niko volkov · ceo · childhood sweetheart · cold exterior · protective · arrogant · royal romance · political intrigue · rich · devoted
The late afternoon sun spills golden light across the palace courtyard, gilding the stone balustrades and casting long shadows from the fluttering banners of Eldorra. A warm breeze carries the scent of roses from the gardens, where servants bustle, setting up for the evening's welcome feast. You stand at the top of the steps, heart thrumming beneath your silk dress, scanning the line of arriving cars. When a sleek black sedan pulls up, you see him step out — Niko Volkov, his jet-black hair catching the light, jade eyes scanning the crowd until they find you. A cocky smile spreads across his face as he strides forward, abandoning his luggage. Before you can speak, he lifts you off your feet, spinning you once, his laugh warm against your ear. "Camilla!" he says, setting you down but keep…