Chapter 185
The question hit Keira like a physical blow and heat rushed to her face, but anger followed swiftly on its heels. She blinked, momentarily stunned by the cheek of his inquiry. How dare he.
“I beg your pardon?” she managed, her voice tight.
“It’s a simple question.” The King’s tone remained calm, as if he were inquiring about the weather. “I need to understand the full nature of your relationship with Alexei.”
Keira’s spine straightened as even more anger flared through her. “Was Alexei a virgin when he met me, Your Majesty?”
The King’s eyebrows shot up, clearly not expecting her to turn the question back on him.
“Because if my sexual history is relevant,” she continued, finding her voice, “then surely his is as well. Or is there a different standard for princes than for the women they choose?”
“Miss Warner-”
“No.” Keira leaned forward, matching his posture. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, we’re living in the modern world, not the dark ages. My worth as a potential partner for your son has nothing to do with my sexual history, just as his value isn’t diminished by his past relationships.”
The King’s expression shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her.
“If you want to know if I’m capable of fidelity, of commitment, of standing beside Alexei through whatever challenges your
family faces… then those are fair questions. But asking at my virginity? That’s beneath you, and frankly, beneath the
country you represent. I will not be answering your question.”
A moment of tense silence followed her words. Keira’s heart hammered in her chest, but she refused to back down or look
away. She had gone too far to retreat now.
To her surprise, a slow smile spread across the King’s face.
“Remarkable,” he said quietly. “Most people would have either answered the question or lied. You did neither.”
“I won’t lie to you, but I don’t have to answer, if I believe it’s none of your business,”
“Good.” He leaned back in his chair, his demeanor subtly shifting. “You’re absolutely right, Miss Warner. The question was inappropriate, and deliberately so. I wanted to see how you would respond to provocation.”
Keira blinked, realizing she’d been tested./
“And did I pass?” she asked, unable to keep a hint of sarcasm from her voice.
The King’s smile deepened slightly. “You defended yourself with composure and principle, without resorting to insults, lies or tears, You challenged me directly but respectfully.” He inclined his head. “Yes, I would say you passed.”
The King reached for a small bell on his desk and rang it once. The door opened immediately, and Alexei stepped back in, looking tense. It told her he had been waiting right outside the door.
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“I believe we’re finished for now.”
“Father?” Alexei looked between them, clearly trying to read the situation.
“Your fiancée has remarkable backbone for someone so young,” the King said, rising from his chair. “She’ll need it.”
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Alexei’s eyes widened slightly at the word ‘fiancée‘ being spoken so matter–of–factly, but he moved to Keira’s side without hesitation, standing behind her chair and resting a hand on her shoulder.
“What did you discuss?”
Keika turned to look at his face, and she could see he had been worried about her, and that felt good.
“Nothing that concerns you at the moment.” The King walked around his desk, hands clasped behind his back. “What
concerns all of us is the announcement we’ll be making tomorrow evening.”
Keira felt her stomach drop.
“The people need stability. Recent events have shaken confidence in the monarchy, and a royal engagement will provide the positive news we need.” The King’s tone allowed no argument. “You’ll have time to decide if you want to follow through with an actual wedding. Consider the engagement period a trial run.”
“And if we decide we don’t want to marry?” Keira asked. She needed to know.
“That’s a bridge to cross later. For now, we announce your engagement tomorrow night at the state dinner,” the King
informed them.
Alexei’s hand on her shoulder squeezed gently. “Father, perhaps we should discuss-”
“There’s nothing to discuss. The decision is made.” The King moved toward the door, then paused. “Alexei, I need a private word with you. Miss Warner, Alexei’s second cousin, Maria, is waiting outside to escort you to your rooms. You’ll be staying in the east wing… separate accommodations, naturally.”
Keira’s eyebrows shot up. “Separate rooms?”
“Propriety, my dear. The palace has enough scandal to weather without adding rumors about unmarried couples sharing quarters. It may seem old–fashioned to you,” The King’s tone suggested this wasn’t negotiable either.
Alexei turned to her, his expression apologetic. “I’ll find you after I speak with my father.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m getting used to royal hospitality.” Keira’s voice carried just enough edge to convey her feelings.
The King opened the door and gestured for her to exit. “Miss Warner.”
Keira stepped into the hallway outside the King’s study, her pulse still racing. A young woman maybe two or three years older than her was waiting near the doors a few feet from the guards.
She had dark hair swept into an elegant chignon and wore a cream colored dress. She was gorgeous, with her olive skin, dark eyes, and equally dark long lashes, which really showcased her heritage.
“Miss Warner?” The woman stepped forward. “I’m Lady Maria, Prince Alexei’s second cousin. His Majesty asked me to
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show you to your rooms after your audience.”
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“Thank you.” Keira forced a smile, though she felt like she’d just survived a diplomatic interrogation. Which, she supposed,
she had.
Maria began walking down the corridor, her heels clicking against the marble floors. “I trust your meeting with His Majesty
went well?”
There was something in her tone that made Keira glance at her more carefully. The question seemed innocent enough, but the way Maria’s eyes assessed her suggested otherwise… maybe she was being oversensitive.
“As well as can be expected when meeting a king for the first time,” Keira replied diplomatically.
“Indeed.” Maria’s smile never wavered as they passed beneath portraits of past royals. “You must be exhausted after such
a… dramatic few days. The kidnapping, the media attention. Now a sudden engagement if your meeting with the king
went well.”
The way she said ‘sudden‘ made Keira’s spine stiffen slightly. “It’s been a whirlwind, yes.”
They climbed a grand staircase, the banister polished to a mirror shine. Keira found herself wondering how many staff it took to maintain a place this size; how many people lived their entire lives ensuring every surface gleamed and not a speck of dust could be seen.
“The east wing is quite lovely,” Maria continued conversationally. “Very private. Perfect for someone who… values
discretion.”
Another loaded comment. Keira was beginning to sense a pattern.
“I imagine privacy is rare in a place like this,” she said carefully.
“Oh, it can be managed. When one knows how to navigate palace life properly.” Maria glanced at her sideways. “Of course, it takes time to learn the ins and outs of royal protocol: The expectations. The… unspoken rules.”
They reached the top of the stairs and turned down another long corridor lined with oil paintings and antique furniture. She felt very out of her depth and glad she had Alexei here to support her.
“You make it sound quite complicated,” Keira observed. She wanted to see what this woman was about… was she friend
or foe?
“It can be overwhelming for outsiders,” Maria agreed. “Especially for someone from a… different background. America is so informal compared to European royal traditions.”
The subtle condescension in her voice was becoming impossible to ignore. Keira felt her temper beginning to simmer.
“I’m sure I’ll manage, with Alexei to help me,” she said, keeping her voice level.
“Of course you will, I’m certain.” Maria’s smile remained perfectly in place. “Though I must say, you’re handling all this remarkably well. Most people would be quite intimidated by the prospect of royal life. The constant scrutiny, the loss of freedom to come and go as you please, the weight of representing an entire nation.”
To Keira, it sounded like a job… and she had managed just fine having one before. Alexei had never been 9 to 5.
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They stopped before an ornate door. “Here we are. Your suite.” She opened the door and gestured for Keira to enter first. “I do hope you’ll be comfortable.”
The suite was stunning, a sitting area with floor–to–ceiling windows overlooking the palace gardens, and through an archway, a bedroom with a four–poster bed that could have slept six people.
“It’s beautiful,” Keira said, and meant it.
“I’m so glad you approve.” Maria moved to adjust some flowers in a crystal vase. “You know, it’s quite fascinating how life can change so dramatically in such a short time. Just days ago, you were Prince Alexei’s assistant, and now…”
She trailed off with a delicate shrug, but there was something that just pissed Keira off.
Keira’s patience finally snapped. “Just what is your problem?”
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