In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 350

Three Months Before Wedding.

Amelia stared at the ornate royal crest emblazoned on the heavy cream envelope that had just been delivered to her grandfather's estate. Though she had been expecting it, the transition from waiting to holding the proof of her future felt like a punch to the chest, seeing the physical manifestation of her future made her stomach twist into knots.

"Aren't you going to open it?" her grandfather, Edward Falconi, asked from his position at the head of the breakfast table.

Amelia's fingers trembled a lot as she broke the wax seal. "I already know what it says, Grandfather."

"Formalities matter, my dear." His voice was gentle but firm, the same tone he had used throughout her life when guiding her toward what he believed was best. "Especially with the royal family of Wystovia. You might want to keep that for your children."

She unfolded the thick paper, her dark eyes scanning the elegant script. The words blurred together, but their meaning was crystal clear: her engagement to Prince Niko of Wystovia was officially announced, with the wedding to take place in three months' time.

"Well?" Her grandfather prompted, though the satisfied gleam in his eyes told her he already knew the contents.

"The date is set," she confirmed, carefully refolding the letter. "May 18th."

Lord Falconi nodded approvingly. "Perfect. Late spring in Wystovia is lovely. The royal gardens will be in full bloom."

Amelia took a sip of her now-cold tea, using the moment to compose herself. At twenty-two, she had always known marriage would be expected of her, particularly given her family's noble line. A well-known family of Wystovia. But to be married off to a prince she had never met, of a country she had only visited once a year for a few weeks... the reality of it all was finally setting in.

"Grandfather, I—"

And there it was… the true purpose of this union. Not love, not companionship, but the production of an heir to the Wystovian throne.

"I see," Amelia replied, her voice cooler than she intended. "So, I'm to be a royal broodmare." God, she was only twenty-two was she really ready to have a baby. She loved kids but she didn't know if she was ok with falling straight away.

Amelia set the letter down, suddenly feeling the weight of the royal crest pressing down on her future. "Forgive me, Grandfather. I'm just... I'm still coming to terms with the fact I need to marry a stranger."

His expression softened. "I understand this is a significant change. But you've been prepared for this role half your life. Your education, your training, your language studies, all of it has led to this moment. This isn't new to you."