Page 47 of Always a Princess

“And he didn’t try⁠—”

“Nothing happened. I am unharmed and untouched, Alexei. I promise. All is well.”

He dropped his face into her lap. “Thank God. I’d hate to start a second war with the British. But know you would’ve been worth it if I had.”

She smoothed her hand through his hair. “I prefer love to war, Your Highness.”

He stood and lifted her into his arms in one motion. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For choosing me. Saying yes.”

He sat down on the settee with her on his lap.

“It is my pleasure, Alexei.”

“And hopefully, this is as well.” His lips descended upon hers, claiming her with all the urgency with which he had entered the room.

Thea lost track of time, only aware of him—his scent, his taste, his heat, his body. There was nothing she wanted more than to lose herself in him indefinitely.

Finally, he pulled back when they were both out of breath and their bodies straining.

“I sent for a special license. As soon as it is granted, you will marry me.”

It was no longer a question.

“Yes. I will marry you,” she said anyway.

He pressed another kiss to her lips. “Good. And then one day, I will take you to Russia.”

Again, it wasn’t a question. “Russia?”

“I am Russian. I have family for you to meet. A tsar to appease for an unsanctioned marriage. When he meets you, he will understand. You will also need a wardrobe. For all seasons, especially if we leave in the near future for Russia.”

Suddenly, the consequences of Thea’s decision were becoming clearer. He was a prince after all. Used to making his own decisions. And now, that included making decisions for her—and their marriage vows hadn’t even been spoken yet.

To think that before he had come into the library, she had been worried he would change his mind. And now, she had a trip to Russia in the future and a potential meeting with a tsar.

Thea smiled. Life with a prince will never be boring. That much she knew was true.

CHAPTER 21

A Russian prince was decidedly not an Englishman, nor anything like her Indian prince. He was a force of nature, all his own.

Everything moved rapidly when Alexander gave orders. He was untamed, unbothered, and the most self-assured man she had ever met.

His staff was lovely, and they clearly adored him. Most had known him since birth. The deference, respect, and loyalty they showed were faultless, and they accorded it immediately to Thea as well. Anything she asked was done with all due haste.

When she learned he had planned an Orthodox wedding, she was amazed he could pull it off. Even more amazed the priest didn’t care what her religious persuasion was. He just did the prince’s bidding. It was a small ceremony, only attended by his staff and his friend, the Honorable Hudson St. George.

Thea wished her cousins and great-aunt could have attended, but she knew it would be better to attempt to see them after she married. It was much harder to refuse entrance to a princess than a disgraced niece.

The thought occurred to her as Alexei helped her into the carriage as they left the chapel. Once again, she was a princess.

“You look ravishing, my darling. I am the luckiest of all men.”

“Thank you,” she said with a smile at her beautiful husband.