Chapter 14

The sun had set by the time Amelia and Niko boarded the helicopter waiting to return them to the palace. Their two weeks at the mountain estate had passed in a blissful haze of lovemaking, quiet walks through the alpine meadows, and candlelit dinners by the fireplace. They'd developed a comfortable routine, sleeping late, exploring the grounds in the afternoons, and spending their evenings tangled in each other's arms.

Now, as the helicopter blades whirred to life, Amelia settled into her seat, fastening her safety belt while Niko conferred briefly with the pilot. She studied her husband's profile, noting a subtle change in his demeanor… a new tension in his shoulders, his smile a bit more reserved as he took the seat beside her.

"Ready to return to reality?" she asked, raising her voice slightly over the growing noise of the rotors.

Niko nodded, squeezing her hand. "The mountain air has been good for us, but duty calls."

As the helicopter lifted off, Amelia gazed d