Chapter 5

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 thing