Ivan's Queen

Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty-Two - Imminent Danger

Friday 20th December.

Ivan Romanov's P.O.V.

It's been two weeks since Amelia and I have returned from our tour and Ayla's home. We've both been running the kingdom successfully and have found a balance between our work and personal lives. But the pressure to keep her safe is still on my shoulders. During the time we've been back I've increased security and the patrols around the castle. Wherever she goes there's extra guards following her alongside Benno and Hendrix.

The threat letters are now all about Amelia and have become increasingly gruesome and sickening. At first I tried to hide them from her and not say a word but my efforts were all in vain. Because we share a bond and a mind link it's hard to keep my emotions and thoughts from her. Eventually, something must have slipped and she stormed into my office one day demanding to know what I've been hiding from her. There hasn't ever been a day where I truly felt relaxed.

Except today.

Since I'm leaving for the eastern region for a few days Amelia wanted us to spend as much time as possible before tonight. We decided to have a date night at home and Amelia set a little challenge. Both of us must cook or bake something from a cuisine of our choice. Other than that, we're going to continue our Harry Potter movie marathon as per my request. Before I leave tonight we're going to finish watching the final movie.

Mine and Amelia's floor along with the kitchen are off limits for everybody in the castle. I wanted us to have as much privacy as possible as we spent our day together, knowing that it wouldn't feel like date night to her with all the guards and other staff members walking around.

Making my way into the kitchen, my eyes instantly find her leaning against the island with a pensive look on her face. Her pearly white teeth worry her bottom lip and her brows are furrowed as she scans something on her laptop. I walk over to her and the sound of my footsteps capture her attention. Her eyes flicker up to meet mine and a sweet smile graces her lips. I can't help but steal a kiss and my fingers tangle themselves into her silky soft hair. Pulling away before it gets too heated I stand behind her and wrap my arms around her waist.

"What's on the menu today?" I smile against her shoulder when her body molds perfectly into mine.

"Chinese!" She whirls around with an excited grin and wraps her arms around my neck. "And what's for dessert?"

"A little something from France." I tease before smirking at the curiosity that enters her eyes.

We get to work with her music playlist on shuffle in the background. I pop open a bottle of red wine and hand her a glass before chuckling at her concentrated look as she makes what appears to be vegetable spring rolls. I plan on making eclairs but also bought churros as a back up plan in case everything goes to shit.

"So, I'm going to make spring rolls, chicken lo mein and beef dumplings." She grins as I start to help her with the rolls as best as I can.

Amelia's amazing at cooking and seeing her work her magic only adds to my nervousness. I really hope my dessert will bake right, I think to myself as I finish the last roll. Since we're only making food for us two it doesn't take long before she moves onto the lo mein. I help with cutting up ingredients as we talk along the way about random things, steering clear of any conversation that involves our duties.

"We can visit your family after I come back if you'd like?" I suggest because I know how much she's been missing them.

"Really? I'd love that!" She smiles excitedly before leaning over to peck my cheek. "We could visit your family too if you want?"