Chapter 217

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