Chapter 3

Over the next few days, Amy plunged into an exhausting routine of etiquette lessons, public appearances, and gown fittings. The palace staff scrambled to mold the prince's "Cinderella commoner" into an acceptable royal figurehead.

Her only comfort was Katerina, the kind lady-in-waiting assigned as her companion. Like a mother hen, Katerina answered Amy's endless questions and soothed her tears of frustration.

"Be strong, little fox," she would urge.

"His Highness would not have selected you unless he saw indomitable spirit beneath your shyness. You must believe in that too."

When Amy confided her deepest fears of embarrassing Viktor or damaging his authority, Katerina squeezed her shoulder. "The prince cares nothing for appearances. He seeks only a partner who completes him as person, not position. So show him the real Amy!"

Bolstered, Amy decided to take control of her destiny. Slipping free of her watchful retinue one afternoon, she set out exploring the palace's sprawling gardens until she discovered Viktor himself reading alone under a flowering arbor. 

Heart catching at his relaxed elegance, Amy announced "Well here you are, Your Elusive Highness! Everyone is seeking you while you lounge hiding with novels."

Setting his book aside, Viktor grinned up at her teasing challenge. "You found my secret sanctuary. I often escape here when duties overwhelm. Won't you join me?" He drew Amy down, tucking a wildflower behind her ear. "I would know how my Cinderella fares these days..."

"Forgive me, I've selfishly monopolized your company for hours. You must be fatigued."  

Amy squeezed his fingers. "Not at all! I should be the one apologizing for interrupting your solitary escape. But I'm glad we finally got some time together." She smiled shyly. "I feel closer to you now, Viktor."

Viktor's stare intensified at his name on her lips. "As do I you, Amy." Her cheeks warmed as he reached out to affectionately tuck back a lock of her windswept hair. 

"Will I see you later at dinner?" Amy ventured hopefully.

"Regrettably no, I have a previous diplomatic engagement this evening."

 Viktor's forbidding scowl returned and he stood abruptly as if to depart. But glancing back at Amy's disappointed face, he paused.  

"Tomorrow then." Taking her hands, Viktor raised them palms up and pressed a kiss to each tender wrist. Amy's pulse skittered. 

"Tomorrow you shall have me all to yourself for a private excursion I am planning. Wear something comfortable for adventure, my dear!" With a roguish wink, he took his leave.

Amy cradled her hands, still tingling from the intimate gesture. Fresh hope surged in her heart. Perhaps she had not merely won Viktor's favor, but touched his lonely soul. Their story was just unfolding, pages still unwritten, Soviately boundless potential ahead...together.

The next morning, Amy rummaged through her lavish wardrobe for the most "adventure appropriate" option. 

She selected fitted jeans and a casual blouse along with walking boots. Packing sunglasses and a lightweight jacket in her bag, she headed out to meet Viktor. 

Her dashing prince awaited by a gleaming luxury sports car. "Ah, now that's my modern princess!" Approving eyes swept over Amy's casual attire. "Ready for our little journey?"

"Very ready!" Amy squealed, thrilled when Viktor opened the passenger door with a gallant flourish. Soon they were roaring along breathtaking seaside highways, sunshine and freedom wrapping blissful senses around her. 

Eventually Viktor turned down a narrow scrub-lined lane that ended at a pocket cove rimmed by white sand. He helped her out, leading the way down onto the remote beach. Amy gasped to see a picnic blanket laid out, Jet Skis waiting nearby.

"I discovered this hidden gem years ago," Viktor shared. "It is relatively inaccessible, giving us privacy away from prying eyes." His expression softened. "Here we can enjoy simply being...Viktor and Amy."

Happiness bubbled up in Amy as Viktor guided her onto a Jet Ski. With carefree laughter they raced and splashed across glittering azure waves under the smiling Mediterranean sun. After working up an appetite they returned to dry off and enjoy delicacies from the royal kitchens. 

Stretched out relaxing on blankets as gentle waves lapped the shoreline, Amy turned with sincere eyes towards her prince. "Viktor...thank you. Today was absolutely beautiful."

He Smiled.

"This is only the first of many carefree memories we shall create together."

Amy shyly shifted closer to Viktor on their picnic blanket, resting her head against his solid shoulder. His arm automatically went around her, fingers trailing idly along her back.

"You mentioned yesterday you had another aristocratic engagement during dinner. Anything I should know about?"

Viktor sighed heavily. "It was the customary monthly political assembly between my parents and various potential allies and partners. Dry, endless bureaucracy."

He glanced sideways at Amy. "Though recently the agenda has become 'examining options for Prince Viktor's marriage and ascendance.' An unpleasant topic I prefer avoiding."

Amy bit her lip considering how to phrase things delicately. "But your thirtieth coronation day will arrive swiftly. As crown prince, difficult decisions regarding your rule and successors cannot be delayed indefinitely just because..."

"...Just because my heart remains disinclined towards matters of state?" Viktor finished wryly. Then his expression changed, eyes dropping. "Although lately I find my heart expanding in new directions."  

Their gazes caught and held, air thickening between them. Before Amy could summon her courage or scatter her nerves, Viktor cleared his throat abruptly. 

"We should head back before full darkness sets in." With courtly assistance he helped Amy pack up their items, escorting her to the waiting sports car beneath the emerging starlight. Yet the entire ride home Amy's exhilarated senses still echoed with undisguised longing she was certain they both now felt kindling.

Over the next weeks, Amy felt herself and Viktor growing closer. Under Katerina's tutelage, Amy mastered more royal responsibilities and niceties while Viktor made time nearly every day for long conversations and romantic excursions away from the palace. 

During a splendid midsummer gala thrown in Amy's honor to welcome the presumptive future Queen, Viktor asked her to dance. Waltzing gracefully together before the assembled nobility in the glittering ballroom, Amy thrilled at Viktor’s strong hand clasping hers, his other palm a brand against the naked skin of her back. 

"Have I told you how incredibly beautiful you look tonight, my dear?" Viktor murmured, pulling her nearer until their bodies brushed, proper form forgotten. Amy's pulse skittered wildly.

"Only every five minutes, Your Highness,” she returned playfully, “a girl could get a very large head."

Viktor halted their movements, raising his hand to cradle her jaw, eyes burning suddenly serious. "Amy, dazzling as you appear in these royal trappings, never forget - it was the goodness and cleverness of your heart that first drew me in." His fingers traced her heated cheek.

"Outer beauty fades, but inner light is eternal. And you shine brighter than any other I have known."

Blinking back tears, Amy laid her palm over Viktor's where it still cupped her face tenderly. Around them, the swirling dancers and music faded away until only the two of them remained suspended in that poignant perfect moment.