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Chapter 7
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The King's Bride Chapter 8
"As beautiful as that sounds, my place is here serving as king. But we can still appreciate days like today as a temporary escape from the burdens of the crown," he said.Amy nodded, understanding Viktor's sense of commitment. She snuggled closer, cherishing this quiet time together away from the demands of the palace. Later, as the sun lowered in the sky, Viktor folded up the picnic blanket. Hand-in-hand, they slowly walked back to the car to return home. Their responsibilities awaited them but the memory of this carefree interlude would remain a gift.The next morning over breakfast, Viktor reviewed documents once more. Glancing at Amy with a subtle smile, he recalled the simple joy of the previous day spent focused only on each other. Though fleeting, their time away had been a respite to treasure always in the midst of governing a nation.Over the next few weeks, Amy thought often about their happy day away from royal duties. She decided to plan more small escapes for just the tw
The King's Bride Chapter 9
Over the next few days, Anastasia pushed to be included in Viktor's important meetings with advisors and ministers. She wanted decision-making power over his kingdom even before officially marrying Nikolai. Viktor politely but firmly denied her requests. He made excuses that these long-scheduled meetings covered dull budget details or minor bureaucratic matters. But in truth, he did not trust Anastasia's motives. Her sudden engagement to his brother was clearly a calculated political move on her part. She had taken advantage of Nikolai's attraction to her. Viktor doubted his foolish brother grasped how cunning his new fiancee truly was. Anastasia intended to expand her authority and influence through this marriage alliance. Amy shared Viktor's concerns. She tried talking sensibly to Nikolai, warning he was being used as a pawn in Anastasia's chess game for more dominance over the region. But Nikolai brusquely dismissed Amy's words. Dazzled by Anastasia's beauty and confident cha
The King's Bride Chapter 10
"Perfect," Anastasia purred as she began pacing again. "Just the right mysterious ailment to incapacitate Viktor upon his return. Nothing fatal of course - we must avoid making a martyr of him."She chuckled. "But while my dear brother-in-law recovers, I can demonstrate my leadership by stepping in to govern affairs until he regains strength."Stroking her chin thoughtfully, Anastasia added "And his devoted wife will naturally stay constantly at his bedside. Too preoccupied with nursing Viktor to question my decisions."The man across from her raised an eyebrow but wisely held his tongue, accustomed to the queen's cunning ploys. Waiting patiently for further instructions, wondering but never daring to ask... Anastasia halted her pacing and glared out the window, hands clenched behind her back. "Yes, it will be easy enough once Viktor is briefly out of the picture. With no other obstacles in my path, I will finally rule supreme."She turned sharply toward her co-conspirator. "See to
The King's Bride Chapter 11
Anastasia swept into the council meeting that evening playing the part of concerned future queen to perfection. "Have we developed our emergency strategy for combating this vile plague yet?" she asked loudly, taking her seat with exaggerated care as though fearful of contagion. "Our people must see decisive action taken quickly!"Amy studied the faces of the other attending advisors and ministers. Most appeared baffled, shuffling papers bearing no mention of disease or unusual fatalities. Finally Viktor spoke evenly. "It seems reports of any widespread affliction among our citizens have been unfounded. I sent my most reliable men on urgent search - they assure me life proceeds normally in villages near and far." He steepled his fingers, eyeing Anastasia coolly. "Perhaps you were given inaccurate initial information leading to undue alarm."Anastasia flushed crimson, flustered at having her theatrical fabrication unravel so anticlimactically. But she rallied swiftly."Well I only
The King's Bride Chapter 12
Nikolai shifted uncomfortably. "Viktor likely worries merely to balance many prominent voices. I am sure he intends no insult-""He insults not just my status but yours in marginalizing me thus!" Anastasia cut in sharply. "You will be bound as my husband and consort - how dare Viktor sideline his equal in standing!"She took Nikolai's hands pleadingly. "You must demand he include me, else he cares nothing for your authority!" Swayed as always by Anastasia's temper and tears, Nikolai embraced her. "You speak rightly, my dear. I shall stand firmer that you are accorded full respect!"Inwardly Anastasia smiled like a viper. Let Viktor try denying her with his witless younger brother insisting she be given a seat at the table! She had molded her finest pawn yet...one to clear her pathway to utter supremacy.The board was arranged to her advantage once more. Anastasia had sacrificed a useless rogue poison plot but gained a stubborn champion. Now for decisive checkmate…Viktor was relucta
The King's Bride Chapter 13
Anastasia congratulated herself on the scheme as she fed the letter to the fire. Let them counter this plot! She had hooks in countless ambitious players happy to tear down those with power they envied but could not openly challenge. The board was reset to her advantage. She had carved a dangerous opponent temporarily off the field while regaining control of her loyal pawn Nikolai. Now with Amy marginalized by brewing scandal, Anastasia was ready to checkmate the king himself next…Amy sighed wearily as she joined Viktor in his private study after a day of enduring veiled insults and cold shoulders. News of her alleged role in seizing a noble family's lands years ago had spread rapidly at court. "That family's grievances have resurfaced, being laid directly at your feet even though records show you argued against permanent seizure," Viktor fumed, pulling Amy close comfortingly. "Rumors snowball to damage truth swiftly, especially when there are ears keen to hear the worst," Amy s
The King's Bride Chapter 14
On the 20th anniversary of Viktor and Amy's coronation, the royal couple celebrated with a grand jubilee commemorating two decades of just rule. Dignitaries from allied nations came bearing gifts in honor of their trusted friends' milestones.No shadow darkened festivities focused on the monarchs' legacy of steady guidance and compassionate policymaking. Even once uneasy nobles now praised Amy and Viktor's commitment to equality and ethical governance.As music echoed through the candlelit halls and people danced laughing, Viktor and Amy stole a quiet moment alone on a balcony overlooking the joyous scene. "Who would have believed such unity and contentment was possible in those early tumultuous days of our reign?" marveled Amy. "Or predicted one so brazenly grasping as Anastasia would fade quietly from memory?" Viktor smiled, eyes crinkling fondly at his wife whose wisdom and courage transformed their nation. "Your vision and steadfastness built this, my queen. The dark days served
The King's Bride Chapter 15
After Anastasia's failed coup, a sense of relief spread in Viktor and Amy's kingdom. Finally it seemed their longtime rival's disruptive grasp for power had been permanently thwarted. But just as the court was preparing celebrations honoring Viktor and Amy's resilient leadership, tragedy struck unexpectedly. Returning from a diplomatic envoy, Viktor collapsed without warning. As doctors frantically tended to the ailing monarch, Amy held vigil by her husband's bedside consummed with worry. Diagnosis remained elusive as Viktor lingered between life and death.In the chaotic void left by their incapacitated King, ambitious opportunists made plays to consolidate influence. Some even whispered of transitioning rulership as Viktor's survival grew uncertain.Amidst the crisis Anastasia unexpectedly reemerged, sowing rumors she had placed a delayed-effect poison in Viktor out of final revenge. She offered the antidote in exchange for a full pardon and rights returning. Still grief-stricke
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