Chapter 193
Keira glanced at Amelia, noting that she was hiding secrets, ones not immediately visible to everyone. But because Keira was new here and after her run in with Maria, she was looking for hidden meanings or motives.
“If you don’t mind me asking, how does an American woman end up marrying the future king of Wystovia – long live the current king or whatever?”
Amelia was quiet for a long moment, staring out at the fountain. When she finally spoke, her voice was distant. “My family has roots here. My mother was a lady of Wystovia until she met my father from America and fell in love. My grandfather was one of the King’s most trusted advisors.”
She picked at the broken rose in her hands. “I’d known for years I was intended to marry Niko, and he knew about me. But we actually met only four days before our wedding”
“Alexei told me you only met four days before, and wow…” Keira’s eyes widened. “That’s…”
“Terrifying? Archaic? All of the above?” Amelia’s laugh was hollow. “We didn’t love each other, but we learned to like each other well enough. Duty first, feelings second. That’s how most royal marriages work. Unfortunately”
But Keira could see something in Amelia’s carefully controlled expression, the way her voice softened when she mentioned Niko’s name. How she would look at him during dinner. Despite her claims about duty marriages, there was love there. Deep and genuine love that Amelia seemed almost afraid to acknowledge.
“You love him,” Keira said gently. It wasn’t a question.
Amelia’s composure cracked slightly. “What I feel doesn’t matter. What matters is that I can’t give him what he needs.”
The pain in her voice was so raw that Keita felt her heart clench. “Amelia…
“Three years of marriage, Keira. Three years of trying and hoping” Amelia’s hands fisted in her skirt. “Nothing. And every month that passes, every failed attempt, the pressure grows. From Theodore, from parliament, from the entire bloody country watching and waiting, I can’t…”
Keira felt for the other woman. “It’s only been three years why the rush? Surely you still have time.”
Amelia shook her head. “The doctors say there’s nothing wrong with Niko,” Amelia continued, her voice a whisper. “Which means the problem lies with me. I’m considering stepping aside, letting him divorce me so he can marry someone who can actually give him an heir. I know they are hopeful that Alexei will fill the void. But after meeting you how can I put that pressure on you. I was born into this life and knowing I would one day marry the future King but you… It just wouldn’t be right.”
“No.” The word came out sharper than Keira intended. “Amelia, you can’t-”
“Can’t what? Can’t face reality?” Amelia turned to look at her fully, tears filling her eyes threatening to spill. “I married him knowing my primary duty was to produce the next generation. I’ve failed at the one thing that mattered most.”
Keira grabbed Amelia’s hands, squeezing tight. “That’s not the only thing that matters. What about love? What about the partnership you’ve built together?”
“Love doesn’t continue the royal line.”
“Maybe the royal line isn’t worth continuing if it requires destroying the people who serve it,” Keira said fiercely. “You think Niko would be happier with some fertile stranger than with the woman he clearly adores?”
“Clearly adores?” Amelia’s laugh was bitter. “You’ve known us for two hours.”
What could she say? Nako wasn’t the open book his wife was, “What about IVF or other op ons?”
Tears spilled down Amelia scheeks “it could take years and may not work You don’t understand the pressure and the so
kering didn’t want to see this lovely woman cry… she felt like she was adding to bar mess by asking questions. “Wel, maybe that’s the peo
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Chapter 193
pressure and the stress you are under isn’t helping. I’m sure I read somewhere women can have problems conceiving if under stress”
50%
Amelia pressed the palm of her hands to her face. “I don’t know if stress is the only thing. But you’re right about the pressure. It’s… suffocating. Niko wanted to get away for a few days. I… I was about to tell him I wanted a divorce. I just don’t know what to do.”
Keira took a deep breath; she could hear the complete devastation in Amelia’s voice. Doing what she thought was right for this country and not once thinking of herself or Niko. “Has Niko told you he feels that way? That you’ve failed him?”
“He doesn’t have to say it.” Amelia said. “I see it in his eyes every month when… when nothing happens. The disappointment…”
+15
“Or maybe what you’re seeing is his own frustration with the situation, not disappointment in you.” Keira said. “Don’t do this without talking to Niko… tell him.”
Amelia shook her head. “I need to give Niko time to find someone else. Parliament has been making subtle inquiries about succession. Theodore tries to be supportive and protective, but I know he’s worried. It’s why he is pressuring Alexei to marry and by extension you.”
“So take a break from trying,” Keira said simply. “Take that trip Niko suggested. Get away from all this pressure and just be a couple again…. Amelia I could never understand what you have been through, but you can’t make any rushed choices without at least telling Niko that you love him first.” Talk about calling the kettle black… She was the last one to talk. She had never told Alexei she loved him.
“It’s not that simple-”
“Why not?” Keira’s tone grew firmer. “You’re talking about divorcing the man you love because you actually asked him what he wants? How is that fair or right?”
Amelia was quiet for a long moment, staring down at the destroyed rose in her hands.
“I’m scared,” she finally admitted.
“Of what?”
think you’re not good enough for him. But have you
“Of hearing him say he’d be better off without me.” The words came out broken. “Of confirming what I already know. Because you are right, I do love him more than my own happiness.”
Keira felt her heart break for this woman who was clearly suffering in silence. “Amelia, listen to me. I’ve only known you for a few hours like you said, but I can see how much you love him. That kind of love doesn’t just disappear because you can’t have a baby.”
This beautiful, intelligent woman was tearing herself apart over something that might not even be her fault.
“Amelia, I’m going to say something that might sound harsh,” Keira wasn’t one to talk, but it was easier looking at other people’s relationships than her own. “What the fuck woman… You’re making decisions about your marriage without actually talking to your husband. How is that fair to either of you?”
“I’m trying to protect him-”
“From what? From having a choice?” Keira’s voice grew firm. “You’re deciding what’s best for Niko without asking him what he wants. That’s not. protection, that’s control.”
Amelia’s eyes widened at the blunt statement.
“Look, I get it. The pressure is overwhelming, and you feel like you’re failing at the one thing everyone expects from you. But you’re more than a baby- making machine, and if Niko can’t see that, then maybe he doesn’t deserve you.”
“You don’t understand-
“I understand more than you think.” Keira’s tone softened. “I’ve spent the last two years watching Alexei struggle with duty versus what he actually wants. The weight of expectations can crush you if you let it. But the only way through is together.”
They sat in silence for a moment.
TO
Chapter 193
“What if he agrees that we should divorce?” Amelia whispered.
“Then at least you’ll know the truth instead of torturing yourself.” Keira reached for her hand. “But what if he doesn’t? What if he tells you that he’d rather have you and no children than children with someone else?”
“I don’t know if I can take that risk. I think the truth could crush me.”
“Give him the chance to fight for you, Amelia. Give yourself the chance to be fought for.”
Before Amelia could respond, footsteps crunched on the gravel path behind them. They turned to see Alexei and Niko approaching, their conversation from the King’s study apparently concluded.
“There you are,” Niko said, his eyes immediately going to his wife’s tear–stained face. His expression shifted to concern. “Amelia? What’s wrong?”
Amelia quickly wiped her cheeks, forcing a smile. “Nothing. Just… girl talk.”
But Niko wasn’t fooled. He moved to her side immediately, his hand gentle on her shoulder. “Amelia?”
Keira watched the tenderness between them, the way Niko’s entire focus narrowed to his wife when he realized she was upset. Whatever problems they had, his love for her was obvious.
“We should head back,” Amelia said, standing abruptly. “It’s getting late.”
Niko looked like he wanted to press, but he simply offered his arm. “Of course.”
As they walked back toward the palace, Keira fell into step beside Alexei. “How was your meeting with your father?”
“Productive. He’s pleased with how tonight went.” His voice dropped lower. “Particularly with how you handled Maria.”
“I may have been a bit… direct.”
“You were perfect.” His hand found the small of her back.
They reached the palace entrance, where they paused to say their goodnights. Niko and Amelia excused themselves first, but Keira caught the way Niko’s arm tightened protectively around his wife as they walked away.
“I hope they work things out,” she said quietly.
Alexei followed her gaze. “They will. Niko’s stubborn, but he’s not stupid. He knows what he has with Amelia.”
“Does he? Because she doesn’t seem to.”
Something in her tone made Alexei look at her more carefully. “What did you two talk about?”
“Girl stuff.” Keira deflected, but her mind was still on Amelia’s pain. “The pressure of royal life. The expectations.”
Alexei’s hand tightened protectively around Keira’s waist as they approached her suite.
“You’re thinking too hard,” Alexei murmured as they reached her door. “I can practically hear the gears turning.”
“Just processing.” She turned the handle, stepping inside the suite. “Your family is… interesting.”
“That’s putting it mildly.” He didn’t follow her into the room.
Keira turned to face him, hand still on the door. “Aren’t you coming in?”
Alexei glanced down the hallway where a guard stood at attention. “My father made his position on propriety quite clear”
“Since when do you follow his rules?” She stepped close, lowering her voice. “Besides, you mentioned balcony doors
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Chapter 193
His eyes darkened, but he shook his head. “I’ll make it look good. I’ll shower, then come to you.”
She leaned against the doorway, lips curving. “Well, before you go, you’re going to have to
undo my
dress.”
Alexei groaned but followed her inside.
Se
