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 charm, he remained oblivious that her affection was only a means to an end - more power.

Viktor kept his true worries hidden from Nikolai as well, not wanting to further strain their brotherly relations. But he confided to Amy that Anastasia may prove dangerous if they cannot contain her ambitions.

Amy suggested they plan a diplomatic trip abroad soon. Time away may help apply subtle pressure for Anastasia to set wedding dates further in the future. Viktor agreed distance could aid their cause for now without inciting outright conflict.

Viktor and Amy tried to continue focusing on their own duties and bond together amidst the tension of Anastasia's presence. But the calculating queen continued angling for more of a leadership role in their kingdom's affairs.

She peppered Viktor with suggestions that always involved granting her more visibility and authority. Anastasia even tried influencing his policies by pulling Nikolai into critical meetings to argue her stances.

Nikolai remained enamored and increasingly defensive of his manipulative bride-to-be. He naively saw her moves as showing admirable initiative rather than shrewd strategy.

"Brother, why can you not see that Anastasia only means to aid you?" he confronted Viktor. "Her ideas would strengthen both our lands!"  

Viktor bit his tongue, doubting whether facts and reason could persuade Nikolai now. His brother angrily interpreted Viktor's restraint as mistrust.

"You disapprove because you don't want to share control!" Nikolai accused. "Anastasia warned you to see her as a threat for simply wanting our kingdoms to prosper together."

Weary of the constant tension Anastasia deliberately stirred, Amy suggested discreetly to Viktor that they uphold their overseas traveling plans. Just a short diplomatic absence could diffuse the building hostility.

Viktor agreed and informed his consuls they would embark on an important trade visit to several allied nations soon. Anastasia fumed at being left behind but had no grounds to directly protest Viktor asserting his authority abroad.

Before departing, Amy and Viktor shared one unguarded moment embracing. "Our peace starts again once we leave her reach even temporarily," Amy murmured.  

Viktor kissed her forehead, hoping the long-brewing storm clouds would dissipate rather than continue gathering in their absence…

The overseas trade mission proved a welcome reprieve for Viktor and Amy. Away from Anastasia's meddling and manipulation, they rediscovered the ease and warmth of working together pursuing diplomatic goals abroad. 

Viktor had to admit Amy had keen political instincts and insight into their allies' motivations that greatly benefited negotiations. Her subtly balancing touch on these trips kept talks productive without compromising firm standards.

With pride, he realized his wife possessed every quality of an exemplary queen who should have greater authority. If only his brother Nikolai had chosen a partner motivated by the good of the people rather than selfish ambition.

"Do you think Nikolai has come to his senses about Anastasia's motives yet in our absence?" Amy asked one night as they gazed out from their hotel balcony. 

Viktor sighed, leaning into her familiar comfort. "Likely not, though we can still hope. You have always read people better than my trusting brother."

Amy nestled closer as Viktor wrapped an arm around her. "He loves too freely but learns wisdom slowly. We can only guide him as a family to see Anastasia clearly in time."

Viktor kissed Amy's hair, strengthened by her quiet faith despite the political tempest back home. This wise and discerning woman beside him would help counter whatever schemes awaited their return.

For now they kept focus on building goodwill abroad. But an underlying unease gnawed at both - a sense this reprieve was the calm before Anastasia would unleash the full fury of her storm…

Anastasia paced in her private chambers, impatient for Viktor and Amy's return though she'd never admit it openly. Despite nagging Nikolai ceaselessly in their absence, she had failed to gain any more control over decisions in Viktor’s kingdom. 

Her few attempts to assert authority herself had been quickly blocked by Viktor's inner circle of advisors. Though too prudent to accuse her directly, they made it clear no major changes would occur without Viktor’s approval after thorough consultation upon his homecoming.

Such restraints granted Anastasia’s pride and ambition. She had hoped to pressure Nikolai into allowing more of her proposed “improvements” before his brother resurfaced to hinder her vision. 

A knock interrupted Anastasia’s brooding. She snapped “Enter!” hoping for good news at last. Her closest advisor and secret ally swept into the room.

“I apologize for disturbing you, Your Highness,” he uttered smoothly with a bow. “But I will bring an update on certain arrangements we last discussed...”

Anastasia waved him impatiently toward a seat. “Yes, yes! Have you made progress on the special project I charged you with handling?”  

Her sharp eyes bored into the man as he chose his next words carefully. “Considerable progress, I am pleased to report. Our best chemist is hard at work concocting exactly the solution you outlined...”

Anastasia's red lips curled into a sly smile. "Excellent. And we are certain my instructions will produce the intended effects?"

Her advisor nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. Once delivered properly, the formula should cause a brief but severe illness. Any poison traces would be undetectable afterwards."