Chapter 12

King Theodore was already seated when they arrived at the private dining room, a stack of papers opened beside his coffee cup. He looked up as they entered, his face breaking into a warm smile.

"Ah, there you are!" he exclaimed, rising to his feet. "I was beginning to think you might not appear at all."

Amelia felt heat rise to her cheeks, wondering if her father-in-law could somehow read on her face exactly what had delayed them. But Niko squeezed her hand reassuringly as he guided her to a chair.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Father," he said smoothly. "We were finalizing some details for our trip."

"Of course, of course," Theodore replied, resuming his seat. "The mountain estate is all prepared for your arrival. I've instructed the staff to give you complete privacy… no unnecessary interruptions."

"Thank you," Amelia said sincerely. "That's very thoughtful."

Servants appeared with plates of pastries, fruit, and eggs, filling their cups with steaming