Keira bit her lip as she hung up with her sisters, a feeling on longing washing over her. Alexei’s hand moved to rest at the small of her back.

“They miss you,” he said.

“I miss them too.” She turned to face him fully. “Especially with Sutton’s wedding coming up in a few weeks. I’m really surprised she didn’t bring it up.”

Alexei’s brow furrowed. “You didn’t mention that. I mean you did say she was getting married but not that it was coming up that soon.”

Keira’s eyes widened slightly. “I didn’t? Oh God, with everything that’s happened, I completely forgot to tell you.” before adding, “Sutton and Luca are having their wedding ceremony in a month, but this is the big celebration they’ve been planning for. It would have happened sooner if Luca had his way. But Sutton went into premature labor with their son Miles.”

Alexei studied her face, he could see how upset she would be not to make it. “And you need to be there.”

Keira nodded in agreement. “She’s my sister, Alexei. I’m supposed to be a

bridesmaid. I can’t miss it.”

“Of course you can’t.” He said reaching up, to twist a lock of her hair around his finger. “We’ll make it happen. No matter what.”

“Really?” Relief washed through her. “You don’t think your father will object? With all these public appearances scheduled and the engagement photos still pending?”

“My father doesn’t control everything, despite what he might think.” Alexei’s voice was determined. “This is important to you, which makes it important to me.”

Keira’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “Thank you.” She hesitated before continuing. “Would you… come with me? To the wedding, I mean.”

“Try to stop me.” His lips curved into a smile. “I’m not letting you escape back to New York without me. Besides, I should meet your family properly, don’t you think?”

19:02 Mon, Sep 8

:

49

55 vouchers

Keira’s smile widened. “I think that would be perfect. Sutton would love having us both there. I just don’t want to overshadow their day.”

“It’s settled then,” Alexei said. “We’ll speak with my father tomorrow and make the arrangements. We can schedule the official engagement photos before we leave. The sooner the better.”

The thought of missing Sutton’s wedding had been weighing on her more than she’d admitted. “Thank you. This means everything to me.”

“I know.” His expression softened as he studied her face. “Family is important. Keira. I would never keep you from yours.”

She leaned into him. “So much has happened that I feel like I’m not caught up yet. I’m no longer just an assistant no one noticed.”

“I noticed you. Life has a way of surprising us.” Alexei’s arms tightened around her. “I think we have to admit you were more than just my assistant.”

Keira snorted. “I was also your personal coffee machine, walking calendar, and PR firefighter.”

“We did love to push each other’s buttons,” he said with a grin. “Which, admittedly, was often.”

“Still is,” she teased, earning a mock scowl that quickly transformed into a genuine smile.

“Speaking of PR,” Alexei said, his tone shifting to something more serious, “how are you handling the press coverage?”

Keira sighed, pulling back to meet his gaze. “I’m trying not to let it get to me. Amelia says it’ll get better once people get to know the real me.”

“She’s right.” His thumb traced the line of her jaw. “They’ll see what I see a woman who’s smart, and completely unsuitable for royal life in all the best ways.”

“Unsuitable?” She raised an eyebrow. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“Oh yeah, The highest.” His eyes darkened with sincerity. “The last thing this family needs is a perfect, polished princess who never speaks her mind. You

19:02 Mon, Sep 8

:

49

55 vouchers

challenge me, Keira. You make me better. It’s one of the things that drew me to you in the first place. I’d be bored in a week otherwise.”

Her throat tightened. “Even when I call you names?”

“Especially then.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “Though perhaps save that particular nickname for private.”

Keira laughed, “I’ll try, but no promises.”

“I wouldn’t expect any less.” Alexei glanced at his watch and sighed. “I have to go. Meeting with the finance minister in twenty minutes. While I’m home I might as well make the most of it.”

“Back to being a responsible prince?” She tried to keep the disappointment from her voice.

“For a few hours.” He kissed her softly. “Dinner tonight? Just us?”

“You can arrange that?” She was skeptical. Since arriving at the palace, every meal had been a carefully orchestrated event with multiple courses and at least half a dozen people.

“I’m still a prince,” he reminded her with a wink. “I have some privileges. My private quarters have a dining room. I’ll have Elena bring you there at eight.”

After he left, Keira found herself wandering to the balcony, gazing out at the palace gardens stretching below. The morning sunlight caught the sapphire on her finger, sending blue sparkles dancing across her hand.

New York seemed a world away now. Her apartment, her job, her normal life – all replaced by this fairy tale existence that still didn’t quite feel real. But Sutton’s upcoming wedding was a reason to go home soon… her old life was over, but not the most important part: her family.

Her phone chimed with a message. Bracing herself for more tabloid nonsense, she was glad to see a message from Amelia.

Amelia: Tea in the Blue Room in 30 minutes? I have good news.

Keira texted back her acceptance, curious about what Amelia might have to share.

19:02 Mon, Sep 8

:

49

55 vouchers

When she arrived at the Blue Room… named for its pale blue walls, Amelia was already waiting; a tea service arranged on the low table before her.

“There you are,” Amelia smiled, rising to greet her. “How are you holding up?”

“Better than expected,” Keira admitted, taking a seat beside her on the elegant sofa. “I just spoke with my sisters, which always helps.”

“Family is everything,” Amelia agreed, pouring tea.

“So, news?”

“Niko and I are taking that trip we discussed.”

Keira’s eyes widened. “Really? When?”

“Next week.” Amelia’s smile turned almost shy. “We’re going to my family’s villa in southern Wystovia. Just the two of us…well, and security, of course.”

“Amelia, that’s wonderful!” Keira squeezed her hand. “Did you… talk to him?”

The princess nodded, color rising in her cheeks. “Last night. I told him everything… my fears, my guilt about not giving him an heir, even my thoughts about divorce.”

“And?” Keira leaned forward, holding her breath.

“He was furious,” Amelia said, but there was no distress in her voice. “Not at me, but at himself for not seeing how much I was suffering. He said…” her voice caught slightly, “he said he’d rather have me and no children than children with anyone else.”

“I told you,” Keira said softly, joy spreading through her chest for her new friend.

“You did,” Amelia acknowledged. “And you were right. We needed to be honest with each other. The relief I feel just having everything out in the open is incredible.”

“I’m so happy for you both.”

“There’s more,” Amelia continued, setting down her teacup. “Niko spoke with Theodore this morning. He told his father that regardless of succession concerns,

19:03 Mon, Sep 8

he won’t consider setting me aside.”

:

Keira whistled low. “That must have been some conversation.”

49

55 vouchers

“According to Niko, surprisingly civilized. Theodore has always been fond of me, despite everything. He gave us his blessing for this trip and…” Amelia paused, eyes sparkling, “he’s agreed to stop pressuring us about an heir.”

“That’s huge,” Keira breathed. “I just hope he isn’t setting his sights on me…”

Amelia reached for Keira’s hand. “I have you to thank for pushing me to have that conversation.”

“Me? I just stated the obvious.”

“Sometimes that’s exactly what people need to hear.” Amelia squeezed her fingers. “You have a gift for cutting through the nonsense, Keira. Don’t lose that.”

Keira laughed. “I don’t think there’s much danger of that happening.”

“Good.” Amelia’s expression turned more serious. “Now, about your public appearances. The children’s reading program tomorrow is just the beginning. Tanya wants to schedule at least three more events this week.”

Keira groaned. “Three? I was hoping to ease into this whole princess–in–training thing.”

“Better to dive in headfirst,” Amelia advised. “The sooner people see you engaging with Wystovian culture, the better.”

“Fine,” Keira sighed dramatically. “But I draw the line at kissing babies. That’s been done to death.”

Amelia laughed.