Chapter 2

Amy gaped at Viktor, her mind reeling. "You...you want me, a total stranger and nobody, to marry you? The Crown Prince of Valendria?"

Her shrill laugh bordered on hysterical. "This has got to be a joke. Or a bizarre dream!" She paced her tiny apartment, emotions swirling - disbelief, uncertainty, and undeniable exhilaration.

Viktor captured her hands gently, halting her frenzied movements. "I realize it is a shocking proposition. But I am quite serious." His thumb brushed over her racing pulse. "Despite our acquaintance, I am ceroptain you possess the inner grace and spirit needed to be the next j."

Amy searched Viktor's stern features, finding no deception or humor. Could this commanding prince truly wish to make a random waitress his royal wife and lifelong partner?

"May I explain further?" he asked politely. At her hesitant nod, Viktor launched into an overview of Valendria's political landscape and succession laws requiring his marriage before his 30th birthday in three months.

"You see my dilemma." Viktor peered at her intently. "I do not enter marriage lightly, but for duty's sake, I must choose my Queen wisely. Tell me honestly Amy - do I seem so unappealing a prospect?" He lifted her palm to his lips with devastating charm.

Amy wet her suddenly dry lips, acutely aware she wore only a threadbare robe. "I...I don't know anything about being royalty. My life is here in New York with my friends..." She pictured herself clad in tiaras and gowns, the media spotlight scorching. Could she handle that circus? But gazing into Viktor’s magnetic eyes, excitement stirred against her anxiety.

Seeing her wavering, Viktor pressed his advantage. “Come to Valendria as my honored guest for one month. Experience royal living before deciding. Should you still wish to decline my proposal, you may return home no worse for it."

One month to play at being a princess with a gorgeous soon-to-be king? Amy threw caution aside and took the ultimate fairy tale leap.

“Yes. I accept.”

Amy's answer sent relief washing over Viktor's stern features. He lifted her hand, brushing his lips tenderly over her knuckles. "You've made me a very happy man today, Miss Adams."

Dazed by his touch, Amy gave a shaky laugh. "Glad to help, Your Highness. But what happens now? Do we take a commercial flight or...oh my god, do you have a private jet?!"

Viktor chuckled. "I do indeed have a jet, which I've readied for this occasion. As for what happens next..." He drew an ornate diamond ring from his pocket and slid it onto Amy's trembling finger. "We announce our engagement."

Seeing Amy's stunned look, he squeezed her hands reassuringly. "For appearances only while you are under public scrutiny. Although..." Viktor traced her bottom lip lightly. "Having you pretend to be my beloved need not be unpleasant. You are an undeniable beauty, Miss Adams."

Blushing fiercely, Amy took in her enormous sparkling ring. "Please call me Amy...your fiancée should use first names." She cast Viktor a playful smirk, gratified when his gaze darkened appreciatively.

"Very well...Amy." Her name rolled off his tongue with new intimacy. "Prepare yourself for a media storm upon our arrival. Valendria has waited anxiously to know who might be our next Queen."

He helped her stand, holding her close. "But remember - I am here to shelter you from anything unpleasant. You need only be your charming self. My people will love you as I..." Viktor paused, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "As I am certain I will also, very soon."

Heart racing, Amy could scarcely believe this was her new reality. On impulse, she lifted herself up and kissed Viktor's cheek. "Well then...take me to my kingdom, Your Highness."

Viktor smoothly piloted his sleek private jet as they raced towards Valendria. Amy fidgeted nervously in the plush leather seat, still struggling to grasp her new reality.

"You are very quiet." Viktor reached over to take her hand. "Having doubts?"

Amy attempted a casual laugh. "Oh, I'm just peachy about becoming royalty and getting mobbed by cameras. No big deal!"

Seeing Viktor's frown, she hastened to add, "Hey, don't look so worried. I agreed to this crazy adventure with open eyes." She squeezed his warm hand. "I know you'll protect me from the mad circus as best you can."

Viktor lifted her palm to brush a reassuring kiss over her knuckles. "You show tremendous courage. I shall do everything in my power to shield you from unpleasantness, you have my word." His solemn sincerity comforted Amy. As they descended towards a gleaming palace surrounded by lush forests and vineyards, Viktor grinned.

"Besides, once they sample that delightful wit of yours, the people are sure to fall in love with you as I have...I mean, as I likely will..." Clearing his throat, Viktor busied himself preparing to land. Amy hid her burning cheeks, unexpectedly moved. Before she could ponder further, they touched down on the royal landing pad.

The noise hit Amy first - clicking cameras and shouting reporters held back by stoic security. Taking a deep breath, she accepted Viktor's extended hand. Showtime. As they emerged into the glare of flashbulbs, Viktor drew Amy close and waved cordially, every inch a polished royal born for this. Heart pounding and hoping desperately she wouldn't trip on the steps, Amy focused on keeping her brightest smile intact.

This was her world now. As Viktor guided her tenderly through the madness, Amy lifted her chin, willing herself to adjust for him, for their unexpectedly shared future reign over Valendria...whatever it might bring.

After the chaos of their public arrival, Viktor escorted Amy into a mercifully quiet parlor.

"Well, that was...intense," Amy managed, cheeks aching from forced smiles as she sank onto a silk brocade fainting couch.

"You were magnificent, darling," Viktor commended, joining beside her. Up close, the lines of strain around his mouth showed. "I know that ordeal was trial by fire. But the country is already enchanted with you."

He lifted Amy's hand, brushing his lips over her knuckles in gallant appreciation that made her breath hitch. Before she could formulate a response, an elegant woman swept into the room.

"Viktor, what is the meaning of this spectacle?" She gestured sharply at Amy. "I instructed you to choose your fiancée from the suitable ladies I selected, not some random commoner ingénue!"

Rising smoothly, Viktor drew Amy up beside him. "May I present Miss Amelia Adams of New York, my intended Queen. She shall be residing at the palace for one month at which time we shall finalize marriage plans." His protective arm slipped around Amy's waist. "See that she is treated with the utmost dignity and respect."

The woman scrutinized Amy coldly. "Very well, Viktor. We shall see if she can adapt to her new...position." Inclining her aristocratic head, she withdrew.

Amy sagged against Viktor who soothingly rubbed her back. "Forgive my mother, the Queen Dowager. This is not the match she envisioned. Yet I believe you shall win her over too in time, my dear. For now, rest and recover. The real work begins on the morrow."

Exhausted by all the emotional pivots, Amy could only nod. She had one month in this opulent cage to prove herself worthy of being Viktor's wife and Queen. Failure was not an option - she refused to let him or Valendria down after placing their trust in her.