Chapter 6

A murmur of laughter rippled through the small group, and Amelia felt her cheeks warm.

"Yes, quiet," the Archbishop agreed. "Though we needn't practice that part."

"Shame," Alexei teased, earning an elbow from his date.

When the rehearsal concluded, they moved to a small reception room adjacent to the cathedral for a light dinner. Amelia found herself seated between Niko and Tessa, with Alexei, Isabella, and Lady Maria across from them.

"So, Niko," Tessa said casually, as if addressing royalty was something she did every day, "Amelia tells me you collect rare books."

Niko looked surprised but pleased. "Yes, I do. First editions, primarily."

"Amelia's always been a bookworm too. Did she tell you about the time she organized a sit-in at our college library when they tried to reduce the hours?"

"Tessa," Amelia groaned. "I'm sure His Highness doesn't want to hear about my rebellious phase."

"On the contrary," Niko said, his expression softening.