Chapter 192
The conversation began with light conversation as the first course was served… it was a delicate seafood appetizer that Keira barely tasted. She was too aware of the King’s presence at the head of the table, his occasional glances in her direction, and Maria’s barely concealed hostility across from her. She still wasn’t firing on all cylinders… She needed a full night’s sleep which she hadn’t had since the kidnapping.
“Miss Warner,” the King said as they moved to the second course, “I understand you have quite an accomplished family. Your sisters have both married rather well.”
Keira felt the subtle trap in his words. “My sisters married for love, Sir. The fact that their husbands. are successful is incidental. Both my sisters are excelling in their own careers as well. My sister Blair is CEO of Warner Industries.”
“Of course.” His tone remained neutral. “Though one must admire the… fortuitous nature of such unions.”
“Theodore,” Amelia interjected smoothly, “surely we can discuss something else during dinner? Keira’s had quite enough interrogation for one day don’t you think.”
Keira shot her a grateful look. The King’s eyebrows rose slightly at his daughter–in–law’s gentle rebuke, but he said nothing.
Keira realized, though, that it would prove to Maria she wasn’t a gold–digger after all.
“You’re absolutely right,” Niko agreed. “Father, perhaps we could discuss tomorrow night?”
“Actually,” Maria spoke up, her voice syrup–sweet, “I think it’s fascinating to learn about Keira’s background. After all, if she’s to be part of the family…”
The threat in her tone was subtle but unmistakable. Keira felt Alexei tense beside her.
“What would you like to know, Maria?” Keira asked, keeping her voice level. “I’m an open book ask away.”
Maria’s smile sharpened. “Well, for instance, your previous relationship experience. It must be quite different, dating a prince after… well, regular men.”
The silence that followed was deafening. Even the staff seemed to freeze as they served the main
course.
“Maria,” Alexei’s voice carried a warning edge.
“I’m simply curious,” Maria continued innocently. “After all, royal relationships are so… public. So scrutinized. I imagine it takes a certain type of woman to handle that pressure.”
Keira set down her wine glass, meeting Maria’s gaze directly. “You’re right. It does take a certain
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type of woman. The type who doesn’t feel threatened by other women’s viper tongues and snide remarks.”
Amelia made a small choking sound that might have been suppressed laughter. The King’s expression remained unreadable, but Keira caught the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” Maria replied, but spots of color had appeared on her cheeks.
“Don’t you?” Keira tilted her head. “Because it seems like you have some very specific opinions about what type of woman belongs here. I’m curious about your qualifications to make that determination.”
“Ladies,” the King said quietly, but his tone cut through the tension like a blade. “Perhaps we might table this… spirited discussion for a more appropriate time.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Keira said, offering a small curtsy from her seated position. “I apologize if I spoke out of turn.”
She hadn’t apologized for what she said, only for the timing. The distinction wasn’t lost on anyone at the table. Which had been her intention.
“Think nothing of it,” the King replied, and was that approval she detected in his voice? “Plan speaking is not a fault, properly channeled.”
Maria’s face had gone pale, realizing she’d been outmaneuvered. She retreated into sullen silence for the remainder of the meal.
As they finished the final course, Amelia leaned close to Keira. “Remind me never to get on your bad side,” she whispered, humor dancing in her green eyes.
“She started it,” Keira whispered back.
“And you finished it beautifully. Theodore looks almost impressed, which trust me, is saying something.”
The King rose, signaling the end of the meal. “Alexei, Niko, I’d like a word with you both in my study. Miss Warner, perhaps Amelia could show you the gardens? The evening light is particularly lovely at this time.”
It wasn’t a suggestion. Keira recognized a dismissal when she heard one, even a polite one. She was very glad he hadn’t suggested Maria join them.
“That sounds wonderful,” she agreed.
As they filed out of the dining room, Alexei caught her hand briefly. “You did well,” he murmured against her ear. “Better than well.”
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“Even with the sparring match?”
“Especially because of it.” His eyes gleamed. “Firecracker,” he whispered before leaving.
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As she and Amelia stepped outside, Maria remained behind in the dining room, clearly not invited to join them. It was a welcome relief after her first dinner with Alexei’s family.
“God, I needed that,” Amelia breathed, linking her arm through Keira’s as they walked down the stone steps toward the garden paths. “Formal dinners with Theodore can be suffocating even on good days.”
“Are they always formal?”
Amelia laughed. “No, we don’t always dress up to the nines.”
Keira was glad. “Does he always interrogate people like he has with me?”
“Only the ones he’s considering for permanent residence.” Amelia’s laugh held no humor. “You did very well, by the way. I could tell Theodore likes you.”
They strolled past perfectly manicured hedges and fountain displays, their footsteps crunching softly on the gravel path. The setting sun made the palace gardens look like something from a fairy tale. She felt like she was in a storybook The Secret Garden.
—
“Can I ask you something?” Amelia glanced sideways at her. “What did you think of Maria?”
Keira considered her words carefully. “I think she has strong opinions about who belongs in your family. I think her opinion about me is stronger.”
“That’s diplomatic.” Amelia stopped walking, turning to face her fully. “I’ll be blunt since we’re going to be sisters soon enough. I can’t stand her.”
Keira was shocked at how direct Amelia was being with her.
“Amelia-”
“No, seriously. I know I’m supposed to be the perfect princess whatever that means, always gracious and supportive, but Maria drives me insane.” Amelia’s composure cracked slightly. “She’s been gunning for Alexei and watching her go after you tonight… it took everything I had not to throw my wine at her.”
They resumed walking, passing under an archway covered in climbing roses. “Does she live here?”
“No, but she has been here more and more lately.” Amelia’s voice carried clear displeasure. “Maria’s made it obvious she’s husband–hunting, and Alexei’s the prize catch.”
“Must be awkward for everyone.”
“You have no idea. Niko finds it amusing, which doesn’t help. He thinks it’s funny watching Alexei
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dodge her advances.” Amelia picked a white rose from a nearby bush, twirling it between her fingers. “But I see how uncomfortable it makes him. And now that you’re here…”
“She sees me as competition.”
“Exactly. And Maria doesn’t handle competition well.” The rose stem snapped between Amelia’s fingers. “She’s used to being the most beautiful woman in any room, having men fall over themselves to please her. Your arrival changed that dynamic.”
Keira didn’t know what Amelia was talking about. Most beautiful woman? Did Amelia not realize her own beauty? She wasn’t in your face…more subtle than Maria but she was lovely not only outside but inside as well.
They reached a secluded bench overlooking a pool. Amelia sat down heavily, suddenly looking exhausted.
“I shouldn’t be telling you this,” she continued. “It’s not my place to criticize others, especially to someone who’s essentially still a stranger.”
“But?”
“But I like you. You stood up for yourself tonight without being cruel about it. You showed Maria exactly what she was doing without stooping to her level.” Amelia met her eyes. “That takes class. Something Maria could learn from.”
Keira settled beside her on the bench. “Thank you for defending me at dinner. When the King was pushing…”
“Theodore’s not malicious, just loyal to his people and the crown. He needs to know you can handle the pressure that comes with this life.” Amelia’s smile was rueful. “The press, the politics, the people like Maria who’ll always be circling. Tonight proved you can.”
“And if I couldn’t?”
“Then Alexei would have a choice to make.” Amelia’s voice grew serious. “Between his duty to the crown and his heart. I’ve seen what that kind of choice does to a person. I’m glad you’re strong enough that he won’t have to make it.”
Keira heard the sadness in Amelia’s tone.
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