Fake Relationship, Real Jealousy

If there was one thing Amelia Hartley had learned in the past few weeks, it was that the aristocracy loved a good party.

Another charity event, another grand ballroom filled with people who had never washed a dish in their lives, and another night of pretending she belonged here.

She sighed, adjusting the strap of her gown as she walked beside Nicholas, who was far too pleased with himself, as usual.

"Another night of smiling and nodding," she muttered.

Nicholas smirked. "Don't sound too excited, love. People might think you're enjoying yourself."

Amelia rolled her eyes. "The only thing I'm enjoying is the free champagne."

Nicholas chuckled, leading her through the crowd with the ease of someone who had been doing this his whole life.

And, of course, that was when the trouble began.

---

A Very Charming Problem

The evening was going smoothly enough, until Amelia found herself being introduced to a ridiculously handsome nobleman named Lord Henry Beaumont.

Tall, dark-haired, with a charming smile and an easy confidence, he was the exact type of aristocrat that Nicholas probably hated.

And to make matters worse?

He was flirting.

"So, Miss Hartley," Lord Beaumont said, offering her a knowing smile. "Tell me, how does a woman like you end up in the company of His Royal Highness?"

Amelia raised a brow. "A woman like me?"

Henry chuckled. "Someone who looks far too interesting to be stuck with Nicholas Windsor."

Nicholas, who had been standing at her side, casually sipping his drink, suddenly lowered his glass.

Amelia smirked. "Oh, I assure you, Nicholas keeps me very entertained."

Henry's smile turned playful. "And yet, you still seem open to conversation."

Nicholas cleared his throat. "You know, Beaumont, I'm sure there are plenty of other women here who'd love to be on the receiving end of your nonsense."

Henry grinned. "Ah, but none quite so fascinating as Miss Hartley."

Nicholas stiffened.

Amelia noticed.

Oh.

Oh, this was interesting.

She tilted her head, watching as Nicholas shifted slightly, his grip tightening around his drink.

Was he… annoyed?

Nicholas never got annoyed.

But right now?

He looked one comment away from throwing his champagne in Henry's face.

Amelia decided to test a theory.

She smiled at Henry. "You know, it's refreshing to meet someone who doesn't immediately look at me like I'm a scandal waiting to happen."

Nicholas's jaw ticked.

Oh.

Oh, he was jealous.

This was going to be fun.

Before Henry could respond, a familiar, icy voice cut through the air.

"How fascinating," Lady Penelope purred, stepping into the conversation. "Nicholas, darling, I didn't know you were the jealous type."

Nicholas's head snapped toward her. "I'm not."

Penelope's smirk deepened. "Really? Because I do believe your drink is about to crack under the pressure of your grip."

Nicholas immediately loosened his fingers around his glass, scowling.

Penelope laughed.

"Oh, darling," she said, sipping her wine. "This is delicious."

Amelia, fully entertained, turned to Nicholas with mock innocence.

"Wait a second," she said, grinning. "Are you actually jealous?"

Nicholas scoffed. "Of course not."

"Hmm." Amelia eyed him. "Because it looks like you're jealous."

"I'm not."

Henry chuckled. "I think he might be."

Nicholas shot him a murderous look.

Penelope was having the time of her life. "This is truly the most fun I've had all evening."

Amelia smirked. "I mean, I don't blame you. Watching Nicholas get territorial? Comedy gold."

Nicholas groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Oh my God. Can we not?"

Amelia leaned in slightly, voice teasing. "So you wouldn't care if Lord Beaumont invited me for a dance?"

Nicholas stared at her.

Then, very casually, he reached for Amelia's waist, pulling her against his side.

She gasped slightly, caught off guard.

"She's busy," Nicholas said smoothly.

Henry chuckled, amused as hell. "Ah. Understood."

Penelope laughed outright. "Oh, this is wonderful."

Amelia blinked up at Nicholas. "Oh, so I am yours now?"

Nicholas rolled his eyes. "Don't push it, love."

Penelope's smirk remained absolutely delighted. "Oh, Nicholas. You're so obvious."

Nicholas shot her a warning look. "Penelope—"

She patted his arm. "No, no. Don't let me ruin your moment of self-discovery."

Amelia snorted. "You are a little obvious."

Nicholas sighed, looking directly into the camera like a man who had made a terrible mistake.

Penelope sighed dramatically, finishing the last of her drink. "Well, as much as I love watching you two squabble, I do believe I've had my fill."

She turned to Amelia, smile polite but sharp.

"Good luck," she murmured. "You'll need it."

And with that, she sailed away.

---

Harry's Delight

The moment the group dispersed, Amelia turned to Nicholas, grinning.

"You know," she said, "for someone who isn't jealous, you were awfully—"

Nicholas groaned. "Don't."

"—possessive?"

"I will leave you here."

"I live for this," Harry cut in, suddenly appearing beside them with a massive grin.

Nicholas sighed deeply. "Of course you do."

Harry clapped him on the back. "So, mate. When's the wedding?"

Nicholas glared. "Harry."

Harry grinned at Amelia. "I knew this would be entertaining, but I never expected it to be this good."

Nicholas ignored him, turning to Amelia. "Can we please move on?"

Amelia smirked. "Fine. But just so we're clear—"

She leaned in, just close enough to make him squirm.

"—you were definitely jealous."

Nicholas groaned. "I hate you."

"Sure you do," Amelia said cheerfully.

Harry?

Harry was crying from laughter.

Nicholas sighed.

This was going to be a long night.