The day of Amy and Viktor's engagement gala had arrived. Amy woke early, nerves and excitement churning as her retinue of stylists descended to primp and polish her into a royal vision.
Katerina oversaw the chaotic preparations, banishing all but the dress fitters when Amy grew overwhelmed."Courage, little fox," she crooned. "Tonight your destiny awaits."Hours later when Amy beheld her finished reflection, she barely recognized herself. An ethereal goddess glittered back in the mirror, gowned in flowing silver and jewels that glowed warm against her skin. Viktor himself arrived to escort her downstairs, utterly dashing in his royal regalia."You take my breath away,"he declared fervently, pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder that melted Amy's lingering anxiety. No matter the external chaos, Viktor's steadying presence kept her grounded. Arm tucked protectively through his, she glided with natural grace into the spectacular candlelit ballroom.Time blurred into a whirlwind - meeting endless dignitaries, photographers demanding pictures, swirling through dances with Viktor never leaving her side. Well-wishers raised toasts, hailing the popular couple destined to rule Valendria next.Late in the evening Viktor drew Amy into an intimate alcove, producing a velvet box."I have something special for you, my dear. A memento of this magical eve." He opened it to reveal an exquisite ruby and diamond necklace glowing crimson against the black case."It was my grandmother's," he shared, draping the glorious creation around Amy's neck. Eyes shining, she turned to admire it in a mirror but caught only the fervent hunger now evident on Viktor's face instead. Heart suspended, she watched as if outside herself while he slowly bent his head to capture her lips in a searing kiss that marked the first true joining of their souls…Amy melted against Viktor, swept away by the passionate tenderness in his kiss. Her arms wound around his neck, hands tangling in his hair to keep him close. She had desired this intimacy for so long but the actuality exceeded any fantasy.When they finally broke apart, Viktor kept Amy cradled fiercely against him. "Forgive my shocking forwardness, darling," he rasped, smile turning wicked. "But I have been longing to do that properly for ages now."Blushing, Amy traced her fingers over his muscled chest, emboldened by the undisguised yearning in his eyes. "Then whyever did you wait so long, Your Highness?"A laugh rumbled through Viktor and he nipped her bottom lip playfully. "Must keep up appearances of propriety before the wedding night..." His smoldering gaze promised that such restraint was now abandoned.Before passions could again ignite, the distant ballroom chime sounded midnight’s arrival. Viktor sighed regretfully, tucking Amy close beneath his shoulder. "Alas, they willmiss us at our own celebration soon. Shall we?" With her hand clasped snugly in his warm grip, he led them back towards the light and merriment.Amy floated dreamily through the remainder of the gala, heart buoyant after privately sealing their feelings. Catching Viktor’s ardent stare across the crowd, hope swelled within her. No matter what formal vows laid ahead on their official wedding day, tonight they had privately pledged themselves in the ancient rite of lovers.There could be no turning back now from their intended shared futures now wonderfully, irreversibly entwined...one flesh, one spirit.Days following their engagement gala and first electrifying kiss, Amy walked on air, heart overflowing with blossoming love for her prince. Her studies accelerated as the royal wedding loomed near, but Viktor's reassuring presence during rides through the countryside or quiet meals on the veranda sustained her.One late afternoon, Amy wandered into the palace library seeking new reading material. Rounding a corner, she stumbled onto Viktor seated stiffly across from an elegant silver-haired woman and imposing bearded man - his parents, the King and Queen Dowager."This Anglo girl seems pleasant enough," the Queen was saying in a bored tone, "but surely we can find a more suitable bride of proper noble lineage now that the engagement mania has died down.""Mother, you gave your word to respect my choice of wife," Viktor bit out tersely. Dread coursed through Amy but she remained paralyzed listening.The King raised an impatient hand. "Son, be reasonable! Binding our line to another strong European house would cement many advantageous alliances. The people admire this Cinderella story but we must consider what is best for Valendria."Reeling, Amy backed away, their rational tones more cutting than anger. She had avoided pondering hard political realities about their union in her euphoria. But she should have known their fairy tale couldn't last...she was still just the waitress imposter. A sob catching in her throat, Amy fled to the solace of the gardens to nurse her crushed hopes.Amy stumbled blindly through the palace gardens, thick cascades of roses and vines blurring as bitter tears flowed. She sank onto a cold marble bench, Viktor's parents' pragmatic words echoing mockingly.Of course she was inadequate to be their future Queen no matter what fantasies she and Viktor shared. The real world demanded ruthless practicality - a heartless truth that could tear them apart."Here you are! I have been searching everywhere." Viktor's warm voice made Amy jerk her head up through a film of tears. He crouched swiftly before her, brow creasing at her obvious distress."What is wrong, my love?" Calloused thumbs gently brushed the moisture from her cheeks. "You are trembling!""I-I overheard you with your parents," Amy forced out, a fresh sob escaping. "They want you to break our engagement...they think I'm unworthy to rule Valendria as Queen." She searched Viktor's stoic expression. "They're probably right," she finished miserably.Viktor exhaled slow understanding then gathered her shaking hands between his. "Amy, listen to me. No one, not even the King and Queen, may dictate whom I take as my wife and Queen."He brought their joined hands to his heart. "It is you alone I want ruling at my side the rest of my days. Please darling, never doubt that truth or where my loyalty lies."The fervent promise in Viktor's eyes revived Amy's battered spirit. Perhaps with his steadfast devotion shielding her, she could weather any external storms their unconventional union faced...together.Viktor gathered Amy close, letting her tears soak into his shirt. "I confess, politics and succession protocol occupy much of my parents' thoughts," he admitted ruefully. "But I swear they will come to accept you as my choice, as our people have done." He drew back, cradling Amy's face between his palms. "They do not yet see what I see - your lionhearted bravery through all this upheaval. Your willingness to leave everything familiar behind and join me in an unfamiliar future." Viktor wiped the lingering dampness from under her lashes. "You have endured every challenge with courage and grace. What more could any man desire in a Queen?" He smiled tenderly even as Amy read the banked desire now brightening his gaze. "In a wife?"Heart swelling, Amy covered his hands with hers. "Viktor, I want nothing more than to stand strong beside you all our days, whatever storms come...as partner, lover, friend. The only title I wish to bear is 'yours.'"The air ignited between them. Viktor hauled her against his muscular chest, capturing her lips fiercely under the weeping boughs of the concealment trees. Any lingering insecurities turned to smoke on the wind as Amy returned his fervor wholeheartedly, reaffirming her choice once and for evermore.In the breathless aftermath, Viktor kept Amy gathered close within the fortess of his embrace. "You undo me, darling," he murmured, trailing kisses across her temple. "After a lifetime of isolation behind princely walls, I scarcely dared dream I might find a woman able to rule my heart as skillfully as you."Amy thrilled at his sincere words. "I never imagined myself worthy of a king's love," she confessed against Viktor's chest. "Yet now I cannot picture a future without you as my husband and dearest companion."Viktor tipped her chin up, eyes solemn. "Then let us make those visions reality. Marry me tomorrow, my sweet Amy! We shall stand before any who question us and declare sacred the bond between our souls now and forever." Caught up in reckless passion, Amy threw her arms around Viktor's neck. "Yes! Tomorrow I am yours for eternity, my love!" Their eager lips met once more to seal joyful fate.In blissful days that followed, chaotic preparations erupted to swiftly bring the royal wedding to pass outside traditional pomp and circumstance. Only their sworn love and unity of purpose mattered now.At last beneath a floral archway on palace grounds, Prince Viktor took commoner Amy Adams' hands in marriage before a small assembly of well-wishers. As cheers rang out, the newly pronounced husband and wife turned to greet the world anew...together.Weeks after their swift but sweet wedding, Amy flourished into her role as Valendria’s Princess and future Queen. With Viktor’s steadfast love bolstering her, the doubts of others no longer plagued her thoughts. Even the King and Queen Dowager had thawed into cordiality, swayed by their only son’s clear devotion.One golden afternoon, Amy and Viktor escaped to the lush palace gardens for fresh air. Laughing together on a stone bench tucked away from prying eyes by fragrant jasmine bushes, they could pretend themselves just an ordinary newlywed couple, blissfully unburdened by royal obligations.“Ah but I adore you like this.” Viktor nuzzled Amy’s neck, pulling her close onto his lap. “Relaxed and radiant and all mine without tedious appointments or protocol.” His warm lips found hers in a familiar dance that soon turned passionate.Time fell away...until distant calls of their names intruded. Sighing regretfully, Viktor withdrew just as attendants approached round the garden bend. “F
Viktor's protective hold tightened, bracing Amy close as he returned Anastasia's provocative stare . "You have no claim over me in any form," he refuted icily. "I owe you nothing except basic courtesy due your station which you have strained sorely already."Anastasia arched one manicured brow. "Oh? So my assistance securing your military trading rights and small fleet means so little in hindsight?" She leaned nearer with a sly look. "Who helped negotiate that cunning treaty allowing you to thumb your nose at the Russian navy, I wonder?"Viktor stiffened as her bombshell words pierced the hushed audience. Even Amy felt grudging surprise that this exotic ruler wielded such political influence. Anastasia grinned, knowing she scored a hit. "Come Vitya, let us speak privately to revive our...diplomatic ties." When he hesitated, she added in a carrying whisper, "Of course if you refuse friendly talks, sad rumors may spread to our mutual allies about certain illegal naval maneuvers..." L
Nestled deep in the snowy woods, Viktor reined the horses toward a secluded glen. Amy gasped to see a blanket and pillows strewn before a roaring bonfire complete with a picnic basket and champagne bucket.Viktor lifted her down, his smoldering gaze reflecting the wild flames. "I wished to show my endless gratitude for all you endured for my sake, moya. Tonight allow me to worship you properly." He slipped Amy's fur cloak from her shoulders, baring her skin to the fire's heat...and his hungry eye. She trembled anticipating his attention. "Then I am yours to adore as you please, my king."With a throaty growl Viktor bore Amy down into the blankets, claiming her mouth fiercely. She responded with equal urgency, craving physical union after combating foes side by side. Garments peeled away unheeded as they celebrated survival and triumph with primal passion beneath moon and stars. Later Viktor stroked Amy's hair as she dozed against his chest watching the fire sink to embers. "You ar
"As beautiful as that sounds, my place is here serving as king. But we can still appreciate days like today as a temporary escape from the burdens of the crown," he said.Amy nodded, understanding Viktor's sense of commitment. She snuggled closer, cherishing this quiet time together away from the demands of the palace. Later, as the sun lowered in the sky, Viktor folded up the picnic blanket. Hand-in-hand, they slowly walked back to the car to return home. Their responsibilities awaited them but the memory of this carefree interlude would remain a gift.The next morning over breakfast, Viktor reviewed documents once more. Glancing at Amy with a subtle smile, he recalled the simple joy of the previous day spent focused only on each other. Though fleeting, their time away had been a respite to treasure always in the midst of governing a nation.Over the next few weeks, Amy thought often about their happy day away from royal duties. She decided to plan more small escapes for just the tw
Over the next few days, Anastasia pushed to be included in Viktor's important meetings with advisors and ministers. She wanted decision-making power over his kingdom even before officially marrying Nikolai. Viktor politely but firmly denied her requests. He made excuses that these long-scheduled meetings covered dull budget details or minor bureaucratic matters. But in truth, he did not trust Anastasia's motives. Her sudden engagement to his brother was clearly a calculated political move on her part. She had taken advantage of Nikolai's attraction to her. Viktor doubted his foolish brother grasped how cunning his new fiancee truly was. Anastasia intended to expand her authority and influence through this marriage alliance. Amy shared Viktor's concerns. She tried talking sensibly to Nikolai, warning he was being used as a pawn in Anastasia's chess game for more dominance over the region. But Nikolai brusquely dismissed Amy's words. Dazzled by Anastasia's beauty and confident cha
"Perfect," Anastasia purred as she began pacing again. "Just the right mysterious ailment to incapacitate Viktor upon his return. Nothing fatal of course - we must avoid making a martyr of him."She chuckled. "But while my dear brother-in-law recovers, I can demonstrate my leadership by stepping in to govern affairs until he regains strength."Stroking her chin thoughtfully, Anastasia added "And his devoted wife will naturally stay constantly at his bedside. Too preoccupied with nursing Viktor to question my decisions."The man across from her raised an eyebrow but wisely held his tongue, accustomed to the queen's cunning ploys. Waiting patiently for further instructions, wondering but never daring to ask... Anastasia halted her pacing and glared out the window, hands clenched behind her back. "Yes, it will be easy enough once Viktor is briefly out of the picture. With no other obstacles in my path, I will finally rule supreme."She turned sharply toward her co-conspirator. "See to
Anastasia swept into the council meeting that evening playing the part of concerned future queen to perfection. "Have we developed our emergency strategy for combating this vile plague yet?" she asked loudly, taking her seat with exaggerated care as though fearful of contagion. "Our people must see decisive action taken quickly!"Amy studied the faces of the other attending advisors and ministers. Most appeared baffled, shuffling papers bearing no mention of disease or unusual fatalities. Finally Viktor spoke evenly. "It seems reports of any widespread affliction among our citizens have been unfounded. I sent my most reliable men on urgent search - they assure me life proceeds normally in villages near and far." He steepled his fingers, eyeing Anastasia coolly. "Perhaps you were given inaccurate initial information leading to undue alarm."Anastasia flushed crimson, flustered at having her theatrical fabrication unravel so anticlimactically. But she rallied swiftly."Well I only
Nikolai shifted uncomfortably. "Viktor likely worries merely to balance many prominent voices. I am sure he intends no insult-""He insults not just my status but yours in marginalizing me thus!" Anastasia cut in sharply. "You will be bound as my husband and consort - how dare Viktor sideline his equal in standing!"She took Nikolai's hands pleadingly. "You must demand he include me, else he cares nothing for your authority!" Swayed as always by Anastasia's temper and tears, Nikolai embraced her. "You speak rightly, my dear. I shall stand firmer that you are accorded full respect!"Inwardly Anastasia smiled like a viper. Let Viktor try denying her with his witless younger brother insisting she be given a seat at the table! She had molded her finest pawn yet...one to clear her pathway to utter supremacy.The board was arranged to her advantage once more. Anastasia had sacrificed a useless rogue poison plot but gained a stubborn champion. Now for decisive checkmate…Viktor was relucta