Chapter 5

Weeks after their swift but sweet wedding, Amy flourished into her role as Valendria’s Princess and future Queen. With Viktor’s steadfast love bolstering her, the doubts of others no longer plagued her thoughts. Even the King and Queen Dowager had thawed into cordiality, swayed by their only son’s clear devotion.

One golden afternoon, Amy and Viktor escaped to the lush palace gardens for fresh air. Laughing together on a stone bench tucked away from prying eyes by fragrant jasmine bushes, they could pretend themselves just an ordinary newlywed couple, blissfully unburdened by royal obligations.

“Ah but I adore you like this.” Viktor nuzzled Amy’s neck, pulling her close onto his lap. “Relaxed and radiant and all mine without tedious appointments or protocol.” His warm lips found hers in a familiar dance that soon turned passionate.

Time fell away...until distant calls of their names intruded. Sighing regretfully, Viktor withdrew just as attendants approached round the garden bend. 

“Forgive the interruption Your Highnesses. The Dutch contingent has arrived early to prepare for tonight’s trade gala.” With quick curtsies the women withdrew. 

Amy rested her disheveled head against Viktor’s shoulder reluctantly. “Duty calls once more it seems...” 

Ever her stalwart champion, Viktor tipped her pouting face back to his, resolving glinting. “Let them wait a while longer. My wife deserves my full attention before all others.” And his mouth descended to remind her without words just how beloved she was.

Later that evening, Amy stood pensively before her suite window overlooking the glittering palace drive. Behind her, ladies-in-waiting swarmed to adorn her for the state dinner. But Amy barely heeded their fussing over her hair and cosmetics and ornate gown. 

Since marrying Viktor weeks ago and becoming Valendria’s Princess, her existence revolved around performing duties expected of her new role. Amy reminded herself she accepted this path willingly out of love. But old insecurities still plagued her psyche during stressful moments like tonight when the royal spotlight scorched brightest. 

A gentle fingertip touch beneath her chin broke Amy’s troubled reverie. Her gaze lifted to meet Viktor’s sympathetic one in the mirror reflection behind her. Without words he seemed to grasp her turmoil, smoothing a calming hand down her tense spine. 

“Her Highness grows weary,” Viktor announced briskly, dismissing all attendants. “We shall finish preparing ourselves.” Alone now, he turned Amy from the window into his comforting embrace.

“Talk to me, darling. Unburden yourself.”

Haltingly Amy confessed her secret doubts, fears of failing him or embarrassing the nobility through inexperience. Patiently Viktor listened, caressing her back until the truth poured freely forth. When her shoulders finally sagged in release, he tilted her face up softly.

“I understand this transition is overwhelming at times. But never doubt your rightful place at my side. Our love raised you up, just as your loving strength shall raise me to become the King that Valendria needs. That I could never be alone.” His solemn words dissolved the last of Amy’s tension. Whatever public trials awaited downstairs, Viktor’s stalwart faith would sustain her now and always. 

Drawing fortitude from his gaze, Amy took her husband’s proud arm. Together they descended towards the gathering and applause awaiting their arrival.

The event progressed, Amy grew more at ease conversing with visiting dignitaries on Viktor's arm. With discreet guidance from him, she navigated potential diplomatic landmines. Once she even managed to politely circumvent the Dutch Minister's subtly condescending questions about her "common upbringing." 

By the time dancing commenced, Amy felt almost comfortable holding court amidst crystals and candlelight. When the orchestra struck up a familiar romantic melody, Viktor appeared and swept Amy smoothly across the checkered marble to the dance floor’s center. Waltzing effortlessly together beneath the glittering chandelier, they became the cynosure of all admiring eyes.

“You charm them effortlessly tonight, my love,” Viktor murmured for her hearing alone. “The European elite will be begging affiliation with our realm after exposure to your beauty and grace.”

Warm pleasure flooded Amy at his praise. “I shall have to ensure friendly ties with as many courts as possible if they will provide chocolate and couture!” She winked up at him impishly. Viktor’s delighted laughter rang out as he expertly spun her through a turn before drawing her close again.  

“Jest all you like, but I speak truthfully. With you beside me as wife and Queen, I can achieve anything.” Behind Viktor’s teasing tone rang sincere conviction that he relied on her light to guide him down shadowed roads ahead to the kingdom’s greater glory. And Amy knew in her soul that she would never fail him.

Amy gazed up at Viktor, heart swelling with love and confidence in their bright shared future, a strange hush fell over the ballroom. Their dancing feet slowed as all eyes fixed towards the gilded entrance doors flung suddenly open. 

A severe-looking herald in royal livery strode forward. With a brazen flourish, he slammed the butt of his ceremonial staff upon the parquet floor, the crack echoing loudly. 

"May I present to Her Royal Majesty, Queen Anastasia Katerina Alina Romanov, sovereign ruler of Volhovnia!"

A collective gasp arose as a striking dark-haired woman garbed in emerald silks swept into the stunned chamber, black fox fur mantle trailing dramatically behind. An opulent diamond diadem glittered atop her coiled braids. Two stone-faced guards flanked her imperious stride while courtiers scrambled out of her path.

With smirking ruby lips, the unexpected guest strolled directly to where Amy and Viktor stood frozen in surprise. Gathering herself, Amy dropped into a belated curtsy. 

"Welcome to Valendria, Your Majesty," she managed politely. "To what do we owe this honor?"  

Queen Anastasia waved one elegant hand languidly. "I have come to formally introduce myself to dear Viktor's new little royal bride." Her smile turned frosty. "We are practically family now...in a sense."

Dread knotted Amy's stomach at the cunning amusement in the other queen's expression. Just what did she mean by that cryptic statement? Uneasy, Amy glanced anxiously up at Viktor's taut profile, praying his next words would not confirm her worst fears...

A muscle ticked in Viktor's jaw as he faced the unexpected visitor. "Anastasia. This is...unexpected." His terse tone conveyed volumes.

The Volhovian queen's smile turned feline. "Surely my presence could not be forgotten so swiftly, Vitya darling. Not after all we once meant to each other." 

A shocked murmur rippled through the crowd. Amy swayed on her feet, the room tilting dangerously. Viktor's strong arm around her waist steadied her as he glared at his brazen ex-lover.

"I believe you forget yourself, Madame," he bit out coldly. "You shall refer to me properly as Your Royal Highness if you insist on staying."

Anastasia waved aside his rebuke. "Oh come now, let us speak frankly like old friends. I hoped we might revive certain intimate ties now that you are safely occupied..." She eyed Amy who bristled indignantly. "Leaving us both freer to...reminisce without entanglements."

Viktor drew himself taller, blue eyes blazing. "You shall not speak of my wife so crudely. As for the past, I have no wish to revisit it. I will thank you to state your true business quickly or depart."  

Pouting, Anastasia pressed closer so only they three could hear. "Very well, I shall be blunt. You still owe me, Vitya...and it is time I collected my due." Her suggestive smirk left no doubt of her intentions.

Amy swayed as the room again spun dizzily. This cunning woman meant to steal Viktor away somehow. Would his buried history with her ruin all Amy now held dear?