon.”
That brightened Amelia’s mood. “I hadn’t forgotten.”
The rehearsal was scheduled for three at St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, the ancient church where Wystovian royalty had married for centuries. Amelia arrived with her parents and grandfather, stepping into the cavernous space with its soaring arches and stained–glass windows.
King Theodore greeted them warmly. “Edward, Gloria, Ted–welcome! And Amelia, radiant as always.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” she replied, curtseying slightly.
“Niko is just arriving,” Theodore said. “He was held up.”
Amelia nodded, scanning the cathedral. Prince Alexei stood near the altar, talking with a tall, elegant woman she hadn’t met before. Near them, Lady Maria watched with barely concealed annoyance.
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“There you are!” A familiar voice called out, and Amelia turned to see Tessa Harrison hurrying toward her. Her friend’s flight had been delayed overnight, and Amelia had feared her friend wouldn’t make it.
“Tessa!” Amelia embraced her friend tightly. “Thank God you’re here.”
Tessa pulled back, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “Like I’d miss your royal wedding? Though I’m still waiting for you to tell me this is all an elaborate prank.”
“Not a prank,” Amelia laughed. “Just my life now, apparently.”
“Well,
you look incredible, Tessa said, linking her arm through Amelia’s. “Now, which one’s the prince? I need to make sure he’s good enough for you.” It was a joke everyone knew who Prince Niko was unless you lived under a rock, of course.
Amelia nodded toward the entrance where Niko had just appeared. He looked tired but gorgeous. Their eyes met across the cathedral, and he offered a small, private smile before being pulled into conversation with the Archbishop.
“Damn,” Tessa whispered. “The photos don’t do him justice. Those cheekbones should be illegal.”
“Tessa, please,” Amelia hissed, though she couldn’t help smiling.
“What? I’m just making an observation. Is that Maria and Prince Alexei?” Tessa had been thoroughly briefed on all the key players.
“Yes. I haven’t met the woman with Alexei, though.” Amelia had talked to Tessa on the phone last night filling. her in on all the details so far.
Tessa studied the group. “Probably the best man’s date. He’s gorgeous too, by the way. Do all men in Wystovia look like that?”
Before Amelia could respond, Niko approached them, his expression warming slightly.
“Amelia,” he said, taking her hand and brushing his lips across her knuckles. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you. This is my friend Tessa Harrison, my bridesmaid.”
Niko turned to Tessa with a polite smile. “Miss Harrison, welcome to Wystovia. We’re honored you
could join
us.”
Tessa executed a slightly awkward curtsy. “The honor’s mine, Your Royal Highness. Thank you for having me.”
“Please, call me Niko.” He turned back to Amelia. “I’m sorry about yesterday. The meeting ran much longer than expected, or I would have called you last night.”
“It’s fine,” she assured him. “I understand.”
“Your Highness,” the Archbishop called. “If you’re ready, we should begin.”
Niko offered Amelia his arm. “Shall we?”
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The cathedral had been transformed for the rehearsal, with marking tape on the floor showing where everyone would stand. The wedding party assembled near the entrance as the Archbishop explained the processional order.
“And Prince Alexei will be
standing here as best man,” he instructed, gesturing to a spot beside the altar.
Alexei nodded, stepping forward with the woman Amelia had noticed earlier. “This is Isabella Rossi,” he introduced. “She’ll be attending as my guest.”
Isabella smiled warmly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
“Likewise,” Amelia replied. Even Amelia could see there was no spark or sexual tension between Alexei and this woman, was she protection? To keep Maria at bay.
Lady Maria appeared at Alexei’s other side, her smile tight. “Isabella, darling, what a stunning dress. Is it… off the rack?”
Isabella’s smile didn’t falter. “Custom, actually. From a little designer in Moscow, you’ve probably never heard of.”
Amelia bit back a smile as Lady Maria’s eyes narrowed. Clearly, she wasn’t the only one who found the royal cousin challenging.
“Let’s begin,” the archbishop announced, drawing everyone’s attention. “Ted will escort Amelia down the aisle, followed by…”
As the rehearsal proceeded, Amelia found herself watching Niko. Despite his formality, there was something reassuring about his presence. When they practiced the vows, he met her eyes with an intensity that made her breath catch.
“You’ll be standing here,” the archbishop instructed, positioning them at the altar. “Prince Niko on the right, Amelia on the left.”
They stood together, shoulders almost touching. Amelia was acutely aware of him… his height, his warmth, the scent of him.
“And then the exchange of rings,” the archbishop continued. “Prince Alexei will provide the rings…”
Alexei stepped forward with a mock bow, pretending to hand something to Niko.
“Then His Royal Highness will place the ring on your finger, Amelia, and you’ll do the same.”
Niko took Amelia’s left hand in his, his touch gentle as he mimicked sliding a ring onto her finger. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, everyone else in the cathedral seemed to fade away.
“I think they’ve got it,” Alexei quipped, breaking the spell. “My brother’s had plenty of practice putting jewelry
on women.”
“Alexei,” Niko warned, though there was no real heat in his voice.
“What? I’m just saying you’re coordinated.”
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Isabella laughed, a warm, genuine sound. “Always the diplomat, Alexei.”
The archbishop cleared his throat. “After the exchange of rings, I’ll pronounce you husband and wife, and then…”
“The kiss!” Tessa interjected from behind Amelia.