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Keira nodded, taking a deep breath. She could do this. She’d faced down kidnappers, hostile royal cousins, and interrogation by a king. A dinner party shouldn’t be that much harder. As the doors opened to the corridor, Alexei and Niko were waiting.
Keira almost whistled but, remembering the stylists behind them, stopped herself in time. Alexei saw the movement of her mouth though and grinned.
Both princes wore perfectly tailored black dinner jackets with military decorations, but Keira’s eyes were immediately drawn to Alexei. The formal attire made him look devastatingly handsome.
His gaze swept over her from head to toe, lingering on the sapphire pendant at her throat before meeting her eyes. The heat in his expression made her stomach flutter with anticipation. She remembered the last time she had worn it–when he had made love to her. That memory sent heat flooding her veins, reminding her of her sexual frustration, which he still hadn’t dealt with.
“You look incredible,” Alexei said, his voice dropping to that low register that always sent shivers down her spine. God, his voice was sexy.
“You clean up pretty well yourself,” Keira replied.
Niko offered his arm to Amelia, who took it with practiced grace. “We should proceed. Father will be expecting us.
As they walked through the palace corridors toward what she was guessing was the ballroom, Keira felt her nerves mounting. In less than an hour, she would be officially presented as Prince Alexei’s fiancée to the diplomatic corps, government/officials, and nobility of Wystovia. Amelia had told her the press would be here tonight, so within twenty–four hours the world would know.
“Breathe,” Alexei murmured, his hand warm against the small of her back. “You’re going to be magnificent.”
“Easy for you to say. You’ve been doing this your whole life,” she whispered back. “I’m still trying not to trip over this dress. I don’t think falling on my face would look great splashed across every gossip rag.”
He leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear. “If you fall, I’ll catch you. I always will.”
The simple promise was said just when she needed it, and he had been doing that a lot lately. They paused at the entrance to a small antechamber, where Elena was waiting to explain that they would remain there until the formal announcement.
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“Remember what I told you about the receiving line,” Amelia said quietly. “Just follow our lead.”
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Inside the antechamber, King Theodore was waiting, resplendent in his formal military attire, medals gleaming across his chest. His eyes swept over Keira.
“Miss Warner,” he said, inclining his head slightly. “The sapphire suits you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Keira replied, executing a small curtsy as Elena had taught her.
“The pendant belonged to my late wife,” the King continued. “It’s been… many years since I’ve seen it
worn.”
Keira’s hand instinctively rose to touch the necklace. “I’m honored to wear it, Sir.”
Something that might have been approval flickered in the King’s eyes. “As you should be. Alexandra was very particular about her jewelry.”
Alexei stepped forward. “Father, is everything prepared?”
“Indeed.” The King turned his attention to his son. “The announcement will be made after the third
course. You will both join me at the dais.” His gaze returned to Keira. “Try not to look too surprised when I announce the engagement.”
“I’ll work on my shocked face,” Keira said before she could stop herself.
To her surprise, the King’s mouth twitched in what might have been amusement. “Alexei did warn me about your… directness.”
“It’s one of my more charming qualities,” she replied, earning a small snort from Alexei.
“We shall see.” The King straightened his already impeccable jacket. “It’s time.”
As the King led the way into the ballroom, Keira felt Alexei’s hand slip into hers, squeezing gently.
“Ready?” he asked.
She met his gaze, “Yes.”
The ballroom was a mix of glittering colourful gowns, and formal attire, a sea of expectant faces. There were hundreds of guests turned as they entered, a hush falling over the crowd.
Keira forced herself to keep her chin up, her posture straight as she walked beside Alexei. But she felt like every eye in the room was on her.
The King took his place at the center of the receiving line, with Niko and Amelia to his right, Alexei and
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Keira to his left. Then began the seemingly endless procession of dignitaries, nobles, and government officials, each one offering formal greetings.
Keira followed Amelia’s example, offering her hand when appropriate, inclining her head. By the fortieth introduction, her face ached from smiling, but she maintained her composure. There was no
way
in hell she was going to remember names and faces. She had tried at the beginning, but now the
task was beyond her.
“You’re doing wonderfully,” Alexei whispered during a brief lull.
“I can’t feel my cheeks anymore,” she replied under her breath. “Is it always this formal?”
“Only when Father’s showing off.” Alexei’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Wait until the dancing starts.”
“Oh, I’m so excited… not.”
He gave another one of his wicked grins before shaking the hand of yet another guest.
The receiving line finally ended, and they were escorted to the head table on a raised dais overlooking the ballroom. Keira found herself seated between Alexei and an elderly duchess who peered at her through thick glasses.
“American, are you?” the duchess asked as the first course was served.
“Yes, from New York,” Keira replied.
“Hmm.” The duchess adjusted her glasses. “Bold of Alexei to choose a foreigner. Then again, Niko did the same. Amelia’s family was from here, and that turned out well enough. She is quite popular with the people.”
“She is?” Keira asked. In other words, the woman could be telling her what she already knew… She
was not.
The duchess leaned closer. “Between us, the palace needed some fresh blood. Too much inbreeding leads to weak chins and simple minds.”
Keira nearly choked on her wine. “… see.”
“Don’t look so shocked, dear. I’ve been around long enough to speak my mind,” the duchess said with a wink. “Besides, you’re marrying Alexei. You’ll need a thick skin and a good sense of humor. That boy was always a naughty one.”
“So, I’m discovering,” Keira replied, warming to the old woman’s candor.
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The conversation flowed more easily after that, and Keira found herself relaxing slightly as the meal progressed. By the third course, she’d almost forgotten what was coming until the King rose from his seat, commanding immediate silence.
“Distinguished guests,” he began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the ballroom. “Tonight, we celebrate not only friendship between nations, but also a joyous announcement.”
Keira felt Alexei’s hand find hers under the table as the King continued.
“It is my great pleasure to announce the engagement of my son, Prince Alexei, to Miss Keira Warner of
the United States.”
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by enthusiastic applause. Keira maintained her composed smile, though her heart hammered against her ribs.
“The royal family welcomes Miss Warner, and we look forward to celebrating their union in the coming months. Please join me in a toast to the happy couple.”
Glasses were raised throughout the ballroom. “To Prince Alexei and his bride–to–be!”
As crystal clinked and more applause erupted, Alexei leaned close. “See? Easy,” he reminded her. “The
hard part’s over.”
“Is it?” she whispered back.
“No,” he admitted with a grin. “But at least now everyone knows you’re mine.”
The possessiveness in his tone sent a shiver down her spine, reminding her of how he’d left her that morning frustrated and wanting. She narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re enjoying this far too much.”
“Just wait until the dancing begins,” he murmured, his voice dropping to that register that always made her core clench. “I intend to hold you very close.”
The rest of the meal passed in a blur of congratulations and curious glances. When the tables were finally cleared and the orchestra struck up a waltz, Alexei rose and offered his hand.
“M
am
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